The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfire Recovery Update for May 12, 2021, to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. See today's Wildfire Recovery update here.

Photo Captions:

Oregon Office of Emergency Management Wildfire Recovery Logo: Oregon Rising - Stronger Together.
File: OEM RISING LOGO JPG

Screenshot of the Oregon Recreation Site Status Map. This multi-agency effort shows the status of federal and state recreation areas including trails, parks, and campgrounds. (Image courtesy of the Natural and Cultural Resources Task Force)
File: Oregon's Recreation Site Map

Portland, OR — On May 14, 2021, a public exhibition from The Immigrant Story, “I Am My Story: Voices of Hope,” opens at the Oregon Historical Society (OHS). It features stories by six African women who are war survivors.

The newest exhibition by The Immigrant Story is a collaboration with acclaimed Portland photographer Jim Lommasson and his storytelling project, “What We Carried.” Lommasson created photos of the objects the women brought with them while traveling from their homelands to the U.S., and asked them to write on the photos. 

The objects, portraits and narratives connect viewers with the reflections, joys and fears of these young women. They shine a light on different facets of the Black experience, including the multiple layers of adversity experienced by immigrant women of color and survivors of war.

“This is our first live exhibit since before the COVID-19 pandemic began,” said Sankar Raman, founder of The Immigrant Story. “In light of the Black Lives Matter movement, we are thrilled to once again share pertinent stories– ones that speak to the Black experience – in a country with a lasting history of racism that continues to harm its Black residents, including immigrants.”

“I Am My Story is a collaborative storytelling project with six young African women who in their own words tell their stories of survival,” said Lommason. “They have witnessed unimaginable inhumanity and fled their homelands and have become our new Oregon neighbors. I have been moved by their courage and their ability to make new lives in America. The six participants truly represent the human spirit.”

Now, more than ever, the world needs stories of hope and resilience. The Immigrant Story’s intention in sharing these stories is to inspire viewers to persevere through trying times. In “I Am My Story: Voices of Hope,” the six storytellers show that it’s possible to triumph over fear and doubt, and ultimately overcome circumstances that are beyond their control.

Here are summaries of two of the women’s stories:

Olive Bukuru

Beneath the star-studded sky of Makamba, Burundi, 6-month-old Olive Bukuru clung to her father’s hip as they fled on foot for roughly 100 miles to Tanzania. It was 1996, and they were Hutus fleeing genocide. Family members had been killed before their eyes during the violent struggle. “Lots of people wish for things to change,” Bukuru says, “but you have to get up and do something.”

Divine Irambona

One night when Divine Irambona was eleven years old, her family’s security guards warned them of robbers. “Give us all your money or the entire family will die,” the men threatened. Irambona, who was hiding, darted out between the mens’ legs, past bullets and ran to her neighbor for help. “I guess I was kind of like a hero at that moment,” she says. After resettling in the United States, Irambona, who volunteers with refugees coming to Salem, has maintained her courageous selflessness. “I believe that everyone deserves peace. Everyone deserves a home.”

See all the profiles at https://theimmigrantstory.org/category/ucc/, and learn more about the exhibit at https://theimmigrantstory.org/my-story/.

As part of The Immigrant Story’s partnership with OHS, these and other interviews are archived in OHS’ research library, and many are available on the OHS Digital Collections website.

About The Immigrant Story:

The Immigrant Story documents and archives the voices and stories of immigrants in short, visual, written and podcast formats. The organization’s vision is to provide curated and relevant content to enhance empathy and create an inclusive community. The goal is both to advance the national dialogue and to dispel myths about new Americans through strong, thoughtful, narratives.

About What We Carried

In What We Carried, Portland photographer Jim Lommasson asks participants to share an item they brought on their journey to the U.S. He photographs the objects and asks the owners to provide personal reflections directly on the photographs. The participants’ commentary gives voice to the universal plight of refugees throughout time. 

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 artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms & website (www.ohs.org), 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.

Following the guidance and requirements of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for indoor entertainment establishments, the Oregon Historical Society has implemented important safety protocols for the health of our staff and visitors. Current protocols and hours are detailed at ohs.org/reopening.

The DPSST Arbitration/Certification Workgroup will hold a meeting on May 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Linsay Hale at (503) 378-2427.

Call-In Information

Phone: 888-273-3658

Access Code: 4711910

�Workgroup Members:

Zach Kenney, PPB Non-Management (PPC)

Lee Eby, OSSA (CPC)

Chris Davis, PPB Management (PPC)

Tosha Vanderburg, P&P Non-Management

Taj Shivvers, DOC Non-Management (CPC)

Tim Svenson, OSSA (TPC)

John Teague, OACP (PPC/Board)

Brian Pixley, OSSA (CPC)

Alex Gardener, OSP (PPC)

Gary Ninman, DOC PDU (CPC)

Terri Davie, OSP (PPC/Board)

Mike Yoder, DOC Management (CPC)

Rebecca Interiano, OSP Tele. Mgmt (TPC)

James Ristoff, Non-Mgmt Corrections (CPC)

Anil Karia, Labor Attorney

Scott Winkels, League of Oregon Cities

Elmer Dickens, Washington County Counsel

1.  Introductions

2.  Initial Review and Identification of Workgroup Topics and Discussion Points

Presented by Linsay Hale

3.  Next Workgroup Meeting: TBD

For Immediate Release                                        

May 11, 2021

Contact:   Sara Stewart
                503-378-2424

                sara.stewart@state.or.us

Notice of Special Meeting

The BT FTM Workgroup, a subgroup of the Telecommunications Curriculum Committee, will hold a regular meeting on May 26, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.  For a link, please contact Sara Stewart at the email address listed above.  A request for an interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

Agenda Items:

1. Check in
2. Updated FTM Format Review
3. FTM Guidebook – Review Purpose
4. Module Headings Exercise
5. Core Competencies
6. Next Steps

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 Workgroup 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.

9-1-1 Operators to Graduate from Oregon Public Safety Academy / DPSST

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is pleased to announce the graduation of its 123rd Basic Telecommunications Class.

The three-week course includes emergency call handling techniques, stress management, civil liability, ethics, criminal law, overview of fire-rescue and law enforcement operations, and a number of other topics. Upon completion of the course, students will return to their employing agency to continue their training for a number of months with a field training officer.

The 9-1-1 training program began in 1993 when the Oregon Legislative Assembly enacted legislation which requires that individuals who receive emergency calls for assistance from the public, meet professional standards for training and certification. There are approximately 950 men and women across the state who work in this profession in city, county, tribal, regional, and state public safety communications centers.

Basic Telecommunications #BT123 Graduation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021, at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, in Salem, Oregon. Telephone: 503-378-2100.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, the graduation will be closed to the public.  However, we would like to publicly congratulate Basic Telecommunications Class #BT 123 for a successful completion of their Basic Training.
 
Members of Basic Telecommunications Class #123:

Dispatcher Jasmin Brotton

Curry County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Lauren Brown

Wasco County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Erica Cianni

W.C.C.C.A.

Dispatcher Sheela Deskins

Junction City Police Department

Dispatcher Jayson Edblom

Oregon State University DPS

Dispatcher Amanda Ferriss

Oregon State University DPS

Dispatcher Laura Frost

W.C.C.C.A.

Dispatcher Lucretia Gassner

Josephine County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Tatum Green

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Kyle Hernandez

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Amanda Hynum

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Dylan Jackson

W.C.C.C.A.

Dispatcher Victoria Johnson

W.C.C.C.A.

Dispatcher Taylor Kile

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Skylar King

Linn County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Montana Knox

Linn County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Heidi Loebach

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Spencer Maine

Tillamook County 911

Dispatcher Katelyn Melville

LaGrande Police Department

Dispatcher Tiarella Miles

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Courtney Pattock

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Daniel Rossetti

W.C.C.C.A.

Dispatcher Kendall Tompkins

Bureau of Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Heather Walters

Wasco County Sheriff's Office

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement.  Jerry Granderson serves as the Director and Darren Bucich, Chief of McKenzie Fire & Rescue serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 40,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

DPSST provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board.

The County Opportunity Grant Program Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to review grant applications from 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. May 25 via Zoom.

Applicants to the County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP) will present their proposed projects for acquiring, planning, developing and rehabilitating county-run camping facilities. The committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The list will be forwarded to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval.

A schedule listing applicants and their specific presentation times is posted on the County Opportunity Grant Program web page at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-cogp.aspx. A link to view the Zoom meeting will also be posted at the site.

The COGP Advisory Committee consists of seven members who represent counties, recreational vehicle owners, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state. 

The COGP was established in 1983 to direct a portion of revenue from recreational vehicle registration fees to counties for park and recreation sites and programs. All Oregon counties are eligible to apply. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). 

For more information about the COGP, visit oprdgrants.org.

May 12, 2021

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

Conference of Local Health Officials meets May 20 via Zoom

What: The monthly public meeting of the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO). 

Agenda: Discuss reinstatement of triennial reviews; discuss orientations for newer public health administrators and staff; hear updates from the Health Officer Caucus and the CLHO Systems and Innovation Committee; discuss local ARPA funding; hear update on Curry County transfer of public health authority; discuss public health workforce and infrastructure.

Agenda is subject to change and is posted with meeting materials on the CLHO website at http://www.oregonclho.org/ prior to meeting.

There is no public comment period during this meeting.

When: Thursday, May 20, 9:30-11 a.m.

Where: Via Zoom meeting.  Join at

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1607711675?pwd=S2pzRlErUUE0SjNyenhDTTlCcm1rQT09

Background: The Conference of Local Health Officials provides recommendations to the Oregon Health Authority on the foundational capabilities and programs and any other public health program or activity under ORS 431.147. (ORS 431.340)

Program contact: Sara Beaudrault, 971-645-5766, a.beaudrault@state.or.us">sara.beaudrault@state.or.us

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Sara Beaudrault at 971-645-5766 711 TTY or a.beaudrault@state.or.us">sara.beaudrault@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

May 12, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board Subcommittee meetings May 12-15

What: Public meetings of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, subcommittees May 12-15. There is no public comment period available at these subcommittee meetings.

Background: Established by Ballot Measure 109 (2020), the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board makes recommendations to OHA on available scientific studies and research on the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in treating mental health conditions, and makes recommendations on the requirements, specifications and guidelines for providing psilocybin services in Oregon.

The Board will also develop a long-term strategic plan for ensuring that psilocybin services will become and remain a safe, accessible and affordable therapeutic option for all persons 21 years of age and older in this state for whom psilocybin may be appropriate; and monitor and study federal laws, regulations and policies regarding psilocybin.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Nic Riley at 971-673-0404, 711 TTY, or iley@dhsoha.state.gov">nic.riley@dhsoha.state.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland has returned an indictment charging a Beaverton, Oregon, man for his role in a scheme to steal and resell customer account credentials for popular internet streaming services including Netflix, HBO Max, and Spotify Premium.

Samuel Joyner, 30, has been charged with conspiracy to commit computer and access device fraud, trafficking and use of unauthorized access devices, and possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices.

“I applaud the thorough investigative effort and international law enforcement coordination resulting in these charges and today’s arrest of Mr. Joyner. Hacking and access device fraud are serious crimes that significantly impact companies large and small. Our office will continue to prioritize these and other internet crimes,” said Scott Erik Asphaug, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“Cyber crime shows how small of a world we live in these days. The subjects and the victims can live next door or half a world away. In this instance, FBI agents in Omaha, Nebraska, launched an investigation that would stretch all the way to Australia and back to Oregon. Without their hard work, we wouldn't have this successful arrest today,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “As for consumers - this is a good reminder to check your accounts and change passwords to unique and complex passphrases.”

“This investigation spanned across the Pacific to our shores in Australia, showing that while crimes may be borderless, our law enforcement response is united across countries. Following a referral of information from our FBI law enforcement partners, the Australian Federal Police arrested, charged and secured a conviction against a Sydney man, and we also seized more than a million dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency assets which were the proceeds of his crime,” Australian Federal Police cybercrime operations case officer Joanna Kondos said. “Cybercrime is not a victimless crime – this case uncovered stolen account details from millions of people around the world, and we work to investigate these crimes on behalf of those who have had their personal details scammed for someone else’s profit.”

According to the indictment, between February 2018 and March 2019, Joyner and an accomplice, Evan McMahon, 23, of Sydney, Australia, conspired with one another to create and operate an online service called AccountBot. AccountBot offered a paid subscription service where customers could obtain account credentials to access popular internet streaming services at a greatly reduced rate.

Joyner and McMahon illegally acquired usernames and passwords to the various streaming services through credential stuffing attacks, a computer hacking technique where individuals obtain large sets of account credentials, often made available as a result of large data breaches, and, using an automated tool, repeatedly enter credentials into a website or internet-based service to verify their authenticity. Verified credentials obtained via credential stuffing can then be used to access online user accounts without authorization.

AccountBot customers paid a fee, ranging from $1.79 to $24.99, depending on the type of service and access duration needed. These customers paid Joyner and McMahon in fiat or cryptocurrency. Joyner and McMahon were equal partners of AccountBot, but fulfilled distinct tasks. McMahon was primarily responsible for drafting computer code for the service’s website and managing customer payments. Joyner acquired the majority of stolen user credentials and was responsible for AccountBot customer service.

By March 2019, AccountBot purported to have over 52,000 different registered customers and more than 217,000 unique sets of stolen account credentials.

Joyner was arrested without incident today by the FBI and made his initial appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and released pending a five-day jury trial scheduled to begin on July 13, 2021.

Conspiracy to commit computer and access device fraud is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. Trafficking and use of unauthorized access devices and possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices are each punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison.

McMahon was prosecuted for similar offenses in the District Court of New South Wales in Sydney. In April 2021, he was sentenced to two years and two months to be served by way of intensive corrections order, the most serious, non-custodial sentence imposed in New South Wales.

Acting U.S. Attorney Asphaug and Special Agent in Charge Ramsey made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Australian Federal Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Quinn P. Harrington is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Malicious cyber activity threatens the public’s safety and our national and economic security. The FBI is the lead federal agency for investigating cyber attacks and intrusions, collecting and sharing intelligence and engaging with victims while working to unmask those committing malicious cyber activities, wherever they are. Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself from cyber criminals, how you can report cyber crime, and the FBI’s efforts in combating the evolving cyber threat.?

# # #

AG ROSENBLUM AND PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION PARTNER TO PROTECT LOW INCOME OREGONIANS
$1.6 million settlement announced to benefit Oregon Lifeline Program

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum today announced a $1.6 million dollar False Claims Act settlement with a Sprint (now T-Mobile) subsidiary called Assurance Wireless, for overcharging the Oregon Lifeline program. This program, managed by the PUC, provides discounted voice and broadband service to qualifying low-income Oregonians paid for with federal and state subsidies.

In 2019, PUC staff launched an investigation of Sprint’s billing practices and discovered it had been systematically overcharging the Oregon Lifeline program for ineligible usage. PUC’s discovery eventually led to a nationwide investigation where the FCC recovered approximately $368 million for the federal Lifeline subsidy and issued a $200 million penalty. After securing an Oregon refund of $788,061 in December 2020, the PUC assisted Oregon DOJ’s civil enforcement team in securing an additional settlement payment of $859,451 under the Oregon False Claims Act, for a grand total of $1,647,512 returned back to the state.

“Sprint significantly overcharged Oregon’s program—as it did elsewhere across the country,” said Attorney General Rosenblum. “Luckily, we caught on and made them pay. Especially when it comes to services for people with low incomes, big companies like Sprint have a duty to act responsibly. I want to thank everyone at Oregon’s Department of Justice and the PUC who worked on this settlement. Together we are sending a strong signal: We will not tolerate waste and abuse of critical state subsidies.” 

 “Oregon Lifeline provides an invaluable service to low-income Oregonians by helping them stay connected and have access to local emergency services, jobs, healthcare, education, and other vital resources,” said PUC Chair Megan Decker. “The efforts of our team helped ensure the integrity of the Lifeline program not only for customers in Oregon, but across the country as well. Without these efforts, this issue may have gone undetected indefinitely.”

For additional information about the Oregon Lifeline program, visit https://www.lifeline.oregon.gov.

# # #

In the evening hours of Tuesday, May 11th, 2021, detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) executed a search warrant at a residence in the 2300 block of Cannon Avenue, in Roseburg (Green District).  This residence is alarmingly close to the entrance of Sunnyslope Elementary School.  

DINT and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office have received multiple complaints in recent months about the obvious drug activity taking place at the residence.  Due to those complaints, as well as the proximity to the school, DINT conducted a targeted investigation and developed information indicating both methamphetamine and heroin trafficking taking place at the residence.

A search of the residence revealed more than a quarter pound of methamphetamine, approximately 18 grams of black tar heroin, a small amount of suspected fentanyl, a large amount of cash, a firearm, and a substantial amount of evidence of distribution.  

42 year old Leah Wilkins, of Roseburg, was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County jail on charges of Unlawful Possession of Heroin, and Unlawful Delivery of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a school.

DINT also arrested 43 year old Timothy Bond, of Roseburg, and lodged him at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, and Felon in Possession of  a Firearm.  

The investigation is continuing, and more charges are likely to follow.  

The Oregon Recreational Trails Advisory Council (ORTAC) will meet 1 – 2:30 p.m. May 20 via web conference. The meeting includes a discussion of plans to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Oregon Recreation Trails System Act.

The meeting is open to the public. The agenda and link for the meeting is posted on the ORTAC website at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/BWT/Documents/ORTAC-Agenda-May-2021.pdf.

The Oregon Legislature passed the Oregon Recreation Trails System Act in 1971, laying the groundwork for Oregon’s development of a high quality system of non-motorized trails that connect communities and highlight the state’s natural beauty.

The Act included establishing ORTAC to advise Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and its partners in developing and promoting exceptional non-motorized trail systems throughout Oregon.

The council is made up of seven volunteer members representing the five congressional districts and two coastal representatives. Members are appointed by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.

For more information, contact Program Coordinator Jodi Bellefeuille at 503-856-6316 or ellefeuille@oregon.gov">jodi.bellefeuille@oregon.gov.

On May 26, 2021 the Oregon Historic Cemeteries Grant committee will meet to score and rank the applications for the Oregon Historic Cemeteries Grant program. The recommendations from the committee will be forwarded to the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries for final review and approval on June 4, 2021. The meeting will be held by teleconference at 9:00 a.m. interested parties may access the meeting by Zoom. The meeting agenda includes the access information.

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances.

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling 503-98600690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: i.Gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov.

Kingpin Act Sanctions Oregon Defendant and his Construction Business

PORTLAND, Ore.—Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug announced the unsealing of an indictment today against a Sinaloa-based drug trafficker for his role in trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest.

Efrain Mendivil Figueroa, 41, of Sinaloa, Mexico, has been charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The announcement of charges against Figueroa follows the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designation of Figueroa as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act). OFAC identified Figueroa as a fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine distributor and transportation coordinator for the Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas Drug Trafficking Organization (aka “Gonzalez Penuelas DTO”). OFAC also designated the construction company City Plaza, Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, based in Guasave, Sinaloa for being owned or controlled by Figueroa. According to OFAC, the Gonzales Penuelas DTO is one of the largest raw opium gum and heroin sources of supply in northern Mexico, and increasingly a major distributor of fentanyl.

“Efrain Figueroa’s drug trafficking organization has deep ties in the Pacific Northwest. Our charges allege he is a long-term, active trafficker of heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl from Mexico to Oregon. Together, these drugs, particularly fentanyl, have caused immeasurable harm to the public safety and health of communities throughout our state,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Asphaug. “We applaud OFAC for designating Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas as a Significant Foreign Narcotics Kingpin and Figueroa as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker under the Kingpin Act for the significant danger they pose to the U.S. and its citizens.”

“This bold action highlights the DEA’s ability and intention of holding accountable the dangerous Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations who reside within our borders, but also those operating in Mexico who believe they are untouchable,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “DEA makes it a priority to identify and target drug traffickers who flood our city streets with poison and deny these drug trafficking organizations the profits of their illegal trade responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic. We will continue to work closely with our international partners to bring Efrain Figueroa to justice and dismantle drug cartels like Gonzales Penuelas DTO.”

“Fentanyl, particularly in the form of counterfeit prescription pills, is the region’s emerging drug threat and poses a significant danger to our communities. The increase in fentanyl supply and use over the past 2 ½ years in Oregon is reflected in the number of law enforcement trafficking investigations, drug seizures, overdose hospitalizations and, tragically, overdose deaths,” said Oregon-Idaho HIDTA Executive Director, Chris Gibson. “The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA will continue to support the cooperative efforts of our treatment, prevention and law enforcement partners with the ultimate goal of reducing the demand for and supply of the dangerous drugs that sadly wreak havoc in the lives of an increasing number of Oregonians.”

According to the indictment, beginning in at least August 2018, Figueroa and several associates are alleged to have conspired with one another to possess and distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl in Oregon and elsewhere. As part of their drug trafficking scheme, the group maintained various locations for the purpose of storing and packaging narcotics and used vehicles to transport and distribute product. The group would also smuggle bulk quantities of U.S. currency across state and international borders to facilitate drug transactions and engaged in money laundering to conceal their trafficking proceeds.

Acting U.S. Attorney Asphaug and Special Agent in Charge Tarantino made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Interdiction Taskforce with assistance from the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Steven T. Mygrant, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The Oregon HIDTA program was established by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in June of 1999. In 2015 the program expanded into Idaho and was renamed the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA consists of 16 counties, including Oregon’s Clackamas, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Multnomah, Umatilla and Washington counties, and Idaho’s Ada, Bannock, Canyon, and Kootenai counties.

This case was brought as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the department’s strategy for reducing the availability of drugs in the U.S. OCDETF was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack on drug trafficking by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in coordination with state and local law enforcement.

Opioid abuse affects communities across the nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2019, its most recent data, there were 70,630 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. Opioids and synthetic opioids were alone responsible for 49,860 overdose deaths or nearly 71% of all overdoses. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of injury or death in the United States.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 3-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male.

The availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has presented public safety and health officials with a host of new challenges, including a dramatic increase in overdose deaths. Fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Oregon have doubled between 2016 and 2019. In 2020, most fentanyl seized in Oregon was in the form of counterfeit prescription pills, such as Oxycodone, commonly referred to as M-30s.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 8am and 11pm Pacific Time daily.

# # #

NOTE: A previous version of this media release had a typo in the number to text 211. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

To contact 211 via text: Text your zip code to 898211 (TXT211)

(Salem) – The State of Oregon received approval from the federal government to issue Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) for the 2020 - 2021 school year. This will provide more than $550 million in food assistance for approximately 572,000 children in Oregon.

P-EBT provides food benefits to families whose children do not have access to the free or reduced-price meals usually provided at school. Oregon was approved to provide retroactive food benefits to eligible students for the 2020 - 2021 school year. The P-EBT benefits are expected to be issued beginning in July.

“P-EBT benefits will significantly support the food security, health and well-being of children and families across Oregon,” said Dan Haun, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Self-Sufficiency Programs. “Still, many Oregonians are struggling meeting their basic needs. We encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank.”

“All children deserve access to adequate nutrition to fuel their learning. The Oregon Department of Education is happy to be partnering with ODHS and local school districts to meet the nutrition needs of Oregon's children and families who were most impacted by the pandemic.” said Cindy Hunt, Chief of Staff at Oregon Department of Education (ODE).

ODHS and ODE share responsibility in ensuring that children across Oregon receive P-EBT food benefits. ODE collaborates with school districts across Oregon to determine eligibility and ODHS issues the benefits on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

Households do not need to apply for P-EBT. Benefits will be automatically issued for students who normally have access to free and reduced-price meals and are enrolled at a school in Oregon.

If your children are not currently enrolled in free or reduced meals you can apply through your school or online at the Oregon Department of Education website. Qualifying for free or reduced meals for the 2020 – 2021 school year before June 30, 2021 will ensure you receive P-EBT when the benefits are issued. P-EBT benefit eligibility and amounts will vary. Visit pebt.oregon.gov for more information.

Each student will receive their own P-EBT card. Students and households new to P-EBT and households with more than one student will receive an Oregon P-EBT card in the mail with instructions. Cards will be mailed to the address on file with the school for those students who do not receive SNAP.

Students who are already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive the P-EBT benefits on the EBT card associated with their household’s SNAP case.

P-EBT does not replace any child nutrition program already offered, and families are encouraged to continue participating in grab-n-go-meals or emergency food programs at their local schools and community locations.

P-EBT is separate from SNAP benefits including emergency allotments that are also being issued due to the impact of COVID-19. P-EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test.

Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898211 (TXT211), www.211info.org
• Oregon Department of Human Services Resources 

About SNAP

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.

About the Oregon Department of Education

The Oregon Department of Education fosters equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. ODE oversees the education of over 560,000 students in Oregon’s public K-12 education system. While ODE isn’t in the classroom directly providing services, the agency (along with the State Board) - focuses on helping districts achieve both local and statewide goals and priorities through strategies such as:

• Developing policies and standards
• Providing accurate and timely data to inform instruction
• Training teachers on how to use data effectively
• Effectively administering numerous state and federal grants
• Sharing and helping districts implement best practices

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May 11, 2011 (Salem, OR)-- Today the Oregon Employment Department launched the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program, a temporary federal program for ‘hybrid workers,’ or people who have earned W-2 wages and self-employment income. MEUC is the sixth federal benefit program implemented by the Employment Department since March 2020.

“We are pleased to have another critical lifeline available for people who are struggling during this ongoing global health pandemic. MEUC was created in response to workers whose past income wasn’t fully being counted. Congress heard the outcry from these workers, and now that the program has launched, Oregonians who have side income will see that reflected in their weekly benefit amount,” said Acting Director David Gerstenfeld.

MEUC provides an extra $100 per week to eligible claimants. Claimants are eligible for MEUC if, in addition to W-2 wages, they earned a net income of at least $5,000 in self-employment work in the most recent taxable year before they applied for unemployment benefits. When claiming weeks of MEUC, they must have received at least one dollar in Regular UI or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) recipients are not eligible for MEUC.

MEUC benefits are available from Dec. 27, 2020, through the week ending Sept. 4, 2021. Eligible claimants will receive benefit payments going back to the week of Dec. 27, 2020, and then for all eligible weeks they claim moving forward.

People who think they may be eligible for MEUC benefits will need to submit proof of qualifying income to the Employment Department. The quickest way to apply for MEUC is online, by visiting the Online Claim System and clicking “MEUC”.

Those unable to apply online can submit their application and required documentation by mail. Claimants without internet access can call the Employment Department’s Tax Section at 503-947-1488 for instructions on what information to send and where to send it. Eligible claimants will receive MEUC payments approximately 3 weeks after approved documents have been received.

For more information about MEUC, visit the Employment Department’s Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation FAQ or the Applying for MEUC Step-by-Step Guide. The Employment Department is hosting a live webinar on MEUC at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 13, and a recording of the webinar will be available May 14. Webinar registration and webinar recordings can be found at unemployment.oregon.gov/webinars. 

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Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services

SALEM, Ore. - The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually Thursday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. To join the call or provide public comment at this virtual meeting please contact Susan Dominique at 503-945-7502.

The committee’s agenda includes: 

• Committee and partner updates
• Private Forest Division update
• Legislative update
• Post-fire recovery update
• SB 1602 update
• Chair Recommendation and July report to Board of Forestry

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting after approval of the minutes. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by calling Susan Dominique at 503-945-7502.

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. You can find more information at 

https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/CFF.aspx

The next meeting of the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be held Wednesday, June 2, 2021, via Zoom. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs until Noon.

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

ODVA’s Reports to the Advisory Committee are available to the public on the ODVA website: https://issuu.com/odva/stacks/38107bb40c054695831edf5634865ca4

This meeting is being held virtually due to travel and gathering size restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. The public is invited to attend.

To attend:

You will need to pre-register using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIucuipqzwjE9BtgOgPUUAfSn6XmOT-FWet Pre-registration is required. Once pre-registered you will receive the meeting link.

Join by Zoom via Telephone: Dial 1 (253) 215-8782. When prompted, enter the meeting ID: 863 5115 7994 # and passcode: 374884#

You will be prompted to state your name. State your first and last name.

Town Hall:

There will be a Town Hall at the end of the business meeting in which we invite you to ask questions of the committee and director. This time is set aside for individuals to bring up broader veteran community issues. Members of the community are also invited to submit written public comments to the Committee at the following email address: vaac@odva.state.or.us.

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

PORTLAND, Ore.— In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”

“National Police Week is a time-honored tradition that affords all Americans the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of law enforcement officers across the country. It also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the tremendous personal sacrifice made by officers and their families every day to keep our communities safe,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Asphaug. “I am personally very thankful for our law enforcement officers here in Oregon for their continued partnership with our office. We could not do the work we do without your steadfast dedication and service.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.

During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19.

Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020. LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website. 

The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 PM EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.

Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.  

To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.

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Fire Season begins Wednesday, May 12th, at 12:01 a.m. The fire danger level will be “Low” (green). The adopted City Municipal Code 9.15 Regulated Closure Fire Restrictions will take effect at that time.

Since the beginning of March, Jackson and Josephine Counties have responded to more than 50 wildland fires, totaling more than 100 acres. Warm temperatures, windy conditions, and a lack of spring rain are among the contributing factors that increased fire starts and growth. Fuels across the region are also much drier than normal, reflecting late June-like conditions in mid-May. For these reasons, fire season is being declared within the City of Grants Pass as well as Jackson and Josephine counties.

Beginning Wednesday, the following restrictions will take effect:  

• Smoking in areas of flammable vegetation is prohibited.
• Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except at locations designated by the Fire Marshal. Still allowed will be natural gas, propane, and charcoal BBQ’s, smokers as well as natural gas and propane ornamental fires.
• Power saw use is permitted all day during low fire danger. Each power saw is required to have one shovel and one fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity. A Firewatch of at least one hour is required following the use of each saw.
• Cutting, grinding and welding of metal in areas of flammable vegetation is permitted all day during low fire danger.
• The mowing of dried, cured grass is permitted all day during low fire danger.
• Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
• Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine in areas of flammable vegetation not specifically mentioned is permitted when conducted in a cleared area and a charged garden hose or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is immediately available.
• The City Fire Marshal or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements.

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

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. Today: Building a digital defense against robo text and email scams.

Last week, we shared some information from the FCC about avoiding robocall scams. This week, we have some information from our partners at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about robo text and email scams.

We are not talking about messages you get from a company or agency when you signed up to receive those – things like newsletters or coupons. Subscribe and unsubscribe to those as you wish. We are talking about unsolicited messages from unknown people or groups who are either trying to download malware onto your device or trying to get you to give up personal info.

You think you're doing the right thing to stop the harassment by clicking "unsubscribe." Don’t do it! By clicking “unsubscribe” links or texting “stop” in reply, the spammers literally take that to mean “subscribe” and “please, go on.”

As these spammers blast out millions of texts or emails every day, they aren’t actually targeting you specifically—in fact, they might not know if your email or phone number is even valid. They are looking for signs of an active account. By hitting “unsubscribe” or replying in any way, you validate your contact information and risk inviting even more spam and scams.

There are various ways to mark messages as spam, depending on your type of device and service provider. You can also forward messages to the FTC directly. (More info on how to do that can be found here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages)

At the very least, if you get a suspicious email, mark it as spam and delete it without opening it. If you get a suspicious text, delete without replying and block that number on your phone.

According to the FTC, here’s how to avoid those spam texts and emails in the first place:

• Avoid displaying your email address in public. Spammers scrape blog posts, chat rooms, social networking sites, and forums—so the less of you that’s out there, the better.
• Use two email addresses—one for personal messages and one for everything else. Ideally, this second public-facing email address should be one you are willing to delete one day, if needed. 
• Use a truly original address that’s unlikely to be created by spammers. Spammers send out millions of messages to probable name combinations hoping to find a valid address. That means common first name/last name email addresses are more likely to attract spam.

If you believe are a victim of an online scam, you should report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your FBI local office.  

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(Salem) – People in Oregon are enrolling in health coverage at a much higher rate than this time last year. As of April 30, 2021, more than 10,100 people in Oregon have newly enrolled in health coverage through the Marketplace, which is an increase of 31 percent over people who enrolled during this time last year and 80 percent more than enrolled during the same period in 2019.

Higher enrollment in the Marketplace from Feb. 15 through April 30 is likely due to the COVID-19 special enrollment period, which is open to anyone who needs health coverage and is eligible to shop through HealthCare.gov. This special enrollment period continues through Aug. 15, 2021.

In addition, people applying through the Marketplace are now eligible for substantially higher savings thanks to the American Rescue Plan. More than 4 in 5 people in Oregon now qualify for financial assistance in the form of premium tax credits, which reduce the cost of the monthly premium to have health coverage, and cost-sharing reductions to reduce the out-of-pocket costs associated with health care.

People already receiving premium tax credits are also receiving additional savings. Enrollees can choose to receive all of the increased tax credits with their 2021 tax return or they can update their HealthCare.gov application for 2021 coverage to reduce monthly premiums for the rest of the year. Enrollees who are already covered through the Marketplace receive additional savings of an average of $50 per person per month.

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace offers a quick snapshot of the plans and savings to eligible Oregonians. The tool, available at OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop, and has been updated to correctly calculate additional savings now available to people shopping through the Marketplace. People who are currently enrolled through the Marketplace can preview extra savings and people who are not currently enrolled can prepare to enroll for the first time.

To apply, go to OregonHealthCare.gov and answer a few Oregon-specific questions to get to the right health coverage application. You can also search the “get help” directory on OregonHealthCare.gov to find an insurance agent or community partner organization to help complete the application and enroll. Insurance agents and community partners provide local, one-on-one assistance at no charge to the client. This help is available virtually and on the phone, and in person following safety protocols.

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The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov, and a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov.

PORTLAND, May 11, 2021—The Lot at Zidell Yards, Portland’s premier socially-distanced outdoor performance venue, is excited to announce a diverse lineup of live music, movies and events to kick off the 2021 summer season—May and June events are on sale today at 10 a.m. at thelotatzidellyards.com.

“The team at The Lot can’t wait to bring live shows back to our community, provide local artists with a home for the summer and give our audience the opportunity to safely come together and celebrate,” said Christina Fuller, Co-Owner and Partner, Fuller Events. ”Today’s announcement is just the beginning of a summer of great programming, which we’ll continue to roll out throughout the season.”

Live at The Lot:

• Sat, May 29 - Sávila. Comprised of three Mexican-American musicians based out of Portland, Sávila melds their roots of Cumbia, Soul and Club Music to form their own style, Ancestral Club.

• Sun, May 30 - Federale. Federale was conceived as an outlet to channel inspiration from ‘60s & ‘70s European soundtracks, particularly those from Italy made famous by the Spaghetti Western and Giallo genres.

• Mon, May 31 - Rosé and Roses with Jacob Miller, presented by Union Wine Co. With an affinity for minimalist pop and firm roots planted in American traditional music, Jacob Miller crafts a timeless sound unique to his voice, style and abilities.

• Thu, June 3 - Jenny Don’t and the Spurs. The Spurs are a musical force to be reckoned with—a must-see for anyone who enjoys spirited garage-infused country played with sincerity and raw conviction. 

• Fri, June 4 & Sat, June 5 - The Dandy Warhols. Since their inception in Portland in 1994, The Dandy Warhols have sailed through, and past, shifting musical climates by keeping their art unfiltered and presenting thoughts un-mired by censorship.

• Sat, June 12 - Cardioid + opening set by Nick Delffs. Cardioid flits between genres and tones with the sly, dexterous abandon of an artist in full control. Her music is tactile, industrial-strength dream-pop awash in fuzzed-out guitars and retro-wave synths.

• Fri, June 18 & Sat, June 19 - Summer Brass with Members of the Oregon Symphony (tickets on sale May 18). Share an evening with brass and percussion of the Oregon Symphony in a program of festive and familiar, from Joan Tower, Piazzolla and Bizet’s Suite from Carmen.

• Sun, June 20 - Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters. With what PopMatters describes as "tenacious swagger," critically-acclaimed solo artist Ashleigh Flynn recently dialed up the volume and debuted an all-female rock band as a nod to the “Rosie the Riveter” archetype from WWII.

• Wed, July 14 - Liv Warfield (tickets coming soon). While she takes cues from musical influences like Nina Simone, Etta James, Sade, Tina Turner and Mary J. Blige, Warfield has  carved out a style all her own, best described as “alternative soul with a lil bit of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

• Fri, July 16 - Ural Thomas & The Pain (tickets coming soon). It goes without saying that a man practically built out of rhythm would never stop playing music … Ural Thomas is, and forever will be, Portland's pillar of soul.

• Sat, July 17 - Y La Bamba (tickets coming soon). Y La Bamba has been many things, but at the heart of it is singer-songwriter Luz Elena Mendoza’s inquisitive sense of self. Their fifth record, Mujeres, carries on their affinity for spiritual contemplation, while storytelling with a full emotional spectrum.

The Lot with Hollywood Theatre:

• Fri, May 28 - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (PG) + opening set by Portland Cello Project

• Mon, May 31 - Love & Basketball (PG-13) + opening set by Karma Rivera

• Tue, June 8 - Rear Window (PG) + opening set by 45th Parallel’s Pyxis Quartet, presented by Front Porch Properties PDX

•  Fri, June 11 - Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13)

• Tue, June 15 - Thelma & Louise (R) + opening set by Roselit Bone, presented by Rally Pizza

• Tue, June 22 - Troop Beverly Hills (PG)

• Sat, June 26 - Coming to America (R) + opening set by Cool Nutz and DJ Fatboy, presented by The Mirarchi Family

• Mon, June 28 - Stand By Me (R) + opening set by The Shivas, presented by Oregon Film

• Tue, July 20 - Labyrinth (PG), presented by Deb Counts-Tabor REALTOR® (tickets coming soon)

• Tue, July 27 - The Muppet Movie (G), presented by Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace (tickets coming soon)

• Wed, July 28 - Casablanca (PG) + opening set by Onry (tickets coming soon)

• Tue, Aug 3 - WALL-E (G), presented by Portland EcoFilm Festival and Crag Law Center (tickets coming soon)

Pride Pics: 

• Wed, June 16 & Thu, June 17 - In celebration of Portland Pride 2021, Pride Northwest and the directors of QDoc Film Festival will host Pride Pics: An Outdoor Film Experience.

Tickets are on sale today at 10 a.m. at thelotatzidellyards.com. More events will continue to be announced via The Lot's newsletter and social media channels.

Located at 3030 S Moody Avenue, The Lot at Zidell Yards will feature a full stage, a large format LED screen, a site-specific sound system, and an on-site food and beverage program—all for guests to enjoy with their quaran-team from the comfort of their socially-distanced seating pod. 

The health and safety of the community is the highest priority of The Lot at Zidell Yards. The Lot will follow state and county health guidelines to create a safe experience for all audience members, staff and performers. The Lot has the following key safety measures in place: socially-distanced seating pods, wide thoroughfares with clearly marked traffic lanes, limited seating capacity, touchless ticket scanning, mask-wearing guidelines for all attendees, staff and performers, stringent cleaning and sanitizing protocols and ample restrooms with attendants and cleaning procedures. More information on The Lot’s safety protocols can be found on the website.

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You can find renders of The Lot at Zidell Yards, band photos and movie posters for publication, here.

For press inquiries, please contact Lauren Merge at media@fullerevents.com or (503) 706-3271.

For more info and future updates on The Lot at Zidell Yards visit thelotatzidellyards.com.

May 10, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us" target="_blank">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 388 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are three new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,533, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 388 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 191,774.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 28,659 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 22,263 doses were administered on May 9 and 6,396 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on May 9.

The 7-day running average is now 34,030 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered a total of 1,828,744 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,401,316 first and second doses of Moderna and 112,593 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. As of today, 1,467,659 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series. There are 1,982,835 people who have had at least one dose.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 2,110,095 doses of Pfizer, 1,710,920 doses of Moderna and 246,700 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

OHA's dashboards provide regularly updated vaccination data, and Oregon’s dashboard has been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 326, which is eight more than yesterday. There are 78 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is two more than yesterday.

The total number of COVID-19 positive patient bed-days in the most recent seven days is 2,300, which is a 2.3% decrease from the previous seven days. The peak daily number of beds occupied by COVID-19 positive patients in the most recent seven days is 345.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

OHA updates population data

Today, the Oregon Health Authority updated its COVID-19 case rates (cases per 100,000 residents) using 2020 population data from Portland State University’s (PSU) Population Research Center and 2019 housing and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS).

OHA also updated its vaccination rates (people vaccinated per 100 residents) with 2020 population data from PSU and the 2019 Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) from the ACS. These changes affected the weekly data report, all COVID-19 Tableau Dashboards and the county risk metrics.

OHA had previously been using 2019 population data from PSU and 2018 data from the ACS to calculate COVID-19 case rates and 2019 population data from PSU and 2019 PUMS data from the ACS to calculate vaccination rates.

In the past year, specific populations have changed, and this update will ensure that OHA is displaying and sharing the most up-to-date and accurate information available for case and vaccination rates in specific populations. Case rates and vaccination rates may shift slightly because of this change.

The following case rates will be affected:

• Sex
• Age Group
• Race
• Ethnicity
• County

The following vaccination rates will be affected:

• Sex
• Age Group
• Race & Ethnicity
• County

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (21), Clackamas (76), Clatsop (4), Columbia (12), Coos (1), Crook (3), Deschutes (56), Douglas (6), Harney (3), Hood River (2), Jackson (8), Jefferson (4), Josephine (7), Lane (24), Linn (23), Marion (45), Multnomah (76), Polk (3), Tillamook (2), Wasco (1), Washington (4) and Yamhill (6).

Oregon’s 2,531st COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old woman from Multnomah County who tested positive on April 25 and died on April 27 at Salem Hospital. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 2,532nd COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old man from Lane County who tested positive on April 18 and died on May 6 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,533rd COVID-19 death is a 63-year-old man from Josephine County who tested positive on March 8 and died on May 2 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations? 

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English?or?Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

On Friday May 7th, the Medford Police Department Traffic Team and the Jackson County Sheriff's OfficeTraffic Team conducted a joint agency Targeted Pedestrian Safety Operation near Hedrick Middle School at the intersection of Jackson Street at N.Keene Way Drive. The operation focused on drivers failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in the marked crosswalk at that intersection. Prior to the operation the Medford Police Department had received multiple complaints about drivers failing to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalks in the area of Hedrick Middle School during school hours. 

This operation was conducted to raise awareness and increase pedestrian safety through the enforcement of pedestrian right of way laws with the use of a decoy pedestrian. The Targeted Pedestrian Operation took place from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm. Prior to the operation (7:30 am - 10:00 am) Officers and Deputies patrolled the area around Hedrick Middle School and North Medford High School for vehicles speeding within the posted school zones from.

During the Targeted Pedestrian Safety Operation 13 citations and 3 warnings were issued for Failure to Stop and Remain Stopped for a Pedestrian. There was also 2 citations issued for Failure to Stop for Bus Safety Lights. The results of the entire operation are listed below. The Medford Police Department has conducted several traffic safety operations within school zones this year and will continue to do so throughout the school year as we make traffic safety a priority.  

We remind drivers of the Oregon laws that require a driver must stop and remain stopped if a pedestrian is walking in your lane of traffic or the lane adjacent, remembering this applies on single and multi-lane roadways.  Oregon law also prohibits passing a stopped vehicle at a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection if the vehicle is stopped to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway.

The information below is for the other enforcement action taken during the entire operation from 7:30 am - 12:30 pm.

13 - Failure to Stop and Remain Stopped for a Pedestrian

2 - Failure to Stop for Bus Safety Lights

12 - Violation of the Posted Speed (20 MPH) in a School Zone

6 - Cell Phone Violations

7 - Failure to Use Seatbelt

2 - Driving Uninsured

3 - Driving While Suspended (1- Felony suspended)

14 - Warnings for Miscellaneous Violations

SALEM, Ore. – Fire departments and prevention groups urge everyone to dispose of yard debris, rather than burn it. This year’s warm and dry conditions have already caused fires to burn many acres quickly. Rather than burning yard debris, you can help prevent wildfires by chipping or recycling it.

The Oregon Department of Forestry has declared fire season for parts of the state. This year about 180 fires have already burned about 1,900 acres. April’s dry, warm conditions prompted some county-wide burn bans.

May is Wildfire Awareness Month. This is a great time to trim trees and tidy up bushes and plants around your home that could easily catch fire. This is especially true after this winter’s ice storm. Because of the dry weather, as you begin spring clean-up, the Oregon Department of Forestry and Keep Oregon Green urge you to consider alternatives to burning.

“The time to safely burn yard debris has passed,” said Keep Oregon Green President Kristin Babbs. “Waiting until next fall or winter after heavy rains prevents piles burned this spring from re-starting during the heat of the summer. Burn piles can hold heat for several weeks and start again under warm, windy conditions.” Babbs said delaying your burn plans will give the debris more time to cure. You can cover a part of the pile with plastic to keep it dry until it’s safe to burn.

If burning now is the only option to dispose of yard debris, fire prevention specialists ask people to follow safe burning practices. The following tips can help stop run-away burn piles:

• Call before you burn - Burning regulations vary by location depending on the weather and fuel conditions. If you are planning to burn, check with your local Oregon Department of Forestry district, fire protective association, or air protection authority to learn about current burning restrictions or regulations, and if you need a permit.
• Know the weather - Never burn on dry or windy days, because fires can spread out of control more easily.
• Clear a 10-foot buffer - Make sure there are no tree branches or power lines above or fuels around your pile.
• Keep burn piles small - Large burn piles can cast hot embers long distances. Use small piles, maximum of four feet by four feet. Add only a little debris as the pile burns, to keep it small.
• Always have water and fire tools nearby - When burning, have a water hose on and ready or a bucket of water, and shovel and dirt to put out the fire. Drown the pile with water, stir the coals, and drown again, repeating until the fire is out cold.
• Stay with the fire until it is out cold – State laws requires monitoring of debris burn from start to finish until it is out cold. This law is intended to ensure sparks or embers that jump from the fire can be put out quickly. Recheck burn piles. They can retain heat for several weeks and restart when the weather warms up and winds blow.
• Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to start or speed up your fire. Every year, about 60 percent of the Oregon Burn Center cases are from yard debris burning.
• Only burn yard debris - State laws prohibit burning materials in the open that create dense smoke or noxious odors.
• Costs of run-away debris burns– State law requires the proper clearing, building, attending and extinguishing of open fires all year. Citations can cost $2,000. If your debris burn spreads out of control, you will have to pay for putting the fire out, and likely the damage to your neighbors’ properties. This can be extremely expensive.

More tips on wildfire prevention, including campfire safety, motorized equipment use, and fire-resistant landscaping can be found on the Keep Oregon Green site, www.keeporegongreen.org/. Find public use restrictions for Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands here: https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html.

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MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University (WOU) announced today that in preparation for a predominantly in-person fall 2021, COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for students and employees who study or work in person at either the Monmouth or Salem campuses.

The vaccine requirement, among other efforts, was announced earlier today to current students in a virtual information session focused on COVID-19 planning for the 2021-22 academic year.

“We know our students and employees miss the vibrance of in-person campus life, and we want to return to that while also supporting the overall safety of our communities. Vaccination is an important step toward pack immunity so our Wolves can be together again,” said WOU President Rex Fuller. “In the meantime, we’ve been doing everything we can during spring term to make vaccines accessible to members of our campus community.”

In the virtual session, Fuller emphasized that the details of the vaccination requirement plan would be further refined through engagement with many campus stakeholders, including WOU’s Reopening Committee, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, the Associated Students of Western Oregon University (ASWOU), and the university’s two unions: SEIU and the Western Oregon University Federation of Teachers (WOUFT). Because WOU is one of Oregon’s most ethnically diverse university campuses, Fuller also pledged to engage the campus’s University Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (UDIAC) for advice and suggestions as the plan is finalized.

“The details of the plan require the input of our faculty, staff, and students, through the lens of science, data and public health expertise.  It would be short-sighted to rush the details of a vaccination requirement without hearing from the WOU community,” Fuller said.

In order to incentivize students to get vaccinated sooner rather than later, the university also announced a program in conjunction with the WOU Wolfstore that gives students $25 to be used on textbooks, supplies, gear or whatever they choose.

“My hope is that this incentive program encourages WOU students to get their vaccination and rewards those who already have. It’s important we do our part to support pack immunity in our Wolf community,” said Associated Students of Western Oregon University President N.J. Johnson. “We encourage students to get their first vaccination as soon as possible so they will have their second dose completed before the conclusion of spring term.”

Free vaccinations are available in the Pacific Room of WOU’s Werner University Center on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week. Walk-ins are welcome from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Or, appointments can be made with Salem Health. WOU has hosted the Polk County clinic for Salem Health since February 2021.

# # #

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 5,000 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.

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) is excited to announce the outstanding trio of women veteran leaders who will headline the first-ever virtual Oregon Women Veterans Conference on Saturday, May 22.

This free biennial conference, organized by ODVA for more than 22 years, celebrates the contributions, diversity and strength of Oregon’s women veteran community, and is the largest gathering of women-identifying veterans in the state.

The lineup includes Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith, Brig. Gen. Donna Prigmore, and Dr. Betty Moseley Brown.

Maj. Gen. Smith, who is retiring after an extraordinary 35-year career with the United States Armed Forces, most recently served as Deputy Commanding General - Sustainment for the Eighth United States Army in South Korea. As such, she was the first female general officer to serve in an Eighth Army headquarters-level position.

Brig. Gen. Prigmore’s military career began as an enlisted member of the United States Air Force in 1982 before joining the Air National Guard, where she acquired more than 14 years of command and deputy/vice command experience at the flight, squadron, group and wing levels. She currently serves as Commander of the Oregon Air National Guard and was the first female in the Oregon National Guard to be promoted to a general officer.

Dr. Moseley Brown’s passion for veterans began as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1978 to 1992. She continued her distinguished career in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including serving as the first Outreach Coordinator for the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Associate Director of the Center for Women Veterans. Dr. Moseley Brown is currently the Designated Federal Officer for the Veterans’ Family, Caregiver and Survivor Federal Advisory Committee.

This year’s Oregon Women Veterans Conference will also feature a vibrant series of workshops exploring new, and important topics on VA health care for women, along with valuable resources ad connections with employment, education and other earned federal veterans’ benefits. Attendees will also be able to connect with event sponsors and vendors.

The day’s agenda also includes a listening session for Oregon women veterans, hosted by ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick and ODVA’s new Women Veterans Coordinator, Jessica Bradley.

“We could not be more excited about this conference, from the outstanding guest speakers who will be sharing stories from their remarkable lives, to the benefit experts who will be answering questions and offering critical information to the Oregon women veteran community,” Fitzpatrick said. “We look forward to connecting with Oregon women veterans during this unique event.”

Women veterans who have served in every era and branch of military service are invited to join in this inspiring event. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Please visit wvc.oregondva.com for more information or to register today.

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May 10, 2021 (Salem, OR)-- Today the Oregon Employment Department announced the annual change to the minimum and maximum weekly benefit amounts (WBAs) for regular unemployment insurance (UI). For new regular UI claims filed in Oregon on or after July 4, 2021, minimum and maximum WBAs each will increase by approximately 9%.

The increase will also apply to new PUA claims effective on or after July 4, 2021. This increase will be a significant income boost for new claimants who receive the minimum or maximum WBA. During the most recent quarter, 16% of regular UI recipients received the minimum WBA, and 24% received the maximum WBA.

The 9% increase is the result of growth in Oregon’s average weekly wage during 2020. Starting July 4, the minimum WBA for new regular UI claims will increase by $14, from $157 to $171 per week. The maximum WBA for new regular UI claims and new PUA claims will increase by $60, from $673 to $733 per week. The minimum WBA for new PUA claims will not be affected because it is set by the US Department of Labor

Individuals who file new regular UI or PUA claims prior to July 4, 2021 will continue receiving the same WBA they had been receiving. Federal rules prohibit the benefit increase for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Extended Benefits (EB).

Under Oregon law (ORS657.150(4)), the Oregon Employment Department recalculates the minimum and maximum WBAs for regular UI benefits annually. The amounts are set as percentages of the average weekly wage earned by Oregonians. The minimum WBA is 15% of the average weekly wage and the maximum WBA is 64%. Both dollar amounts are rounded down to the nearest dollar, as required by law.

For more information, visit OED’s regular UI benefits calculator or the PUA benefits calculator.

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Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

10 de mayo de 2021 (Salem, OR)-- Hoy, el Departamento de Empleo de Oregon anunció el cambio anual a los montos mínimos y máximos de beneficios semanales (WBA) para el desempleo regular. Para los nuevos reclamos regulares de desempleo presentados en Oregon a partir del 4 de julio de 2021, los montos semanales mínimos y máximos aumentarán cada uno en aproximadamente un 9%.

El aumento también se aplicará a los nuevos reclamos del PUA vigentes a partir del 4 de julio de 2021. Este aumento será un aumento significativo de ingresos para los nuevos solicitantes que reciban el monto semanal mínimo o máximo. Durante el trimestre más reciente, el 16% de los beneficiarios regulares de desempleo recibieron el monto semanal mínimo y el 24% recibió el monto semanal máximo.

El aumento del 9% es el resultado del crecimiento en el salario semanal promedio de Oregon durante 2020. A partir del 4 de julio, el monto semanal mínimo para los nuevos reclamos regulares de desempleo aumentará en $14, de $157 a $171 por semana. El monto semanal máximo para los nuevos reclamos regulares de desempleo y nuevos reclamos del PUA aumentará en $60, de $673 a $733 por semana. El monto semanal mínimo para nuevos reclamos del PUA no se verá afectado porque lo establece el Departamento de Trabajo de EE. UU.

Las personas que presenten nuevos reclamos regulares de desempleo o del PUA antes del 4 de julio de 2021 continuarán recibiendo el mismo monto semanal que habían estado recibiendo. Las reglas federales prohíben el aumento de beneficios para la Compensación de Desempleo de Emergencia por la Pandemia (PEUC) y los Beneficios Extendidos (EB).

Según la ley de Oregon (ORS657.150 (4)), el Departamento de Empleo de Oregon calcula los montos semanales mínimos y máximos para los beneficios regulares del desempleo anualmente. Las cantidades se establecen como porcentajes del salario semanal promedio ganado por los residentes de Oregon. El monto semanal mínimo es el 15% del salario semanal promedio y el monto semanal máximo es el 64%. Ambos montos en dólares se redondean al dólar más cercano, según lo exige la ley.

Para obtener más información, visite la calculadora de beneficios de desempleo habitual del Depto. de Empleo o la calculadora de beneficios del PUA.

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Programa de igualdad de oportunidades: ayudas y servicios auxiliares disponibles a pedido para personas con discapacidades. Contacto: (503) 947-1794. Para las personas sordas o con problemas de audición, llame al 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

May 9, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us" target="_blank">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 610 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, two new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are two new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,530 the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 610 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 191,405.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 37,726 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 13,606 doses were administered on May 8 and 24,120 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on May 8.

As of today, there are 1,968,933 people who have had at least one dose of a vaccine. A total of 1,340,794 have received a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

The seven-day running average is now 33,133 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered a total of 3,315,448 million vaccine doses, which includes: 1,812,149 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,393,975 first and second doses of Moderna and 107,870 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines (1,454 doses were administered but did not specify product information).

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

OHA's dashboards provide regularly updated vaccination data, and Oregon’s dashboard has been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 318, which is 11 fewer than yesterday. There are 76 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is eight fewer than yesterday.

The total number of COVID-19 positive patient bed-days in the most recent seven days is 2,325, which is a 0.1% increase from the previous seven days. The peak daily number of beds occupied by COVID-19 positive patients in the most recent seven days is 351.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (13), Clackamas (78), Columbia (10), Coos (3), Crook (8), Curry (1), Deschutes (35), Douglas (5), Harney (1), Hood River (2), Jackson (16), Jefferson (3), Josephine (6), KIamath (22), Lane (40), Lincoln (1), Linn (31), Malheur (6), Marion (76), Morrow (1), Multnomah (144), Polk (10), Tillamook (4), Washington (81) and Yamhill (13).

Oregon’s 2,529th death is a 80-year-old woman from Deschutes county who tested positive on April 24 and died on May 3 at St Charles Bend Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2530th death is a 83-year-old woman from Multnomah county who tested positive on April 27 and died on May 7 at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

1This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases

ELRs received 05/08/2021

Cumulative ELRs

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations? 

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English?or?Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

On Saturday, May 8, 2021 at approximately 11:25 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Interstate 5 southbound near milepost 263.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Kia Sportage was stopped with the operator, Ahmed Shadad (41) of Salem, outside of the vehicle when he and the Kia were struck by a Dodge Ram van operated by Travis Tgrudzinski (26) of Salem.

Shadad sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Tgrudzinski was not injured.

OSP was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Marion County Fire/EMS, and ODOT.

On Saturday, May 8, 2021 at approximately 8:50 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 342.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford Flex, operated by Robert Pope III (53) from Brookings, was northbound and crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a Ford F250 operated by Robie Sell (56) of Coos Bay.

Pope III sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Sell and his passenger, Robin Sell (62) of Coos Bay, received minor injuries and were not transported.

OSP was assisted by Curry County Sheriff's Office, Gold Beach Fire Department, and ODOT.

INCIDENT DATE AND TIME:  May 9, 2021 at 12:01 AM 

INCIDENT LOCATION:  1300 Block of Rockydale Road, Cave Junction

REPORTING DEPUTY:  Undersheriff Travis Snyder

ARRESTED:  Trenton Cole Kepple, 27 year-old-male 

DETAILS: 

On Sunday, May 9, 2021 at approximately 12:01 AM Deputies from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported shooting incident in the 1300 block of Rockydale road in Cave Junction, OR.  Information reported to Deputies was that a person had been shot at a concert.  Upon arrival, a deceased person was located at the concert. 

Detectives from the Oregon State Police responded to the Sheriff’s Office request for investigative assistance with this incident.  The above listed subject was arrested by Oregon State Police for the charges of 1st Degree Murder and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.  The name of the victim will not be released at this time.  Oregon State Police personnel along with Sheriff’s Office personnel continue to investigate this incident. 

No other details are available at this time.  

IDLEYLD PARK, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is continuing search efforts in the Twin Lakes area for a missing Roseburg man. 

69 year-old Harry Burleigh was reported missing at 10:15 pm on Friday, May 7, 2021 after he failed to return home from a camping trip in the Toketee area. Burleigh was originally due to arrive home on Thursday, May 6, 2021, but failed to do so. 

Douglas County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue was dispatched to begin searching for Burleigh. On the morning of Saturday, May 8, 2021, Burleigh's vehicle was located at the lower trailhead to Forest Service trail 1500, which leads into Twin Lakes. Burleigh, a fisherman, is believed to have attempted to walk into the lakes to fish before going home. 

Search efforts continue today, Sunday, May 9, 2021, with additional search and rescue resources from other counties assisting. 

Burleigh is described as a white male adult, 6'2'' tall, weighing at 175lbs with dark brown graying hair and blue eyes. His clothing description is unknown, but he may be carrying a day pack and collapsible fishing pole.  

Anyone who believes they may have information which may assist in the search is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4471 referencing case number 21-2033.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Rickie S. Sibbitt, died May 7, 2021. Sibbitt was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Sibbitt entered DOC custody on September 4, 2001, from Marion County. His earliest release date was January 3, 2022. He was 62 years old.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 13,200 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 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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May 8, 2021

Oregon reports 833 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are seven new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,528, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 833 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 190,804.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 63,868 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 27,835 doses were administered on May 7 and 36,033 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on May 7.

The seven-day running average is now 33,318  doses per day.

Oregon has now administered a total of 1,788,239 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,382,574 first and second doses of Moderna and 105,458 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 2,082,015 doses of Pfizer, 1,706,980 doses of Moderna and 246,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

OHA's dashboards provide regularly updated vaccination data, and Oregon’s dashboard has been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 329, which is five more than yesterday. There are 84 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is six fewer from yesterday.

The total number of COVID-19 positive patient bed-days in the most recent seven days is 2,352, which is a 3.7% increase from the previous seven days. The peak daily number of beds occupied by COVID-19 positive patients in the most recent seven days is 351.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (7), Benton (11), Clackamas (92), Clatsop (4), Columbia (10), Crook (8), Curry (5), Deschutes (115), Douglas (4), Gilliam (4), Harney (1), Hood River (2), Jackson (35), Jefferson (5), Josephine (6), KIamath (49), Lane (55), Lincoln (3), Linn (26), Malheur (7), Marion (75), Morrow (1), Multnomah (156), Polk (8), Tillamook (4), Umatilla (9), Union (2), Wallowa (2), Wasco (4), Washington (94) and Yamhill (29).

Note: Oregon’s 2,409th and 2,509th COVID-19 deaths, reported on April 6 and May 5, are the same person. Because of this error we are renumbering our reported deaths starting with 2,522 today.

Oregon’s 2,522nd death is an 87-year-old man from Jackson County who tested positive on May 2 and died on May 7 at Asante Ashland Community Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,523rd death is a 90-year-old man from Jackson County who tested positive on April 26 and died on May 7 at Asante Ashland Community Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,524th death is a 62-year-old woman from Marion County who tested positive on April 18 and died on May 7 at Salem Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,525th death is a 65-year-old man from Lane County who tested positive on April 16 and died on May 7 at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,526th death is a 69-year-old woman from Multnomah County who tested positive on May 2 and died on May 4 at Adventist Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 2,527th death is a 68-year-old man from Multnomah County who tested positive on April 30 and died on May 7 at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,528th death is a 68-year-old man from Multnomah County who tested positive on April 23 and died on May 2 at his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

1This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

Electronic Laboratory Reporting Received 05/07/21

Cumulative ELRs

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations? 

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English?or?Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

The agreement enables Oregon Connections to expand their work of connecting STEM Hubs and K-12 schools across the state with professionals from every industry - locally and globally

Portland, OR - May 7, 2021 - Oregon Connections, the online platform powered by Nepris that has been used for the past five years to bridge the gap between local education and industry, has extended their partnership with Nepris to continue to virtually connect Oregon students with employers and industry experts, both locally and across the globe, for another three years.

Just in time for Oregon’s STEM Week happening May 8-16, Oregon Connections has renewed an agreement with Nepris’ national platform to give educators across Oregon access to  professionals from every industry. Used by regional STEM Hubs across the state, Oregon Connections has seen a tripling of teacher and district use over the last year, and more than four times the number of industry sessions offered. During STEM Week alone, Oregon Connections is host to 32 sessions hosted by Oregon industry professionals. This Oregon Connections platform is sponsored in part by Portland General Electric (PGE), Pacific Power, First Tech Federal Credit Union, and The Lemelson Foundation.

Live sessions with professionals on real-world applications of whatever content they are learning helped make virtual learning fun, engaging, and thought-provoking during the pandemic. This is a trend that may be here to stay. 

“Inspiration and access to career pathways is no longer an accident of zip code,” said Melissa Dubois, Executive Director of the South Metro-Salem STEM Partnership hosted by Oregon Tech in Wilsonville.  “Oregon Connections has allowed us to broaden the horizons of kids from Multnomah to Malheur counties.”

The STEM Hubs are able to collaborate in the design of and participation in events that are 100% virtual, like Oregon Engineers Week and Oregon STEM Week, scaling the reach and impact of both the education system and Oregon employers. These events are geared toward Oregon students and presented by Oregon employers, but open to classrooms across the country.

“Kids can’t be what they can’t see.  Oregon Connections has been pivotal in helping us bridge that inspiration gap for kids who just don’t know what’s out there after graduation,” said Dubois. “Oregon Connections became a critical connection to inspiration and relevance during distance learning. We are so excited to build on that in the coming years.”  

Oregon Connections operates on the Nepris virtual learning platform, used by over 125,000 educators across the country, bringing real-world relevance and career exposure to students through live, virtual connections with industry experts. Many of these virtual sessions are about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), but there are also authors, artists, designers, actors, athletes, entertainers, and more available. 

The professionals talk about their jobs and bring relevance and application to students’ everyday learning. The live sessions let students ask questions to gain insights from working professionals, take site tours of otherwise inaccessible workspaces, participate in mock interviews, and even present their own projects for feedback. Most importantly, these connections enable students to envision themselves in a variety of careers, regardless of their location or economic status.

“Our work with Oregon Connections began 5 years ago, and we’re thrilled with the growth of that partnership over that time,” explains Sabari Raja, Nepris co-founder and CEO. “This renewed agreement is a testament to not only the efficacy of this model, but also to Oregon’s foresight and dedication to always improving education. By introducing students to the many career paths available early and often, Oregon students of today have a stronger foundation on which to build their own future”.

Through this agreement, Oregon Connections educators will be able to leverage the full power of the platform for live connections - to request virtual industry guests and participate in Industry Chats - interactive talks with guest speakers which take place virtually throughout the day. They will also have unlimited access to the Video Library of 10,000+ archived videos of past sessions. These educational sessions include everything from high-level career introductions and resume reviews, to virtual tours of workplaces, and real-world science and tech activities for students. 

Oregon STEM Hubs, school districts, employers, and organizations interested in learning more about Oregon Connections can reach out to Penny Jahraus (support@oregonconnections.org) for additional details and next steps. 

About Oregon Connections
Oregon Connections is the next generation, web-based tool that makes it easy for industry professionals to connect with K-20 educators. Professionals can share their skills and expertise to bring real-world, authentic learning opportunities to all our students helping to create the next generation of innovators. Through virtual sessions, professionals can help students and teachers connect their classroom to the world of work. Together we can make a difference. Oregon Connections is a project of the STEM Oregon regional STEM hub network in collaboration with regional Career Technical Education partners, and has been a growing presence in Oregon since 2016.

About Nepris
Austin-based Nepris provides a cloud-based platform connecting industry professionals with K-16 classrooms so that students see the relevance of what they are learning in school. Students are exposed to diverse role models and career paths in STEM, the Arts, retail, manufacturing, and countless other careers. Nepris makes it easy for teachers to leverage industry connections while offering a scalable platform for companies and regional intermediaries to easily and effectively engage the current workforce with the future workforce, virtually. Nearly a half-million students have participated in a Nepris virtual session or have viewed one of the 10,000 hours of videos in its library. See Nepris in action at Nepris.com. @NeprisApp

On Friday, May 7, 2021 at approximately 8:15 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle collision on Hwy 223 near Fir Villa Rd.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford F-350 pickup, operated by Landon Pegg (32) of Dallas, was eastbound when a Honda Civic, operated by Bonnie Muhly (80) of Dallas, pulled out of a parking lot in the path of the Ford.

Muhly sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. 

Pegg was not injured and cooperated in the investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Dallas Fire Department, and ODOT.  

SALEM, Ore. – The September 2020 wildfires damaged many public and private water systems across Oregon. The Potable Water Resources Task Force, part of Oregon’s state-led wildfire recovery efforts, has launched a survey to learn how the 2020 wildfires have impacted private drinking water wells and systems that divert surface water from streams or reservoirs. This information will be used to help the state better support impacted Oregonians while also helping to inform statewide recovery efforts.

“Offering assistance to individuals impacted by the September wildfires to properly restore private water supply systems will help to provide clean drinking water and protect them from potential public health and safety hazards,” said Bryn Hudson, water policy analyst for the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD).

If you rely on a private well or surface water system for your drinking water, please take five minutes to complete the survey. Your answers will help us understand and assess damages caused by or related to the 2020 wildfires. Access the survey online at https://wildfire.oregon.gov/Pages/Drinking-Water-Supply.aspx.

Domestic Water Well and Surface Water Resources

OWRD has developed resources for maintaining private wells after wildfire as well as post-wildfire water right considerations. Visit the Department’s wildfire recovery web page for more information regarding post-fire water rights, well maintenance and potential funding assistance. If a water system requiring a water right needs to be rebuilt, coordination with OWRD in advance is recommended.

Free private well testing for well users in wildfire-impacted communities

Well users whose properties were affected by wildfires can receive a voucher for free well water testing. Learn more and apply for a voucher by visiting healthoregon.org/wells. Well users will find guidance about how to first assess damage, then take actions to protect their wells, and finally test their well water to confirm it is safe to drink.

The Oregon Health Authority will continue to provide testing vouchers to well owners through May 15, 2021. Well owners can select from a list of approved environmental laboratories in Oregon that will honor the vouchers for testing services. The tests will look for presence of bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, lead and chemicals that are hazardous byproducts of fire.

For general information and resources for drinking water supply recovery, visit Oregon’s Wildfire Response webpage. For information, questions, or concerns contact the Potable Water Resources Task Force at e.info@state.or.us">fire.info@state.or.us.

# # #

You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, call 971-719-1183 or email language@oem.or.us. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.

May 7, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us" target="_blank">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 844 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 8 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are eight new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,522, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 844 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 189,986.

Dr. Sidelinger highlights COVID-19 trends  

Today, Dr. Dean Sidelinger, State Health Officer and State Epidemiologist, recorded a brief video segment updating the COVID-19 situation in Oregon. Confronted with new and highly transmissible variants, he is calling on all eligible Oregonians to get vaccinated. You can watch the full recording here.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 54,747 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 31,750 doses were administered on May 6 and 22,987 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on May 6.

The seven-day running average is now 32,741 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered a total of 1,744,936 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,363,623 first and second doses of Moderna and 103,960 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. As of today, 1,385,116 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series. There are 1,927,021 who have had at least one dose.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 2,082,015 doses of Pfizer, 1,706,980 doses of Moderna and 246,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

OHA's dashboards provide regularly updated vaccination data, and Oregon’s dashboard has been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 324, which is four fewer than yesterday. There are 90 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is unchanged from yesterday.

The total number of COVID-19 positive patient bed-days in the most recent seven days is 2,354, which is a 5.5% increase from the previous seven days. The peak daily number of beds occupied by COVID-19 positive patients in the most recent seven days is 351.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (2), Benton (16), Clackamas (104), Clatsop (3), Columbia (10), Coos (4), Crook (12), Deschutes (87), Douglas (11), Gilliam (1), Grant (5), Harney (3), Hood River (4), Jackson (36), Jefferson (12), Josephine (7), KIamath (42), Lake (1), Lane (71), Lincoln (2), Linn (44), Malheur (1), Marion (80), Morrow (1), Multnomah (146), Polk (12), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (10), Union (4), Wasco (2), Washington (94), Wheeler (2) and Yamhill (14).

Oregon’s 2,515th death is a 74-year-old man from Coos County who tested positive on April 11 and died on May 6. Location of death is unknown. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,516th death is an 89-year-old man from Grant County who tested positive on April 12 and died on May 5 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,517th death is a 60-year-old man from Jackson County who tested positive on April 10 and died on May 5 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,518th death is a 57-year-old man from Marion County who tested positive on April 18 and died on May 2 at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,519th death is an 84-year-old woman from Multnomah County who tested positive on April 19 and died on April 26 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,520th death is an 87-year-old man from Multnomah County who tested positive on April 19 and died on April 21 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,521st death is a 100-year-old woman from Multnomah County who tested positive on April 30 and died on May 6 at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 2,522nd death is a 57-year-old man from Jefferson County who tested positive on April 9 and died on May 6 at St. Charles Madras Hospital. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations? 

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English?or?Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

Umpqua’s human digital banking approach met customers’ need for personal, accessible banking during period of financial disruption

PORTLAND, Ore., (May 7, 2021)—Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: UMPQ), has been named the top bank in the Northwest region for customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction StudySM. The bank was among 13 U.S. financial institutions to earn a top regional ranking in the study, which highlights banks’ efforts to support customers during the pandemic.

According to Umpqua CEO Cort O’Haver, Umpqua’s human digital banking strategy uniquely prepared the bank to help customers stay personally connected to their money and their banker, particularly at the height of the pandemic’s economic and financial disruption.

“Our number one ambition at Umpqua is to be there for our customers in good times and bad. So being ranked as the top bank in our region in customer satisfaction means a lot, particularly after the extraordinary disruption of the past year,” said O’Haver. “This recognition is above all a credit to our retail associates who’ve gone the extra mile for customers. It also reflects the value of our human digital approach, which is focused on providing customers access to smart, personalized service from a financial partner they know and trust.”

In 2018, the bank launched Umpqua Go-ToTM, the industry’s first human digital banking platform, which leverages technology to empower and scale deeper customer relationships. Go-To enables every customer – at no cost and regardless of account size – the ability to choose their own personal banker devoted to their financial needs. Through a secure chat platform, customers can connect with their personal banker in real time to resolve issues, ask questions directly, and get financial counsel. Go-To enrollment and use spiked more than 30 percent following the onset of the pandemic when customers needed urgent financial support.

Earning J.D. Power’s top ranking is the latest accolade Umpqua has received and reflects the value of its human digital strategy. In 2019, Umpqua earned a Celent Model Bank of the Year Award for customer engagement. The bank was also named the Best Community Bank, USA 2020 by Capital Finance International for its support of more than 17,000 businesses during the first round of the federal Paycheck Protection Program.

About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank, headquartered in Roseburg, Ore., is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation, and has locations across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada. Umpqua Bank has been recognized for its innovative customer experience and banking strategy by national publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, BusinessWeek, Fast Company and CNBC. The company has been recognized for eight years in a row on FORTUNE magazine's list of the country's "100 Best Companies to Work For," and was recently named by The Portland Business Journal the Most Admired Financial Services Company in Oregon for the sixteenth consecutive year. In addition to its retail banking presence, Umpqua Bank also owns Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc., a nationally recognized commercial finance company that provides equipment leases to businesses.

ABOUT J.D. POWER
J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies.

J.D. Power is headquartered in Troy, Mich., and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com.

INCIDENT DATE AND TIME:  May 9th thru May 15th, 2021

REPORTING DEPUTY:        Sheriff Dave Daniel

DETAILS:

This year National Police Week is May 9th thru May 15th, 2021.  Every year during this time, ceremonies are held to honor fallen Officers. While we would like to host a ceremony at the Josephine County Courthouse as we have historically done, due to Covid-19 concerns that event has been canceled.  It is however, very important that we remember and honor those members of our law enforcement family who paid the ultimate sacrifice in performance of their duties.

Law Enforcement Officers Killed While Serving Josephine County

Oregon State Police

Trooper Burrell Baucom died July 1, 1933 when he was shot and killed on N. Pacific Hwy. by two suspects operating a stolen motor vehicle. Subsequent to Trooper Baucom's death, a monument was placed at that location in his memory and the highway was named Monument Drive. The monument has since been moved to the northbound Manzanita rest area.

Josephine County Sheriff's Office

Emmett J. Blackmun, Captain of Search and Rescue, was killed coming home from a search on Deer Creek Road on September 24, 1968. His pickup truck went over an embankment. He was killed in the crash.

Alice Moran, a Corrections Deputy, died in an airplane crash on November 17, 1971. As a recently hired matron for the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, she was transporting witnesses from Salem to testify in a local criminal case. The airplane crashed on the western slope of Walker Mountain, which is located three miles northeast of Grants Pass, Oregon.

Glenn Allen, a Corrections Deputy, died in an airplane crash on November 17, 1971. Deputy Glenn Allen, a corrections deputy for 3 years, was transporting witnesses from Salem to testify in a local criminal case. The airplane crashed on the western slope of Walker Mountain which is located three miles northeast of Grants Pass, Oregon.

Marvin R. Brewster, Sergeant, died early on the evening of April 21, 1972. Sergeant Brewster's vehicle collided with a log truck near Murphy, Oregon. Sergeant Brewster died at the scene of the accident. He was serving as a resident deputy in the Williams area. He was a six year veteran with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office.

Tom Rice, Deputy, Marine Patrol, died in a helicopter crash on May 23, 2002. Deputy Rice was a passenger in a helicopter that was searching the Rogue River for a missing woman. The helicopter hit a cable that crossed the river, causing the death of Deputy Rice and the pilot. Deputy Rice was a nine year veteran of the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

It is with great sadness we lost these incredible men and women.  It is an honor to stand in their place and continue their mission of providing safety and security to the citizens of Josephine County and those who visit.  God bless all of our public safety professionals and Godspeed to those we lost. 

Salem, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Forestry is inviting public comment on planned projects, timber sales and other management activities in state-owned forests for fiscal year 2022. These plans lay out the on-the-ground activities expected to take place in the coming fiscal year, such as timber harvests, reforestation, and trail improvements.

Starting Friday, May 7 through Monday, June 21, Oregonians can weigh in on the draft annual operations plans for state forests in the Astoria, Forest Grove, Klamath-Lake, Tillamook, West Oregon, and Western Lane Districts, which includes the Tillamook, Clatsop, Sun Pass and Gilchrist state forests. Draft plans are available at: https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Working/Pages/StateForests.aspx. 

 ODF is offering several convenient avenues for those who want to provide input on the draft plans:

• An online survey can be found at https://forms.gle/TEqVxgGJ7HkutRSb9
• Online comments are also received through ODF’s comments page: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/recreation/pages/comment.aspx
• Comments can be emailed to odf.sfcomments@oregon.gov
• Comments can also be mailed to ODF Public Affairs, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310.

By law, state forests must provide economic, environmental, and social benefits to Oregonians. These lands are managed to create healthy, productive forests that provide high-quality habitat, clean water, revenues for rural communities, and recreation opportunities. Overall management policies and goals are established in long-range forest management and implementation plans. Annual operations plans describe activities to achieve the policies and goals laid out in those longer-range plans. Activities that affect fish and wildlife habitat are reviewed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, while operations that may affect threatened and endangered fish and wildlife habitat are shared with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Common activities included in an Annual Operations Plan include:

• Timber harvest operations
• Recreation improvement and maintenance projects
• Forest road construction, maintenance, and improvements
• Reforestation/replanting and young stand management activities
• Habitat improvement for native species
• Invasive species management

The most useful input speaks to these specific activities and whether they are consistent with longer-range plans, offers suggestions to improve efficiency or effectiveness, corrects errors, provides additional information, and is solution-oriented, understanding that state forests are working forests and by law must provide a variety of economic, environmental, and social benefits.

A public comment process on planned projects, timber sales, and other management activities on the North Cascades District for fiscal year 2022, including extensive restoration efforts on the Santiam State Forest, will be conducted separately.

Implementation of the Prohibited Camping Ordinance began on Monday, May 3 as officers posted a 72-hour notice at seven campsites along the Bear Creek Greenway.

The Medford Livability Team focused on the area around I-5, near exit 30. This area was targeted due to the heavy vegetation causing a fire risk and was the site of two recent homicides.

The 72 hour timeframe was spent funneling resources to individuals at the identified campsite.

By Thursday morning, each of those individuals had accepted transitional shelter options, or made other arrangements. The Livability Team provided transportation of people and their belongings to their new arrangements, as needed. No enforcement action was taken.

With the assistance of the Medford Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works, ODOT, and Rogue Retreat Clean Sweeps, the area was cleaned up as close to its original condition as possible. Sixty yards of trash and debris were removed, utilizing dumpsters donated by Rogue Disposal.

“We’re happy we could connect individuals to services and address the fire and public safety concerns along this area of the Greenway,” said Scott Clauson, Chief of Police. “I want to reiterate that this process will take weeks, most likely months, as we continue to work to connect campers with services and clean the Greenway up.”

Medford Police Livability Team and our partners will continue these efforts along the greenway, with the goal of connecting individuals to resources, cleaning up the area, and reducing fire danger.

Background: The Medford City Council voted to approve the Prohibited Camping Ordinance on Friday, April 2. The ordinance provides clear time, place and manner regulations regarding sleeping or camping outside. Click here for more details on the prohibited camping ordinance.

May 6, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us" target="_blank">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 763 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 5 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are five new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,514, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 763 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 189,162.

OHA releases latest monthly update on breakthrough cases

Oregon Health Authority has identified 611 COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases through May 3, including eight deaths. The number of vaccine breakthrough cases identified in Oregon remains very small when compared to the more than 1.3 million people who have completed their vaccine series against COVID-19.

Vaccine breakthrough cases are defined as instances in which an individual received a positive COVID-19 test result at least 14 days after the completion of any COVID-19 vaccine series.

OHA is not reporting the regions in which the deaths took place. Of the 611 reported vaccine breakthrough cases, 14% (n=89) were observed in individuals who reside in long term care facilities or other congregate care settings.

OHA is now providing updates on breakthrough cases the first Thursday of each month. The current report for May 2021 can be found here.

No media briefing Friday; Dr. Sidelinger to provide video overview  

There will not be a weekly news conference tomorrow but there will be a news conference next week. A short video will be provided via a link in tomorrow’s daily news release to our media colleagues.

Dr. Dean Sidelinger will give an overview of current COVID-19 cases and recent trends in Oregon.

Oregon counties have new indoor capacity limits for indoor recreation and indoor entertainment

Under the direction of Governor Brown, indoor capacity limits in moderate- and high-risk levels are now updated for indoor recreation and fitness and indoor entertainment for Oregon counties. As of Wednesday, May 5, indoor entertainment establishments and indoor recreation and fitness establishments in all Oregon counties may allow the following:

• Moderate risk: Maximum 20% occupancy or 100 people total, whichever is larger
• High risk: Maximum 10% occupancy or 50 people total, whichever is larger

Lower and extreme risk capacity limits for these sectors remain the same.

To view the updated capacity limits, please refer to the Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 36,259 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 23,539 doses were administered on May 5 and 12,720 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on May 5.

The 7-day running average is now 30,909 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered a total of 1,706,865 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,349,096 first and second doses of Moderna and 101,923 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. As of today, 1,353,250 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series. There are 1,902,244 who have had at least one dose.

Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).

To date, 2,062,125 doses of Pfizer, 1,692,720 doses of Moderna and 242,800 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

OHA's dashboards provide regularly updated vaccination data, and Oregon’s dashboard has been updated today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 328, which is two fewer than yesterday. There are 90 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is seven more than yesterday.

The total number of COVID-19 positive patient bed-days in the most recent seven days is 2,364, which is an 8.7% increase from the previous seven days. The peak daily number of beds occupied by COVID-19 positive patients in the most recent seven days is 351.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (12), Benton (14), Clackamas (38), Clatsop (3), Columbia (9), Coos (3), Crook (14), Curry (4), Deschutes (95), Douglas (13), Grant (3), Harney (1), Hood River (2), Jackson (38), Jefferson (4), Josephine (9), KIamath (31), Lake (1), Lane (70), Lincoln (2), Linn (42), Malheur (5), Marion (72), Morrow (1), Multnomah (115), Polk (20), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (9), Union (1), Wallowa (2), Wasco (2), Washington (107) and Yamhill (20).

Oregon’s 2,510th death is a 69-year-old woman from Josephine County who tested positive on April 4 and died on April 30 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,511th death is a 91-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive on April 28 and died on May 4 at Providence Medford Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,512th death is a 50-year-old man from Klamath County who tested positive on April 20 and died on May 4 at Sky Lakes Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 2,513rd death is a 63-year-old man from Linn County who tested positive on April 15 and died on May 3 at Salem Hospital. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 2,514th death is a 68-year-old man from Marion County who tested positive on April 20 and died on May 4 at Salem Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Reaching people where they are?

Some of our neighbors may find it challenging to get to a COVID-19 vaccine clinic.?Folks who live in?remote areas. People who can’t get time off work. Individuals who are houseless.?To reach people where they are, local public health workers are getting creative.??

Neva Anderson is an emergency manager and recently led an effort to get truck drivers vaccinated?in?Linn County?where she works.?Commercial?truck drivers?often work long hours and can travel hundreds of miles a day. To make?COVID-19 vaccinations for truck drivers as easy as possible, Anderson’s team visited two truck stops in Linn County,?Loves?in Albany and?Pioneer Villa Truck Plaza?in Halsey,?where they vaccinated 68 drivers on April 9.?Picture of clinic atttached. 

Anderson is also partnering with?Gates Community Church of Christ?in Gates?to make sure folks in that community have convenient access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Anderson said, “Wildfires?devasted the area last year and the church opened its doors to help?coordinate supplies for?people?who lost their homes?and needed the basics to get by, like food and shelter.?Now we are collaborating with them again?so we can provide outreach clinics to folks in the canyon.” That includes vaccinating people at local food banks as they pick up their groceries.??To make?COVID-19 vaccinations for truck drivers as easy as possible, Anderson’s team visited two truck stops in Linn County

Volunteers from the?Linn County Medical Reserve Corp,?Linn County?staff and?Albany Fire Department?emergency personnel are helping with these?vaccination efforts.?

All over the state people are finding creative ways to make the COVID-19 vaccine available. Here are some upcoming clinics:?

Heart of Hospice is holding a drop-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic at The Dalles Senior Center,1112 W 9th Street in The Dalles. The clinic is today, Thursday, May 6 from?5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be used. The event is open to anyone and no insurance is required.

Golden Dawn Clinic offers an ongoing COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Portland at 8035 SE Holgate Blvd. They are open Mon-Sat from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call 503-788-9378 to schedule an appointment.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations? 

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our webpage (English?or?Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

May 6, 2021  

Remake Learning Days Across America (RLDAA) returns this spring in 17+ regions, launching more than 700+ innovative learning events to engage caregivers, parents and kids around the country.

Oregon's network of regional STEM Hubs will host more than 100 event during this learning festival between May 8 and 16, 2021. These events are designed for parents and caregivers to learn alongside their kids and offer relevant and engaging educational experiences for youth of all ages (pre-K through high school). The majority of events are free and are offered virtually, in-person or in hybrid models. 

Oregon’s festival of events will capture the themes of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math and more and include in-person and virtual events such as:

• KATU Innovation Challenge - Student Finalist Pitches (Virtual) 

https://remakelearningdays.org/event/katu-innovation-challenge-student-finalist-pitches/

• Oregon Connection Industry Chat - Visit a Wildlife Safari! (Virtual) 

https://remakelearningdays.org/event/virtual-visit-to…life-safari-copy/ 

• Glendale Community Library - STEAM Week at the Library! (In-Person)

 https://remakelearningdays.org/event/steam-week-at-th…re-stem-thinking/ ‎

Find a complete list of events and registration information here 

• Public Events - https://remakelearningdays.org/oregon/

• Public and Private Events - https://stemoregon.org/stemweek2021/

Oregon’s regional STEM Hubs create equitable access to real-world STEM experiences for learners across Oregon, igniting students’ passion for STEM.  Oregon’s STEM Hub network was honored as a Learning Forerunner in education by Finland’s HundrED.org in 202.

Remake Learning Days Across America is led by Remake Learning (RL), a network that ignites engaging, relevant, and equitable learning practices in support of young people navigating rapid social and technological change. National partners of RLDAA include PBS Kids, Digital Promise, Common Sense Media, Learning Heroes and Noggin. RLDAA is generously supported by The Grable Foundation, The Hewlett Foundation, Schmidt Futures, Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Ford Foundation. Visit remakelearning.org for more information or follow RL on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For more information specifically on Remake Learning Days Across America, visit remakelearningdays.org or follow RLDAA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and the hashtag #RemakeDays. 

The deadline to file state and federal personal income tax returns—May 17—is approaching, and the Oregon Department of Revenue estimates it will receive more than half a million more returns between now and then.

At least 1.5 million Oregonians have already filed their state personal income tax returns. The department is expecting about 2.2 million returns this year.

While most returns are processed without issue, there are a number of reasons returns may get flagged for additional review, including miscalculations on the return, misapplied payments, or missing documentation. Some of these can be corrected automatically, but others may require a request for more information or validation of the information by a staff member.

If your return ends up in manual review status, the best thing taxpayers can do is respond to any requests from the department as quickly as possible. Generally, taxpayers will receive letters requesting additional or missing documentation or asking them to take an identity verification quiz.

Do you owe taxes?

Those who owe taxes must make their payments by the same due date as their return, May 17. Some taxpayers are granted filing extensions, which means their returns aren’t due until October 15. However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay. Interest on taxes due starts accumulating the day after the return is due.

To make a payment:

Online: Make or schedule electronic payments from your bank account or by credit or debit card through Revenue Online at www.oregon.gov/dor.

In person: The department’s field offices can no longer accept cash, but they do still accept payments by check, money order, or credit or debit card by appointment. Cash payments are only accepted at the department’s main office in Salem. Appointments can be scheduled using the department’s self-service tool on the Contact Us page of Revenue’s website.

By mail: If you’re mailing your payment separate from your return, be sure to include a payment voucher so it can be appropriately credited. Visit www.oregon.gov/dor/forms for a blank personal income tax payment voucher (OR-40-V). The department’s website also has a list of mailing addresses for personal income tax payments. To avoid penalty and interest, your payment must be postmarked by May 17.

If you can’t pay your taxes, please contact the department as soon as possible. Based on your financial situation, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Do you still need to file your return?

File electronically. E-filing is the fastest way to get your tax refund. Taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.

Free e-filing. All Oregon taxpayers preparing their own returns can file electronically at no cost using Oregon’s free fillable forms. There are many other free or low-cost preparation options available for both federal and Oregon tax returns. Some software companies offer free software use and e-filing for eligible taxpayers. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.

Earned Income Tax Credit. You may be missing out on a bigger refund if you’re not claiming the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Eligibility information is available at www.irs.gov/eitc. Taxpayers who are eligible for the EITC can also claim Oregon’s Earned Income Credit (EIC).

Unemployment exclusion. Unemployment benefits are generally treated as income for tax purposes. The American Rescue Plan enacted on March 11, 2021 allows individuals with modified Adjusted Gross Income of less than $150,000 to exclude up to $10,200 in unemployment benefits at the federal level, which Oregon follows. For taxpayers who already filed before the law was enacted, Oregon is adjusting these returns for the exclusion. If you are one of these taxpayers and have not received a refund or a notice of adjustment by the end of May, please contact the department.

The Department of Revenue continues to expand features available through Revenue Online. Individuals can view letters sent to them by the department, initiate appeals, make payments, and submit questions. Visit Revenue Online to learn more.

To get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make payments, visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. You can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls.

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METHODOLOGY

From April 1-6, 2021, the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center conducted a statewide survey of Oregonians’ values and beliefs, including how they feel about current economic conditions statewide and in their community. The online survey consisted of 600 Oregon residents ages 18+ and took approximately 15 minutes to complete. This survey’s margin of error, for the full sample, ranges from ±2.4% to ±4.0%. The question numbers in this document correspond with the survey questionnaire (Q1-Q4).

KEY FINDINGS

• Three in ten rate economic conditions in Oregon as excellent (3%) or good (27%). Seven in ten says conditions are only fair (46%) or poor (22%). This is an improvement from a September 2020 DHM Panel survey, when only two in ten rated conditions as excellent (2%) or good (19%). Oregonians making more than $100K per year are more likely to think conditions are excellent or good than those making less (42% vs. 28%) (Q1).
   
• Oregonians are more likely to think economic conditions in the state are getting worse (34%) than better (22%), while a plurality (39%) feel conditions are staying about the same. However, this is an improvement from September 2020, when only 9% said conditions were getting better (a 13-point jump) and 46% said conditions were getting worse (Q2).
   
• Oregonians’ ratings of the economic conditions in their community are nearly identical to their ratings of conditions statewide, with three in ten saying excellent (3%) or good (29%), and roughly seven in ten saying they are only fair (44%) or poor (21%). Again, perceptions of local economic conditions improve with higher incomes, with those making more than $100K per year almost twice as likely to say conditions are excellent or good than those making less than $50K (45% vs. 27%) (Q3).
   
• Similar to their view of the trajectory of economic conditions statewide, Oregonians are more likely to think conditions in their community are getting worse (29%) than better (19%), and a plurality (47%) say things are staying about the same. The belief that conditions are getting better increases with higher income and education levels (Q4).

DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS

“Identifying what unites us and understanding what divides us.”

• Oregonians of color and whites rate economic conditions as excellent/good in Oregon and in their communities at roughly equal levels (Oregon: 30% vs. 32%; communities: 32% vs. 35%). However, when it comes to the trajectory of those economic conditions, Oregonians of color are more likely than whites to say conditions are getting worse (Oregon: 33% vs. 39%; communities: 28% vs. 35%)(Q1-Q4).
   
• For all these economic ratings, urban Oregonians provide higher positive scores than their rural counterparts. Urbanites are twice as likely to rate economic conditions in Oregon as excellent/good (36% vs. 18%) and are twice as likely to say conditions in Oregon are getting better (31% vs. 16%). Also, urbanites are three times more likely to say conditions in their community are getting better than rural residents (27% vs. 9%) (Q1-Q4).   

For additional information, please see attached annotated questionnaire and crosstabs, blog post here, and/or contact the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland has returned an indictment charging a Beaverton, Oregon, woman with arson after she allegedly set fire to the Portland Police Association building during a riot on April 13, 2021.

Alma Raven-Guido, 19, has been charged with one count of arson.

According to the indictment, Raven-Guido maliciously damaged the Portland Police Association building on North Lombard Street in Portland with fire.

Raven-Guido was arrested without incident by the FBI on May 5, 2021, and made her initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending further court proceedings.

Arson is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years.

Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau with assistance from the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig Gabriel and Jaclyn Jenkins are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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EUGENE, Ore.— A Chinese national residing in Los Angeles pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to purchase hundreds of endangered and vulnerable turtles in the U.S. and smuggle them via U.S. mail and commercial airline flights to China.

Yuan Xie, 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiring to smuggle goods from the U.S.

According to court documents, beginning in at least May 2017 and continuing until October 2018, Xie conspired with another Chinese national, Xiao Dong Qin, 35, of Shanghai, China, to purchase more than 769 live turtles from reptile dealers in Alabama, California, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, and South Carolina. All of the turtles purchased and smuggled by Xie are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

A two-year investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) revealed that in an 18-month period, Xie facilitated the purchase and transportation of approximately 134 Florida box turtles, 178 eastern box turtles, 127 North American wood turtles, 220 spotted turtles, 77 diamondback terrapins, 25 three-toed box turtles, seven yellow-blotched map turtles, and one Blanding’s turtle from his former residence in Eugene, Oregon. USFWS investigators determined the cost of the turtles involved in this investigation exceeded $150,000 and estimated the market value was more than double that amount in the Chinese pet trade.

In November 2018, Xie was arrested by USFWS agents at his residence in Los Angeles.

Xie faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 12, 2021 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.

As part of the plea agreement, Xie has agreed to pay $2,233 in restitution to a rehabilitation facility near Chicago and The Turtle Conservancy near Los Angeles for costs associated with the care of turtles intercepted by law enforcement.

Qin was sentenced on February 27, 2020 to two years’ probation and paid nearly $8,000 in restitution.

This case was investigated by USFWS with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Pamela Paaso, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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Medford, Ore. – May 6 2021 – Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) today announced that the Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Jackson County, Dee Anne Everson, joins the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Ms. Everson replaces outgoing Board member, Sue Naumes, and follows in the footsteps of Lyn Hennion, Bill Thorndike and other community leaders in representing Southern Oregon. She brings expertise in economics, finance, leadership and nonprofit administration.

“Dee Anne Everson will be a terrific addition to the Board, and we are delighted that she is joining us in support of the important work ahead to advance opportunities for all Oregonians,” says Kimberly Cooper, Chair, OCF Board of Directors. “Her expertise and experiences in generating community-led solutions inspired and funded by generous Oregonians align perfectly with OCF’s vision, mission and values, and will help create significant impact as we continue to come together to address the challenges and opportunities facing our communities.”

Ms. Cooper went on to recognize outgoing leader, Sue Naumes. “In this new role, Dee Anne Everson stands on the shoulders of other Southern Oregon giants who preceded her, building on the most recent success of outgoing Board member and immediate-past Board Chair Sue Naumes, whose outsized contributions to the State will be long-remembered. We are immensely grateful to Ms. Naumes for her leadership and dedication to OCF and to Oregonians these many years, and although she will be missed on the Board, she will always remain part of OCF’s extended family. It’s been such a pleasure serving together in support of the greater good.”

Ms. Everson officially joins the OCF Board of Directors today, May 6, 2021, following unanimous Board approval at her first OCF Board meeting. “It is remarkably humbling to help represent Oregon, and particularly Southern Oregon, as a part of OCF’s Board,” says Dee Anne Everson. “I am committed personally and professionally to improving the quality of life for all of us.  And, we can do this.  We’re Oregonians.” Ms. Everson will Chair OCF’s Southern Oregon Leadership Council, as well as serve on the Board’s Community Engagement Committee, and the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Ms. Everson also serves on United Ways of the Pacific Northwest Board of Directors, Jackson County Juvenile Justice Committee, Jackson County Threat Assessment Committee and other committees and boards.

“For the past twenty-five years Dee Anne Everson has devoted herself to making Southern Oregon a better place to live, work and play.  She is widely recognized as a change-maker and has earned the respect, trust and affection of her community,” says Amy Cuddy, Philanthropic Adviser and OCF’s Regional Director for Southern Oregon. “Dee Anne’s deep knowledge of the challenges that communities face and her optimistic approach to meeting those challenges will serve OCF and all of Oregon well.”

Ms. Everson was appointed as CEO in 1997, and under her leadership, United Way of Jackson County launched the Day of Caring, Women Living Leadership, the Meth Task Force, Child Abuse Network, the BIG IDEA (100% high school completion for the Class of 2020),  and In This Together, a Southern Oregon suicide prevention campaign.

Ms. Everson has been recognized by Oregon Business Magazine as one of Oregon’s 50 great leaders and was named the Nonprofit Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award from the Medford/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. She lives in Ashland, Oregon.

About Oregon Community Foundation

Oregon Community Foundation puts donated money to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships annually. Since 1973, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful giving–time, talent, and resources from many generous Oregonians–creates measurable change. For more information about OCF, please visit: oregoncf.org.

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Last year, Grants Pass Police personnel responded to more than 34,000 requests for assistance— everything from disturbances and criminal investigations to mental health crisis interventions and animal complaints. To maintain a consistent and professional response, the department relies on comprehensive, up-to-date policies.

Recently, the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety was recognized by the Lexipol Connect program for achieving Gold level for consistently and effectively disseminating policies to officers, issuing timely policy updates as laws change, and ensuring officers are trained on policies. Lexipol is the nation’s leading content, policy, and training platform for public safety agencies; the Connect program tracks GPDPS performance on five metrics proven to measure success in policy management.

"Our commitment to internal oversight highlights a sincere desire to build community trust and nurture police legitimacy. Policy - and regularly training on policy - is crucial to the success of the department. We are proud to be recognized by Lexipol Connect for continuously improving professionalism and safety," says Chief Warren Hensman. 

The Department of Public Safety’s excellence in policy and policy training enhances community safety by ensuring consistent, effective response based on national best practices.

For more information, visit www.grantspassoregon.gov or www.lexipol.com.

Pacific Power announces new grants to support Southern Oregon and Northern California communities this spring

Grants were awarded to food security, safety and wellness initiatives aimed at strengthening the region as the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuilding from the Labor Day Storm continues

MEDFORD, Ore. (May 6, 2021) — Even as COVID-19 vaccines roll out across the country, many communities are still facing challenges from the pandemic and the organizations that support them are still seeing unprecedented demand. For organizations that are also supporting the rebuilding efforts from last year’s Labor Day Storm, the demand is even greater.

In spite of the odds, local programs that address critical issues such as food insecurity, homelessness, domestic violence, child abuse, elder issues, mental health and community safety have continued to find creative new ways to deliver help quickly and safely, even while facing additional budget constraints.

As part of the company’s commitment to supporting its communities, PacifiCorp Foundation, a nonprofit arm of Pacific Power, is donating more than $525,000 across the six states it serves. The funding goes to support a total of 209 safety and wellness grants as part of the most recent round of quarterly grants provided by the foundation each year. The next grant cycle is now open through June 15; organizations may apply online.

“We celebrate these heroic organizations that have continued to reinvent and reimagine ways they can help our communities’ most vulnerable,” said Christina Kruger, Pacific Power regional business manager for Medford. “Although we see brighter days ahead, Pacific Power remains deeply committed to supporting the work of these organizations, helping to fortify our communities, so they are strong and resilient.”

The following grants were given to Southern Oregon and Northern California organizations providing critical safety and wellness programs:

• Asante Foundation for the purchase of clothes washers and dryers and new linens for the Francis Cheney Family Place, a guest residence for out-of-town patients and family members who are receiving care at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center.
• Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern Oregon to provide credit counseling to low-income residents to help them overcome poverty.
• Friends of the Children of the Klamath Basin for essential mentoring services for at-risk children during the pandemic to help them become strong, resilient community members.
• Great Northern Services for helping supply free summer lunch services for children in disadvantaged communities throughout Siskiyou County.
• Hornbrook Community Association for ADA restroom improvements as they rebuild a community space after the area was devasted during a wildfire.
• Illinois Valley Family Coalition to help maintain essential services, including emergency food boxes, for this community that has been affected by the pandemic and wildfires. 
• Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center for supplying nutritional support to seniors through Meals-on-Wheels and critical transportation services.
• Klamath KID Center for a new hot water heater for this facility that has provided essential daycare services for the area, even during the pandemic.
• Pregnancy Hope Center to initiate a car-seat program and a safe-sleep program for low-income families to help reduce Klamath County’s high infant mortality rate.
• Siskiyou Family YMCA to help renovate and refurbish the gymnasium that, in addition to providing a space for recreation, also serves as space for community events and a childcare program for frontline workers.
• Sky Lakes Medical Center’s Klamath-Lakes CARES program for crisis response to at-risk children, especially during COVID-19 restrictions.
• St. Martin’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry for purchase of a generator and food supplies so the pantry can continue to help families and individuals in Jackson County who are struggling with food insecurity.
• Upper Rogue Community Center for an emergency backup generator for the center which serves as an emergency Red Cross disaster shelter for the Shady Cove area in Jackson County.
• Wilderness Trails to provide camping experiences to help the health and well-being of at-risk and foster youth from Southern Oregon.

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About the Pacific Power Foundation:

The Pacific Power Foundation is part of the PacifiCorp Foundation, one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The foundation was created in 1988 by PacifiCorp, an electric utility serving 2 million customers in six western states as Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California) and Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/foundation.

On May 5, 2021, OSP and emergency personnel responded to a report of a motorcycle crash on SR 206 near MP 6 in Sherman County.  Investigation showed the motorcycle operator, identified as James Nordrum (51) out of Minnesota, was northbound when he failed to negotiate a curve and went off a small embankment.  Lifesaving efforts were attempted by bystanders and emergency personnel.  The operator was pronounced deceased at the scene.

OSP was assisted by Sherman County Sheriff’s Office,   North Sherman Fire & Rescue, Moro Fire & Rescue, Sherman County ambulance and  Life Flight.

State Interoperability Executive Council

The State Interoperability Executive Council (SIEC) will meet Tuesday, May 11, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. The meeting will take place via teleconference. The meeting is open to the public and comments will be taken from those attending via audioconference.

The agenda and handouts are posted on the council’s website. Instructions for those who wish to attend over the phone are outlined in the meeting agenda.

What:      State Interoperability Executive Council 

When:    Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Where:  Via Teleconference

                  Microsoft Teams Link

Audio Call In: 503-446-4951

Pin: 661 692 803#

Who:       Members of the State Interoperability Executive Council 

The SIEC was created under the State Chief Information Officer to be the statewide interoperability governing body and to serve as the primary steering group for the Oregon Statewide Interoperability Communications Plan (SCIP). The SIEC’s mission is to develop and maintain the SCIP, develop recommendations and guidelines for policy, identify technology and standards, and coordinate intergovernmental resources to facilitate statewide public safety communications interoperability.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION OF DISABILITIES – Reasonable accommodations, such as assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters and materials in large print or audiotape, will be provided as needed. In order to ensure availability, please contact Calloway Erickson at the Office of the State Chief Information Office at telephone 503-378-3175, or email calloway.erickson@oregon.gov at least 72 hours prior to the meeting with your request.

May 5, 2021

BEND, Ore. — The Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) is offering $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest or citation in the case of three elk that were poached west of Bend on or about Oct. 28, 2020.

In early April, OHA Bend, Redmond, Capitol, Josephine, and Mid-Columbia chapters, along with several private donors, pooled resources to increase the reward amount to $6500.  Additional private donations and an infusion of $1,000 from the OHA State Board last week raised the total to $10,000. Several thousand dollars of the reward was donated to OHA by non-hunters who are equally enraged.

OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers located the cow elk carcass on Oct. 30 after a hunter scouting the Dry Canyon area east of Sisters reported it to the Turn In Poachers (TIP) Line. Troopers then discovered a large bull elk carcass nearby.  The bull elk’s head had been removed as a trophy. Although bull elk were in season at the time, it is a crime to leave carcasses to waste.

Two days later, on Nov. 1, a hunter reported the carcass of a one-year-old male spike elk about 40 yards from where the cow had been found. Based on decomposition, all three animals were shot at or near the same time, and certainly the same day according to OSP F&W Senior Trooper Creed Cummings, who processed the scene.

OHA Vice President Steve Hagan, who oversees the TIP rewards program for the organization, describes the case as upsetting.

“This case has generated outrage in Central Oregon,” he said. “This happened a while back, but we haven’t forgotten about it. Hopefully, this increased reward will help generate leads towards a resolution to this case."

Oregon’s Stop Poaching campaign coordinator Yvonne Shaw agrees. “This is a blatant waste of Oregonians’ natural resources,” she said, “Not only have these animals been removed from legal hunting in season, but they have also been removed from chance encounters with hikers, photographers, and others who appreciate the opportunity to experience wildlife. Poachers take from all of us.”

All three elk were most likely shot on the opening day of the East Central Cascade elk season which ran Oct. 28 through Nov. 1, 2020. Instead of the cash reward, a caller to the TIP Line could opt for six hunter preference points if their report leads to a citation. OSP Troopers would like anyone in the area who heard shots at night or noticed anything unusual on the opening day of the season to call the TIP Line at 1-800-452-7888 or by cell OSP (677) or by email TIP@osp.oregon.gov.

Stop Poaching Campaign
The Stop Poaching Campaign educates the public on how to recognize and report poaching. This campaign is a collaboration among hunters, conservationists, landowners, and recreationists. Our goal is to increase reporting of wildlife crimes through the TIP Line, increase detection by increasing the number of OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers and increase prosecution. The Oregon Hunters Association manages TIP Line reward funds. This campaign helps to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitat for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Contact campaign coordinator Yvonne Shaw for more information. Yvonne.l.Shaw@odfw.oregon.gov.

(Salem) – Governor Kate Brown has proclaimed May 2021 to be Foster Care Month in Oregon.

The theme this year is “Foster Care can Strengthen the Whole Family.”

Foster Care Month is a time to recognize how foster care supports and strengthens families, to honor the experiences of the children and young people in foster care, and to show gratitude for the contribution that resource families make to the well-being and safety of children and families throughout Oregon.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, believes that foster care should always be the last possible and temporary option for a child and family when there is a child safety concern. The trauma inflicted on a family by separating them during needs to be carefully considered. If foster care is necessary, reunification should be the primary goal.

In Oregon, there are 5,975 children in foster care and thousands of resource families who step up to support them and their families.

Resource families, formerly called foster families or foster parents in Oregon, are affirming and supportive to both the child and their family. Resource families ensure cultural and community connections for children and young adults. They work hard to partner with families to offset the tremendous grief and loss children and young adults experiencing foster care may have. They are partners in achieving the best possible outcomes for families while providing for the safety, health and well-being of the children and young people they’re committed to caring for in their home. Resource families in Oregon support family preservation and reunification whenever possible and are also available to provide a permanent and supportive home when needed.

“This month we recognize the lived experiences of the children and families touched by the foster care system,” said Child Welfare Director Rebecca Jones Gaston. “We know that it is traumatic for a child to enter foster care and to a parent when their child enters foster care.  Foster care is intended to be a temporary intervention and not a replacement or punishment for parents. We are incredibly grateful for and appreciate the resource families that have stepped up throughout Oregon to care for and support the children, young people and families who are in crisis. ”

To learn more about becoming a resource parent, contact Every Child at EveryChildOregon.org. The Division partners with Every Child to recruit resource families and support children and families impacted by foster care.

“We are committed to supporting the children and young people in foster care with resource families who support connections to their family, culture and community,” said Director Jones Gaston. “That is why we are asking Oregonians statewide to consider stepping up to become a resource family to care for and support the children, young people and families in their community.”

For those looking for other ways to support the children and families in their communities, Every Child’s MyNeighbOR program is another way to help meet the essential needs of children, families, and young adults impacted by foster care. Learn how to provide support at EveryChildOregon.org.

To learn more about foster care in Oregon visit the Department website.

Local Foster Care Month news and events in Jackson and Josephine Counties include:

May 10 - Virtual Coffeehouse Event

What: Join our parent panel for coffee, virtually, to discuss any questions you may have about being a resource parent.

When: May 10, 2021, 12 – 1 p.m.

Where: Virtually via Zoom

For more information: Email Amy Jacobs at amyj@familynurturingcenter.org

May 19 - Virtual Coffeehouse Event

What: Join our parent panel for coffee, virtually, to discuss any questions you may have about being a resource parent.

When: May 19, 2021, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Virtually via Zoom

For more information: Email Amy Jacobs at amyj@familynurturingcenter.org

About the ODHS Child Welfare Division

The Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division is committed to transforming itself to better support the individual needs of families and to best serve Oregon’s children and young people. Learn more about the Child Welfare Division Vision for Transformation.

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.

Portland, Ore. – May 6, 2021 – Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) today announced Central City Concern (CCC) has been selected to receive a Project Turnkey grant of $7 million for the acquisition and conversion of a 70-room motel located in outer East Portland, Oregon. Project-Turnkey-East Portland will be known as the “CCC Recovery Hotel”. The CCC Recovery Hotel will serve as transitional housing for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and in early stages of recovery regarding substance use and addiction.

"CCC is thrilled to provide this safe, early-stage supportive transitional housing," says Melissa Bishop, CCC's Associate Director of Recovery Housing Programs. “The CCC Recovery Hotel will offer a safe, encouraging environment where residents can begin work on their recovery journeys. We're also especially honored to be serving our Native American community members through our partnership with the Native American Rehabilitation Association."

Referrals for the CCC Recovery Hotel will come from CCC’s substance use and addiction recovery programs, including from CCC’s culturally specific service providers–Puentes and Imani, which serve the Latinx and African American communities. In addition, the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) will provide referrals for up to 15 of the rooms, offering expanded culturally specific recovery housing for Native American community members. This new, transitional housing will provide a compassionate and stable place to those who have struggled with substance use and addiction. 

“NARA is honored and so excited to have this opportunity to serve and to further develop our long-standing partnership with Central City Concern,” says Jackie Mercer, CEO, NARA. “We are very grateful to be able to offer housing and recovery supports to help Native Americans, who as a community, experience extremely high rates of homelessness.”

Key benefits of the Project Turnkey-East Portland, operated by CCC and to be known as the “CCC Recovery Hotel”, include:

• Safe accommodation for up to 70 individuals.
• Provision of essentials such as showers, laundry, hygiene items, etc.
• Supportive services including behavioral health, recovery services, employment, and navigation to permanent housing.
• An inclusive, culturally competent atmosphere that helps vulnerable community members stabilize to be able to get on the road to recovery regarding substance use and addiction.

Located at 5019 NE 102nd Avenue, in outer East Portland, Oregon, Central City Concern anticipates the CCC Recovery Hotel to open in September 2021.

“Shelter is never the end goal—it’s just a step on the path to stability and housing. The power of the Project Turnkey model is that it offers both shelter and housing in one single investment,” Megan Loeb, OCF Program Officer, Housing, said. “By acquiring motels/hotels as shelter now during the pandemic, Oregon communities can boost their housing stock by converting these properties to permanent housing in the long-term. We continue to see the benefits of this cost-effective model to support Oregon’s housing crisis.” 

Oregon Community Foundation offers support for Oregon’s housing needs along a continuum–from shelter to supportive housing to affordable housing to equitable home ownership–through a variety of tools, including research, grants, advocacy, and low-interest loans. OCF’s administration of Project Turnkey is one example of the innovative, collaborative approaches underway to help more Oregonians find stable, affordable housing.

For a complete list of Project Turnkey grant awardees, please visit Project Turnkey online.

About Project Turnkey

The Oregon Legislature allocated a total of $65 million for Project Turnkey for the purpose of acquiring motels/hotels for use as non-congregate shelter for people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. Two discrete funds were provided by the state: one totaling $30 million to be awarded in counties and tribal communities impacted by the 2020 wildfires; and one totaling $35 million for the remaining 28 counties in the state. Oregon Community Foundation is administering both funds through an application and selection process, with guidance from an Advisory Committee of state, local, and community stakeholders. For more information, please visit Project Turnkey online.

About Central City Concern

Central City Concern offers many types of affordable and transitional housing, combined with programs to help people overcome barriers to permanent housing. Each year, CCC serves more than 13,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with affordable and supportive housing, person-centered health care, addiction recovery and employment assistance. To learn more about CCC, please visit: centralcityconcern.org.

About Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc.

NARA provides education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives and anyone in need. To learn more about NARA, please visit: naranorthwest.org.

About Oregon Community Foundation

Oregon Community Foundation puts donated money to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships annually. Since 1973, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful giving–time, talent, and resources from many generous Oregonians–creates measurable change. For more information about OCF, please visit: oregoncf.org.

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