The Northwest Regional Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Conference Committee is pleased to announce the 2018 award recipients given at the 8th annual Northwest Regional CIT Conference on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at The Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, WA.

The conference and awards banquet are hosted by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and the CIT Statewide and CIT-King County Programs; King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division; CIT-King County Coordinators Committee; Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training – Center for Policing Excellence; FBI – Seattle CAAA; Portland Police Bureau Behavioral Health Unit; Marion County Crisis Outreach Response Team; Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI); and the Oregon CIT Center of Excellence (CITCOE).

CIT International 2nd Vice President Ron Bruno was on hand to recognize the nominees and award recipients. Banquet attendees also participated in a silent auction fundraiser for National Association for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Tri-Cities raising more than $2,000 to support behavioral health programs in the community.

The following are the award nominees and award recipients by category:

CIT Coordinator of the Year:

· Sergeant Dan Nelson, Seattle Police Department, Washington (Award Recipient)

CIT Trainer/Instructor of the Year:

· Allison Wedin, Supervisor, King County Crisis & Commitment Services, Washington (Award Recipient)

· Sergeant James Anthony Lockhart, King County Sheriff’s Office, CIT King CO Program, Washington (Award Recipient)

CIT Mental Health Professional of the Year:

· Monique “Nikki” Roger, Designated Crisis Responder, Comprehensive Behavioral Health, Washington (Award Recipient)

CIT Non-Commissioned Staff Member of the Year:

· Glenda Coms, Administrative Assistant, CIT Programs, WA State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Washington (Award Recipient)

· Lynn Morse, Security Officer, King County, Washington (Nominee)

CIT Community Resource of the Year:

· Megan Ridle, Crisis Manager, Coos Health & Wellness, Oregon (Award Recipient)

CIT Fire/EMS Agency of the Year:

· Eastside Fire & Rescue - Issaquah, Washington (Award Recipient)

CIT Outstanding Crisis Intervention Team:

· Malheur County Crisis Intervention Team, Oregon (Award Recipient)

· Seattle Police Department Crisis Response Unit, Washington (Nominee)

CIT Agency Executive of the Year:

· Chief Shawn Ledford, Shoreline Police Department, Washington (Award Recipient)

· Chief Joel Fish, Enterprise Police Department, Oregon (Nominee)

CIT Law Enforcement Officer of the year:

· Officer Daniel Erickson, Seattle Police Department, Washington (Award Recipient)

CIT Law Enforcement Supervisor of the Year:

· Captain Carolyn Mason, Eugene Police Department, Oregon (Award Recipient)

· Major Bryan Howard, King County Sheriff’s Office, Washington (Nominee)

CIT Corrections Officer of the Year:

· Corrections Deputy Mark Wolff, Deschutes County Adult Jail, Oregon (Award Recipient)

· Corrections Deputy Paul Bond, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Washington (Nominee)

· Lieutenant Jeff Gepner, SCORE Jail, Washington (Nominee)

Note: Photos from the event are available upon request.  If you have any further questions or need further information email rwright@cjtc.state.wa.us

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: Building a digital defense against payroll phishing scams.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center is out with a new warning about fraudsters who are targeting your paycheck via direct deposit. Any worker can be affected by this scam – but the industries getting hit the hardest include education, healthcare and commercial airway transportation.

Here’s what happens: the bad guy uses your work login info to get into your employer’s HR system to replace your direct deposit information with his own.

It starts when an employee receives an email that looks just familiar enough that he doesn’t question it too much. The email includes a link or web address that the user clicks on. Once he clicks, he will be directed to a fraudulent site or portal where the victim will be asked to enter his work credentials to confirm his identity. The bad guys use that login ID and password to change the employee’s direct deposit information in the company’s files. Often, the fraudsters even change other account settings in the system, preventing the victim from receiving an email warning that changes have been made to his account.  

Here’s how employees can avoid being scammed:

• Make sure you verify with your employer that a suspicious email is valid. Send it to your office’s HR or IT departments for confirmation.
• Keep an eye out for any misspelled words, odd phrasing and poor grammar. These could be indications that the email is coming from elsewhere in the world.
• If the email includes any links to web pages, hover your mouse over the link and confirm that the URL is exactly the same as that used by the payroll company. Don’t click if you are not 100% sure.

Here are some steps that businesses can take to protect their employees:

• Teach your employees what a phishing scam is and how to avoid it.
• Require that login credentials used for payroll purposes differ from those used for other purposes, such as employee surveys.
• Use two-factor authentication on sensitive systems and information.
• Create protocols that require additional scrutiny to banking changes that appear to be requested by employees.

Iin the end, a little extra hassle in the short term may prevent a big headache in the long run. As always, if you have been victimized by a cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your local FBI office.

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Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Remained at a Record Low of 3.8 Percent in September

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in September, the same as in August. These were Oregon’s lowest unemployment rates since comparable records began in 1976. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped from 3.9 percent in August to 3.7 percent in September.

Oregon’s labor market was unusually tight in September, as indicated not only by the low unemployment rate, but also by the low number of Oregonians who are considered “short-term unemployed.” In September, 80,000 Oregonians were unemployed. Of those, 16,000 had been unemployed for 27 weeks or more (“long-term unemployed”), and 64,000 had been unemployed for less than 27 weeks (“short-term unemployed”). The number of short-term unemployed was quite low historically and was well below levels seen at the end of the prior expansion in 2006 and 2007, when an average of 86,000 people were categorized as short-term unemployed.

In September, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment grew by a modest 300 jobs, following a revised gain of 2,400 jobs in August. Monthly gains in September were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+900 jobs) and professional and business services (+800 jobs). These gains were offset by losses in retail trade (-1,300 jobs) and wholesale trade (-800 jobs).

Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 40,200 jobs, or 2.1 percent, since September 2017. This growth rate is very close to the 2.2 percent annual growth rate the state has experienced over the prior 21 months, cooling off from the 3.0 percent average annual growth rate seen during the prior three years dating back to 2013.

More than one-quarter of Oregon’s payroll employment growth over the past 12 months was in the construction industry, which added 11,100 jobs, expanding by 11.2 percent. Over the year, no other industry has grown nearly as fast as construction. Next in line are three major industries that each grew by close to 3 percent: leisure and hospitality (+6,600 jobs, or 3.2%); other services (+2,000 jobs, or 3.1%); and professional and business services (+7,400 jobs, or 3.0%). Several industries remained close to their year-ago job totals, including information (+100 jobs, or 0.3%); government (-200 jobs, or -0.1%); retail trade (-700 jobs, or -0.3%); and wholesale trade (-300 jobs, or -0.4%).

Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the September county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, October 23rd, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for October on Wednesday, November 14th. 

Notes: 
All numbers in the above narrative are seasonally adjusted.

The Oregon Employment Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) work cooperatively to develop and publish monthly Oregon payroll employment and labor force data. The estimates of monthly job gains and losses are based on a survey of businesses. The estimates of unemployment are based on a survey of households and other sources.

The Oregon Employment Department publishes payroll employment estimates that are revised quarterly by using employment counts from employer unemployment insurance tax records. All department publications use this Official Oregon Series data unless noted otherwise. This month’s release incorporates the January, February, and March 2018 tax records data. The department continues to make the original nonfarm payroll employment series available; these data are produced by the BLS.

Effective with the January 2018 data, employment of Oregon’s approximately 17,000 home care workers are counted in private health care and social assistance instead of state government. The change was due to legislative action clarifying that for purposes of workforce and labor market information, home care workers are not employees of state government. The reclassification affects private sector and government monthly change figures for January 2018 and will affect over-the-year change figures through December 2018. It does not affect total payroll employment levels.

The PDF version of the news release, including tables and graphs, can be found at www.QualityInfo.org/press-release. To obtain the data in other formats such as in Excel, visit www.QualityInfo.org, then within the top banner, select Economic Data, then choose LAUS or CES. To request the press release as a Word document, contact the person shown at the top of this press release.

For help finding jobs and training resources, visit one of the state's WorkSource Oregon centers or go to: www.WorkSourceOregon.org.

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.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - On Monday, October 15, 2018, dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call reporting a vehicle that had been struck by a train in the 3200-block of Old Highway 99 South. 

Emergency services responded to the crash. Deputies learned that 81 year-old Roseburg resident Earl Jensen was exiting a driveway and stopped on the railroad tracks in his 2015 Ford Taurus. He did not observe the northbound Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad train that was approaching. Unable to stop, the train struck Jensen's vehicle, which caused the vehicle to be pushed forward several feet into a tree. 

Jensen was transported to Mercy Medical Center by ambulance with minor injuries.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Douglas County Fire District #2, Winston-Dillard Fire Department and Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad. 

Summary: Annual trainings will be held in 16 cities between October and March and—for the first time—online as a webinar.

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Whether operating large farm equipment or spraying chemicals, agricultural workers face a lot of risks on the job.

That’s why SAIF is bringing our free ag safety seminars back to 16 cities across Oregon this fall and winter. The first of 28 seminars will be held October 30 in Ontario and they will continue through March. Nine seminars will be presented entirely in Spanish.

The full schedule, registration details, and the list of speakers can be found at saif.com/agseminars. You can also register by calling 800.285.8525.

“We see about 1,500 injuries in the ag industry a year,” said Reva Hartenstein, senior safety management consultant at SAIF. “We created these seminars to help reduce those numbers—our goal is for every ag worker to go home safe and healthy each night.”

This year’s sessions will focus on four safety topics: training new employees, best practices for chemical use, conscious decision making, and safe driving on and off the farm.

“Motor vehicle accidents account for some of the most severe injuries in the ag industry—and across Oregon industries,” said Hartenstein.  

The seminars are designed primarily for people working in agriculture, but are open to anyone interested in ag safety and health—they don’t have to be insured by SAIF.

Each of the one-hour seminar topics will be presented via webinar on March 12, 14, 19, and 21. Participants are encouraged—and required if seeking an exemption for random OSHA inspections—to watch all four presentations. The webinars will be available at saif.com/training.

Each seminar is held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and includes lunch. 

In-person seminars will be in Bandon, Central Point, Clackamas, Corvallis, Eugene, Hermiston, Hillsboro, Hood River, Klamath Falls, La Grande, Madras, Ontario, Salem, The Dalles, Wilsonville, and Woodburn.

Spanish seminars will be held in Central Point, Eugene, Hermiston, Hillsboro, Hood River, Salem, The Dalles, Wilsonville, and Woodburn.

Employers with small ag businesses who attend the seminar will meet OSHA’s instructional requirement, one of four requirements that exempt small agricultural operations from random OSHA inspections.

The Landscape Contractors Board has approved the seminar for three hours of technical and one hour of business continuing education credits. The Department of Consumer and Business Services has also approved producer continuing education credit hours for licensed insurance agents.

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. Since 1914, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.     

On Monday, October 15, 2018 at approximately 6:35 PM. Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 99W near milepost 117 - approximately 2 miles north of Eugene.

Investigation revealed that a 2005 Toyota Prius, operated by Sandra Boynton (78) from Eugene, was attempting to turn left onto Hwy 99W from a private driveway.  Boynton turned in front of a northbound 2005 Ford Explorer, operated by Rebecca Weston (34) from Eugene.  

Boynton and her passenger Gail Purkerson (74) from Eugene both sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Weston and her juvenile male passenger received minor injuries.

Oregon State Police were assisted by the Lane County Sheriff's Office, Lane County Fire and ODOT

October 16, 2018 – Salem, Ore. – Holiday wishes came true for Yolanda Reyes of Lebanon, when she won $100,000 playing one of the new Holiday Wishes Scratch-it from the Oregon Lottery.
“I was at Bingo and scratching the ticket and thought I won $10,” she said. “When I asked a friend, we realized I won $100,000!”
Reyes won playing the $10 Holiday Wishes Scratch-it, which is part of the new featured holiday tickets offered by the Oregon Lottery this winter that also includes the $1 Stocking Stuffer, $2 Snow Globe Cash and the $5 Holiday Cheer. The tickets went on sale earlier this month and will run through the end of the year to celebrate the season. The Holiday Wishes Scratch-it still has one $100,000 jackpot prize left.
Reyes, who recently retired from the Oregon Department of Human Services after a 20-year career, said the money was going toward her retirement.
“It comes at a great time for me,” she said. “I just retired and this will be a nice cushion.”
In addition to her retirement nest egg, she said she will probably purchase a small pickup with the money.
Reyes purchased the ticket at B&G Bingo in Salem. 
During the 2015-17 biennium in Linn County, where Reyes lives, more than $42.1 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education, and watershed enhancement.
Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $11 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
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The City of Roseburg Fire Department will be moving Station 3 on Monday, October 15, 2018.  Station 3 will be moving from the temporary station location on Valley View back to the permanent location at 801 N.W. Garden Valley Boulevard.  Firefighters will continue to operate out of the permanent location while seismic rehabilitation construction continues over the next couple of months. 

Station 2 will remain at the temporary location of Stewart Park until seismic rehabilitation construction has been completed at the Harvard station.  Construction at the Harvard station should be completed near the end of the year.

Once the seismic rehabilitation construction is completed, the fire stations will then be able to serve as emergency operation centers in case of a community wide disaster. The seismic rehabilitation construction projects are a proactive measure to assist with community preparedness before a catastrophic event occurs.

The City of Roseburg Fire Department would like to thank Wellspring Bible Fellowship for being so gracious in allowing firefighters temporary housing at the Campbell Center on Valley View since the middle of June.  The City of Roseburg Fire Department is grateful for the kindness and generosity shown by everyone at Wellspring Bible Fellowship. 

(Salem, Ore.) – The Advisory Committee for the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, in Room 166 of the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. N.E., Salem, Oregon, 97301.

The meeting is open to the public.

Agenda items include will include public comment, advisory committee planning, old business, discussion and new business, subcommittee reports, roundtable and future agenda items.

Sign language interpreters and live captioning will be provided. Those who are unable to attend in person, may join by calling toll-free phone number, (503) 934-1400, and using Conference ID # 360372. 

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Request.ODHHSP@state.or.us. Requests should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting.

For questions about this meeting, please contact: Max Brown at 503-945-6993 or ODHHS.Info@state.or.us

About the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Committee

The committee assists the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Program (ODHHSP) by providing information and expertise on issues affecting individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing and those with additional disability.

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To be a good leader, you must first learn how to lead yourself. This idea is the theme of this year’s Leadercast Women conference led by nine academically and critically acclaimed speakers held at Klamath Community College November 8th in Klamath Falls.  

During the conference, CEO and Keynote speaker Molly Fletcher will help attendees understand how to lead oneself to success before leading others to maximum effectiveness. She, among other speakers, will guide attendees on how to implement this, how to see it through and how it will change your life, and the lives of others.

Molly Fletcher is a true trailblazer in every sense of the word. As CEO of The Molly Fletcher Company, she shares her unconventional and unique techniques that made her one of the first female sports agents in the high stakes, big ego world of professional sports to teach others the art of negotiation. Molly was dubbed the “female Jerry Maguire” by CNN when she served as president of client representation for sports and entertainment agency CSE.    

As one of the world’s only female sports agents, Molly recruited and represented some of sport’s biggest names: Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, PGA Tour golfer Matt Kuchar, broadcaster Erin Andrews, and basketball championship coaches Tom Izzo and Doc Rivers. Molly has authored Fearless At Work, A Winner’s Guide to Negotiating, The Business of Being the Best and The 5 Best Tools to Find Your Dream Career.

To learn more and to register for the Leadercast Women conference 2018, visit www.klamath.org or call the Klamath County Chamber at (541) 884-5193.

The future of business is dependent on having great leaders. This idea is the core of Leadercast Women and all its speakers, including best-selling author Marilyn Tam. Livestreaming at Klamath Community College on November 8th, Leadercast Women is a must-attend for any aspiring entrepreneur or leader.

Marilyn grew up as an abused and neglected child in Hong Kong, and left home as a teen to come to America alone. Following her life mission, she achieved international business and humanitarian success. She now helps people and organizations find and fulfill their life’s purpose, and provides them with the principles and actionable steps to help them reach their goals.

Marilyn is a speaker, best-selling author, consultant, board-certified executive and corporate coach, CEO of Marilyn Tam & Co., and founder and executive director of Us Foundation. Marilyn also formerly served as CEO of Aveda Corp., president of Reebok Apparel and Retail Group, and vice president of Nike Inc. She also authored How to Use What You’ve Got to Get What You Want and Living the Life of Your Dreams.

To learn more and to register for the Leadercast Women conference 2018, visit www.klamath.org or call the Klamath County Chamber at (541) 884-5193.

Media contact:                                                          
Tom Gauntt, Pacific Power, 503-813-7291

Grants available for EV charging innovation

Pacific Power opens grant applications Oct 15 to help provide wide range of charging options for customers

PORTLAND, Ore. —Oct. 15, 2018-- Have a great idea of how to provide charging options for the growing number of electric vehicles in Oregon? Pacific Power wants to hear from you.

Applications for electric vehicle charging station grants are now open. Up to $300,000 is available in this funding cycle for projects that help communities and businesses develop creative electric transportation infrastructure projects. A total of $1.5 million will be awarded to customer projects through the end of 2019.

“We see collaboration and partnership with community groups, employers and local governments as an important jumpstart in bringing charging technology forward,” said Cory Scott, director of customer solutions.

To apply, entities need to complete and submit an application along with supporting materials by 5 p.m. Nov. 15, 2018.

All non-residential Pacific Power customers in Oregon are eligible to apply with preference given to community-focused organizations, such as 501(c)(3) and city, county and regional governments.

Funding awards will cover up to 100 percent of eligible costs to purchase and install electric vehicle charging stations.

Some examples of projects eligible for grants include, but are not limited to:   

• Businesses of all sizes installing chargers as an amenity for customers and employees.
• Multi-unit housing owners installing chargers for tenants, either in support of tenant-owned electric cars or in conjunction with offering electric cars for tenant use.
• Chargers for community car sharing programs to improve access and charging to electric cars in underserved communities.

For detailed eligibility requirements, project qualifications and application forms, please go to pacificpower.net/ev-grants.

Materials may be submitted to plugin@pacificpower.net.

Grants will be awarded in quarterly cycles through 2019. The next grant cycle will open on Jan. 15, 2019.
 

To learn more about the benefits of electric vehicles, visit pacificpower.net/ev

About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 740,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with almost 1.8 million customers in six western states Information about Pacific Power is available on the company's website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages.

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help in locating the individual(s) responsible for shooting and wasting a mule deer buck near the Woodland snow park off of Hwy 204.  Woodland snow park is 16 miles west of the City of Elgin in the Umatilla National Forest.

On Sunday, October 7, 2018  an Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Trooper responded to a complaint of a buck deer that was shot and left to waste at the Woodland Snow Park. The dead buck was located approximately 70 yards from the parking lot on an old skid road.  The buck was visible from the parking area.  The Trooper confirmed the buck had been shot behind the front shoulder, with a rifle, and left to waste 

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Trooper Davis through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677).

In addition, to either a preference point reward or cash reward offered below, the local Union/Wallowa County OHA chapter is offering an additional $500.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.

Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Mountain Sheep

5 Points-Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.

CASH REWARDS:
$1,000 Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
$100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP(677)

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help in locating the individual(s) responsible for shooting and wasting a mule deer buck in the Mt. Emily Wildlife Management Unit near the City of Elgin in Union County. 

On Sunday, October 7, 2018 the Union County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a dead buck deer on South 11th Street near Birch Street in the City of Elgin.  The Deputy along with a Fish and Wildlife Trooper responded and located the buck dead and the meat spoiled. The buck was found to have been shot in the hindquarters with an arrow. The buck had been observed alive the day prior and a photo of him was taken by a resident.  

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Trooper Davis through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677).

In addition, to either a preference point reward or cash reward offered below, the local Union/Wallowa County OHA chapter is offering an additional $500.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.

Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Mountain Sheep

5 Points-Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.

CASH REWARDS:
$1,000 Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
$100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP(677)

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)

(Salem, Ore.) – The Department of Human Services Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) is seeking public comment on amendments to the 1915(b)(4) selective contracting waiver and the 1915(c) Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) waiver.

APD is amending the 1915(b)(4) selective contracting waiver and the 1915(c) Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports waiver to allow Waivered Case Management services to be provided by Oregon Tribes. These amendments are part of an ongoing effort to work more closely with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes and the Urban Indian Health Program to better serve their members.

APD intends to submit the waiver amendments on Dec. 1, 2018, with a proposed effective date of April 1, 2019. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approval of these amendments will authorize Oregon tribes to provide case management services to tribal members receiving Medicaid LTSS and receive Medicaid reimbursement for providing these services to tribal members.

APD and Oregon Tribes continue to work collaboratively to develop and operationalize the provision of case management services, including identifying tribes that choose to participate, identifying tribal members that would be served, and developing qualifications, capacity and case management rates. APD is committed to ensuring that participating tribes have access to all technology, tools and training available to LTSS case managers currently being provided by the Area Agencies on Aging and Department of Human Services local offices. These amendments affect tribes that choose to participate and provide these services. APD staff and management and tribal members have been participating in workgroups since June 2018 to develop a plan to operationalize the provision of case management services and ensure a smooth transition of these services to participating tribes.

APD invites you to review the attached documents for further information:

• Draft of 1915(b)(4) selective contracting waiver
• Draft of 1915(c) LTSS waiver

Comments, suggestions and questions may be submitted directly to Chris Pascual, APD policy analyst, via email at chris.pascual@state.or.us;  by phone at 503-779-6408. Interested parties may also send written comments addressed to Chris Pascual, Aging and People with Disabilities Policy Analyst, Department of Human Services, 500 Summer Street NE E-10, Salem, OR 97301. Print versions of the 1915(b)(4) selective contracting waiver and the 1915(c) Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports waivers will be posted in APD district offices.  Print versions may also be obtained from Chris Pascual.

The deadline for comments is Nov. 15, 2018. Mail responses must be received by this date to be considered.

(Salem) – Annual open enrollment for Medicare starts today, and Oregon’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) Program is available to help.

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 years or older or younger than 65 with Social Security Disability Income. People living in Oregon who are 65 years or older may be eligible to sign up and find health insurance that best meets their needs. Medicare covers many medical costs, including visits to the doctor, prescription medications, and preventive care, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, diabetes treatment, and blood pressure screenings.

Medicare annual enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2018. Any Medicare Advantage (MA) or prescription drug plan (Part D) changes must be made between these dates so that coverage begins without interruption on Jan. 1, 2019. Those who are late to enroll may face a lifetime of premium penalties.

“It is important to compare Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans every year,” SHIBA Program Manager Lisa Emerson said. “Plans change year to year, as do people’s individual health care needs. People could potentially save money by shopping for a new plan.”

SHIBA provides free health insurance counseling to explain how the Medicare program works, additional insurance options that work with Medicare, and help with reducing out-of-pocket costs. SHIBA staff members, along with more than 200 certified counselors, serve many of Oregon’s more than 860,000 Medicare beneficiaries to help them understand their Medicare benefits and enrollment options. Free information and help is available by calling 1-800-722-4134 (toll-free) or visiting shiba.oregon.gov.

SHIBA counselors help beneficiaries compare plans and enroll by using the plan finder tool found online at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan. Beneficiaries and their families can also choose to use this tool to compare plans and enroll on their own.

SHIBA also publishes an annual Medicare guide, which will be available online in early October and in print in mid-November.

Tips from SHIBA to prepare for Medicare open enrollment:

Review your plan notice. Be sure to read any notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year, especially your Annual Notice of Change letter.

Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Do you need a new primary care doctor? Does your network include the specialist you want for an upcoming surgery? Is your new medication covered by your current plan? Does another plan offer the same value at a lower cost? Take stock of your health status and determine if you need to make a change.

Find out if you qualify for help paying for your Medicare. SHIBA can help you learn about a state program that helps with the costs of Medicare premiums, your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, co-insurance and co-payments, and Medicare prescription drug coverage costs.

Apply for help with drug costs. If you have limited income and assets, you may qualify for extra help with prescription drug costs. SHIBA counselors can help you apply for this benefit through Social Security.

Contact your doctor, hospital, and pharmacy before making changes. Not all health and drug plans contract or work with the same providers. If you switch plans, make sure you understand which providers you can see for the best price.

SHIBA is also advising people to protect their identity by guarding their Medicare card like they would their credit card or Social Security number. Identity theft from stolen Medicare numbers is becoming more common. To protect against identity theft, don’t share your Medicare number or other personal information with anyone who contacts you by telephone or email, or approaches you in person, unless you have given that person permission in advance. Medicare will never contact you (unless you ask them to) for your Medicare number or other personal information. Also, don’t let anyone borrow or pay to use your Medicare number. 

More information

SHIBA: To meet with a counselor, contact the toll-free SHIBA Helpline at 1-800-722-4134. You will be asked to enter your ZIP code to be connected to a program in your area. Visit https://healthcare.oregon.gov/shiba to find local help in your county, obtain a copy of the 2018 Oregon Guide to Medicare Health plans, and find Medicare education and enrollment events in your area.

Follow SHIBA on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OregonSHIBA.

SHIBA is part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov. Follow DCBS on Twitter: http://twitter.com/OregonDCBS. Receive consumer help and information on topics such as insurance, mortgages, investments, and workplace safety.

RIDDLE, Ore. - A crash Sunday evening claimed the life of a Winston man. Dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call of a single vehicle crash in the 2000-block of Cow Creek Road near Riddle at about 8:16 PM.

The Sheriff's Office determined the vehicle had been operated by 32 year-old Thomas W. Rynearson of Winston. The preliminary investigation indicates Rynearson was driving a 2004 Ford F350 toward Riddle when his vehicle left the roadway and rolled several times. Rynearson was pronounced deceased at the scene. Speed appears to be a contributing factor.  The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office also responded to the scene. 

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to speak with deputies by calling 541-440-4471 and reference case #18-4592.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police, Riddle Fire Department, Bay Cities Ambulance and Bill's Towing. 

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – Two people are in jail following a pursuit on rural roadways Sunday night.  In apparent attempts to hinder Jackson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) deputies, the driver swerved toward oncoming vehicles, ramming one JCSO patrol car.  At one point, the passenger threw a bicycle into the roadway from the moving vehicle.

The suspect driver, Christopher Michael Rock, 35, is lodged in the Jackson County jail on the following charges:  attempting to elude police in a vehicle, attempting to elude police on foot, reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person, failure to perform the duties of a driver when property is damaged (hit and run), first degree criminal trespass, and two counts of first degree criminal mischief.  Rock’s bail was set at $47,000 at lodging, plus a no-bail hold for a parole violation.

The passenger, Susan Anne Medcalf, 49, was lodged in jail on charges of first degree criminal trespass and five counts of recklessly endangering another person.  Medcalf’s bail at lodging was $30,000 plus a no-bail hold for a parole violation.

On October 14, 2018, at 8:27 p.m., a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputy patrolling the area of Bellinger Lane and Minear Road attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle that had been parked at a church after hours.  The white Dodge Caravan immediately eluded the deputy.  The driver, later identified as Rock, swerved toward oncoming cars, including law enforcement vehicles arriving in the area.  Deputies lost sight of the van in a nearby neighborhood.

Another deputy spotted the van driving on Arnold Lane.  Rock again failed to stop, eluding deputies toward Central Point.  The van struck the front of a JCSO patrol vehicle at the intersection of Hanley Road and Rossanley Drive.  The patrol car received minor damage, but the deputy was not injured.

The vehicle continued toward Old Stage Road, then to Scenic Road.  The passenger, later identified as Medcalf, threw a bicycle into the roadway from the moving vehicle.  Deputies were able to avoid the hazard. 

The vehicle finally stopped when Rock drove off Gold Ray Road and unsuccessfully tried to cross nearby railroad tracks.  Both occupants fled on foot from the disabled vehicle. 

Deputies located Medcalf a short distance away and took her into custody.  JCSO K9 Titan tracked Rock to a hiding place in the bushes nearby.  Rock was taken into custody without further incident.  Nobody was injured.  The van caused minor damage to the railroad tracks and had to be towed from the scene.  

The total distance covered was approximately 19 miles, lasting approximately 24 minutes. At different points in the incident, JCSO was assisted by personnel from Medford Police, Phoenix Police, Jacksonville Police, Central Point Police, and the Oregon State Police. 

Case #18-21811

EUGENE, Ore. – Shawn Sherman Wilson, Jr., 27, of Harrisburg, Oregon, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for dealing heroin and illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating Wilson in July 2017 after receiving a tip from a confidential source that he was trafficking heroin in and around Eugene. An undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) contacted Wilson and arranged to purchase an ounce of heroin. They agreed to meet on July 24, 2017 in front of Taylor’s Bar & Grill, a popular night spot in Eugene near the University of Oregon.

At the meeting location, the ATF agent entered Wilson’s car, sitting in the front passenger seat. Wilson had a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol sitting between his legs with the pistol’s handle positioned for easy access. The agent said “I see you got the heat.” Wilson replied, “yeah, while I’m running around town.” Wilson grabbed the firearm and showed it to the agent, telling the agent the firearm belonged to his girlfriend and he was interested in purchasing another.

The ATF agent subsequently completed the heroin purchase, giving Wilson $1,200 in cash. Wilson was later arrested in Douglas County on August 6, 2017. When arrested, Wilson possessed a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol matching the description of the firearm observed by the undercover agent during the controlled buy.

Wilson previously pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on May 30, 2018.

This case was investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Pamela Paaso, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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October 15, 2018

Health policy board adopts policy recommendations that shape Oregon Health Plan's future

On October 15 the Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB) voted to approve a comprehensive set of policies that will improve the health of Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members, address health disparities, control program costs, and continue to transform health care delivery in our state. This next phase of health care transformation is known as "CCO 2.0."

"We’ve taken this opportunity to really look at what’s working with CCOs and where we need to push the system to advance health transformation in Oregon," said Zeke Smith, OHPB chair. Together, these policies have the potential to significantly change how our members experience care and how the state pays for that care."

The end of the first five-year contracts with coordinated care organizations (CCOs) marks an opportunity for OHA and OHPB to improve the services that 1 million Oregonians receive through OHP. CCOs are community-governed organizations that bring together physical health, mental health, addiction medicine, and dental health providers to coordinate care for people on the Oregon Health Plan. Since 2012 Oregon’s coordinated care model has saved taxpayers an estimated $2.2 billion, while also reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and improving preventive care for children and adults.

OHA heard directly from more than 850 Oregonians who participated in public meetings and forums held across the state in more than a dozen locations, which were led by OHA Director Patrick Allen. Additionally, multiple surveys and online outreach tools were used to gather perspectives from a diverse cross-section of Oregonians. OHP members and other stakeholders issued support for the policy direction and expressed satisfaction with Oregon’s coordinated care system.

"Our members feel good about the coverage they’re receiving from OHP, but they also let us know that we have areas where we can improve," Allen said. "It was clear that our top focus needed to be improving access to mental health and addiction services. We also heard that CCOs can play a stronger role in working with community partners to help patients with the factors that influence health outside the doctor’s office, particularly access to safe and affordable housing."

The resulting CCO 2.0 policies build on Oregon’s strong foundation of health care innovation and tackle our biggest health problems. They cover four priority areas identified by Governor Kate Brown:

1. Improve the behavioral health system and address barriers to access to and integration of care

CCOs will be accountable for developing a person-centered mental health and substance use disorder (behavioral health) system that OHP members can count on, no matter who they are or where they live. CCOs will remove barriers between behavioral, physical and dental health. The policies include:

• Require CCOs to be fully accountable for the behavioral health benefit.
• Address prior authorization and network adequacy issues that limit member choice and timely access to providers.
• Use metrics to incentivize behavioral health and oral health integration.
• Expand programs that integrate primary care into behavioral health settings.
• Require CCOs to support electronic health record adoption and access to electronic health information exchange.
• Develop a diverse and culturally responsive workforce.
• Ensure children have behavioral health needs met with access to appropriate services.

2. Increase value and pay for performance

Over the next five years, CCOs will make a significant move away from fee-for-service payments toward paying providers based on value. OHA will incentivize providers and health systems for delivering patient-centered and high-quality care. CCOs will develop value-based payments (VBPs) to improve health outcomes specifically in the areas of hospital care, maternity care, behavioral health, oral health, and children’s health care. The policies include:

• Require annual, CCO-specific value-based payment growth targets.
• Each CCO will be achieve an annual VBP growth target and have 70 percent of their payments to providers be VBPs by the end of the five-year period.
• CCOs will be required to make "infrastructure and operations" payments to patient-centered primary care homes.
• OHA will work to align VBP efforts in OHP with Public Employees’ Benefit Board (PEBB), the Oregon Educators Benefit Board (OEBB), and commercial payers participating in the Primary Care Payment Reform Collaborative.
   

3. Focus on social determinants of health and health equity

Over the next five years CCOs will increase their investments in strategies to address social determinants of health and health equity. CCOs will align goals at the state and local level to improve health outcomes and advance health equity. OHA will develop measurement and evaluation strategies to increase understanding of spending in this area and track outcomes. The policies include:

• Increase strategic spending by CCOs on social determinants of health, health equity and disparities in communities.
• Increase CCO financial support of non-clinical and public health providers.
• Align community health assessment and community health improvement plans to increase impact.
• Strengthen meaningful engagement of tribes, diverse OHP members and community advisory councils (CACs).
• Build CCOs’ organizational capacity to advance health equity.
• Increase the integration and use of traditional health workers (THWs).

4. Maintain sustainable cost growth

To support sustainability of OHP, CCO 2.0 policies address the major cost drivers currently in the system. OHA will also identify areas where CCOs can increase efficiency, improve value and decrease administrative costs. The policies include:

• Strengthen financial incentives and set up new tools to reward CCOs for improving health outcomes and containing costs.
• Ensure program-wide financial stability and program integrity through improved reporting and strategies to manage a CCO in financial distress.
• Use program purchasing power to align benefits and reduce costs, with a focus on pharmacy costs.

"In order to make these improvements a reality for our members, our team at OHA needs to hold ourselves accountable to monitor and enforce new and existing contracts with CCOs," said Jeremy Vandehey, director of OHA's Health Policy and Analytics Division. "We also need to set clear expectations and support providers and CCOs in making these changes so together we can improve health while containing costs."

The request for applications for the coordinated care contracts for 2020-2025 will be released in January, and the contracts are expected to be awarded in summer 2019.

For more information and to download the complete report, visit the CCO 2.0 webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OHPB/Pages/CCO-2-0.aspx.

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http://bit.ly/2NI1YSk

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council (ORTAC) presented the annual Doug Newman Memorial Award to Bruce Ronning at the 2018 Oregon Trails Summit Oct. 5.

Bruce Ronning is from Deschutes County and began his recreational career at the City of Eugene Parks Department. Bruce worked in their Outdoor Programs section, helping many Oregonians learn to ski, paddle, hike and bike.

During his career, Bruce served on several committees overseen by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: ORTAC, the Recreational Trails Program advisory committee, the Local Government Grant Program advisory committee, and review committees for development of Oregon’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and the Oregon Statewide Recreation Trails Plan.

Bruce retired from public service after 24 years with the Bend Park and Recreation District. During his tenure Bruce served as the Outdoor Programs Manager, Long Range Planner, and finally as the Director of Planning and Development. During that time 65 miles of the 95-mile Bend Urban Trails Plan were developed.

The Doug Newman Memorial Award recognizes an Oregonian whose efforts have inspired, benefitted and contributed to the trails and trail users of Oregon. The award pays tribute to Doug Newman, an avid outdoorsman, author and writer for the Eugene Register-Guard. He also worked extensively with the University of Oregon Outdoors Program. Diagnosed with polio as a child, Newman died in 1992.

ORTAC was established by the Legislature in 1971 to advise OPRD and its partners in the development and promotion of high quality non-motorized trail systems throughout Oregon. The Council is made up of seven volunteer members appointed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission to represent the five Oregon congressional districts. The Council meets four times annually in different locations across the state.

For more information about the Doug Newman award or ORTAC, contact Jodi Bellefeuille at ellefeuille@oregon.gov">jodi.bellefeuille@oregon.gov or 503-986-0716.

Salem - Gov. Kate Brown has proclaimed Oct. 15-19, as Oregon Community Bank Week. The week honors local banks and their employees for their economic and civic contributions in communities across the state.

Oregon’s community banks, most of which are chartered by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, play an essential role in promoting the economic health and prosperity of the state. In some communities they are the sole provider of banking products and services and sometimes the largest employer.

Community banks provide $400 million in agriculture-related loans, $5.9 billion in small business loans, and 5,400 family wage jobs annually. 

“Our state banks take a relationship-based approach to doing business by providing banking services, creating jobs, and educating customers and students about a variety of financial matters,” said Cameron Smith, DCBS director. “They actively participate in every corner of the state and are a major financing source for our small businesses and farms.”

State chartered banks throughout Oregon are celebrating Community Bank Week in their local neighborhoods. Many of them will host consumers, students, small businesses, and local elected officials to showcase the positive effect banks have on the people they serve.

To learn more about the Oregon banks recognized during Community Bank Week, go to oregonbankers.com/community-bank-week.html.

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About DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov. 

About Oregon DFR:

The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov and http://dfr.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx.

Governor Kate Brown has declared the Klondike Fire, burning near Agness, a conflagration. The declaration cleared the way for the State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.

The Office of State Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team led by Chief Ian Yocum, and five structural task forces from Lane, Rogue Valley, Linn, Benton, and Marion counties will arrive early this afternoon.  Three task forces will be assigned to day shift and two will be working the night shift.

 A level 3 "GO" evacuation is in effect for the Oak Flats and Spud Road areas of the Agness community.

More information on evacuations is available at Curry County Emergency Services Facebook.

The Red Cross has opened an information center in Gold Beach, Oregon, for people affected the Klondike Fire.

The center is located at:

First Baptist Church

29755 Turner St.

Gold Beach, OR 97444

Individuals and families affected by the wildfire and in need of shelter assistance are encouraged to simply show up at the shelter for help.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Cascades or find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/RedCrossCascades, Twitter at @RedCrossCasc and find us on Instagram at @RedCrossCascades.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

181014-Z-FS713-007: Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel (right), Adjutant General, Oregon, and 1186th Military Police commander, Capt. Richard Smith, pause for a photo during a demobilization ceremony, Oct. 14, 2018, at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon. Approximately 30 Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers in the unit returned from Afghanistan where they provided Personal Security Detail (PSD), to protect individuals or groups of individuals. (Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181014-Z-FS713-003: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1186th Military Police Company stand in formation during a demobilization ceremony honoring their overseas deployment, Oct. 14, 2018, at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon. Approximately 30 Soldiers in the unit recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan where they provided Personal Security Detail (PSD), protecting individuals or groups of individuals. (Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Deparment Public Affairs)

181014-Z-FS713-002: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1186th Military Police Company stand in formation during a demobilization ceremony honoring their overseas deployment, Oct. 14, 2018, at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon. Approximately 30 Soldiers in the unit recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan where they provided Personal Security Detail (PSD), protecting individuals or groups of individuals. (Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181014-Z-FS713-010: Brig. Gen. William J. Prendergast IV, Land Component Commander, shakes hands with Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers of the 1186th Military Police Company to welcome them home from their overseas deployment during a demobilization ceremony, Oct. 14, 2018, at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon. Approximately 30 Soldiers in the unit deployed to Afghanistan providing Personal Security Detail (PSD), to protect individuals or groups of individuals. (Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Update October 13 2018.

White City, Ore - Deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office are asking the public to be on the look out for the suspect in connection with a robbery earlier this week. 

Ricardo Escobar, born in 1993, is suspected of commiting a burglary and robbery at the Thunderbird Estates on Falcon Street on October 11.  

The public should avoid contact with Escobar as he has a violent past.  

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Ricardo Escobar is asked to contact the White City Community Action Team of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at 541-776-7208

White City, Ore – Deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a robbery in White City.  On October 11, 2018, at about 2:15 p.m., a robbery was reported at Thunderbird Estates on Falcon Street.

An undisclosed amount of money was taken after a man was threatened with a cattle prod.  There were no injuries as a result of the incident. 

The suspect has been identified, and is outstanding in this active investigation.  There is no threat to the public at this time.

Further details will be released as soon as they are available.

Case #18-21542

SALEM, Oregon – The 1186th Military Police Company, Oregon Army National Guard, is scheduled to be recognized in a demobilization ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 14, at 2:00 p.m., at the Anderson Readiness Center, located at 3225 State Street, Salem, Oregon, 97301. 

Approximately 30 Citizen-Soldiers were mobilized in May 2017 for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS). The Soldiers provided Personal Security Details (PSD), protecting high-profile individuals.

Scheduled to attend the ceremony and welcome the Soldiers home will be Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon; Brig. Gen. William J. Prendergast, Land Component Commander; as well as other community and military leaders.

The 1186th MP Company is based in Salem, Oregon. The unit has often partnered with local law enforcement agencies for training. The 1186th MPs partnered with district and federal agencies to provide security, crowd management and traffic control during the 58th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., in January 2017.

This unit has previously deployed overseas twice: to Afghanistan in 2011 and to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2004. The company also provided domestic operations support in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 

The unit is comprised of Soldiers from Portland, Salem, Keizer, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Gresham, Monmouth, Eugene, Springfield, Veneta, Central Point, Oakland, Roseburg, Redmond, Milton-Freewater, Ontario, and Nyssa, Oregon. A few Soldiers are from Vancouver, Aberdeen, and Everett, Washington.

The event is open to the public and media is encouraged to attend.

During a regular cybersecurity assessment, security specialists at the Enterprise Security Office identified an information security vulnerability on an internet-connected system with the Oregon Department of State Lands.

In coordination with the Department of State Lands, the Enterprise Security Office began the assessment on October 5, 2018. The impacted system was taken offline on Monday, October 8, after a potential vulnerability was determined. The vulnerability was confirmed on Thursday, October 12, during the course of the assessment.

The system contained some personal information, including names, addresses, birthdates, and social security numbers. Through forensic investigations, security specialists have determined it is likely outside entities may have accessed some of this information.

The Department of State Lands will notify individuals whose information may have been compromised, and those individuals will be offered free credit monitoring.

At the direction of Governor Brown, the Enterprise Security Office conducts regular cybersecurity assessments of state agencies. These assessments are a proactive effort to minimize risk to the state’s electronic information systems and to best protect the information of Oregonians and businesses.

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October 12, 2018

Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee application deadline extended to October 31

The Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division has extended the deadline for applications for the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee to Oct. 31 to allow time for additional applications across all the recommended areas of expertise.

OHA invites applications from people who meet the criteria outlined in HB 4133, Section (3).

Board members are appointed by the Governor. Member terms are, in general, four years each. As this is a new committee, initial terms of office will be assigned by the Governor so that terms expire at staggered intervals.

To apply, submit the following to executive.appointments@oregon.gov by Oct. 31:

1. A completed executive appointment interest form, available on the Governor’s Office website at http://www.oregon.gov/gov/admin/Pages/How_To_Apply.aspx.
2. A resume or brief biographical sketch.
3. A brief statement of interest.

Information about the legislation is available on the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee website.

For more information, contact Cate Wilcox, OHA Public Health Division, at 971-673-0299 or cate.s.wilcox@state.or.us.

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http://bit.ly/2NEJdPK

Salem, OR – October 12, 2018 – The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal and Oregon Department of Forestry, through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), is working with Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management to support a request from the Florida Division of Emergency Management for a second All-Hazards Incident Management Teams (IMTs) to support the response to Hurricane Michael.

The EMAC is a mutual aid agreement among states and territories of the United States. Essentially working as a mutual aid system, the agreement offers assistance during governor-declared state of emergency or disaster through a responsive, straightforward system. This system allows states to send personnel, equipment, and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts in other states.

The OSFM IMT, led by Chief Ted Kunze, also includes staff from the Oregon Department of Forestry who are qualified within the Incident Command Structure.

“We value our working relationships and partnerships with fellow states agencies,” said Oregon Department of Forestry's Interim Operations Manager, Blake Ellis. “Florida has been there for us in our time of need, sending a full IMT to our aid during this year’s challenging fire season, and Oregon is fortunate to have the opportunity to return the favor”

The team heads to Florida tomorrow morning and anticipates a full deployment of 14 days.

We wish success to the team and will keep Florida in our thoughts as they recover from this devastating storm.

EUGENE, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committees for Northwest Oregon and Southwest Oregon will meet Thursday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Valley River Inn, 1000 Valley River Way in Eugene. The committee will hear about the pesticide stewardship partnership between the Oregon Department of Forestry, Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Committee members will also receive updates on:

• the work of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s monitoring unit
• tethered logging guidance
• forest health
• analysis of rules concerning a bird called the marbled murrelet

In addition, committee members will decide on which nomination to accept as operator of the year for their respective area.

There will be an opportunity for public comment near the beginning of the meeting. Members of the public may attend the meeting. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations for the meeting can be directed to ODF’s Susan Domenique at 503-945-7502.
 

Regional Forest Practice Committees are panels of citizens - mandated under Oregon law - that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. Three Regional Forest Practice Committees, serving the Northwest, Southwest and Eastern Oregon regions of the state, were created by the 1971 Oregon Forest Practices Act. Under Oregon law, a majority of Regional Forest Practice Committees members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

Oregon’s forests are among one of the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic and social benefits.  Additional information about ODF’s Regional Forest Practice Committees is available on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s web site: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/RFPC.aspx.

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SUNRIVER, Ore. — The Eastern Oregon Regional Forest Practice Committee will meet in Sunriver on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held in Sunriver's main lodge. The committee will hear about the pesticide stewardship partnership between the Oregon Department of Forestry, Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Department of Agriculture. It will also receive updates on:

• the work of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s monitoring unit
• tethered logging guidance
• forest health
• analysis of rules concerning a bird called the marbled murrelet

In addition, committee members will decide on which nomination to accept as operator of the year for Eastern Oregon.

There will be an opportunity for public comment near the beginning of the meeting. Members of the public may attend the meeting. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations for the meeting can be directed to ODF’s Susan Domenique at 503-945-7502.

Regional Forest Practice Committees are panels of citizens - mandated under Oregon law - that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. Three Regional Forest Practice Committees, serving the Eastern, Northwest and Southwest and regions of the state, were created by the 1971 Oregon Forest Practices Act. Under Oregon law, a majority of Regional Forest Practice Committees members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

 
Oregon’s forests are among one of the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic and social benefits.  Additional information about ODF’s Regional Forest Practice Committees is available on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s web site: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/RFPC.aspx.

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Portland, Ore. – States, tribes and three federal agencies continue to work side by side for the good of endangered salmon and steelhead as they extend the historic Columbia Basin Fish Accords for up to four more years.

The original agreements, signed in 2008, provided states and tribes more than $900 million to implement projects benefiting salmon, steelhead, and other fish and wildlife, and $50 million for Pacific lamprey passage improvements at federal dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

The Accords partnerships over the past 10 years balanced the agencies’ needs to perform their missions of navigation, flood risk management, hydropower production, fish and wildlife mitigation, recreation, water supply and irrigation in a manner consistent with tribal trust and treaty rights.

The new Accords extensions could run through September 2022 and will set aside more than $400 million for fish and wildlife mitigation and protection.

Since 2008, Accord dollars have: protected more than 36,000 acres of riparian habitat and improved nearly 7,000 acres; protected nearly 100,000 acre-feet of water; restored nearly 600 miles of streams and tributaries; opened access to nearly 2,000 miles of blocked fish habitat; and improved Pacific lamprey passage at dams operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The agreements also committed funding for hatcheries.

"With this renewed commitment, we look forward to building on the momentum and progress of the past 10 years," said Brig. Gen. Pete Helmlinger, commander of the Corps’ Northwestern Division.

 “These agreements continue to represent a significant, regional partnership,” says Lorri Gray, Pacific Northwest Regional Director for the Bureau of Reclamation. “The work we’ve accomplished with the Accords illustrates the progress we can make for fish when we work together. We've seen that spending dollars on improving habitat is good for the fish and good for the region.”

“These extensions ensure we will continue to benefit from years of collaboration and direct coordination with our Accords partners,” says Elliot Mainzer, administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration. “The alignment derived from these agreements ensures we will continue to get the highest value for the fish and wildlife investments we make in the region.”

Accord agreements were extended with the Shoshone Bannock Tribes, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the states of Idaho and Montana, BPA, the Corps and Reclamation.To read the new agreements, go to  www.bpa.gov/goto/FishAccordsExtensions.

October 11, 2018 – Salem, Ore. – Sitting at home checking his numbers on his iPad, it didn’t sink in when Larry Bowser of Eugene realized he had won the Keno 8-Spot bonus.
Bowser, purchased his tickets while at the Fred Meyer on 11th Avenue in Eugene, and at the time didn’t think much of playing a $3 wager with Special Keno and Bulls-Eye. As luck would have it, Bowser not only matched all 8-numbers, but also hit the Bulls-Eye number, and with his $3 wager, multiplied his prize by 3.
In the end, his $3 wager led to a $247,914 prize, the third-highest Keno 8-spot winner since 2000. His win also makes him one of the biggest Bulls-Eye winners since the introduction of the Bulls-Eye Keno feature. The Bulls-Eye option is $1 extra and after the 20 winning numbers are revealed, the Bulls-Eye arrow randomly lands on one of those numbers. Then the Bulls-Eye prize is added to whatever you already won. Bowser hit the Bulls-Eye number which was worth $40,000, but since he had three tickets, it meant he’d won $120,000.
“I dropped the kids off this morning and was headed to Salem on Highway 126 and as I turned on the road, a rainbow came out,” he said. “That was amazing. That’s when I realized I won.”
Bowser said he was going to use his prize for his kids and they are planning a vacation.
During the 2015-17 biennium in Lane County, where Bowser lives and played Keno, more than $50.8 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education, and watershed enhancement.
Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $11 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
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SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon Military Department is scheduled to sell the Oregon Army National Guard armory in Burns, Oregon, for a fair market price of $250,000. The property is located at 619 S. Fairview Ave.

The Burns Paiute Tribal Council will purchase the property once terms of the Land Sale Agreement are completed.  The terms of the Land Sale Agreement are $225,000 down and $5,000 each year for the next five years. The tribal council approved the purchase last week.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to purchase the armory and turn it into a wellness center for our community,” said Eric Hawley, Tribal Counsel Chief.

The Burns Armory has been vacant since 2013. At that time, there were only eight Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers living in Burns assigned to a 21-person engineer unit. The remainder of Soldiers in that unit lived in the greater Bend, Oregon, area. In 2012, the unit began conducting drill training at the Bend Armory and was officially re-stationed there in 2013.

Legislative approval to sell the armory was achieved in 2017 as part of Senate Bill 5506 and the sale was listed under terms defined by The Department of Administrative Services.

Oregon State Police and emergency personnel are currently on scene of a roll over truck crash on Hwy 99W near mile post 26.

This is a single vehicle crash with minor injuries to the operator.

Expect delays in the area for the next couple of hours.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Use a smartphone to easily find pumpkin patches, u-pick orchards, farm stands, and harvest festivals with Oregon’s Bounty at www.OregonFB.org.

Pumpkins, apples, pears, and squash are just a few examples of autumn’s agricultural bounty. But if you want to venture out into the countryside to buy seasonal food directly from a farmer or rancher, where do you go?

“Everyone knows where their local farmers market is, but not everyone knows where to find roadside farm stands, pumpkin patches, u-pick orchards, and harvest events. That’s where Oregon’s Bounty comes in,” said Anne Marie Moss, Oregon Farm Bureau communications director.

Oregon’s Bounty at www.OregonFB.org is a searchable directory of nearly 300 family farms and ranches that sell food and foliage directly to the public.

Smartphone-friendly, the Oregon’s Bounty website allows visitors to search for a specific agriculture product — like pumpkins or apples — and/or search for farms within a specific region of the state, such as Portland Metro, the Gorge, or the Willamette Valley. Visitors can also do a search for “u-pick” or “events” to locate those activities.

“Oregonians love farm-fresh food. Thanks to the diversity of Oregon agriculture, we can buy an enormous variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, nuts, and flowers directly from the families who grew it,” said Moss.

“Each of the farms listed in Oregon’s Bounty are owned and operated by Farm Bureau members, who are proud of what they’ve raised and are happy to answer questions about what they do,” said Moss. “Fall is an ideal time to take a trip into the scenic countryside, meet a few of these family farmers, and experience Oregon agriculture firsthand.”

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Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

The state’s largest general agriculture organization, Oregon Farm Bureau is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing farm and ranch families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties and has nearly 7,000 member families professionally engaged in agriculture.

All are invited to participate in Great ShakeOut, an annual earthquake preparedness drill, at 10:18 on October 18.

Salem, OR – October 10, 2018 – Crustal earthquakes are regular occurrences in Oregon. They are generally small and low-impact and can cause significant localized damage while the threat of a Cascadia Subduction Zone quake is a geologic hazard that will affect the entire state. On average, Cascadia quakes occur every 300 years and are caused by the shifting of geologic plates in the Cascadia subduction zone.  Emergency management agencies and other organizations across the state have worked with communities to share information and promote preparedness. The best protective action anyone can do during any type of earthquake is to “Drop. Cover. Hold on.” Most injuries are caused by falling debris or being thrown to the ground.

On Thursday, October 18, people worldwide will practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” as part of the Great ShakeOut annual earthquake drill. It’s your chance to be one in a million - or one of a half million! Currently more than 520,000 Oregonians have pledged to participate in the Great Oregon ShakeOut. Join us at 10:18 a.m. on Thursday, October 18, as we "Drop, Cover and Hold On." Register today and check out some great earthquake preparedness resources.

“Earthquakes are just one of the natural hazards we face in Oregon,” says Althea Rizzo, geologic hazards awareness program coordinator at Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management. “We also experience winter storms, wildfires and flooding. Experience has shown that in the aftermath of large disasters - consider the recent earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia or Hurricanes Maria and Florence – personal preparedness is critically important. The Great ShakeOut is a safe and fun way to practice what to do when seismic activity occurs.”

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has declared October 18, 2018, “Great Oregon Shakeout Day.” The proclamation encourages participation in the ShakeOut and urges Oregonians to be
2 Weeks Ready.

 “We know that a Cascadia Subduction Zone quake and tsunami could leave large areas of our state without resources for days and weeks,” says Rizzo. “Having 2 weeks of food, water and other emergency supplies is critical for individuals and families who may need to take care of themselves until formal response resources can reach them.”

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On Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at approximately 8:07 AM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Lone Rock Road near mile post 13 in Gilliam County.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by Karen Buell (62) of Condon, was traveling eastbound on Lone Rock Road when, for unknown reasons, left the roadway and rolled down a steep embankment. 

Buell sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

OSP was assisted by the Gilliam County Sheriff's Office, South Gilliam County Fire, and Gilliam County Road Department.

OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for shooting and leaving (to waste) a fork-horn buck the night of October 5, 2018.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the deer was shot once from Panther Creek Road (a spur road off 12-mile road about 3.5 miles from West Fork Cow Creek Road).

Those with information are asked to contact Sr. Trooper Baimbridge directly at (541) 817-4473 or OSP dispatch at (541) 440-3333. Those with information can remain anonymous and a TIP reward will be offered for information leading to a citation or arrest in the case.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.

Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Mountain Sheep

5 Points-Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.

CASH REWARDS:
$1,000 Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
$100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP(677)

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)

October 10, 2018

OHA: Federal immigration rule proposal could impact health access, outcomes

Salem, Ore. -- Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen released the following statement in response to Department of Homeland Security’s proposed public charge rule change, which was published in the Federal Register today:

OHA is closely monitoring the proposed change to the Department of Homeland Security’s federal public charge rule that could impact access to essential services like health care for some Oregon immigrant communities. It is important to know that the rule has not yet changed, and eligibility criteria for our programs have not changed.

However, we are aware that families are concerned, fearful, and faced with difficult choices. We will continue our work with local health care providers, advocates, attorneys, and community leaders to address the fears and respond to the changing immigration landscape while maintaining our focus on improving the health of Oregonians.

We know that health coverage contributes to healthier pregnancy, birth, and childhood outcomes, better education, and reduced emergency department visits and hospitalizations. OHA will continue to focus on transforming health care for all Oregonians.

Public charge is a term used in immigration law to describe an individual who is likely to become dependent on the government in the future. Being considered a public charge can result in the denial of a green card (permanent residency) application. Currently, the only public assistance that can be considered when determining a person will become a public charge is cash assistance (e.g. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Social Security Income) and assisted long-term care at the government’s expense.

The proposed changes would expand the list of programs that could impact public charge determinations to include non-emergency Medicaid (full Oregon Health Plan), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) and housing assistance. Homeland Security is also considering including the Children’s Health Insurance Program on the list and has requested public comment on that aspect.

OHA, led by Governor Kate Brown’s Office and together with Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Housing and Community Services, will closely monitor this proposed rule, study its impacts and work with community partners to support affected Oregonians.

One in 10 Oregon residents is an immigrant, while about one in eight U.S. born children has at least one immigrant parent, according to the American Immigration Council.

The public may submit comments to the Federal Register on the proposed rule change for 60 days, until December 10, 2018. You can comment by visiting the Federal Register website at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/10/10/2018-21106/inadmissibility-on-public-charge-grounds.

# # #

Resources:
Proposed Rule: Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/10/10/2018-21106/inadmissibility-on-public-charge-grounds.

National Academy for State Health Policy analysis: https://nashp.org/federal-proposal-broadens-public-charge-definition-what-are-the-implications-for-states/

Kaiser Family Foundation analysis: https://www.kff.org/disparities-policy/fact-sheet/proposed-changes-to-public-charge-policies-for-immigrants-implications-for-health-coverage/.

http://bit.ly/2OSnMPZ

(Salem) – Oregon’s workers’ compensation rates remain among the lowest in the nation, according to an analysis released today by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). This reflects the state’s ongoing success in making workplaces safer and keeping costs under control.

The biennial study ranks all 50 states and Washington, D.C., based on premium rates that were in effect Jan. 1, 2018.

Oregon had the sixth least expensive rates in 2018, an improvement from its ranking as the seventh least expensive state the last time the study was done, in 2016. DCBS recently announced that Oregon workers’ compensation rates would decline further – an average 9.7 percent – in 2019. Workers’ compensation pays injured workers for lost wages and medical care for job-related injuries.

“Oregon continues to demonstrate that it’s possible to maintain low employer costs while providing strong support to workers,” Governor Kate Brown said. “We must remain committed to working together to balance employer rates and worker benefits, and to help injured workers heal and return to work quickly.”

The study shows New York had the most expensive rates, followed by California. Meanwhile, North Dakota had the least expensive rates. In the Northwest, Washington’s rates were the 16th most expensive and Idaho was the 21st most expensive.

Oregon researchers also compared each state’s rates to the national median (the 26th ranked state) rate of $1.70 per $100 of payroll. Oregon’s rate of $1.15 is 68 percent of the median.

To produce a valid comparison of states, which have various mixes of industries, the study calculates rates for each state using the same mix of the 50 industries with the highest workers’ compensation claims costs in Oregon.

A summary of the study was posted today; the full report will be published later this year.

Oregon has conducted these studies in even-numbered years since 1986, when Oregon’s rates were among the highest in the nation. The department reports the results to the Oregon Legislature as a performance measure. Oregon’s relatively low rate today underscores the success of the state’s workers’ compensation system reforms and its improvements in workplace safety and health. 

Oregon has long taken a comprehensive approach to making workplaces safer, keeping business costs low, and providing strong worker benefits. This approach includes enforcing requirements that employers carry insurance for their workers, keeping medical costs under control, and helping injured workers return to work sooner and minimize the impact on their wages.

It also includes efforts to prevent on-the-job injuries by enforcing workplace safety and health rules, and advising employers about how to improve worker safety and health.

“Oregon employers and employees understand the importance of keeping workplaces safe,” said Cameron Smith, DCBS director. “That commitment continues to be a major factor in keeping costs down.”

Here are some key links for the study/workers’ compensation costs:

• To read a summary of the study, go to https://www.oregon.gov/dcbs/reports/Documents/general/prem-sum/18-2082.pdf  

• Prior years’ summaries and full reports with details of study methods can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/dcbs/reports/protection/Pages/general-wc-system.aspx  

• Information on workers’ compensation costs in Oregon, including a map with these state rate rankings, is at https://www.oregon.gov/dcbs/cost/Pages/index.aspx

Learn about Oregon’s return-to-work programs, workers’ compensation insurance requirements, and more at https://wcd.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx

Request a no-cost workplace safety or health consultation, and learn about workplace safety and health requirements and resources at https://osha.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx

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The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

The Medford Police Department has expanded its photo red light and speed enforcement program.  The intersections located at Biddle Rd. and E. McAdrews Rd. as well as E. Barnett Rd. and E. Stewart Av. are now equipped to enforce speed violations as well as red light violations.

These two intersections went live to enforce speed violations on October 1st.  However, only warnings will be issued for the first 30 days.  Citations for speed violations at these two intersections will start being issued on November 1st.

The City of Medford currently utilizes photo enforcement cameras at four intersections:

• E. Barnett Rd. and E. Stewart Av.
• Biddle Rd. and E. McAndrews Rd.
• N. Central Av. and E. 4th St.
• S. Riverside Av. and E. 8th St.

The goal of the photo enforcement program is to improve traffic safety in Medford.  Since installing photo enforcement cameras at the listed intersections the City has seen a reduction of drivers running red lights and a reduction of crashes in the area.

For more information on the photo enforcement program please contact Sergeant Trevor Arnold at (541) 774-2272.