One person was killed and another received minor injuries in a traffic crash involving a pickup and commercial truck Wednesday morning on Highway 99W about four miles south of Monmouth. The victim is identified as NICHOLAS LARRY-LEE FAAS, age 24, from Dallas.

According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Sergeant Kevin Delgrande, on May 14, 2008 at approximately 11:10 a.m. a 1994 Toyota pickup driven by FAAS was northbound on Highway 99W near milepost 66 passing another vehicle in a no-passing zone. The pickup collided with a southbound Mack truck pulling a loaded chip trailer. After impact, the truck came to rest in a field off the east side of the highway and the pickup came to rest on the northbound shoulder.

FAAS was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators advise he attended Oregon State University.

The truck's driver, VERNARD MELLO, age 49, from McMinnville, received minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a Corvallis hospital.

OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Polk County Sheriff's Office, Polk County Fire District, and ODOT assisted at the scene. The highway was closed for about four hours with a detour established around the scene.

No photographs available for release.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

The State of Oregon will recognize the historical and present-day contributions of the U.S. Military during an Armed Forces Day celebration May 15 on the Capital Mall.

Oregon's Armed Forces Day gives citizens an opportunity to see the capabilities of the Oregon National Guard and the Office of Emergency Management, and introduces them to the agencies which support the state and work with federal partners.

Several items of military equipment will be on static display starting at 10 a.m., including a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, 105mm Howitzer cannons, a light armored vehicle (LAV), military firefighting equipment, a HEMTT, and a Humvee. In addition, there will be displays of special communications equipment, as well as equipment used by the 125th Special Tactics Squadron – one of only two special operations units in the National Guard. The Oregon Military Museum will also have displays of historic military equipment. The static displays will end at 2 p.m.

The formal portion of the celebration will begin at 11:55 a.m. Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney will attend the ceremony, and Chip Terhune, the governor's Chief of Staff will deliver an Armed Forces Day proclamation. During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General of Oregon, will recognize Thomas P. Moyer, Sr. as an Honorary Member of the 186th Infantry Regiment. Moyer is a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific Theater with the 41st Infantry Division – the first National Guard unit to deploy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The formal ceremony will conclude at 12:30 p.m. with a cannon salute and flyover by a formation of F-15 Eagles.

The first Armed Forces Day in 1950 replaced separate celebrations each held by the individual services. The tradition continues today as the state recognizes the contributions the military makes to the safety and security of U.S. citizens around the world.

The event is open to the public and media.

- 30 -

FACT SHEETS for some of the main attractions:

F-15 Eagle fighter jet: http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=101

UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter: http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/aircraft/blackhawk.html

Towed Howitzer (105mm) M119A1/A2: http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/indirect/m119.html

When the weather is hot, your body works overtime trying to stay cool. Excess heat escapes through protective mechanisms (such as perspiring), leading to uncomfortable and often times harmful symptoms. Heat problems are preventable with the proper precautions. Be aware and enjoy the summer.

Symptoms of Heat-Induced Ailments
• Dehydration – thirst, less frequent urination
• Prickly heat bumps - irritating skin rash
• Cramps - painful muscle contractions
• Edema – swelling of hands and feet
• Exhaustion / Fatigue – characterized by clammy skin, paleness, dizziness, nausea, fever, and headache

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Seek immediate medical help if you or someone else develops the following symptoms. Heat Stroke is the most severe heat illness and is a life-threatening situation.
• Lethargy, sluggishness
• Rapid heart rate and breathing
• Confusion, disorientation, agitation, irritability
• High body temperature
• Intense muscle aches, fever, diarrhea or nausea
• Convulsing, fainting, seizure, loss of consciousness

HEAT STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY – CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

Caring for a Heat Stroke Victim Until Help Arrives

While you are waiting for help to arrive you can assist the person by doing the following:
• Get the person out of the heat to a cooler environment. Take them indoors if possible.
• Fan the person with a newspaper or towel to cool the body.
• Loosen or remove clothing and sprinkle the skin lightly with water.
• Elevate feet to direct blood flow back toward the head.
• If available, apply icepacks to the groin area or armpits.

Risk of Heat Related Illness

Some people are at greater risk than others to suffer heat-related illness:
• Infants and young children
• People aged 65 and older
• Those persons who are physically ill, or have heart disease or high blood pressure
• Those persons who must work in / wear protective equipment: helmets, respirators, heavy clothing
How to Beat the Heat – The Do's and Don'ts:

Do

• Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries
• Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air
• Take a cool bath or shower
• Minimize direct exposure to the sun
• Stay hydrated – regularly drink water or other nonalcoholic fluids
• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads
• Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothes
• Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat
• Limit exercise to moderate activity and rest whenever necessary
• Exercise during cooler periods of the day such as the early morning or late evening hours
• Consult your health care provider or pharmacist to see which medicines are affected by excessive heat conditions
• Know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.

Don't

• Direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°f
• Leave children, the elderly or pets alone in cars for any amount of time
• Drink alcohol, or drinks that contain caffeine or large amounts of sugar to try to stay cool
• Eat heavy, hot, or hard-to-digest foods
• Wear heavy, dark clothing
• Exert yourself excessively

(Cottage Grove, OR) – "South Lane School District is excited about their end-of-the year field days, and hopes to make it another memorable year for the students," according to Event Coordinator Jill Smith.

All 5th graders and any 5th grade blended classes are invited to attend on Monday, June 9, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Cottage Grove High School Campus, taking place in the gyms, wrestling room, Don King Field, and Herald White Stadium.

At Herald White Stadium and Don King Field, individual sport skill events include Soccer (Kick-Distance, Kick-Accuracy, and Dribbling-Speed); Basketball (Free Throws, Dribbling,Lay Ups); Football (Throw-Distance, Throw-Accuracy, Field Goal); Running (50 Meter Dash, 50 Meter Hurdles, 400 Meters, Obstacle Course); Field Events (High Jump;Long Jump; Standing Long Jump; Mini-Javelin);Softball (Throw-Distance; Throw-Accuracy); and Jump Rope (Time, Accuracy).

In the high school gyms and wrestling room, events include Basketball; Volleyball;
Floor Hockey; Take-A-Chance; and Gold Mine.

Athletes arrive at 9:15 a.m. Opening Ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. The Olympic Games begin at 9:45 a.m. Closing Ceremonies are at 1:15 p.m. Volunteers are still needed to help on site, and can contact Jill Smith at jsmith7@lane.k12.or.us or by calling (541) 942-3316.


Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes that are good for athletics (shorts,
t-shirts, sweats), and be prepared for rainy and/or cold weather. A rain jacket would be smart if the forecast calls for rain. This is an indoor and outdoor event. No cleats are allowed.

Event t-shirts can be purchased through May 27 on a pre-order basis for $10 by returning a t-shirt order form to classroom teachers, or by contacting jsmith7@lane.k12.or.us Make checks payable to the South Lane School District. Thank you to Don Hanley and ForeAthletics for the t-shirts.

South Lane School District expresses great appreciation to Tina Belmont at http://www.geocities.com/tinabelmont for the South Lane Elementary Olympics graphic design and logo creation. In addition, much appreciation is extended to the physical education staff at Cottage Grove High School for their extra efforts in helping to make this event a success.

For more event details, or a history of Latham Field Days, visit our South Lane Elementary Olympics website at
http://www.slane.k12.or.us/staff/jsmith7/olympics/

A Bend-area man was arrested Tuesday evening by an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper when a traffic stop led to the discovery of approximately 7 grams of Psilocybin mushrooms in his car on Highway 126 just west of Prineville.

On May 13, 2008 at about 6:00 p.m. OSP Senior Trooper Keith Taylor stopped a white 1997 Toyota pickup for failure to display a front plate on Highway 126 near milepost 16. During the stop the driver was identified as RYAN SHERBOURNE, age 25, from Bend.

A subsequent search led to the discovery of Psilocybin mushrooms, a small amount of Marijuana, and several firearms. Among the firearms were two .45 caliber handguns, a shotgun rifle with a mounted tactical light, and a .22 caliber rifle with a folding stock.

SHERBOURNE was arrested and lodged in the Crook County Jail for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

Oregon State Police were assisted at the scene by Crook County Sheriffs Office and Prineville Police Department K-9 drug detection unit.

Photograph Sources:
Firearms photo - Oregon State Police
Psilocybin Mushrooms - Unknown source file photo

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: Firearms.JPG , Psilocybin mushrooms.JPG

Oregon 150 and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) are teaming up to encourage the state's youth to make history and reconnect with nature.

OPRD is accepting applications from local government agencies for one-time Youth Legacy Park grants for projects that involve Oregon youth in the state's sesquicentennial celebration, while increasing their interest in nature and the outdoors. The grants will fund at least four Oregon 150 youth legacy projects that give kids chances to commemorate the sesquicentennial with lasting contributions to local parks and communities.

Completed applications are due July 11. The grants will be awarded in September 2008.

"The sesquicentennial gives us a great chance to connect kids with both the state's heritage and outdoor offerings," said OPRD Director Tim Wood. "The grants present ways to pass on the state's outdoor legacy through our youth."

Wood cited a recent trend in research for the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) that shows fewer children engaged in outdoor recreation. The finding, he noted, correlates with other research showing climbing rates in childhood obesity and physical inactivity among youth.

Examples of eligible projects include developing and restoring natural areas, outdoor exhibit or interpretive areas, campgrounds, picnic facilities, trails and trailheads, outdoor swimming sites, boating accommodations and winter sports facilities. Ideally, said OPRD Grants Division manager Wayne Rawlins, the proposals will involve youth in the projects "from beginning to end." Outdoor classroom, back-to-nature and how-to camping programs with a sesquicentennial relationship are other proposals that will be considered.

OPRD's Local Government Advisory Committee, which will review and recommend the projects to be funded, will not consider proposals involving indoor recreation facilities, historic buildings or park maintenance structures.

More information about the grants and an application form are available online at http://egov.oregon.gov/OPRD/GRANTS/index.shtml, or by calling 503-986-0708. Information about Oregon 150 and the sesquicentennial is on the web at www.oregon150.org.
###

The Humane Society of the United States and The HSUS Wildlife Land Trust are offering two $2,500 rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for illegally killing three elk in two separate poaching cases in Lane County, Ore.

The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is investigating both cases. The first case involves one cow elk found dead on April 29th south of Oakridge. In the second case, one adult cow elk and one yearling cow were found dead on May 4th south of Cottage Grove. All three elk were shot out of season and left to waste.

"Poaching is not only callous and irresponsible, it's also a crime that all too often goes unpunished," said Kelly Peterson, Oregon state director for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States applauds Oregon State Police for strongly enforcing anti-poaching laws."

Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1-5 percent of poachers are caught. Poachers kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel manners.

Anyone with information about these cases is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (T.I.P.) hotline at 1-800-452-7888.
The HSUS works to stop wildlife abuse across the country. Visit humanesociety.org/hunt for more information.

Questions for HSUS can be directed to Liz Bergstrom at (410) 703-4802, ebergstrom@humanesociety.org.

Link to the original Oregon State Police news release: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/NEWSRL/news/05_06_2008_lane_elk.shtml.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 050608.elk.JPG

(Salem) – Thirty-five people covered by Oregon's workers' compensation system died on the job during 2007, according to data compiled by the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS).

The 2007 total marks the third-lowest number of compensable workplace deaths in the state's history. In 2005, there were 31 deaths, which is the lowest number reported since the state started tracking workplace deaths in 1943. There was an average of 55 workplace deaths per year in Oregon in the 1990s and 81 per year in the 1980s.

"Because of the hard work and cooperation among Oregon's employers and employees, we have made great progress in recent decades in reducing deaths as well as workplace injuries and illnesses," said Cory Streisinger, DCBS director. "But, as the numbers show, not every Oregonian gets to come home to their family safely at the end of their shift – which means we all must continue to focus on safety each and every day."

The largest concentration of deaths occurred in construction (12 deaths), with the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector seeing the second highest numbers (five deaths). Nearly 29 percent of the total accidents were the result of falls.

"Construction continues to be very dangerous," said Michael Wood, Oregon OSHA administrator. "We need to reduce those risks, particularly those that lead to falls, because we know how to prevent them."

Oregon OSHA currently offers educational workshops, consultation services, training videos and Web site information to help Oregon employers create or improve their safety and health programs.

DCBS compiles fatality statistics from records of death claim benefits paid by Oregon workers' compensation insurers during the calendar year. The data reported may exclude workplace fatalities involving self-employed individuals, city of Portland police and fire employees, federal employees, and incidents occurring in Oregon to individuals with out of state employers. These workers are either not subject to Oregon workers' compensation coverage requirements or are covered by other compensation systems.

Deaths that occur during a prior calendar year may appear in the compensable fatality count for a later year because of the time required to process a claim. Complete data on all deaths caused by injuries in Oregon workplaces, regardless of whether they are covered by workers' compensation insurance are computed separately and reported in the annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) administered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 2007 CFOI report is not expected for release until the fall of 2008.

###

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer & Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to www.orosha.org.
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.

The Oregon State Police and the Malheur County District Attorney, working in cooperation with Oregon Department of Corrections, are continuing the investigation of a suspicious death at the Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario. Next of kin notifications are done and the inmate's name is being released.

According to Oregon Department of Corrections, the deceased inmate is identified as JAMES IVAN BRIGGS, age 61. BRIGGS was found deceased in his SRCI cell in Complex 1 on May 12, 2008 at approximately 6:52 a.m. An autopsy is scheduled at the State Medical Examiner's Office in Portland on May 14th.

BRIGGS was received in the Department of Corrections Intake center on December 13, 2002 out of Coos County for convictions of Sexual Penetration, Sodomy and Sex Abuse in the First Degree. He had been at SRCI since January 15, 2003 and had a release date in 2026.

SRCI is under normal operation status. Questions related to SRCI and the inmate can be directed to Ms. Amber Campbell, SRCI Public Information Officer, at (541) 881-5056.

Further information will be released as would be appropriate with the Malheur County District Attorney's approval based upon the continuing investigation developments.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

The Warner Creek Correctional Facility (WCCF) near Lakeview is being honored with one of the first ever State Energy Efficient Design (SEED) awards. SEED awards are given by the Oregon Department of Energy to recognize and encourage energy efficient design in the construction of State facilities.

WCCF, which opened in 2005, was constructed with energy efficiency in mind. Its design saves energy and money, in areas ranging from heating and cooling to lighting and ventilation.

A major "green" component is the heating and hot water system, which uses naturally occurring geothermal heat. This allows the facility to use less propane, saving the State an estimated half-million dollars per biennium.

"Corrections has changed," says Max Williams, Director for the Oregon Department of Corrections. "How we build prisons and the design of the institution is part of that evolution. The Department of Corrections is honored to be recognized for its innovations. What we've learned from the Warner Creek Correctional Facility will be incorporated into future Corrections projects."

"This award is a well-earned recognition for the design team," says WCCF Superintendent Chuck Seeley, "and it's a great tribute to our Physical Plant Staff who have worked closely with the Town of Lakeview to maintain the designed efficiency and operating standards of this system."

WCCF and two other State facilities received their awards this afternoon at a ceremony in Salem.

For more information about the Oregon State Energy Efficient Design program, visit http://oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/SEED/SEEDhome.shtml


-end-

May 13, 2008

Public health officials in the Oregon Department of Human Services will use $550,000 in federal public health emergency preparedness funds to bolster local efforts across the state.

The funds are from the state's cooperative agreement with the federal Centers for Disease Control and were not spent during the previous budget cycle. Under the agreement, the Public Health Division must use them up this federal fiscal year, which ends this August.

"Our joint state and local leadership within public health agreed that helping communities meet local needs is the best use of this money," said Mike Harryman, public health preparedness manager in DHS. "The plan we developed focuses on a variety of preparedness needs, and will help fill gaps at the county level."

Harryman outlined specifics of the comprehensive plan:
• Iridium satellite phones will be provided to county heath departments, hospitals and tribal preparedness programs this summer. The phones will be supported by DHS through 2010.
• Amateur radio operations will be provided or enhanced on a county-by-county basis.
• Incident Command System training, a nationally accepted method of managing emergencies, will be provided to local health departments, hospital personnel and emergency medical responders in locations around the state. An intensive three-day course on exercise design and compliance with new U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security requirements also will be offered.
• Four hundred intermediate user licenses will be added to the Health Alert Network (HAN). HAN is a secure, Web-based multi-media alerting system and is the key communication component of the public health preparedness program.
• Standardized signage will be provided to local health departments for use during activation of the Strategic National Stockpile. In the event of a major disease outbreak, medications would be obtained from the federal government and dispensed at 168 pre-identified locations. The signs would help people navigate the dispensing sites.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and training will be provided to local health department staff for use during a pandemic or other highly pathogenic disease outbreak.

Harryman noted that DHS also is using federal Hospital Preparedness Program funding in other ways to benefit communities. Some examples:
• The Hospital Capacity (HOSCAP) Web site on HAN is being enhanced to allow an increased ability to track and display emergency department status, supplies and regional events. Regional trainings for HAN and HOSCAP system administrators will begin later this summer.
• Materials are being developed to inform health care providers about the Oregon Health Care Volunteer Registry, which goes online this summer. Target audiences include licensed physicians, nurses, pharmacists and emergency medical technicians who would be needed to help assist during a major public health emergency.
• Statewide disaster burn training, which is part of the state emergency plan for burn injuries, is being conducted by the Oregon Burn Center.
• Geographic Information System (GIS) software has been purchased to allow rapid identification of the locations of critical infrastructure facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and fire and police stations throughout the state. This cooperative project involves the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, Department of Human Services Public Health Division, Oregon Military Department and Metro Regional Government.

###

Oregon State Police Superintendent Timothy McLain announced the appointment of a veteran Forensic Services Division employee as the division's new director.

RANDALL L. WAMPLER, age 46, was named Director of the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division following the retirement of previous director, David Schmierbach. WAMPLER is a native Oregonian who grew up in the Roseburg and Eugene areas. He graduated from Willamette High School in Eugene and then attended Oregon State University from where he graduated in 1984 with a degree in Microbiology.

WAMPLER started his Oregon State Police career in June 1985 as a laboratory technician at the Portland Forensic Laboratory. He was appointed as a Criminalist in 1986 and worked most of his career in forensic serology and the DNA section before moving into a management position in 2000.

In addition to his educational and work-related experiences, WAMPLER has also received training through the FBI Academy, Forensic Management Academy sponsored by the National Institute of Justice & West Virginia University, Portland State University, and the Oregon Executive Development Institute. He is a member of the Northwest Association of Forensic Scientists, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors.

"Randy's portfolio of education, experience and performance, demonstrated over a sustained period of time has positioned him well for this job. He also places a high priority on working with our partners which is very important for this agency," said Major Chris Brown, Public Safety Services Bureau Commander.

The Forensic Services Division is a nationally accredited forensic laboratory system serving all state and local law enforcement agencies, medical examiners and prosecuting attorneys in Oregon. The Division also performs forensic analysis on criminal cases for the defense upon a court order. More information about the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division is available at http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/FORENSICS/index.shtml.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: randy.wampler.jpg

Sheriff's offices in 11 Oregon counties will receive state All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Program grants from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to help pay for law enforcement in off-highway vehicle riding areas.

Almost three-quarters of $1.3 million in grants approved recently by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission will help pay sheriff's patrol and other enforcement costs in Baker, Union, Morrow, Wasco, Hood River, Tillamook, Deschutes, Yamhill, Douglas, Coos and Lane counties. The awards range from $19,104 for Wasco County patrols to $179,300 for Coos County sheriff's expenses in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

Another $250,224 will support law enforcement activities by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. BLM also will receive a $49,000 planning grant to continue an inventory of Medford District roads and off-highway trails.

OPRD permit sales and a percentage of state gas tax revenue fund the ATV grants, which are reviewed and ranked for dispersal by OPRD's All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Account Allocation Committee subject to Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission approval. Recipients must match at least 20 percent of project costs.

OPRD has awarded $7.84 million since July 1, 2007 for riding area land acquisitions, law enforcement and emergency medical services, riding area operations and maintenance, area development, planning, and safety education. ###

(EDITORS NOTE: A chart showing grant amounts and project details and costs is attached.)


Attached Media Files: 2008 ATV Law Enforcement Grants.pdf

Oregon State Medical Examiner Dr. Karen Gunson released drug-related death statistics for 2007 reflecting a continuing rise since 1999 and the third highest number of these deaths since 1997. The statistics showed a sharp increase in Heroin-related deaths while Methamphetamine and Cocaine-related deaths dropped in comparison to last year's figures.

"The jump in Heroin-related deaths is very alarming and the highest in that category for the last seven years," said Dr. Gunson. "There is nothing in these statistics to celebrate because drugs are taking the lives of many people including our family, friends, and neighbors."

Statistics released by the State Medical Examiner indicate 231 people died in Oregon during 2007 either from Heroin, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, or a combination use of drugs. Following a significant drop in 2001, drug-related deaths continued to rise as the 2007 year statistics were an 8 percent increase for the second straight year increasing over last year's 213 recorded deaths.

A closer look at the 231 drug-related deaths and the frequency of use in the total number of these deaths reflected:

* Heroin use was related to 115 deaths, an increase of 29 percent from last year's 89 deaths and the highest number since 2000 in this category.
* Methamphetamine use was related to 71 deaths, a decrease of 21 percent from last year's 90 deaths and the lowest number since 2002 in this category.
* Cocaine use was related to 55 deaths, a decrease of 14 percent from last year's 64 deaths.
* Combination of drug use was noted in 37 of the deaths, an increase of 18 percent from last year's 31 deaths.

Some counties that showed noticeable increases or decreases include:

* Multnomah County drug-related deaths increased from 95 (2006) to 111 (2007)
* Jackson County drug-related deaths increased from 6 (2006) to 13 (2007)
* Clackamas County drug-related deaths increased from 11 (2006) to 16 (2007)
* Washington County drug-related deaths increased from 3 (2006) to 11 (2007)
* Deschutes County drug-related deaths decreased from 6 (2006) to 2 (2007)
* Lane County drug-related deaths decreased from 32 (2006) to 26 (2007)
* Marion County drug-related deaths decreased from 20 (2006) to 15 (2007)

Information for all counties that had at least one drug-related death is available in the 2007 report.

Comparison of drug-related categories between 1996 and 2007 is available at the link provided with this release.

The State Medical Examiner's 2007 statistical review is available on the State Medical Examiner's website section at http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SME/docs/Drug_Related_Death_Report_2007.pdf

Access to reports between 2003 and 2007 are available at http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SME/index.shtml by checking Drug Death Report link.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 1996-2007.drugdeaths.doc

Oregon State Police (OSP) arrested the driver of a car involved in Sunday afternoon's fatal traffic crash that resulted in the death of a Dayton-area woman when her car was struck by another vehicle that crossed the center grass median on Highway 99W between Dundee and Newberg. Troopers arrested the man upon his release Monday afternoon from a Portland-area hospital.

OSP Senior Trooper Mark McDougal arrested LEONEL ZURITA LOEZA, age 26, from southwest Portland, at Legacy Emanuel Hospital on the following charges:

* Manslaughter in the First Degree
* Assault in the Second Degree
* Assault in the Third Degree
* Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
* Recklessly Endangering Another Person
* Reckless Driving
* Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree

ZURITA LOEZA will be lodged at Yamhill County Jail. Questions regarding upcoming court appearance(s) should be directed to the Yamhill County District Attorney's Office.

According to Oregon State Police Sergeant Brad Hessel, on May 11, 2008 at approximately 3:05 p.m. a 1994 Ford Taurus four-door driven by LEONEL ZURITA LOEZA, age 26, from southwest Portland, was northbound on Highway 99W near milepost 25. According to witnesses, the Ford was being operated at a high rate of speed when it lost control and crossed the grass center median where it became airborne and crashed into a southbound 2000 Toyota Avalon four-door. After the initial impact, the Ford collided with a southbound 2003 Toyota Corolla four-door with four occupants.

The Toyota Avalon's driver, CARMA COLLEEN SMITH, age 51, from Dayton, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

LOEZA and his two passengers received serious injuries. LOEZA was transported by LifeFlight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital where he was treated and released today before his arrest. Passenger IZQUIERDO L. JONATAN, age 21, from Beaverton, was transported by LifeFlight to Oregon Health Sciences University. Passenger NICHOLAS CONTRERAS, age 31, from Beaverton, was transported by ground ambulance to Newberg Providence Hospital. Current conditions of the passengers are not known.

The Toyota Corolla's driver, STEVEN J. MARCACCINI, age 57, from Aurora, and his two female and one male passenger were not injured.

Safety restraint use information is not available.

OSP troopers from the McMinnville Area Command office are continuing the investigation with assistance of an OSP crash reconstructionist and the Yamhill County District Attorney's Office. Members of the Multi-Agency Traffic Team comprised of officers from Newberg, Dundee, Carlton, and Yamhill County Sheriff's Office are also assisting. Dundee Fire & Rescue and ODOT assisted at the scene.

Highway 99W re-opened around 8:15 p.m.

Photograph Sources:
Crash scene - Oregon State Police
Suspect photo - DMV

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 051108.fatal.hwy99wmp25.1.JPG , 051108.fatal.hwy99wmp25.2.JPG , Zurita Loeza.JPG

A transformer at EPUD's Creswell Substation went out early Friday morning, causing about 1,700 homes fed by the Dale Kuni feeder line to be out of power for 45 minutes.

At about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, the power went out and two EPUD employees went to the substation. They saw a fox inside the enclosure, and surmised that it had climbed up the side of the transformer to get to a bird's nest. The animal shorted across the lightning arrestor, causing a fault that tripped the transformer offline. The employees transferred the 1,700 homes to the other transformer, restoring their electricity.

They saw the fox leave the site and have not seen it since.

# # # # #

For more info: Jaime Cranmer 744-7434

On May 14th, Philomath Middle School 7th grade students will spend the day at Newton Creek Wetlands. We will have an active day of inquiry and discovery into the life and function of this wetland ecosystem. Students will participate in a series of learning stations with "hands-on" activities and investigation of reptiles, amphibians, birds, wetland soils, oak woodlands, beaver, small mammals, pond life, plants and their interrelated habitats. Science in the outdoor classroom.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will present a draft master plan for managing the Marr Ranch property near Wallowa Lake at public hearings May 21 in Joseph and May 22 in Salem.

Comments from the public will be accepted at both meetings, which will run from 6-8 p.m. The Northeastern Oregon hearing will be at the Joseph Community Center, 102 E. 1st. The Salem session will be across from OPRD headquarters in the North Mall Office Building, room 124B, 725 Summer St. N.E.

No action to adopt the plan will occur, but OPRD will consider testimony in producing a final plan.

The draft plan includes concepts for protecting the property's natural, cultural and scenic values while offering public access for recreation and education. The property covers nearly 62 acres between Joseph and the Chief Joseph gravesite at the north end of Wallowa Lake.

An advisory committee meeting will precede the May 21 hearing from 1-4 p.m. at the Joseph Community Center. This meeting also will be open to the public, but comments will be accepted from committee members only. The committee includes representatives of the Nez Perce Tribe, the Farmers and Silver Lake irrigation ditch associations, the Oregon State Parks Trust and the National Park Service as well as the mayor of Joseph, the Wallowa County planning director and the Oregon Department of Transportation's district manager.

The meeting sites are accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance by calling 503-986-0655. ###

The Multnomah County Medical Examiner advised Oregon State Police that a Gladstone woman critically injured in a collision April 25th with a commercial truck on Highway 224 at Pheasant Court died Sunday at a Portland hospital. The victim was pregnant at the time of the crash. Her baby boy was delivered at the hospital after the crash and is reported doing well.

On April 25, 2008 at approximately 3:50 a.m. COURTNEY M. CORBETT, age 22, from Gladstone, was operating a 2003 Jeep Liberty westbound on Highway 224 approaching the intersection with Pheasant Court. PAUL EASTRIDGE, age 55, from Grants Pass, was driving a 2005 Peterbuilt truck pulling a semi-trailer and attempted to make a left turn onto eastbound Highway 224 from Pheasant Court on a green light when the Jeep crashed into the left side of the semi-trailer. The Jeep became stuck under the semi-trailer and had to be removed by emergency responders.

CORBETT, who was reportedly in the third trimester of her pregnancy, was unconscious and entrapped in the vehicle as emergency responders worked approximately 45-minutes to extricate her. She was taken by LifeFlight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland with serious injuries where she was being treated until she died.

EASTRIDGE was not injured in the crash.

Both drivers were using safety restraints.

Highway 224 was closed in both directions for approximately 2.5 hours.

Oregon Department of Transportation, Clackamas County Fire Department, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, AMR Ambulance, and Life Flight all assisted at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding this crash investigation is asked to call Senior Trooper Jason Lindland at (503) 731-3020 ext. 457.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


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Oregon emergency response teams to demonstrate response management
and life saving capabilities

Oregon's Incident Management Teams, Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Teams and Urban Search & Rescue Task Force, will provide demonstrations of their response, containment, rescue and recovery capabilities at the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training in Salem.
The media is invited to cover this event.

What: Live demonstrations by Urban Search & Rescue Task Force, Hazardous Materials Response Teams, and Incident Management Teams

Who: Speakers include State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr with a presentation by Incident Management Team Commander Scott Magers

When: May 13, 2008, 1:00 p.m.

Where: The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
4190 Aumsville Highway, Salem, Oregon
(after entering the parking area, signs and personnel will guide you to the correct location)

Why: Emergency response services and equipment are crucial to protecting the lives of all Oregonians. This demonstration provides an opportunity for the Governor, Oregon legislators, state and local leaders to see first hand the importance of continuing a viable response and rescue capability throughout Oregon.

Photo and interview opportunities will be available.

###

The South Lane School Board adopted a Benzene Reduction Plan at their April regular session school board meeting, in an effort to promote and protect the health and well-being of students, staff, and the greater Cottage Grove community. Benzene is a volatile, colorless gas that is released even when gasoline engines idle and is also released when motorists "top off" their fuel tanks.

Benzene has been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Group A - known human carcinogen. The Lane County Health Advisory Committee has advised and the Board of County Commissioners has unanimously adopted a policy to encourage establishment of no idle zones around public places, and to educate residents regarding the need to reduce idling time and avoid "topping off" at fueling stations.

South Lane Superintendent Krista Parent followed up the board's resolution at the meeting with a letter to all South Lane families on behalf of the board that addresses these two significant health risks of vehicle idling and topping off. The letter is being distributed in Spring parent newsletters.

Superintendent Parent explains that one of the worst areas for unnecessary idling is at schools, as parents wait to drop off and pick up their children. According to Airwatch Northwest, just one vehicle dropping off and picking up one child at one school puts, on average, about three pounds of pollution into the air each month. She noted that a general rule to follow is that if you will be idling for more than 30 seconds, it is best to turn your engine off. Asthma and other respiratory illnesses have been associated with unnecessary idling.

With regard to "topping off" your gas tank when fueling up at the gas station, a simple way to reduce benzene in the air is to say "no" the next time you are asked. Benzene fumes have been linked to cancers such as leukemia and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and are emitted into the air when gas tanks are topped off and when automobiles idle. Children are especially at risk for these diseases, as are pregnant women.

The South Lane School Board appreciates the community's consideration of these issues.

The Lane Community College Foundation honors South Lane School District Board Member Sherry Duerst-Higgins as one of their four Distinguished Alumni for 2008. The award goes to alumni who has completed at least 30 credit hours or earned an associate's degree at Lane, and has demonstrated achievement in their chosen profession, provided service to the community, and made an outstanding contribution to the college.

Sherry has received both dental assisting and Real Estate training from Lane Community College. She has earned several honors in her 16 years as a leading real estate broker in Cottage Grove. She is perhaps best-known for her longstanding support to education. She served 22 years on the South Lane School Board,serving as Board Chair many times; served eight years on the Lane Education Service District Board, which she currently chairs; and worked her way up the ranks to the presidency of the Oregon School Boards Association. Sherry served five years as President of the Cottage Grove Booster Club, and as a board member and Build It Committee Member was instrumental in passing a $26 million bond to build the new Cottage Grove High School.

Sherry is also an avid community supporter, being an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, Cottage Grove Rotary Club, Board of Realtors, Cottage Grove Community Foundation, Hospital Foundation, Community Sharing, as well as the Oregon School Activities Association, which governs all athletics and activities in the State of Oregon.

The investigation into Tuesday night's fire that destroyed Oney's Restaurant and Lounge on Highway 26 east of Seaside has determined it to be an arson-cause fire. Information regarding a possible reward by the Oregon Arson Awards Fund is made available to help in this investigation.

On May 6, 2008 at approximately 10:47 p.m. fire personnel from Elsie Vinemaple, Vernonia, Banks, Seaside, Gearhart, Hamlet, and Mist-Birkenfeld departments responded to the fire at 43128 Highway 26. The approximate 8500 square foot building originally constructed in 1927 was a total loss with fire damage estimated in excess of $770,000.

Investigators from Oregon State Police Arson & Explosives Section, Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office, Elsie Vinemaple Fire Department, Clatsop County Fire Investigation Team, and Clatsop County Sheriff's Office conducted an initial fire investigation that led to the determination the fire origin was on an exterior wall and was arson-caused.

Any tips related to this fire investigation can be called into the Oregon Arson Hotline at 800-452-7888, a toll-free statewide hotline to encourage citizens to provided information (anonymous if requested) on arson crimes, that may lead to the arrest and conviction of arsonists. The lead investigator on this case is Clatsop County Sheriff's Office Detective Mike Smith.

The Oregon Council Against Arson, in partnership with the NW Insurance Council and the Oregon Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), have a $5,000 Arson Awards Fund designed to encourage citizens to step forward and help identify arsonists. According to the IAAI, only 17 percent of all arson investigations result in convictions. Tips from citizens can make the difference between catching an arsonist and that arsonist from roaming the streets and starting more fires.

Credible information from citizens leading to an arrest or conviction of arsonists is considered for nomination for an award from the fund. The Arson Awards Committee reviews nominations and determine an appropriate monetary award.

More information regarding the Oregon Arson Award System is available on the Oregon State Police web site at the following link:

http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/AES/OCAA.shtml

And, on the IAAI website at: http://www.or-iaai.net/OCAAf.htm .

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


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Over 250 essays were received in the "Why is it Important to Save" Essay Contest sponsored by Siuslaw Bank, with 50 of the essays coming from South Lane School District students. First place winners included London third grade student Kaiden Rounsaville and Latham 4th Grade student Colbey Swenson. A party will be arranged for the classrooms of the winners to present the prizes and certificates.

The contest in honor of community banking month received essays from students residing in Florence, Mapleton, Eugene, Creswell, Springfield, Mapleton, Veneta, and Cottage Grove.

Congratulations to our South Lane winners!

The Riddle School Board will hold its annual Budget Hearing at 7:00pm at 401 First Avenue, Riddle on May 21st. The Hearing will precede the regular Board meeting. The General Public is invited to attend.

May 9, 2008

In 47 courtrooms around the state hundreds of Oregonians are getting a chance to turn their lives around -- and if they're successful, to avoid jail and break the cycle of drug use, addiction and criminal behavior.

Men and women who've committed non-violent drug offenses enter drug court voluntarily, but they must earn their way out of the criminal justice system by going through a long-term, structured, supervised and coordinated multi-agency treatment program.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski has proclaimed May as Drug Court Month in Oregon to recognize the success of these courts, which are located in 27 counties.

The Governor's proclamation noted that drug courts reduce addiction, crime and recidivism while promoting stable, healthy families and safe communities.

Men and women in drug court must be accountable and active in their recovery. They receive intensive judicial supervision, addiction treatment and random drug testing, and many attend meetings of recovery support groups while working with a program sponsor.

Drug courts are able to help people break addictions and criminal behavior thanks to support from prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment providers, mental health and rehabilitation professionals, law enforcement officials, corrections officers, researchers and educators.

Drug court in action

During a recent Friday drug court session at the Marion County Courthouse in Salem, people packed into Judge Dennis Graves' courtroom to make their weekly progress reports.

Most of the three dozen participants, ranging in age from 18 to 60, arrived well before the 10 a.m. starting time. Many were attired in casual business clothing and some brought their young children, parents or grandparents.

Families are important to drug court because their support is needed to help participants break their addictions and pattern of illegal activities, Graves said.

About two dozen individuals appeared before Graves during the two-hour court session. Each summarized his or her week's activities, reporting on school or work attendance, drug testing, job hunting, medications, treatment, probation officer meetings and other court requirements.

Participants must remain in court until the session ends so that individual victories, setbacks and lessons are shared with everyone. The judge admonished several persons for missing appointments or laxity in looking for work. A mother of five was handcuffed and ordered to spend the weekend in jail for lying and violating a court order.

Women -- many working to get children released from foster care -- make up 65 percent of his caseload, said Graves. Keeping families together helps in recovery and reduces support costs for the community, he said.

During court Graves was generous with his praise, congratulating participants for another good week, or for entering a less-restrictive phase of the program, or for nearing graduation. Peer support is invited, and spirited applause peppered the courtroom each time a participant reported a successful week.

Graduating (which includes dismissal of charges) from Judge Graves' drug court isn't easy. Participants must spend a year in the program, be clean and sober for 180 days, and complete drug addiction treatment. Those without a high school diploma also must earn a GED certificate.

Recovering from addiction

The Oregon Department of Human Services Addictions and Mental Health Division supports services that are essential to drug courts, such as outpatient and residential treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, detoxification, mental health treatment, and housing and peer support services aimed at recovery.

"A comprehensive array of treatment and support services addressing addiction is an essential element of any successful drug court," said Karen Wheeler, DHS addictions policy administrator.

Evidence shows that drug courts help reduce drug use and arrests, and may reduce corrections costs for counties, according to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, which administers drug court grants.

But perhaps the most important incentive to participants is that drug courts consistently improve the living situation, income and employment of its graduates.

###

The Riddle Facilities Advisory Committee will be hosting a tour of the Riddle High School Facility from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. The group will meet at the District Office located at 401 First Avenue in Riddle and then move on to the High School to tour the facility. The general public is invited to attend.

The Salem Police Department is proud to announce that McDonald's of Salem and Keizer and the Mid-Valley Garbage and Recycling Association have both generously donated $5,000 to support the Salem Police Department D.A.R.E. program.

The Salem Police Department currently has two full-time officers and one officer assisting part-time teaching D.A.R.E. in the Salem-Keizer School District. The program teaches D.A.R.E. to approximately 2, 200 fifth grade students each year, and community sponsorship is vital in providing supplies towards the program. These donations help to purchase DARE T-shirts, supplies and gifts for every graduate.

Since 1999 the McDonald's of Salem and Keizer has donated over $41,000 to the D.A.R.E. program and actively participates in fundraisers for other school programs as well. The Mid-Valley Garbage and Recycling Association began their unique D.A.R.E. fundraising program in 1997 with numerous bright red metal containers located at schools and businesses throughout the greater Salem/Keizer area. The vivid containers are visible to the public with large red signs that are clearly marked as D.A.R.E. recycling containers for magazines and newspapers, and the proceeds of this program have totaled over $63,000 since its beginning.

D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. The program is a research-based and proven effective program designed to help students make good choices and stay safe. The Salem Police Department D.A.R.E. program is active in making a difference in the lives of young people in our community, and the Salem Police Department, the Salem-Keizer School District, our DARE students and their families all wish to express our sincere appreciate to McDonald's of Salem and Keizer and the Mid-Valley Garbage and Recycling Association for their generous support.

The Salem Police Department and numerous other law enforcement agencies have been working to locate the owners of over 2,000 items of suspected stolen property seized from a home and property at 9884 Mt. Angel-Gervais Rd NE, Gervais, Oregon in early January 2008. So far, property with a total value of over $380,000 has been returned to 158 victims in 28 different jurisdictions in Oregon and Washington.

The Salem Police Department has posted pictures of most of the remaining property with unidentified owners on its internet web site. The web site address is http://www.cityofsalem.net/departments/police.

Some of the more notable items remaining are: six-spinning wheels (for making yarn) and 2-hand looms. One item has "J.E. Eriksson" stamped on it, one has "Made by Ernest L. Mason" scribed on it, one says "Made in New Zealand", one says "Made in Norway", one item has "Kelly" stamped on it, one has "Ebener Portland, Or" scribed on it. There is also a wooden box containing old postcards from Europe with "Mrs. Raymond H. Baker" written it, numerous black powder pistols and rifles, assorted artwork, two large wooden antique radios and a chest full of comic books. To view these and other items remaining for identification, please refer to the website listed above.

Anybody who believes they are the rightful owners of any of the items must first have reported the crime to their local police agency. They can then print the form from the Salem Police Website, fill it out and mail it in to the Salem Police Department. Please fill the form out completely with the best description possible of each stolen item, especially any identifying marks or numbers.
For burglaries or thefts reported to the Salem Police Department, call the Salem Police crime tip hotline at (503) 588-8477. If it was reported to another agency, please contact that agency for assistance.

This investigation highlights the need for the public to safeguard their property as much as possible to keep it from getting stolen. Citizens need to have a record of serial numbers for all their property and they need to report property stolen as soon as possible to increase the possibility of having it returned intact. It is recommended citizens engrave all their property such as tools, power equipment, electronics, bicycles, and small valuables with their driver's license number in this format: state abbreviation, followed by the number, followed by "DL". Example: OR100000001DL

2008 OMSI Ongoing Calendar of Events
OMSI e-newsroom: http://www.omsi.edu/info/pr/

OMSI REGULAR HOURS
9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Tues. – Sun.
(Open Mondays when Portland Public Schools are closed)

OMSI SUMMER HOURS
9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Daily beginning June 14

OMSI CONTACT INFO
Phone: 503.797.4000
Website: www.omsi.edu

FEATURED EXHIBITS

Now on exhibit through Sept. 1- Dinosaurs: China's Ancient Giants
Travel back in time 200 million years and witness China's most spectacular ancient inhabitants in the largest collection of authentic Chinese fossils ever toured. Dinosaurs: China's Ancient Giants features 17 complete dinosaur skeletons (both casts and fossils), a "dig pit" where kids of all ages can become paleontologists for a day, and a 67 foot-long adult Mamenchisaurus—the longest-necked dinosaur ever! This exhibit comes to OMSI in part through the generous support of regional sponsors Key Bank, Mentor Graphics, and The Standard.

Opens May 23- Let's Get Active
Get up and get moving to Let's Get Active, a new interactive exhibit about the fun and interesting ways to stay active. Try the electronic jump rope to see how jumping builds bone for life, step on the balance board and learn why good balance is important for people of all ages, or test your strength and compare results to national averages. Visitors can learn how to reduce TV/computer time, prevent disease, and burn as many calories doing everyday activities such as gardening or cleaning as playing sports.

Opens Sept. 27- Mindbender Mansion
Meet the Mindbender Society, a group of eccentric scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and inventors who have entertained themselves and their guests for generations by filling their eclectic Mindbender Mansion with a variety of inventive brain teasers, puzzles, and challenges. Visitors to the mansion are invited to join the Mindbender Society by using their problem-solving, creative, and critical thinking skills to solve individual brain teasers and large-scale group challenges, including manipulating a tilt table, maneuvering a flying machine, and disco hopscotch spelling.


COMMUNITY AND ADULT EVENTS

Nanotech Forum – Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology in Health and Healing
May 10, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., OMSI Auditorium
From invisible sunscreen to highly specific cancer detectors, new nanotechnology applications are everywhere, and they have the potential to dramatically transform the medical world. This forum combines a presentation by Dr. Jim Hutchinson, professor of chemistry and the director of the University of Oregon Materials Science Institute, with informal small-group discussions to consider the potential health benefits of nanomedicine, along with possible impacts. Forums are free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Science of Juggling
May 17-18
Discover the role science plays in the awe-inspiring art of juggling! Former Smithsonian artist-in-residence, Rhys Thomas, brings together gravity, inertia, and other science topics with bowling ball juggling, an acrobatic ladder, glass bowl spinning, and more. Visitors can give their own skills a work out, guided by educators from Portland's Amazama Juggling School. Event is included with paid museum admission.

Mars Landing
May 25
OMSI will offer space exploration enthusiasts a front-row seat for NASA's Phoenix Lander touch down on Mars. Scheduled for May 25 at 4:36 p.m. PDT, Phoenix will parachute from orbit and touch down on the outskirts of Mars' northern polar ice cap, joining the Mars exploration rovers Spirit and Opportunity.

The Mars landing will be shown in the OMSI Auditorium via a non-stop live link from NASA. Doors will open to the public at 3:00 p.m. to coincide with the NASA's live broadcast and seating is on first-come-first-serve basis. This event is included with paid museum admission. Pending a successful landing and contact, the first images from Phoenix are scheduled to be seen around 7:00 p.m.


43rd Annual Shell Show
June 19-22
View rare and beautiful shells from around the world at the 43rd Annual Shell Show, presented by the Oregon Society of Conchologists. Win a shell at the popular prize wheel and dig in a sandbox to learn how to find and identify types of shells. Find out how to start your own collection and watch a special presentation about mollusks. Event is included with paid museum admission.

Reptile and Amphibian Show
Aug. 30–Sept. 1
Crawl, slither and creep your way back to this popular event. The Reptile and Amphibian Show is back this year with some great additions and old favorites. From the rainforest to the desert to the mountains, nearly 200 assorted animals will be at OMSI for one of the largest shows in the Pacific Northwest. Get "hands-on" in our special Reptile Handling Area, learn from local experts and professionals about animal care and ownership, and see which animals are wild and native to the Northwest. Event is included with paid museum admission.

Brainstorm: Engaging with the Experts
This adult discussion series includes presentations by experts followed by ample time for Q&A. Visit http://www.omsi.edu/brainstorm for more information.
Cost: Free for OMSI members, $10 for adults (ticket stub good for $10 off an OMSI membership); $5 for students and seniors.

May 20- Unearthing China's Dragons, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., OMSI Auditorium
Fossil excavator and preparator at the Utah Geological Survey, Judy Sanders looks at some of the fossil discoveries in China, where they were made, and why dinosaurs half-way around the world are important to the study of dinosaurs in North America.

OMSI Science Pub
Meet with researchers and scientists at these monthly, informal science education events held in Portland and Eugene. Visit http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepub for more information.

Portland: Last Monday of every month at Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan, 7:00 p.m.

May 19– Sex, Relationships, and Technology (one week early due to Memorial Day)
How has the internet affected our sexuality and sexual relationships? Can a person truly fall in love with someone online? How has "sex-tech" altered our view of intimacy? Hear from L. Kris Gowen, PhD, about how the Internet is rewriting the rules of romance and some of the fundamental principles of psychology as well.

June 30– Does Solar Make Sense in Oregon?
Learn about the benefits of solar energy and how it can meet a large portion of our energy needs. Stuart Green of Solar Oregon will explain why, even with Oregon's rainy weather, solar energy is the state's largest resource for renewable energy.

July 28- Your World in a Box: The Port of Portland and Global Trade
Discussion with Barry Horowitz, Port of Portland

August 25- What's Love Got To Do With It: Sex for Social Bonding in Bonobos
Discussion with Frances White, PhD, University of Oregon

Eugene: The second Thursday of every month at Cozmic Pizza, 199 W 8th Ave, 7:00 p.m.

May 8– The Stem Cell Debate: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy
Explore questions surrounding ethical limits of embryo manipulation and how results of advances in stem cell technology can be distributed in a time of limited resources. Lisa Sardinia PhD, JD, associate professor of biology at Pacific University and associate director of the Pacific Institute for Ethics and Social Policy, will be leading the discussion.

June 12– Black Holes: From Science Fantasy to Strange Reality
Professor of mathematics and director of the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Oregon, Jim Isenberg Ph.D. will present the latest research and theories about black holes and how gravitational radiation detectors help us understand these captivating astrophysical objects.

July 10– The Evolution of Open Fracture Care: From Plaster to Titanium
Thomas K. Wuest, MD will discuss applicable biomechanical principles of fracture care, case histories, and surgical and x-ray imaging. Discover what happens when bones aren't where they are supposed to be.


OMNIMAX FILMS: OMNIMAX Hotline 503.797.4640

Opens June 3- Dinosaurs Alive!
Scientifically accurate, computer-generated animation brings dinosaurs back to life! Join renowned paleontologists on a journey through time as they discover new fossils and uncover evidence that dinosaur descendents still walk (and fly) among us.

Opens June 5- Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs
Watch ancient wonders brought to life in this new giant screen film that unravels the mysteries of mummies, recreates the dramatic story of their recovery, and weaves in a stunning modern-day forensic adventure.

Now playing- Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure
Travel back to the Late Cretaceous, when a great inland sea divided North America in two. The film follows a curious and adventurous dolichorynchops—known as Dolly—as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history.

Now playing- Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Grand Canyon, audiences take an exhilarating river-rafting adventure down the Colorado River with world-renowned environmental activist, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and eminent anthropologist, Wade Davis, to raise awareness about water conservation, river restoration, and individual responsibility.


PLANETARIUM SHOWS: Planetarium Hotline: 503.797.4610

Opens June 10- Extreme Planets
Visit a world where liquid rock breaks against a pitch-black shoreline of molten lava, or one with a madly spinning burned-out sun above. Extreme Planets takes viewers on a tour of places so strange and exotic, they once were found only in science fiction

Now playing through June 8- Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity
Zip through other-worldly wormholes, experience the creation of the Milky Way galaxy, and witness the death of a star and the subsequent birth of a black hole. Black Holes offers viewers the most complete picture yet of this mysterious phenomenon. Narrated by Liam Neeson.

Now playing- Cosmic Collisions
At first glance, the nigh sky appears calm and peaceful, but travel deep into space and the reality are different. Cosmic Collisions reveals the explosive encounters that shaped our solar system, changed the course of life on Earth, and continue to transform our galaxy and universe today. Narrated by Robert Redford.

Now playing- Pacific Northwest Skies
Visit the stars, constellations and celestial highlights that can be seen above the Pacific Northwest Region.


DAYTIME LASER SHOWS:

Opens June 10- Laser Jukebox
Noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Daily
Now playing through June 8- Laser Celestial Odyssey
3:00 p.m. Tues. through Fri.; 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. weekends and holidays


EVENING LASER SHOWS (Fridays and Saturdays only):

May - 9:30 p.m. Laser Nirvana / 10:45 p.m. Laser Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
June - 9:30 p.m. Laser Zepplin / 10:45 p.m. Laser Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
July - 9:30 p.m. Laser Rush / 10:45 p.m. Laser Pink Floyd: The Wall


STAR PARTIES: Star Party Hotline: 503.797.4610

OMSI, Rose City Astronomers, and Oregon Parks and Recreation host monthly, free Star Parties in Rooster Rock State Park. View the planets, moon, stars, and other celestial sights through telescopes and binoculars. From beginners to experts, all ages are invited. Star Parties may be cancelled due to weather; call the hotline or visit www.omsi.edu for the latest information.

May 10- Astronomy Day
June 14- Summer Solstice Celebration
July 12- Lunar Viewing
Aug. 11- Perseid Meteor Shower Watch

One person died early Wednesday morning in a single vehicle crash along Highway 34 about fifteen miles east of Highway 101. The victim's next of kin were notified and his name is released below.

According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Lieutenant Kelly Collins, on May 7, 2008 at approximately 3:46 a.m. a report was received through Lincoln County Communications Center of a vehicle off Highway 34 near milepost 15. Central Coast Fire & Rescue responded and discovered a 2006 Nissan pickup on its top about 30 feet off the highway with a deceased lone male occupant.

Preliminary investigation by OSP indicates the pickup was eastbound when it left the south side of the highway, traveled over the top of a guardrail and struck several trees. The pickup came to rest on its top about 30 feet down the embankment.

The victim is identified as DAVID A. KUYKENDOLL, age 39, from Benicia, California.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


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May 8, 2008

Oregon is one of eight states to receive a grant from the National Council on Aging to improve older adult access to the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, proven to be effective in reducing disease, disability and injury among seniors.

The Oregon Department of Human Services will use the three-year, $300,000 grant to further develop its current "Living Well" program, which is modeled on the Stanford program.

The program uses peer leaders to help teach people with a wide variety of chronic conditions including diabetes, arthritis, asthma and heart disease to care for themselves so they can live more fully. Participants learn from one another how to deal with common issues like communicating better with health care providers, coping with pain and depression, and adapting to changes brought on by their chronic conditions.

"Living Well is a well-tested approach to helping people with chronic conditions care for themselves," said Mel Kohn, M.D., state epidemiologist in DHS. "People with chronic conditions may see a doctor several times each year, but the rest of the time, they are managing their own health."

Living Well has operated in 20 Oregon counties since 2002 and more than 1,500 Oregonians ranging from 13 to 96 years have participated in it. The six-week progam is also offered in Spanish as Tomando Control de Su Salud, and offered as a seven-week Positive Self-Management for People with HIV/AIDS.

Kohn said the new funding will help Oregon move faster and more systematically toward sustained statewide programming, with an emphasis on reaching diverse and vulnerable populations.

"As Oregon's population ages, programs like Living Well are increasingly important in helping people live with chronic conditions and remain independent," says James Toews, DHS assistant director for seniors and people with disabilities. "They give participants more of what they want -- improved health, increased independence, better communication with physicians and fewer doctor and hospital visits."

The National Council on Aging grants are intended to help states design and establish systems that lead to statewide access to well-known, evidence-based self-management programs for people with chronic conditions. Strategies and tools that prove successful among the funded states will be shared so that older adults across the nation can benefit from these valuable programs. California, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Wisconsin also received grants.

The Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program has been widely adopted in countries around the world including Canada, Australia and England. DHS is currently using funds from the Administration on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support Living Well, Tai Chi and physical activity programs in four areas of the state.

Additional information about the Living Well program is on the Web at www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/livingwell/about_us.shtml.

###

May 7, 2008

Since the beginning of Oregon's Tobacco Prevention and Education Program in 1996, the proportion of mothers who smoked while pregnant has decreased 30 percent. Because of this decrease in smoking, about 17,000 infants have had a healthier start to life.

"This decline in the number of moms smoking during their pregnancies is great news for Mother's Day," said Mel Kohn, M.D., state epidemiologist with the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division. "Mothers want to have healthier babies, and one of the most important things they can do for their children is to stop smoking."

Women who smoke while pregnant are more likely to miscarry or have a still birth. Infants born to mothers who smoke are more likely to be premature and low birthweight, which increases their risk of death and disease. Smoking while pregnant, and near a newborn, significantly increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

"Although we have seen a steady decline in the number of women smoking while pregnant, there is still much to do," Kohn said. "Oregon's proportion of pregnant smokers is higher than the national average -- 12 percent compared with 10 percent nationally."

In 2005, 5,643 infants were born to Oregon mothers who used tobacco during pregnancy. Each of these pregnancies costs an average of $749 more than a birth to a non-smoking woman. Oregon's neonatal healthcare costs were increased by nearly $4.2 million in 2005 due to smoking during pregnancy.

"Quitting smoking is so important for moms and dads," Kohn said. "If you would like to quit smoking and improve the health of your family, there is no-cost, confidential help available at the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line. Call 800-QUIT-NOW for free coaching, tips, advice and medication."




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One person died and four others were injured Wednesday afternoon in a crash involving a Scappoose School District School bus and a passenger car on Highway 30 about three miles north of Scappoose. The four injured included the school bus driver and three Warren Elementary School students.

On May 7, 2008 at approximately 2:29 p.m. a report was received of a serious crash on Highway 30 near milepost 24 between Tarbell Road and Pollard Road north of Scappoose. State, county, and city police and fire agencies responded to the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates a Scappoose School District school bus driven by GARLAND L. SPOONER, age 45, from Scappoose, was transporting approximately 35 students from Warren Elementary School southbound on Highway 30 in the right hand lane. According to witnesses, a northbound 2008 Honda Civic crossed the paved center median into the southbound lanes and crashed head-on with the school bus. The Honda came to rest on the southbound shoulder at a driveway entrance. The school bus came to rest across both northbound lanes.

The Honda Civic's driver, LUIS A. TELLADO, age 62, from Scappoose, was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was using safety restraints.

SPOONER received minor injuries. Information at this time indicates she and two students were transported from the scene by ground ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The two students were identified as OLIVIA BOWERS, age 7, and KAITLIN BOND, age 9. A third student, RANAY LAIRD, age 9, was transported by family members to an unknown hospital with a minor injury.

Scappoose School District officials advised the remaining students were transported back to Warren Elementary School where their parents were told they could pick their students up. Questions for the school district should be directed to Mary Crum at (503) 543-6374.

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers from the St. Helens work site are continuing the investigation with two OSP crash reconstructionists. The cause of the crash has not been determined. Highway 30 at the scene has two southbound lanes and two northbound lanes separated by a paved center continuous left turn lane.

Agencies assisting at the scene included Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Scappoose Police Department, Scappoose Fire Department, Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Columbia County Road Department, and ODOT. A detour was established around the scene and will remain in effect until the highway is re-opened.

Highway 30 was re-opened by 7:30 p.m. Commercial truck traffic caught in the backup was escorted through the scene after the incident was stabilized.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 050708.fatal.hwy30mp24.1.jpg , 050708.fatal.hwy30mp24.2.jpg

An exhibition of drawings by Corvallis artist Susan Johnson is on display in the office of Governor Ted Kulongoski through June 4, 2008. Using layered "windows" of imagery, Johnson's vibrantly colored landscapes explore pathways and the passage of time.

Johnson's works have the strength of oil paintings, but are drawn with layers of lines using oilbar, a crayon made of linseed oil, pigment and wax. Since she was trained during the heyday of Abstract Expressionism, the process of applying paint is very important to the artist; therefore the lines of her compositions are always evident.

Says Johnson, "These are scenes from my personal experience. Abstracted to their basic shapes, they become color-blocked landscapes, shadowy patterns suggesting a human presence."

Since 1970, Johnson's work has been included in 30 one- or two-person exhibitions throughout the Northwest and beyond, and her drawings are regularly shown at Waterstone Gallery, Portland; the Freed Gallery, Lincoln City; and Pegasus Gallery, Corvallis. Johnson holds multiple post-graduate certifications in education, including an M.Ed in Arts Education from Oregon State University. In addition to a long career of teaching arts educators, she was also the executive director of the Corvallis Arts Center from 1985 to 1993.

The Art in the Governor's Office Program honors selected Oregon artists with exhibitions in the reception area of the Governor's Office in the State Capitol. The program considers only professional, living Oregon artists, and an exhibit in the Governor's office is considered a lifetime honor. Artists whose work has been shown there include Gordon Gilkey, Yuji Hiratsuka, Manuel Izquierdo, James Lavadour, Henk Pander, Michele Russo and Margot Thompson.
- - - - - - - - -

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department in 1993 in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission's expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development.

The Arts Commission is supported with General Funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.

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Attached Media Files: Susan_Johnson_Together_and_Alone.JPG

- PGE Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation will extend Community 101 to 100 Oregon schools -

PORTLAND, Ore. — Community 101, an innovative program in which Oregon school students learn to become philanthropists, will triple in size thanks to a collaboration announced today between the Portland General Electric (PGE) Foundation and The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF).

The collaboration will allow Community 101, currently in place in 35 schools across Oregon, to be expanded to 100 schools by the 2010-2011 school year.

Community 101 has taught civic engagement, grantmaking, leadership and teamwork skills to more than 6,000 Oregon youth since the PGE Foundation formed the program in 1997. It received the Youth in Philanthropy award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2006.

"Youth philanthropy is one of the strategic initiatives of The Oregon Community Foundation," said Greg Chaille, president of The Oregon Community Foundation. "Community 101 is a strong addition to our portfolio of work in this area."

In Community 101 schools, students are awarded $5,000, which they distribute in grants to nonprofit organizations in their community. Supervised by a teacher advisor, students use Community 101 materials to guide them through the grantmaking process, visit nonprofits in their community and decide which programs they will fund. The students also volunteer an average of two hours a month at local nonprofits to gain a firsthand understanding of the need. Students most often choose to help organizations that serve the homeless and hungry, victims of abuse, pregnant teens and drug and alcohol users.

Students in 35 Oregon schools, from Astoria to Roseburg and from Roseburg to Tillamook, have granted more than $1 million in the 11 years the program has been in operation. Throughout that time, the PGE Foundation has funded and administered the program. Funding for student grants also has been provided by companies, organizations and foundations operating where Community 101 schools are located.

"Community 101 has given me the opportunity to interact with different non-profit organizations in my community, giving me the chance to learn more about children in poverty and the power to generate positive change," said Lulu Xiao, a Community 101 student at Southridge High School in Beaverton. "All the organizations I've come in contact with inspire me."

Jessica Jenkins, a Community 101 student at Open Meadow High School in Portland, agreed. "I didn't know about nonprofits until we started doing the project," she said. "Now I know the money we give will make a real difference in how many people they can help."

Beginning next fall, The Oregon Community Foundation will lead Community 101. The PGE Foundation will continue to provide grants and counsel over the next three years as the program expands.

"Community 101 has benefited many students and community groups over the years, and it has been our long-time dream to extend it to more Oregon high schools," said Gwyneth Gamble Booth, chair of the PGE Foundation. "The Oregon Community Foundation, with its statewide reach and deep commitment to Oregonians, will make that dream a reality."
# # #

About PGE Foundation
The PGE Foundation, the corporate foundation of Portland General Electric, was established in 1997 as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization with a permanent endowment. The Foundation's giving is separate from the corporate giving of PGE. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed approximately $11.5 million to help improve the quality of life for all Oregonians by supporting statewide programs and services that encourage healthy families, provide educational opportunities and encourage the arts and cultural diversity. To learn more, visit www.pgefoundation.org.

About The Oregon Community Foundation
Founded 34 years ago, The Oregon Community Foundation works in partnership with individual, family, business and organizational donors to improve the lives of Oregonians through philanthropy and by building an endowment – now more than $990 million – for Oregon's future. In 2007, OCF provided more than $55 million in grants and scholarships statewide. For more information, visit www.ocf1.org.

2007-2008 Community 101 schools

Albany: Three Lakes High School; Astoria: Astoria High School; Beaverton: Southridge High School; Canby: Howard Eccles Elementary School; Cloverdale: Nestucca High School; Corvallis: College Hill High School; Cottage Grove: Kennedy Transitional School; Eugene: Kalapuya High School; Forest Grove: Forest Grove High School; Gresham: Centennial High School; Hillsboro: Century High School, Glencoe High School; Medford: Washington Elementary School; Milwaukie: LaSalle High School, Milwaukie High School; Newberg: Newberg High School; Oregon City: Carus Elementary School, Oregon City High School; Pendleton: Pendleton High School; Portland: David Douglas High School, Fir Ridge Campus, Jesuit High School, Leadership and Entrepreneurship Public Charter School, Lincoln High School, Open Meadow High School, Parkrose High School, Portland YouthBuilders; Riddle: Riddle High School; Douglas County (Roseburg/Sutherlin/Drain/Elkton): Elkton High School, North Douglas High School, Phoenix School of Roseburg, Sutherlin High School; Salem: North Salem High School, Robert Farrell High School; Scappoose: Scappoose High School; Springfield: Thurston High School; Tillamook: Tillamook Options High School


Attached Media Files: comm101_girls2.jpg

Oregon emergency response teams to demonstrate response management
and life saving capabilities

Oregon's Incident Management Teams, Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Teams and Urban Search & Rescue Task Force, will provide demonstrations of their response, containment, rescue and recovery capabilities at the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training in Salem.
The media is invited to cover this event.

What: Live demonstrations by Urban Search & Rescue Task Force, Hazardous Materials Response Teams, and Incident Management Teams

Who: Speakers include State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr with a presentation by Incident Management Team Commander Scott Magers

When: May 13, 2008, 1:00 p.m.

Where: The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
4190 Aumsville Highway, Salem, Oregon
(after entering the parking area, signs and personnel will guide you to the correct location)

Why: Emergency response services and equipment are crucial to protecting the lives of all Oregonians. This demonstration provides an opportunity for the Governor, Oregon legislators, state and local leaders to see first hand the importance of continuing a viable response and rescue capability throughout Oregon.

Photo and interview opportunities will be available.

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PORTLAND, OR (May 7, 2008) — The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) will offer space exploration enthusiasts a front-row seat for NASA's Phoenix Lander touch down on Mars. Scheduled for May 25 at 4:36 p.m. PDT, Phoenix will parachute from orbit and touch down on the outskirts of Mars' northern polar ice cap, joining the Mars exploration rovers Spirit and Opportunity.

The Mars landing will be shown in the OMSI Auditorium via a non-stop live link from NASA. Doors will open to the public at 3:00 p.m. to coincide with the NASA's live broadcast and seating is on first-come-first-serve basis. This event is included with paid museum admission. Pending a successful landing and contact, the first images from Phoenix are scheduled to be seen around 7:00 p.m.

Phoenix is expected to land on the permafrost-like terrain and spend most of its time scooping away topsoil so it can scrape through sub-layers of ice. But because the climate at the pole is so harsh, the lander won't likely live much past its 90-day mission life.

Phoenix is designed to be an innovative, low-cost part of the NASA's Mars Exploration Program and will be instrumental in achieving this program's long-term goals to determine whether life ever arose on Mars, to characterize the climate and geology of Mars, and to prepare for human exploration.

In contrast to the successful Mars Pathfinder and Mars Exploration rover missions, Phoenix uses a lander because it has a different purpose. The rovers were designed to study rocks at different locations, looking for evidence that liquid water once flowed on the surface of Mars; the lander's job is to reach the water below the surface. Phoenix will land in an area of Mars where water is believed to exist in the form of ice just below the surface.

Combined, the information from the rovers and Phoenix should help NASA pinpoint the landing site for Mars Science Laboratory, larger scaled of Mars rovers, which is scheduled to land on the Red Planet sometime in the summer of 2010.

ABOUT THE HARRY C. KENDALL PLANETARIUM:
OMSI's Harry C. Kendall Planetarium, a 200-seat, 360-degree, 52-foot domed theater, is the largest and most technologically advanced public planetarium in the Pacific Northwest. This high-tech venue features state-of-the-art Sky Scan full dome video allowing the planetarium dome to be completely covered with real and computer-generated images to create one complete environment.

ABOUT OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation's leading science museums, an award-winning world-class tourist attraction and an educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit www.omsi.edu.

A late Tuesday commercial truck crash resulted in approximately 400 feet of Highway 22E west of Detroit being partially blocked for several hours by a spilled load of plastic water pipe. The driver was not injured and was cited related to the crash.

According to Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Doug Brown, on May 6, 2008 at approximately 11:00 p.m. a Peterbuilt commercial truck pulling a semi-trailer loaded with 8-inch plastic water pipe was being driven westbound on Highway 22E near milepost 46. The truck's driver, LAVON D. WOODARD, age 61, residence information not available, failed to negotiate a curve and crossed over the oncoming lane onto the south shoulder of the highway. WOODARD over-corrected and swerved back toward his own lane causing the load of pipe to break free from the tie-downs and fall onto the highway. Some of the pipe struck the south guardrail, causing damage and a significant quantity of the pipe went over the steep embankment. The truck sustained very minor damage and WOODARD was not injured. There were no other vehicles were involved.

Debris from the incident has blocked about 400 feet of the eastbound lane. Workers were on site during the night clearing the lane as a single lane of traffic was open with flagger assistance.

WOODARD was cited for Careless Driving.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 050608.hwy22emp46.JPG

The North Bend School District Board of Directors will hold their Regular Board Meeting on Monday, May 12, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the North Bend City Council Chambers at 835 California Street, North Bend, OR 97459.

North Bend – The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) and Titan Salvage will hold a media briefing on the New Carissa removal project. A tour of the staging area on the North Spit will follow.

The event is limited to media only.

Date: Wednesday, May 14

Time/Place:

Media Briefing – 9:00 a.m.

North Bend Public Library – Meeting Room
1800 Sherman Ave., North Bend

Tour – approximately 10:30 a.m. – weather permitting
Meet at BLM parking lot/staging area on Transpacific Lane,
off Highway 101, north of the North Bend Bridge; concludes by 12:00 noon

Content of the briefing:
· Overview of project; background information – Department of State Lands
· The removal process; estimated timeline – Titan (removal contractor)
· Safety/Access – Bureau of Land Management and State Parks
· Q & A

The tour will include:
· Photo opportunities of the staging area preparations (bypass road, construction transporter tower)
· Interview opportunities with project managers and agency staff

Note: Media must RSVP for the event by May 12; space cannot be guaranteed for the tour if you do not respond:

Julie Curtis, DSL Communications Manager
503-986-5298: desk (Salem); 503-510-6860: cell
julie.curtis@state.or.us

More information about the New Carissa removal is available on the DSL Web site: www.oregonstatelands.us.

The State Land Board consists of Governor Theodore Kulongoski, Secretary of State Bill Bradbury and State Treasurer Randall Edwards. The Department of State Lands administers diverse natural and fiscal resources. Many of the resources generate revenue for the Common School Fund, such as state-owned rangelands and timberlands, waterway leases, estates for which no will or heirs exist, and unclaimed property. Twice a year, the agency distributes fund investment earnings to support K-12 public schools. The agency also administers Oregon's Removal-Fill Law, which requires people removing or filling certain amounts of material in waters of the state to obtain a permit.

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A Roseburg man died at an area hospital Tuesday night when he apparently suffered a medical problem while driving on Interstate 5 south of Roseburg. The man's wife was able to stop the vehicle after it collided with a guardrail.

On May 6, 2008 at approximately 7:03 p.m. a 1992 Cadillac Deville driven by RALPH PHELPS, age 68, from Roseburg, was northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 116 when he became unresponsive from a possible medical problem. The car went toward the center concrete barrier and sideswiped it. His 64-year old wife was able to steer the car out of the northbound travel lanes and onto the right shoulder where it came to a stop.

Douglas County Fire District #2 personnel responded to the location and transported PHELPS to Mercy Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased by an emergency room physician about 45 minutes later.

Neither his wife, JANET PHELPS, or his 84-year old passenger mother were injured. All were using safety restraints.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Roseburg Area Command office are continuing the investigation with the Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office. ODOT also assisted at the scene but there was no blockage to freeway traffic.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

A Lebanon-area woman died Tuesday night when she was struck by a vehicle on Highway 20 near Fairview Road east of Lebanon.

On May 6, 2008 at approximately 11:00 p.m., TRICIA MICHELLE HARRIS, age 38, from Lebanon, was crossing Highway 20 near milepost 19 when she was struck in the right eastbound lane by a 1993 Dodge Dynasty driven by DANA JEANETTE MEACHAM, age 33, from Sweet Home. HARRIS was pronounced deceased at the scene.

MEACHAM was using safety restraints and her airbag deployed. She did suffer minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Lebanon Community Hospital.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation. No criminal charges are anticipated.

Linn County Sheriff's Office, Lebanon Fire Department, and ODOT assisted at the scene. Both eastbound lanes were closed for three hours as traffic was detoured.

No photographs available for release

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

On Sunday, May 4, 2008, at 4:00 p.m., 62-year-old Genny Chapman walked away from the Golden Wings Adult Foster Home in the 900 block of SW 21st Avenue. Genny Chapman suffers from dementia, has a history of walking away from her home, and has traveling great distances in the past.

On Monday, May 5, 2008, at about 4:00 p.m., Genny Chapman was found at the United Methodist Church located at 1115 SW 28th Avenue in Albany. A neighbor reported seeing a woman wandering around the parking lot of the church who appeared to be lost. Responding officers found Genny Chapman unharmed and drove her back to her foster home.

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Joliet Junior College is located about 45 miles southwest of Chicago. Despite the nearby urban trappings, the campus enjoys the serenity of a rural setting that hides a maze of nature trails. Its unique claim to fame is that it is the nation's oldest community college, founded in 1901. JJC's current catalog says that in the beginning, it "academically paralleled the first two years of a four-year college or university. It was designed to accommodate students who desired to remain within the community and still pursue a college education."

The idea caught on. Students still like the convenience of taking college courses on their own stomping grounds. Statistics from the American Association of Community Colleges show that the U. S. now has 1,195 community colleges. They serve 11.5 million students—almost half of the nation's undergrads. Oregon's share of those students can be found in 15 community colleges around the state. Without going too far from home, local high school graduates can begin classes at Roseburg's Umpqua Community College, Lane Community College in Eugene, Rogue Community College at Grants Pass, or Southwestern Oregon Community College of Coos Bay.

All four of these community colleges also offer a program for high schoolers that don't want to wait for graduation before they start racking up college credits. Known as the "2 + 2" plan or "College Now," the program gives college credit for high school classes that cover the same content as similar courses at the college. After reviewing a college's list of approved classes, a student can fill out a participation form. The teacher also signs the form, and the high school sends it off to the college. Upon completion of the class in a way that meets the college's standards (which often means getting a grade of A or B), the student earns high school credit as well as course credit through the community college. The credit appears on the student's college transcript, and is treated like any other credit earned on campus.

The desire to remain in their communities is not the only reason students have for choosing a community college. Some see it as a transitional step, streamlining the conversion from a parent-dominated high school life to the independence experienced on a 4-year campus. After taking classes at the community college for a couple of years, they will transfer to a 4-year institution.
Many high school graduates look for community college offerings that will give them solid training and skills in a specific career area. UCC, for instance, offers courses in Truck Driving, Dental Assistance, Logging Technology, and Culinary Arts, to name a few. On UCC's website, the page for the Automotive Technology program reveals the nationwide need that justifies training programs of this kind. It says that in just a few short years, "350,000 new entry level technicians will be needed to fill the demands of all the dealers across the United States. Toyota will need 24,000 new entry level technicians. According to the Oregon Labor Market Information System (OLMIS), this career field can be expected to grow over 15% statewide in the next ten years."

Douglas County students that are interested in acquiring early college credit, pursuing technical careers, or starting a college education close to the comforts of home should check in with their high school counselors to learn what is available through local community colleges. They could very well find what they need "right in their own back yard."

Peter Mantey is the Communications Officer for the Douglas ESD's Education Works Campaign. Go to www.EducationWorks.us to express your opinion about this article. Click on the Surveys tab and find the button for the "Community College Survey."


Attached Media Files: Peter Mantey Photo.jpg

Pick up an adorable "#1 MOM" sparkling pewter photo frame. Add a photo of a loved one inside frame, compliments of Image Express! Simply present $75 in same day sales receipts (from any combination of Lancaster Mall shops and restaurants) to the Gift Booth near Bath & Body Works to receive your free gift and Image Express coupon. "Hurry in to get your gift, these adorable frames won't last long!" said Katie Johnson, Marketing Coordinator, Lancaster Mall.

To receive your Mother's Day gift and free photo coupon, visit the Gift Booth located near Bath & Body Works this Friday and Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. One gift per customer while supplies last.

A body that washed up onto a Lincoln City area beach April 8th was positively identified by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office, with the assistance of the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division, as a 16-year old Aloha youth missing since March 8th.

ROSS BARFUSS, age 16, was unaccounted for after he went into the surf in an attempt to rescue and 11-year old boy at Gleneden Beach on March 8, 2008. The 11-year old boy's body was recovered but BARFUSS remained missing since that date.

On April 8, 2008 a body washed onto the beach near the Nordic Oceanfront Inn in Lincoln City. Oregon State Police were working with the Lincoln County Medical Examiner's Office for positive identification.

Oregon State Police detectives obtained a DNA sample from Barfuss family members used to help identify the body through work completed at the Oregon State Police Portland Metro Forensic Laboratory.

Link to March 9th news release on Oregon State Police website:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/NEWSRL/news/03_09_2008_glenedenbeach_drownings.shtml

Link to April 9th news release on Oregon State Police website:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/NEWSRL/news/04_09_2008_death_investigation_oceanshore.shtml

Next of kin were notified.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###