What will the 2024 presidential ballot look like?
Donald Trump vs. Joe Biden
Donald Trump vs. some Democrat other than Joe Biden
Some Republican other than Donald Trump vs. Joe Biden
Some Republican other than Donald Trump vs. some Democrat other than Joe Biden
Northwest Observer
Subscribe for Free Email Updates
Name:
Email:
Search Articles
       





Post an Event


Paul Moore for Clackamas Co. Sheriff Fund Raiser
Friday, April 5, 2024 at 6:10 pm
$50.00, deluxe grazing buffet, Silent Auction, live entertainment
Tumwater Ballroom The Museum of the Oregon Territory 211 Tumwater Dr. Oregon City



Hood River County GOP's Second Annual Lincoln Dinner
Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Hood River County GOP's Second Annual Lincoln Dinner 5pm-9pm
Hood River, OR



Dorchester Conference 2024
Friday, April 26, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Dorchester Conference 2024 April 26th-28th
Welches, Oregon



Memorial Day
Monday, May 27, 2024 at 11:00 am
Memorial Day
A federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving.



Juneteenth
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 12:00 am
Juneteenth
Celebrated on the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when in the wake of the American Civil War, Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas.



Independence Day
Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 11:59 pm
Independence Day
USA



Linn Laughs LIVE with Adam Corolla
Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Linn Laughs LIVE with Adam Corolla 5pm-9pm
Albany, OR


View All Calendar Events


Small Cities to Receive $5.2 Million for Transportation Projects
Chip seals, culvert replacements, asphalt overlays and more

From repairing a bridge in Canyon City to improving storm drainage in Yachats, the Small City Allotments program will continue helping communities all across the state improve their transportation systems. More than $5.2 million for this award cycle will fund 54 projects in this Keep Oregon Moving program, part of the historic HB 2017 funding package.

Three cities – Wood Village, Prescott and Yamhill – are receiving funds through this program for the first time. Wood Village is adding a solar-powered rapid flashing beacon pedestrian crossing; Prescott will make multiple city street improvements; and Yamhill is upgrading W. First Street.

ODOT Director Kris Strickler notified the League of Oregon Cities last week of the awards, adding that cost savings from the previous awards resulted in $243,378 in additional funds available for this round.

The next steps will be for ODOT and recipients to enter into agreements for each project, a task assumed by ODOT’s Statewide Investments Management staff.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-06 16:00:57Last Update: 2020-11-06 18:07:02



Oregon Announces Underrepresented and Diverse Scholarships
“More accessible and inclusive to all”

The Oregon College Savings Plan announces the opening of the Diversity in Leadership Scholarship for underrepresented and diverse Oregon high school graduates pursuing higher education in the state. Awards may be used to attend a range of Oregon institutions, including apprenticeships, trade schools, community colleges, colleges or universities. Applications opened Sunday, November 1, 2020 with a deadline of Monday, March 1, 2021, for the following academic year.

The scholarship is being administered through the Oregon Community Foundation’s (OCF) scholarship program—one of the largest of its kind in the country. There will be two new recipients each year, with awardees receiving $10,000 for their freshman year and $5,000 for each of the next three years of full-time enrollment, or until completion of degree (whichever comes earlier). When fully rolled out, the program is anticipated to fund $50,000 in scholarships each year to a class of eight students.

“In a time of economic stress and inequity, Treasury’s ‘Diversity in Leadership Scholarship’ acknowledges the need for higher education to be more accessible and inclusive to all,” said Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read. “We see this scholarship as a vital investment in Oregon’s future, making it easier for students typically underrepresented in higher education institutions to pursue their dreams.”

“This scholarship allows the Oregon College Savings Plan to advance our commitment to sparking change and encouraging diversity,” said Michael Parker, Executive Director for the Oregon Treasury Savings Network. “As more graduating seniors are considering staying closer to home because of stretched financial resources and COVID, we want to remove financial obstacles for regional students from all backgrounds, and increase access to a quality and affordable education right here in Oregon.”

Students that meet eligibility criteria will be given the opportunity to share their personal statements and background during the application process. Additionally, scholarship recipients interested in a career in public policy, public finance, or a related field will be offered an interview for Oregon State Treasury’s Straub Fellowship during their junior and senior years.

To apply for the scholarship or to find more information, please visit OCF’s website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-05 17:09:06Last Update: 2020-11-05 17:33:06



OLCC Suspends Liquor License of Nightclub in Bend
For violation of public health social distancing

On November 5, 2020, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission issued an Order of Immediate License Suspension to the licensee of “Seven Nightclub” in Bend for violating public health social distancing and face covering requirements, as required under the Governor’s Executive Orders. The licensee had been reprimanded this past summer for not following social distancing and face covering requirements.

OLCC enforcement staff acted after receiving information from Deschutes County Health Services that a patron who visited the establishment several times tested positive for COVID-19. The patron reported to health officials that it was “well known” that Seven Nightclub was not enforcing social distancing and facemask requirements.

The business, which holds a Full On-Premises sales licenses is NOT allowed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption effective immediately.

Seven Nightclub was cited for two violations of the Governor’s Executive Order. The first violation is for not complying with the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Statewide Mask, Face Shield, Face Covering Guidance. The second violation is for violating OHA's Phase Two Re-opening Guidance for Restaurant and Bars requiring a six-foot distance between individuals in the bar – employees and patrons.

On October 30, 2020, after receiving the information provided by Deschutes County Health Services, an OLCC inspector called the licensee to explain that a positive COVID test had been linked to their establishment. The inspector suggested, and the licensee accepted the offer to come to the premises to check the licensee’s operations to make sure it was operating compliantly.

On October 30, 2020, at approximately 8:00 pm an inspector arrived at Seven Nightclub to discover patrons who were clustered at the bar, and not social distancing or wearing facemasks. The bar manager relayed that she was not aware of all of the rules and asked for assistance. The inspector provided some initial guidance and promised to return the following day before the business opened to review the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) guidance for bars and restaurants.

On October 31, 2020, prior to Seven Nightclub opening, an OLCC Inspector met with the bar manager and employees providing and reviewing with them copies of OHA Phase Two Re-opening Guidance for Restaurant and Bars and OHA Statewide Mask, Face Shield, Face Covering Guidance. The inspector walked through the premises with the manager discussing possible layout modifications to create social distancing and reminding the manager about the requirements to sanitize “touch points” after one party of people leaves an occupied area before another party occupies the space. Additionally, the inspector asked the manager to ensure that the bar staff would monitor the number of people entering the establishment.

Later that evening, the inspector returned to discover that patrons were not social distancing or wearing face masks. The inspector also noted that none of the sanitization requirements or physical modifications that had been discussed earlier that day had been implemented. The inspector contacted the manager who acknowledged the lack of control over their patrons.

OLCC Inspectors began working with the licensee this past July when an inspector twice two verbal warnings for not social distancing or wearing face masks. Separately, Deschutes County Health Services has issued several warnings to the licensee in regards to these issues, including most recently on October 30, 2020.

In response to these issues, on November 5, 2020, the OLCC issued the operator of Seven Restaurant and Nightclub an order of immediate suspension for failing to follow OHA’s face covering and reopening guidance for restaurants and bars.

The licensee of record is Se7en Group Inc.

The OLCC investigation is continuing and the licensee faces the possibility of additional charges not related to the immediate suspension. The licensee is entitled to an administrative hearing to challenge the OLCC’s actions. The business may continue to serve food for takeout or delivery, but is NOT allowed to sell any alcoholic beverages.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-05 13:09:18Last Update: 2020-11-05 17:09:06



Governor Brown Activates National Guard
“Indiscriminate destruction solves nothing”

Today, Governor Kate Brown has issued a statement about the ongoing leftist violence in Oregon.

"Two groups gathered in downtown Portland last night. One group demonstrated peacefully for hours by the waterfront. Their clarion call advocating for racial justice and Black lives has resonated with Oregonians and driven real reform over the past several months.

"Unfortunately, a second group of self-styled anarchist protesters, some armed, also marched downtown last night, with no discernible goal other than to cause violence and vandalism.

"They shattered the windows of a church that feeds Oregonians in need, a women-owned and operated business that raises money for immigrant and women’s rights, and many other storefronts.

"Indiscriminate destruction solves nothing. These are acts of privilege.

"At the request of the Joint Incident Command protecting free speech and keeping the peace in Portland, I activated the Oregon National Guard last night. These are Oregonians like you and me, who have volunteered their time and taken leave from their jobs and their families to keep the streets of Portland safe.

"For weeks, Oregonians have called for an end to the violence. I will continue to do everything in my power to keep the peace in Portland and make sure that people can make their voices heard safely."



Critics have noted that it has actually been several months of leftist driven violence, rather than just weeks.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-05 10:46:18Last Update: 2020-11-05 11:24:49



Eugene Passes Library Levy
They could just use Google, you know.

On November 3, 2020, City of Eugene voters approved Measure 29-309, a levy renewal to maintain Eugene Public Library’s existing service levels for an additional five years. As of 11 p.m. on Election Day, the measure was passing with 76.72% of the vote.

This decision continues the benefits provided by the voter-approved levy of November 2015, which increased open hours, free events, and availability of materials and technology at all Eugene Public Library locations: Downtown, Bethel, and Sheldon.

Library Director Will O’Hearn said, “On behalf of everyone at the library, thank you, Eugene! Our staff is deeply dedicated to doing all we can for our community, especially in these times when folks depend on the library even more. In particular, the library plays a crucial role in supporting families with young children, K-12 students and teachers, small business owners, job hunters, and people without their own Internet access or computers. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide excellent library services and to respond to future community needs.”

Mayor Lucy Vinis added, “Eugene Public Library has been a key player in helping our community get through the pandemic and will play a critical role as we build a strong recovery. The City of Eugene greatly appreciates the voters’ support to maintain excellent library services for everyone in our community.”

The levy renewal funding will begin July 1, 2021, supporting an additional five years of increased services originally funded by the 2015 levy. Services supported by the levy include maintaining the pre-COVID open hours schedule (48 hours across six days weekly at Bethel and Sheldon Branches; 64 hours across seven days at the Downtown Library); providing a robust schedule of programs for all ages at the library and off-site; ensuring a large supply of copies of high-demand books, ebooks, and other items; and, as needed, maintaining or replacing technology including Internet computers and the library’s traveling maker van.

The levy will provide $2.85 million annually for five years, about $37 per year for a typical Eugene property tax statement or 15¢ per $1,000 assessed value. To ensure accountability and transparency, the measure specified provisions including: separate levy fund budget and accounting (as per state law); annual staff summary of spending and performance measures; annual review by the citizen Library Advisory Board; and an annual City Manager’s report to City Council.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-11-04 17:10:16Last Update: 2020-11-04 21:08:07



Winter Brings Climate Action Plan in Salem
Maybe the river will freeze over this year

The City of Salem has begun a community-wide effort to develop a Climate Action Plan for Salem. The Climate Action Plan will set the course for the city to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and increase its resilience to climate change. The planning process will seek to develop strategies that reduce emissions and strengthen infrastructure. It will also pursue strategies that build community partnerships, spur innovation, and increase equitable access to services. This approach will help ensure Salem’s resilience through climate change expected through the coming decades.

The first step was a survey to determine a supported direction, hoping that wildfires, floods, and drought have made an impact for support. The fires of 2020 and the flood of 2012 are two of the most notable examples for a needed action plan.

While Climate Action Plan assumes drying and drought, still we are warned of a cold winter on the horizon. So, Salem has -- as is their usual practice -- removed the floating boat docks at Wallace Marine Park and Minto Brown Island Park. The floating boat docks are removed in mid–to-late Fall each year to prevent them from collecting debris, being damaged, or being carried away as river levels rise. They will be reinstalled when water levels recede in the spring.

This may all be an effort to be in line-step with Governor Brown’s next strategy for Cap and Trade. Many in the community are scratching their heads asking why now, which appears to be in contrast with Marion County.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-11-04 15:54:59Last Update: 2020-11-04 19:30:25



Governor Kate Brown Extends Law Enforcement Emergency
Violence continues to be a problem in Portland

In order to keep the peace and protect free speech in Portland as the country continues to wait for national election results, Governor Kate Brown today extended her executive order under ORS Chapter 401 to create a joint incident command structure for public safety. The order, which had been set to expire at 5:00 p.m today, has been extended until Friday, November 6, at 5:00 p.m., unless earlier rescinded or extended.

“Across the United States, elections officials are working hard to ensure that every vote is counted, and it may be several days until we know the results of this election,” said Governor Brown. “It’s important to trust the process, and the system that has ensured free and fair elections in this country through the decades, even in times of great crisis.

“All Oregonians have the right to free expression and peaceful assembly. But political violence, intimidation, and property destruction will not be tolerated. We are all in this together––so let’s work together to keep our fellow Oregonians safe.”


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-04 10:35:30Last Update: 2020-11-04 11:18:10



Oregon Election 2020 Projected Winners
Refresh the page to get more current results


President
ProgressiveDario Hunter
RepublicanDonald J Trump
Pacific GreenHowie Hawkins
LibertarianJo Jorgensen
DemocratJoseph R Biden
US Senator
LibertarianGary Dye
Pacific Green, ProgressiveIbrahim A Taher
Democrat, Working Families, IndependentJeff Merkley
RepublicanJo Rae Perkins
Secretary of State
Republican, IndependentKim Thatcher
LibertarianKyle Markley
Pacific Green, ProgressiveNathalie Paravicini
Democrat, Working FamiliesShemia Fagan
State Treasurer
Independent, Progressive, Pacific GreenChris Henry
RepublicanJeff Gudman
ConstitutionMichael P Marsh
Democrat, Working FamiliesTobias Read
Attorney General
Democrat, Independent, Working FamiliesEllen Rosenblum
LibertarianLars D H Hedbor
RepublicanMichael Cross
Judge of the Court of Appeals, Position 9
NonpartisanJacqueline S Kamins
Judge of the Supreme Court, Position 4
NonpartisanChristopher L Garrett
Congress, 1st District
RepublicanChristopher C Christensen
Democrat, Working FamiliesSuzanne Bonamici
Congress, 2nd District
DemocratAlex Spenser
RepublicanCliff Bentz
LibertarianRobert Werch
Congress, 3rd District
Pacific GreenAlex C DiBlasi
Democrat, Working FamiliesEarl Blumenauer
RepublicanJoanna Harbour
LibertarianJosh Solomon
Congress, 4th District
RepublicanAlek Skarlatos
Pacific GreenDaniel Hoffay
Democrat, Working Families, IndependentPeter DeFazio
Congress, 5th District
RepublicanAmy Ryan Courser
DemocratKurt Schrader
LibertarianMatthew James Rix
Measure 107: Campaign Finance Reform
YES
NO
Measure 108: Cigarette Tax/Vaping Tax
YES
NO
Measure 109: Medical Mushrooms
YES
NO
Measure 110: Decriminalize Drugs
YES
NO
State Senator, 1st District
RepublicanDallas Heard
DemocratKat Stone
State Senator, 2nd District
Republican, ConstitutionArt Robinson
Democrat, Working FamiliesJerry Allen
LibertarianThomas Griffin
State Senator, 5th District
RepublicanDick Anderson
Democrat, Independent, Working FamiliesMelissa T Cribbins
Pacific GreenShauleen Higgins
State Senator, 9th District
RepublicanFred Frank Girod
Democrat, Pacific GreenJim Hinsvark
LibertarianPatrick Marnell
State Senator, 10th District
Democrat, Working FamiliesDeb Patterson
RepublicanDenyc Boles
LibertarianTaylor A Rickey
State Senator, 12th District
DemocratBernadette Hansen
Republican, IndependentBrian J Boquist
State Senator, 14th District
Republican, LibertarianHarmony K Mulkey
Democrat, Working FamiliesKate Lieber
State Senator, 18th District
DemocratGinny Burdick
State Senator, 21st District
Democrat, Working FamiliesKathleen Taylor
State Senator, 22nd District
DemocratLew Frederick
State Senator, 23rd District
Democrat, Working FamiliesMichael Dembrow
State Senator, 25th District
Democrat, Working FamiliesChris Gorsek
Republican, IndependentJustin Hwang
State Senator, 27th District
Democrat, Working FamiliesEileen Kiely
Republican, IndependentTim Knopp
State Senator, 28th District
RepublicanDennis Linthicum
Democrat, IndependentHugh Palcic
State Senator, 29th District
RepublicanBill Hansell
DemocratMildred A O'Callaghan
State Senator, 30th District
DemocratCarina M Miller
RepublicanLynn P Findley
State Representative, 1st District
DemocratCalla Felicity
RepublicanDavid Brock Smith
State Representative, 2nd District
DemocratCharles F Lee
RepublicanGary Leif
State Representative, 3rd District
DemocratJerry Morgan
RepublicanLily Morgan
State Representative, 4th District
RepublicanDuane A Stark
Democrat, IndependentMary Middleton
State Representative, 5th District
Democrat, IndependentPam Marsh
RepublicanSandra A Abercrombie
State Representative, 6th District
Democrat, IndependentAlberto Enriquez
LibertarianAlex Levi Usselman
RepublicanKim Wallan
State Representative, 7th District
Republican, IndependentCedric Hayden
DemocratJerry M Samaniego
State Representative, 8th District
LibertarianMartha A Sherwood
Democrat, Working FamiliesPaul R Holvey
RepublicanTimothy W Aldal
State Representative, 9th District
Republican, LibertarianBoomer Wright
Democrat, Working FamiliesCal Mukumoto
State Representative, 10th District
Democrat, IndependentDavid Gomberg
RepublicanMax Sherman
State Representative, 11th District
RepublicanKatie Boshart Glaser
Democrat, Independent, Working FamiliesMarty Wilde
State Representative, 12th District
DemocratJohn Lively
RepublicanRuth E Linoz
State Representative, 13th District
RepublicanDavid J Smith
Democrat, IndependentNancy Nathanson
State Representative, 14th District
Democrat, Independent, Working FamiliesJulie Fahey
Republican, LibertarianRich Cunningham
State Representative, 15th District
Democrat, Working FamiliesMiriam G Cummins
RepublicanShelly Boshart Davis
State Representative, 16th District
Democrat, Working FamiliesDan Rayfield
RepublicanJason Hughes
State Representative, 17th District
RepublicanJami Cate
Democrat, Working FamiliesPaige Hook
Pacific GreenTimothy L Dehne
State Representative, 18th District
DemocratJamie Morrison
RepublicanRick Lewis
State Representative, 19th District
Democrat, Working Families, ProgressiveJacqueline M Leung
RepublicanRaquel Moore-Green
State Representative, 20th District
Democrat, Working FamiliesPaul Evans
Republican, IndependentSelma Pierce
State Representative, 21st District
DemocratBrian Clem
RepublicanJack L Esp
State Representative, 22nd District
RepublicanAnna Kasachev
Democrat, Independent, Working FamiliesTeresa Alonso Leon
State Representative, 23rd District
Pacific Green, ProgressiveAlex Polikoff
RepublicanMike Nearman
LibertarianScott D Clawson
DemocratSean K Scorvo
State Representative, 24th District
Democrat, Working FamiliesLynnette Shaw
Republican, IndependentRon Noble
State Representative, 25th District
RepublicanBill Post
Democrat, Working FamiliesRamiro Navarro Jr
State Representative, 26th District
Democrat, Working FamiliesCourtney Neron
RepublicanPeggy Stevens
LibertarianTim E Nelson
State Representative, 27th District
Republican, LibertarianSandra Nelson
Democrat, Working FamiliesSheri Schouten
State Representative, 28th District
RepublicanDaniel R Martin
Democrat, Working FamiliesWlnsvey E Campos
State Representative, 29th District
RepublicanDale Fishback
Democrat, Working FamiliesSusan McLain
State Representative, 30th District
Democrat, Working FamiliesJaneen Sollman
State Representative, 31st District
Democrat, Independent, Working FamiliesBrad Witt
RepublicanBrian G Stout
State Representative, 32nd District
Democrat, Working FamiliesDebbie Boothe-Schmidt
Republican, Independent, LibertarianSuzanne Weber
State Representative, 33rd District
RepublicanDick Courter
Democrat, Working FamiliesMaxine E Dexter
State Representative, 34th District
Democrat, Republican, Working FamiliesKen Helm
State Representative, 35th District
RepublicanBob Niemeyer
Democrat, Working FamiliesDacia Grayber
State Representative, 36th District
RepublicanJames A Ball
Democrat, Working FamiliesLisa Reynolds
State Representative, 37th District
Republican, LibertarianKelly Sloop
Democrat, Working FamiliesRachel Prusak
State Representative, 38th District
Democrat, Independent, Working FamiliesAndrea Salinas
RepublicanPatrick Castles
State Representative, 39th District
Republican, IndependentChristine Drazan
LibertarianKenny Sernach
DemocratTessah L Danel
State Representative, 40th District
Republican, LibertarianJosh Howard
Democrat, Working FamiliesMark W Meek
State Representative, 41st District
Democrat, Working FamiliesKarin Power
RepublicanMichael Newgard
State Representative, 42nd District
Democrat, Working FamiliesRob Nosse
State Representative, 43rd District
Democrat, Working FamiliesTawna Sanchez
State Representative, 44th District
RepublicanMargo Logan
Democrat, Working FamiliesTina Kotek
State Representative, 45th District
Democrat, Working FamiliesBarbara Smith Warner
State Representative, 46th District
Democrat, Working FamiliesKhanh Pham
State Representative, 47th District
Working FamiliesAshton Simpson
DemocratDiego Hernandez
RepublicanRyan Gardner
State Representative, 48th District
LibertarianEdward Marihart
Democrat, IndependentJeff Reardon
State Representative, 49th District
RepublicanGreg Johnson
Democrat, Independent, Working FamiliesZach Hudson
State Representative, 50th District
RepublicanAmelia Salvador
Democrat, Independent, Working FamiliesRicki Ruiz
State Representative, 51st District
LibertarianDonald B Crawford
RepublicanJane J Hays
Democrat, Independent, Working FamiliesJanelle S Bynum
State Representative, 52nd District
Democrat, Independent, Working FamiliesAnna Williams
RepublicanJeff Helfrich
LibertarianStephen D Alder
State Representative, 53rd District
Democrat, Independent Emerson Levy
Republican, LibertatianJack Zika
State Representative, 54th District
Republican, Independent, LibertarianCheri Helt
Democrat, Working FamiliesJason Kropf
State Representative, 55th District
DemocratBarbara Fontaine
RepublicanVikki Breese-Iverson
State Representative, 56th District
RepublicanE Werner Reschke
DemocratFaith N Leith
State Representative, 57th District
RepublicanGreg Smith
DemocratRoland Ruhe
State Representative, 58th District
RepublicanBobby Levy
DemocratNolan E Bylenga
State Representative, 59th District
Democrat, Independent, Working FamiliesArlene C Burns
RepublicanDaniel G Bonham
State Representative, 60th District
Democrat, Working FamiliesBeth E Spell
Republican, LibertarianMark Owens

--Northwest Observer Election Team

Post Date: 2020-11-03 20:00:00Last Update: 2020-11-04 19:26:03



Quarantine Paid-leave Disperses More Than $2 Million
Oregon is still accepting applications

More than 2,000 people have been approved to receive benefits under a new state program that helps people who work in Oregon and need to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19 exposure, but do not have access to COVID-19-related paid sick leave.

More than $2 million dollars have been dispersed through this program, and money is still available to help more people.

Employees who work in Oregon can apply online for the COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program . The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services is administering the program.

People who qualify will receive a $120 per-day payment for up to 10 working days ($1,200 total) for the time they need to quarantine.

The application form is available in English, Spanish, and Russian. Those who do not have access to electronic applications can call 833-685-0850 (toll-free) or 503-947-0130. Those who need help in a language other than these three can call 503-947-0131 for help.

DCBS and the Department of Revenue are collaborating on the new program to ensure employees meet the necessary eligibility requirements.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for the program:

Work in Oregon and required to file an Oregon personal income tax return.

Directed to quarantine by a local or tribal public health authority or health care provider because of exposure to someone infected or have COVID-19-related symptoms and are seeking a medical diagnosis.

Not able to work (including telework) because you need to quarantine or isolate.

Do not expect to earn more than $60,000 individually or $120,000 jointly in 2020.

Employer does not provide COVID-19-related paid sick leave or have exhausted available COVID-19-related paid sick leave.

Are not applying for unemployment insurance benefits for the time off due to quarantine or isolation.

Are not applying for workers’ compensation benefits for the time off due to quarantine or isolation or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Are not seeking or using benefits from similar COVID-19 quarantine relief programs in Oregon or another state.

Are not applying for or receiving other forms of paid leave from your employer during your quarantine or isolation, such as banked sick leave or vacation leave.

Are not laid off or furloughed by your employer.

Must have notified your employer that you need to quarantine or isolate.

Can claim only one quarantine period.

Not self-employed.



Because the available funds are limited, the program is available only to quarantine periods that were in place on or after Sept. 16. Applicants can claim only one quarantine period.

There is more information online or call 833-685-0850 (toll-free) or 503-947-0130 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The website also contains an eligibility quiz to help people who are not sure if they qualify.

The COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program was created with $30 million received from the federal government to help Oregon respond to the coronavirus pandemic.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-03 15:16:54Last Update: 2020-11-03 17:01:22



Brown Appoints Director of Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
Les Hallman has accepted the assignment

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has appointed Les Hallman, Assistant Fire Chief with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, as interim director of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). Hallman replaces Eriks Gabliks who is retiring after more than 30 years of state service. Hallman will serve as interim director while the recruitment and selection process for the next DPSST director continues.

“I am very appreciative that Les has accepted the assignment to lead our state's public safety licensing and training agency while we continue the search for a permanent director," said Governor Brown. "We will benefit from his broad experience in public safety, incident management, and leadership at both the local and state level.

"I would also like to thank Director Gabliks for his distinguished career in state service and for leading the agency over the last 10 years. I am grateful for his service and contributions to public safety in Oregon."



As interim director of DPSST, Hallman will oversee the agency that certifies and licenses police officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, regulatory specialists (OLCC), telecommunicators (9-1-1), emergency medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, and polygraph examiners in the state. DPSST also works in consultation with public and private safety agencies around the state by providing basic, leadership, and specialized training at the 237-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

“It is an incredible honor to be asked by Governor Brown to temporarily fill this role for an agency for which I have great respect," said Hallman. "I am looking forward to working with the DPSST staff and its many stakeholder groups, and to help prepare for the permanent director."



Hallman has over 30 years of experience in emergency services, serving for 12 years as a fire chief in South Walton, Florida prior to becoming the Florida State Fire Marshal. Hallman accepted a position as Fire Chief for the City of Newberg in 2009 and was selected for his current position as Assistant Chief when Newberg merged with TVFR. He has been active within the Oregon fire service since he arrived in the state, serving as President of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, as well as the chair of the Mobilization Plan Committee and Governor’s Fire Service Policy Council. He joined the State Fire Marshal Incident Management Team program in 2012 and was appointed as the Green Team’s Incident Commander prior to the 2015 season. He and his team oversaw firefighting operations last month in the Santiam Canyon.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-03 09:47:23Last Update: 2020-11-03 13:37:15



Republicans Excluded from Elections Oversight
Party demands transparency and inclusivity

The Oregon Republican Party released the following statement after raising questions about the exclusion of Republican volunteers from critical election boards in Clatsop County:

“It was brought to our attention in the past couple of days that Republican volunteers have been excluded as election workers from the Clatsop County Election Office Signature Verification and Drop Box Collection boards by County Elections Clerk Tracie Krevanko (D-Warrenton), even though Republican volunteers had been added to the ballot counting boards,” said Oregon Republican Party Communications Director Kevin Hoar. “We contacted Ms. Krevanko to request that Republican volunteers be added to these boards, but our request was denied.”

Sixty percent of the Signature Verification and Drop Box Collection Boards consist of Democrats and zero Republicans. Clatsop County is one of the counties that comprises the highly contested open seat House District 32 race between Republican/Independent Mayor of Tillamook Suzanne Weber and Democrat Debbie Boothe-Schmidt. Clatsop is also considered a swing county in the very competitive races for the statewide offices of Secretary of State and State Treasurer.

“It is troubling that such a simple, easy step to ensure transparency and inclusivity during such a politically-charged time isn’t even being considered,” said Hoar. “Why even invite the appearance of political favoritism in Clatsop County?”

According to correspondence with the Clatsop County Clerk, in contrast to nearly every other county in the state, Krevanko had initially planned to exclude all citizen participation in the election’s process as mandated by the Secretary of State’s Vote By Mail manual, until required to do by the Clatsop County Manager, Don Bohn, after statements of concern from Clatsop County constituents.

“Legal counsel for the Oregon Republican Party is continuing to try and gain clarity on this possibly intentional exclusion of Republican election office volunteers in the hope of rectifying the situation as soon as possible. It is certainly to the benefit of all Clatsop County voters, and indeed all Oregon voters in this particular case, to maintain the highest standards for fair and equal election administration and to make every possible effort to maximize voter trust in the ballot counting process,” added Hoar.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-11-02 21:05:32Last Update: 2020-11-02 21:16:59



Governor Asks for Peace
Violence is never the answer

In a last minute press conference by Oregon governor Kate Brown, in conjunction with members of the command staff; Portland Police Chief Chuck Levelle, Oregon State Police Superintendent Terri Davie, Multnomah County Sheriff Mike Reece, and Major General Michael Stencel of the Oregon National Guard lay out plans to quell uprisings, and voter suppression.

The Governor plead for peace.

Every Oregonian has the right to express themselves freely and to peacefully assemble. However, I want to be clear that voter intimidation and political violence will not be tolerated. Not from the Left, the Right, or the Center. Not this week, not any week in Oregon.

Amidst a barrage of Oregon media inquiries into numbers, strategy and troop locations, The Joint Command Staff played their cards close. Questions were answered in very broad generalized terms, regarding what will be required of law enforcement, Terri Davies of the OSP states "we're not really sure what to expect", regarding levels of unrest. It appears law enforcement will grow in numbers and be given additional tools to meet whatever they should encounter. Mike Reece and Davie insisted that communication within the task force is pivotal and the core of the operation. Major General Stencel assured viewers that the National Guard was for support only, and would remain unarmed.

When asked, about the use of tear gas, Governor Brown answered in the affirmative, tear gas will be permitted, but only under the most extreme circumstances. "Let me clear, we're going to do everything in our power to protect free speech and keep the peace" said Brown. "If you take one thing away from today's press conference, let it be this: Violence is never the answer". "We stand here today urging all Oregonians to commit to nonviolent expression."

According to Superintendent Davie, officers who were deputized last month, for a Proud Boys Rally, are still deputized, but have no additional roles. Davie states the deputation would only apply on the back end, when individuals, arrested for violence are prosecuted. Assaulting a Federal Deputy is a Federal offense. Therefore, assault on any deputized officer would no longer fall to liberal Multnomah County D.A Mike Schmidt, but federal prosecutors instead.

Brown made it very clear that the use of newly deputized Marshall's "are not part of the plan", the Governor has also expressed frustration and remorse after realizing a Federal Marshall's deputation is for a year, and not capable of being used over a weekend to target political dissidents, like the Proud Boys.

Beginning Monday night at 5pm, the task force will be in effect, working to protect voters, stop voter suppression, and keep the peace, ensuring all are allowed to assemble and express themselves. Many expect demonstrations from leftist groups, like Antifa and Black Lives Matter, no matter the outcome of the election -- despite warnings that the source of unrest will be patriot and militia groups.

During questioning, the Governor said, "We can make sure that...we can keep the peace and that people can protest peacefully and that no further property destruction can occur."


--Breeauna Sagdal

Post Date: 2020-11-02 16:43:17Last Update: 2020-11-03 11:32:22



Read More Articles