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On this day, March 28, 1942, Japanese-American lawyer Minoru Yasui (1916-1986) violated a military curfew in Portland, Oregon, and demanded to be arrested after he was refused enlistment to fight for the US. He was one of the few Japanese Americans who fought laws that directly targeted Japanese Americans or Japanese immigrants following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In 2015 he was among 17 people awarded the presidential Medal of Freedom.

Also on this day March 28, 1939, the front page of the Eugene Register-Guard blared the headline: "Mighty Oregon Scramble Ohio State to Take Hoop Title of All America," right under a declaration that the Spanish War had ended, of course.




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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


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The Promise of Pot
After seven years, a look back at what was promised with legal pot.

In November of 2014, Oregon voters approved the sale and use of recreational marijuana. The law was scheduled to go into effect in January of 2016, but Governor Kate Brown -- unable to wait for enforcement and taxation bureaucracies to prepare -- signed a bill in October of 2015 allowing legalization early.

The Promise

Supporters of legalized marijuana lined up to push the benefits of legal pot. As a regulated, legal industry, the black market would disappear, as would arrests for the victimless offense of using marijuana. Taxing the newly legal pot would bring in dollars that would more than cover regulation and enforcement.

In a voters' pamphlet statement, Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) said "Our marijuana laws don’t work and exact a terrible cost in tax dollars, law enforcement priorities and people’s lives. I’m working in Congress to reform marijuana policy -- and we are making progress at the national level -- but it is in the states that the most constructive change has been happening."

Blumenauer argues in favor of Measure 91. "It strictly regulates its production, distribution and sale through the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. It provides more protection for kids than the current black market system. Right now, it is easier for a middle school student to get a joint than it is for them to get a six pack. It taxes marijuana, with the proceeds going to schools, state and local law enforcement, treatment and substance abuse education."

Anthony Johnson, one of the Chief Petitioners for Measure 91 said, "What will Oregon look like after Measure 91 passes? We will have taken money and power away from the black market and drug cartels. We will have provided protections for neighborhoods and kids. We will have funded schools, public safety, prevention and mental health."

Kris Olson, former Chief Federal Prosecutor in Oregon, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton -- "I didn't inhale" -- said, "I learned firsthand how our current approach to marijuana has failed. By keeping marijuana illegal, we enrich organized crime and violent drug cartels. At the same time, we distract police, who spend too much time arresting and citing people for small amounts of marijuana.

The Result

2021-23 is projected to see an estimated $319 million in marijuana tax revenue distributed to drug treatment and recovery, schools, cities, counties, state police and mental health.

Despite the promise of a reduction in organized crime, in 2018 the Oregon Legislature passed SB 1544 which established the Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program to assist local governments with costs incurred by local law enforcement agencies in addressing unlawful marijuana cultivation or distribution operations. While it funded $8.25 million in enforcement grants from 2018 to 2023, it also quietly expanded the medical marijuana program.

Marijuana related crime -- especially in Southern Oregon -- has mushroomed. Accordingly, spending on enforcement has also increased. The 2021-23 budget for IMMEGP activities will total $26 million with the additional $20 million General Fund proposed in the omnibus budget bill. During the recent special session, the Oregon Legislature unanimously approved SB 893 which requires prioritizing financial assistance to local law enforcement agencies to partner with community-based organizations in order to address humanitarian crisis associated with unlawful marijuana cultivation or distribution operations in awarding grants through Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program.

Oregon kids seem to have avoided the enforcement trap. According to a research paper published by the US Drug Test Centers In only two states do more than 10% of adolescents regularly consume marijuana, and it should be noted that even though recreational marijuana is currently legal in both Vermont and Oregon, during the collection period for this data, it was legal only in Oregon, and it’s not legal in either state for children to consume weed.

This might be a key to understanding some of the reasons for the failure of Oregon schools.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-12-28 19:30:26Last Update: 2021-12-28 20:26:29



Candida Auris Infections in Oregon
OHA is investigating

Oregon Health Authority is investigating an outbreak of Oregon’s first cases of Candida auris, a serious fungal infection that is often resistant to multiple antifungal medicines.

The Healthcare-Associated Infections Program at the OHA Public Health Division, working with a regional public health laboratory in Seattle and Salem Hospital, have identified Candida auris in three Salem Health patients.

The first case was detected at Salem Hospital Dec. 11 in a patient who had recent international health care exposures, and confirmed Dec. 17. Candida auris has only recently appeared in the United States.

Two of the cases did not have international health care exposures, but had epidemiologic links to first case, indicating health care-associated spread of Candida auris to the second and third patients – identified Dec. 23 and Dec. 27, respectively.

The Healthcare-Associated Infections Program is leading the investigation, working with local public health authorities, local health care partners, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the regional public health laboratory to identify cases and ensure appropriate infection control measures are in place.

“Candida auris is an emerging pathogen of concern because it can cause serious infections, particularly in those with serious medical problems, and can be resistant to the antifungal drugs we have to treat it,” said Rebecca Pierce, Ph.D., Healthcare-Associated Infections Program manager. “Fortunately, the organism we’re dealing with in this outbreak appears to respond to existing treatments. Nonetheless, it’s critical that we prevent the spread of the infection.”

Jasmin Chaudhary, medical director of infection prevention at Salem Health, said the health system is taking action on a number of fronts to prevent the spread of Candida auris at Salem Hospital.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a rise in multi-drug resistant organisms around the world and nationwide, and Salem is not immune,” Chaudhary said. “Salem Health is working with OHA and the CDC to execute a rigorous plan, implementing aggressive eradication measures that have been shown in other hospitals to be successful in eliminating Candida auris. These include proactive steps that will assist in preemptively identifying new cases to prevent spread.”

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Among the measures in effect: working with the patients’ care teams to ensure frequent and effective disinfection of the health care environment; using transmission-based precautions for those infected or colonized with Candida auris; adhering to hand hygiene protocols; and conducting effective interfacility-transfer communication about a patient’s Candida auris status when being transferred to another health care facility.

In addition, OHA and Salem Health have been coordinating to notify health care facilities that previously received transferred patients from affected units at Salem Health, and to support safe discharge of patients from Salem Health during the anticipated COVID-19 surge.

Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness, particularly those suffering from serious medical conditions in hospitals and nursing homes. According to the CDC, patients who have been hospitalized in a health care facility for long periods, have a central venous catheter or other lines or tubes entering their body, or have weakened immune systems are at highest risk of infection and serious complications. The risk of Candida auris infection to otherwise healthy people, including health care personnel, is extremely low.

The fungus can cause serious infections, including bloodstream infections and wound infections. It also has been isolated from respiratory and urine specimens and can colonize patients’ skin. A laboratory test is needed to determine whether a patient is colonized or infected with Candida auris, but laboratories should be aware that it can be misidentified as other types of fungi and should know when to suspect Candida auris, as misidentification could delay treatment and control measures. Health care facilities that suspect they have a patient with Candida auris should contact their local public health authority immediately.

Since 2013, more than 1,150 clinical cases of Candida auris have been identified in the United States. There have never been any cases of the fungus identified in Oregon until now.

Patients who test positive or had a high-risk exposure will be contacted by Salem Health.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-12-28 16:47:34Last Update: 2021-12-28 16:56:55



Oregon’s Change in Population
22nd largest increase in the nation

According to the Census Bureau, Oregon saw a net increase of 8080 new migrations into the state in 2021, the 22nd largest increase in the nation.

Population growth is affected by births, deaths, and migration. This past year, Oregon experienced 2,210 more deaths than births, leaving population growth entirely by net migration of new residents.

If Oregon hadn’t been sandwiched in between California losing 367,299 and Washington losing 29, Oregon would also be on the losing end.

Realtors indicate Californians coming from a higher median income drive up home prices with their means to out-buy local Oregonians.

Idaho was also on the receiving end of 48,876 migrations.

Approximately 25,000 new residents moved into Oregon, meaning 16,920 moved out. A Portland State University study authorized by ORS 190.540 claims the slowed migration on the pandemic. More than the pandemic are the contributing factors – mandates closing some businesses, and now mandates limit who can work. All the effects of the pandemic on businesses and population growth are a direct result of the government response to the pandemic

. Counties showing the largest increase are where universities are located. Although the prior academic year showed a decline, in 2020- 2021, 206.095 students attended Oregon colleges. Many of the 28,533 who came for an advanced program will make Oregon their home, but undergraduates, not so much.

During the last year, eight counties lost significant numbers of housing units from wildfires during September, 2020. More than 2,300 homes were destroyed in Jackson County, while Marion County and Lane County had more than 500 destroyed homes in each. Douglas, Klamath, Lincoln, and Linn counties also had housing losses attributable to wildfires. State and federal support were provided for residential and commercial to rebuild, which appears not to have impacted net populations.

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However, an unusual dynamic for relocation due to safety can be attributed to violent protestors. Oregon is 10th in the nation for homicides. Portland has seen a decline in growth but still a net increase.

A decline in condo sales goes back prior to the pandemic, which seems to point to the protests becoming violent. Crime is up by around a thousand per month over the previous year, which indicates a continued decline.

Businesses have been rumored to leave the state since Governor Brown took office. The tax issues prompt more businesses to leave each legislative session. It started with Measure 66 and 67, then the CAT tax, and increasing costs with automatic adjustment in minimum wage and costs for family and medical leave. Senator James Manning Jr. (D-Eugene) said in 2019 in the argument that the state’s top income earners will leave the state if their taxes are raised. “I say leave the state,” he said. “Somebody else will come in. I get so sick and tired of hearing that.”

Downtown Portland businesses left when the city refused to clean the streets of needles and garbage even before the riots, which made it worse. When those arrested were released, six businesses permanently closed their doors that started a domino effect. During the holidays pop-up shops and food trucks struggled for lack of office workers and tourists down town to support them. They also site the ongoing crime and common place vandalism to buildings and cars. City leaders encourage support of new businesses, but without the engagement of enforcement officers, these new shops are skeptical whether they will continue after the holidays.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2021-12-27 19:25:07Last Update: 2021-12-27 19:52:08



New Courthouse for Benton County
State of Oregon to pay for half of $40 million

Benton County, Oregon has been allocated over $20 million in state matching funds for the construction of a new County courthouse.

With statewide recognition for the need for a modern courthouse that meets best practice standards for safety, access and services, the County’s program was placed on a priority list by the Association of Oregon Counties-Oregon Judicial Department Courthouse Task Force five years ago.

Benton County collaborated with the Oregon Judicial Department, to apply for state matching funds for a new courthouse from the Oregon Capital Construction and Improvement Fund.

The matching funds enabled the state to pay for half of an approximately $40 million new courthouse, with the County funding the remainder.

Building a new County courthouse to meet the needs of current and future Benton County residents is generally considered to be critical.

The Historic Benton County Courthouse was built in 1888 and is no longer capable of meeting current accessibility, safety and trauma-informed services standards.

Through HB 5006, the 2021 State Legislature approved a 50% match of approximately $20.4 million to the County.

The new courthouse is one of four new facilities proposed for the County’s Justice System Improvement Program. The award of these state matching resources is contingent upon the County demonstrating the ability to provide its equal share of the project cost.

These resources were contemplated to come through the County’s original bond measure date of May 2022, which has since moved to May 2023.

The year-long postponement of the bond measure vote required that the County either identify another funding source for matching funds or re-request funds from the Legislature in the 2023 session.

On Tuesday, December 7, the Board of Commissioners agreed to fund the County’s $20.4 million in matching funds for the new courthouse using a combination of budget reserves and borrowing, enabling the project to advance as originally contemplated.

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The Board did not wish to forego the $20.4 million matching funds from the State and risk the possibility of a future legislature reducing or eliminating the award.

The Board’s decision will enable the County to execute an agreement with the state to receive an official award of the resources so that design work on the new courthouse may begin in 2022, with an estimated completion date of July 2025.

A portion or all of the County’s matching funds may still be included in the May 2023 bond measure to allow the County to reimburse itself for funds drawn from reserves or borrowing. The County does not need to secure its matching funds as a $20.4 million lump sum. It can be staggered over the life of the project.

A site for the new courthouse has not been determined and will in part hinge on the outcome of the Justice System Improvement Program’s site selection process.

Currently, program staff and the Board of Commissioners are contemplating two suburban sites, in west and north Corvallis, and a site downtown that is smaller in size than the suburban sites, but large enough for a new courthouse. The Commissioners will have to align on the new courthouse site in early 2022.

Related to the new courthouse, the Board recently discussed the proposed future location of the District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney currently occupies a portion of the historic Benton County Courthouse.

Over the past year, the Justice System Improvement Program’s Technical and Community Advisory Committees contemplated whether the District Attorney should remain in the Historic Benton County Courthouse, or become part of, or co-located with, the proposed new courthouse.

Ultimately, the advisory committees recommended the District Attorney’s Office migrate to the new courthouse, to align with industry best practices and the Justice System Improvement Program’s vision of building a justice system for the future.

Similarly, District Attorney John Haroldson advocated for moving the District Attorney’s Office to the new courthouse. The Board weighed the recommendation from the advisory committees and DA Haroldson and agreed to support the move conceptually.

The proposed new District Attorney’s Office is estimated to cost about $16 million and is not included in the new courthouse matching funds awarded by the State.

Consequently, Benton County must fund the entire $16 million to advance the County’s desire to co-locate the District Attorney with the new courthouse. A funding source, whether the result of a successful bond measure, additional borrowing, or a combination of both, has not been determined at this time.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-12-27 14:11:36Last Update: 2021-12-27 16:34:44



President of AOCC Elected for Sixth Term
Representing timberlands in Oregon

Douglas County has announced that Commissioner Tim Freeman has been re-elected for his sixth term as the President of the Association of O&C Counties (AOCC).

The AOCC unanimously re-elected its leaders for 2021 at the AOCC annual meeting held on Friday, December 17, 2021. In addition to Commissioner Freeman, Polk County Commissioner, Craig Pope was re-elected as Secretary/Treasurer and Coos County Commissioner, Bob Main was re-elected as Vice President.

“I am truly honored to be re-elected and I am thankful to have the support of the members of the AOCC, who trust me in leading this crucially important work.” Freeman said. “Together with my colleagues and the staff at AOCC, we will continue to work hard to secure solutions to manage our unique congressional designated lands.”

The AOCC represents the O&C lands in 18 western Oregon counties, the 18 counties host 2.1 million acres of O&C timberlands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

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AOCC advocates for sustained yield management of O&C lands, as required by federal law under the O&C Act, to protect and support jobs and local economies, county services, and healthy timber land.

During its annual meeting, AOCC members discussed the latest decision filed by Judge Richard Leon of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

On November 19, 2021, Judge Leon continued to validate the claims made by the AOCC Counties, most notable being, that the Bureau of Land Management(BLM) must explicitly follow the terms of the 1937 O&C Act, in which all O&C lands classified as timber land shall be managed for permanent timber production under the principle of “Annual Sustained Yield Capacity”.

He also ordered the BLM to expediate the completion of its rewrite of their 2016 management plan.

The 1937 O&C Act is widely regarded as the first Congressional conservation act.

It regulates the management of the Federal timber resource. The O&C Act signaled an end to the cut and run policies in the early years of the 20th century. By requiring management under the principle of Sustained Yield, timber harvest cannot outpace the annual growth of the forest, resulting in a perpetual supply of timber while concurrently providing quality habitat for wildlife, watershed protection, and recreational opportunities for the public.

Judge Leon's decision not only reaffirms the principles and requirements of the O&C Act, but also provides the foundation to create new job opportunities throughout the entire economic sector. In addition, Sustained Yield management will provide much needed revenue to fund vital County services such as the Sheriff’s Office, 911 Communications, Senior Services, Veteran Services, Public Works infrastructure projects and public health programs.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-12-26 15:12:42Last Update: 2021-12-26 15:35:06



Beaverton City Councilor Announces Resignation
Fagin cites personal reasons

Beaverton City Councilor Mark Fagin has announced his resignation from the Beaverton City Council effective Jan. 1, 2022. Councilor Fagin cited personal reasons for his decision.

Councilor Fagin began his service on the City Council in 2013 and before being elected was a member of the Planning Commission, the Civic Plan Steering Committee, and the Visioning Advisory Committee. He was the founding chairperson of the Visioning Advisory Committee.

Councilor Fagin has influenced countless projects.

“It has been an honor to serve the community as a Beaverton City Councilor,” said Councilor Mark Fagin. “My family and business are growing, and by stepping down now, the city can hold an election for my seat this May, along with the three other positions that will be up for election. This was a difficult decision; this experience has been very rewarding. I am proud of the improvements made in the last decade and the projects in the works give me confidence that the city is on a good path. I look forward to watching the progress as Beaverton continues to evolve.”

"I'm thankful to Councilor Fagin for his many years of impactful service," said Mayor Beaty. "Making the decision to step down is never easy, but I honor Councilor Fagin's commitment to his family."

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The City Council accepted Councilor Fagin’s resignation of Council Position 3 at their Dec. 14 meeting.

The Council is considering options for replacement, which may include appointment of an Interim City Councilor to fill the vacant seat. A public election to fill the remainder of the Council Position 3 will occur in May 2022. The remainder of the existing Beaverton City Council Position 3 term is through Dec. 31, 2024.

The Beaverton City Council was expanded to seven members under the city's new voter-approved Charter that went into effect Jan. 1, 2021.

The other members of the Beaverton City Council are Lacey Beaty (Mayor), Ashley Hartmeier-Prigg (Council Position 1), Laura Mitchell (Council Position 2), Allison Tivnon (Council Position 4), Marc San Soucie (Council Position 5) and Nadia Hasan (Council Position 6).


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-12-25 20:28:36Last Update: 2021-12-25 20:37:27



New Operator for Bagby Hot Springs
Bagby Preservation, Inc selected

The Mt. Hood National Forest has selected Bagby Preservation, Inc. to operate Bagby Hot Springs and Campground on the Clackamas River Ranger District, beginning January 2023. Bagby Preservation Inc. is an Oregon business led by longtime Bagby Hot Springs advocates Mike and Tamarah Rysavy.

I am excited about this new opportunity for the public at Bagby Hot Springs,” said Mt. Hood National Forest Supervisor Meta Loftsgaarden. “The Rysavy’s experience operating other Oregon hot springs and long connection to Bagby Hot Springs will be a valuable for forest visitors.”

After casting a wide net for creative proposals, the Forest Service evaluated applications for ability to provide effective operations, investment for public benefit, and financial stability- all while preserving the historic resources and rustic experience which Bagby Hot Springs offers.

“Bagby Preservation looks forward to making Bagby Hot Springs a safe, family-friendly environment for the public,” said Mike Rysavy, President of Bagby Preservation, Inc. “My wife and I formed Bagby Preservation because of our love of Bagby Hot Springs. After spending countless volunteer hours, getting grants to restore the historic cabin, and starting the Northwest Forest Conservancy, Bagby inspired us to manage hot springs full-time.”

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The popular hot springs has attracted visitors for over 100 years and has been open year-round in the past. The site features two bath houses, an historic cabin, a bunkhouse, and an 18-site campground. Several of the buildings need repairs and renovation.

Bagby Preservation Inc. plans to invest $100,000 upfront to address deferred maintenance and make improvements. They plan to keep the soaking fee at $5 per person. As part of their plan for sustainable, local management, Bagby Preservation Inc. looks to partner with local non-profits where feasible to implement historic preservation projects, trail maintenance, and public education events, in coordination with the Forest Service.

Bagby Hot Springs is located along Forest Road 70, about 40 miles southeast of Estacada. The area is currently closed through at least winter for Bull Complex fire recovery work, following the fire’s containment in November. Additionally, State Hwy 224 remains closed east of Estacada. CLM, the current permit holder, lost much of their equipment and vehicles used on the district in the 2020 Riverside Fire and is focused on reopening Bagby Hot Springs in 2022.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-12-25 18:51:48Last Update: 2021-12-25 19:01:15



Legalizing Prostitution in Oregon?
Oregon suffers from human trafficking problems...

An effort in Oregon earlier in 2021 relating to prostitution, would have essentially legalized the practice, if HB 3088 hadn't stalled in the House Judiciary Committee.

Representative Rob Nosse (D-Portland) was the chief sponsor of the bill which would have repealed the crimes of prostitution, commercial sexual solicitation and promoting prostitution. The measure takes away some of the protections for victims of sex trafficking.

For instance, ORS 167.007 -- part of the law proposed to be repealed -- says that "A person commits the crime of prostitution if the person engages in, or offers or agrees to engage in, sexual conduct or sexual contact in return for a fee." However, also proposed to be repealed is the language protecting victims. "It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the defendant, at the time of the alleged offense, was a victim of the crime of trafficking in persons."

Now, that effort is continuing through the state's initiative petition process.

Being called the "Sex Worker Rights Act" On November 16, 2021, the Elections Division received Initiative Petition 2022-042, proposed for the November 8, 2022, General Election.

To qualify for the ballot, Initiative Petition #42 will have to collect 112,020 valid signatures from Oregon voters.

Observers question whether this is perhaps not the best approach to dealing with Oregon's current problem with human trafficking, and it may be seen a continuing radical leftist agenda from the Kate Brown administration and super-majority Democrat party that may not be concerned with accountability if the results turn out to be a disaster.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-12-24 12:21:35Last Update: 2021-12-24 14:11:35



Kate Brown Declares Weather Emergency
Projected severe winter weather across the state

Governor Kate Brown has declared a state of emergency lasting through January 3 due to projected severe winter weather across the state.

She had just extended the COVID emergency days prior. She has issued several executive orders.

This weather is expected to bring heavy snow and sustained temperatures below freezing, resulting in critical transportation failures and disruptions to power and communications infrastructure.

"Our state has experienced a number of climate-related emergencies this year, and with another coming, I urge all Oregonians to make a plan with your family now and be prepared,” said Governor Brown. “I am directing state agencies to work proactively with local emergency management partners to coordinate on communications for emergency services, such as warming centers. Winter storms mean increased risk for those traveling as well as those staying home for the holidays. Check on your neighbors and loved ones when you can do so safely. If road conditions worsen, please help our first responders by staying home when possible.”

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Pursuant to ORS 401.165, Governor Brown determined a potential threat to life, safety, property, and significant damage to infrastructure exists due to severe winter weather across Oregon.

The National Weather Service has issued multiple winter storm watches, warnings, and winter weather advisories throughout the state.

The Governor's declaration authorizes the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to activate state resources, and to utilize personnel, equipment, and facilities from other state agencies in order to respond to or mitigate the effects of the weather emergency.

In addition, the Oregon National Guard, Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Department of Human Services, and the Oregon Public Utility Commission and other state agencies are directed to provide any assistance as requested by OEM that is deemed necessary to assist in the response.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-12-23 18:47:20Last Update: 2021-12-23 19:06:33



Kate Brown Appoints Judges to Deschutes County
Filling new positions on Deschutes County Circuit Court

Governor Kate Brown has announced that she will appoint two judges to fill new positions on the Deschutes County Circuit Court, created by the Legislature in House Bill 3011 (2021).

Governor Brown will appoint Michelle McIver to the newly created Position 8 and Alycia Herriott to the newly created Position 9. Both appointments are effective immediately.

“I am thrilled to appoint these remarkable women to the bench in Deschutes County,” said Governor Brown. “Michelle McIver and Alycia Herriott are compassionate and skilled lawyers who will be able to pull from their years of experience in the courtroom to ensure that our justice system continues to fairly and equitably serve the people of Deschutes County.”

Michelle McIver was raised in Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University with her bachelor’s degree in 1999. After working with AmeriCorps for two years, she obtained her law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School. After law school, McIver performed work for Legal Aid Services of Oregon before becoming a public criminal defense attorney at Crabtree & Rahmsdorff Defense Services in 2011. She now maintains her own law practice in which she provides public criminal defense legal services to individuals in Deschutes County. McIver has also been involved in the community, including working to bring yoga to Family Drug Court and the Deschutes County Jail.

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Alycia Herriott has been a criminal defense attorney at the Gilroy, Napoli, Short Law Group since 2018 and, before that, was a prosecutor for the Deschutes County and Clackamas County District Attorney’s offices.

She also briefly served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon from 2015 to 2016. Herriott grew up in Klamath Falls, and is a graduate of the University of Oregon, where she received her bachelor’s degree, and Willamette University College of Law, where she obtained her law degree in 2008. Herriott worked with programs such as the New Lawyer Mentor Program and the Deschutes County Emerging Adult Program.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-12-23 11:59:57Last Update: 2021-12-23 14:02:05



Snow and Icy Roads May Make for Precarious Holiday Travels
Oregon may see much snow in the next week

If you take to the roads this holiday season be aware that your travels may become treacherous, with freezing temperatures and snow expected in many corners of Oregon.

The Willamette Valley, the mountains, the Columbia River Gorge and Central, Southern and Eastern Oregon all likely will see varying degrees of snow and freezing temperatures over the three-day holiday weekend and into the following week.

Be prepared. Travelers may encounter hazardous winter conditions.

ODOT says their staffing shortages mean they may need a little more time to clear roads, whether it be snow or slides.

This is a continuation of a staffing trend seen since last year. ODOT says they are working hard to fill vacant positions and will shift resources as needed when they see significant snow or other issues on our roads.

ODOT crews are on duty around the clock to keep the roads safe and clear problems as quickly as possible.

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Here are a few holiday travel tips.

In recent days, snow has forced the closure of U.S. 97 into California and of Interstate 5 over the Siskiyou Pass into the Mount Shasta area. Be extra careful whether traveling through the Columbia River Gorge, the Coast Range or the Cascades.

Snow is expected so be prepared, be flexible and be careful.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-12-22 17:55:47Last Update: 2021-12-23 08:24:37



Highway 26 Bypass Proposed for Sandy
"We are talking about building roads, not reducing lanes."

The City of Sandy, under the direction of Mayor Stan Pulliam has released a proposal to build a Highway 26 bypass around the city. Pulliam is also running for the Republican nomination for Governor.

"When I first ran for mayor in 2018, I was tired of past elected officials saying that solving our growing transportation problems was not possible," said Pulliam. "I knew Sandy wanted a leader who tried to say 'yes' and not 'no' when it came to such basic infrastructure needs."

The study released by the City of Sandy found that, if a bypass is not completed, intersections in Sandy on Highway 26 would exceed mobility targets, even with local street improvements. According to the report, adding the bypass is feasible, much less expensive than previously thought, and would reduce travel times through Sandy both directions.

"Politicians in Portland are spending millions building expensive light rail and other projects that will not solve congestion," continued Pulliam. "Here in Sandy we are talking about building roads, not reducing lanes."

"Sandy needs to take its destiny into its own hands and look out for its future, which is currently headed towards worsening gridlock. Building a bypass will make Sandy an even more attractive destination, not just a passthrough."

"Our city is committed to moving forward and addressing our major traffic congestion needs. We will carefully review the presented data and take action in the near future."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-12-22 10:28:22Last Update: 2021-12-22 10:52:38



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