The Oregon Audits Division released its latest audit of the Oregon Health Authority, focused on Medicaid and the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs — little-known but highly influential players in the health care system.

The audit found the current structure of PBMs is too complex for the state to fully assess and understand the value they provide, which is especially important in an already-expensive program like Medicaid. Furthermore, the audit found the state’s regulation of PBMs is limited and fragmented. Much of the work PBMs do is considered proprietary and not shared.

“It’s always important we make sure taxpayer funds are being spent as effectively as possible, and Medicaid is a prime example,” said Audits Director Kip Memmott. “It’s the largest and most complex government program in Oregon and provides critical health services to more than one million Oregonians. But the lack of transparency in our current system means it’s almost impossible to tell if we’re truly getting the best use of our funds with these PBMs.”

PBMs are third-party companies who act as go-betweens among insurance companies, drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and governments. While initially created in the 1960s to ease the administrative burdens of insurance companies, the role of PBMs has expanded significantly over time. Among their many responsibilities, PBMs can influence which drugs are covered by insurance companies and whether certain prescriptions can only be filled at specialty pharmacies.

PBMs are able to wield this influence to benefit certain companies over others. The three largest PBMs in the United States control 80% of the market share and are integrated with health insurance companies and retail pharmacies like CVS and OptumRx. By controlling the price at which drugs get reimbursed, as well as the pharmacy that will fill the prescription, these companies can ensure the pharmacies they own get greater reimbursement rates than independent pharmacies — in some cases, twice as much.

PBMs interact with Oregon state government through contracts with Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs). A CCO is a network of health care providers who work together in their local communities to serve people covered by Medicaid. Together, Oregon’s 16 CCOs contract with the Oregon Health Authority to manage about 90% of Medicaid clients in Oregon.

PBMs, as subcontractors of the CCOs, receive huge sums of money. CCOs reported spending $767 million on prescription drug benefits in 2021, but because of the complexity and trade secrets surrounding PBMs, it’s virtually impossible to know how much profit they are actually making — and how much of that profit is coming from Oregon’s Medicaid funds.

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Auditors found other states have legislation to provide greater protections for patients and pharmacies, and more transparency into this complicated system. There are also alternative PBM models available for Medicaid, which make it easier for governments to provide effective oversight. Auditors made seven recommendations to the state Legislature suggesting Oregon look into adopting some of these alternatives.

Auditors also made two recommendations to the Oregon Health Authority for more immediate improvements. The agency could do more to improve transparency and compliance from its current relationship with PBMs — through CCOs — by proactively monitoring and enforcing its contracts. In its formal response accompanying the audit, the agency agreed with both recommendations.

“We audit state agencies and programs like this one to provide meaningful feedback on how agencies can improve their operations to better achieve their missions and goals,” Memmott said. “This work becomes even more critical when significant amounts of money or vulnerable people are involved.”


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-22 10:31:38

Last Update: 2023-08-23 01:16:03

Interested Oregonians can apply for over 130 open positions on 12 new boards and commissions. Governor Tina Kotek announced that the state is accepting applications for positions on the state boards and commissions that were created in the 2023 legislative session, and called upon Oregonians to consider stepping up to serve. The list of opportunities can be found below.

“Today I’m echoing the call to action I made when I was sworn in, and invite all Oregonians to help build the Oregon you want to live in. The people who serve on our state’s boards and commissions develop policies that guide a a broad range of issues that impact Oregonians’ lives every day,” Governor Kotek said. “True progress will require each and every one of us to be engaged – and I hope Oregonians with an interest in these issues will consider stepping up to serve..”

New boards and commissions seeking appointments include:

• Joint Task Force on Hospital Discharge Challenges
• Jurisdictional Transfer Advisory Committee
• Juvenile Justice Policy Commission
• LGBTQIA2S+ Subcommittee of the Governor's Commission on Senior Services
• Oregon Cybersecurity Advisory Council
• Oregon Youth Works Advisory Board
• State Board of Sign Language Interpreters
• Task Force on Alcohol Pricing and Addiction Services
• Task Force on Modernizing Grant Funding and Contracting
• Task Force on Tribal Consultation
• Universal Health Plan Governance Board

Interested candidates can find the position postings on the Oregon Workday Board & Commission Member Opportunities website.

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More information on Oregon’s board and commissions and resources for interested applicants can be found on the Governor's Boards & Commissions website. Application deadlines vary by board or commission.

The Governor makes appointments to over 265 Boards and Commissions representing a broad range of areas and issues. This includes most major state agencies and departments headed by policy-making boards. There are additional application opportunities within existing boards and commissions.

Kotek says she is committed to ensuring that all Boards and Commissions represent the growing age, racial, gender and geographic diversity of the state.

Note: You must be an Oregon resident and taxpayer to participate unless otherwise noted.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-21 21:49:09

Last Update: 2023-08-21 22:25:17

There was a changing of the guard in Oregon City Wednesday, Aug 17. The City bid farewell to Chief Jim Band as he wrapped up a nearly 24 year career with the Oregon City Police Department. Following that ceremony, his replacement, who also has a long history with the community, was sworn in.

Band has served with the OCPD for more than 23 years, with the last ten as the department’s chief. In that time he is credited with instituting numerous programs and policies that have helped the department.

“It’s really not fair that everyone gives me credit for all of this. I couldn’t have accomplished all of that if it weren’t for the team here,” he said.

During his tenure Band instituted health and wellness programs for officers that has been emulated by some other departments in the region, as has the department’s approach with the homeless community.

Perhaps the most visible impact of his time as Chief is the construction of the Libke Public Safety Building. Voters approved funding for the building by more than 80% in 2017, a moment that Band has considered a high point in his career.

Replacing Band is Shaun Davis who has also been with the Oregon City Police Department since 1998. In that time he’s served in nearly every capacity the department has, earning him ample experience. He was sworn in by Mayor Denyse McGriff who said while she will miss Chief Band, she’s excited to see Chief Davis in the new role.

“I am absolutely thrilled to continue to work with Shaun Davis in his new role as Oregon City’s Chief of Police. Chief Davis brings a high-level of professionalism and community-first orientation to his job. I look forward to collaborating with Chief Davis in continuing to make Oregon City a great place to live and work,” she said.

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Chief Davis said one of his priorities will be to continue to focus on the recruitment and retention of quality officers.

“We have the very best officers and support staff who are dedicated to serving our great community and who take pride in everything they do. This is one of the pillars of how we get the support from the community. We have a department that exemplifies the best principles in public safety and service,” he said.

Chief Davis said he will continue to focus on creating positive relationships with the community and providing quality service to residents.

“To have the support of the community, we can’t just be good, we must build relationships. The community must know us. We can’t just show up for a call. We will continue to foster an environment where all individuals feel comfortable approaching us and engaging with our officers.”

While many city police agencies around the country and in Portland are dealing with staff shortages recently, Oregon City says that they have had success in recruiting officers to the department. Oregon City Officials say that is a testament to the department’s positive reputation.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-19 18:23:14

Last Update: 2023-08-19 18:41:12

Aespite several consecutive quarters of rosy revenue income, the Oregon Legislature has chosen to pass another tax to raise even more revenue in the form of a cell phone tax to benefit the 9-8-8 system which is the mental health hotline in Oregon. Unlike some tax increases, which are fees targeting users who create an expense for the state -- such as a park use fee, or a fee for policing a certain industry -- cell phone users aren't any more susceptible to mental illness than other Oregonians. Governor Tina Kotek signed into law HB 2757 recently in a signing ceremony dedicated to behavioral health.

During the last legislative session, Representative E. Werner Reschke, a member of the House Committee on Revenue presented testimony in opposition to HB 2757.

According to Representative Reschke, the need identified to operate the 9-8-8 center is about $5M per biennium which -- with about 5,710,000 cell phones would need a tax of less than 3 1/2 cents per month. The proposed tax of 50 cents per month per phone would yield more than $68M per biennium -- far more than the $5M needed to run the call center.

In his presentation, Representative Reschke recounted recent legislative action supporting mental health call centers in Oregon -- efforts that presumably overlap with the goals of HB 2757

• HB 2417 (2021) $5 million General Fund to initiate the crisis hotline center (contract with Lines for Life and Northwest Human Services). $10 million General Fund distributed to counties to establish and maintain mobile crisis intervention teams that could respond to crisis in the community.
• HB 5024 (2021) $6.5 million General Fund for Mobile Response and Crisis Stabilization Services (MRSS) that continued expansion of crisis stabilization services, resulting in coverage across the entire life span of Oregonians regardless of insurance status.
• HB 5202 (2022) Included $1.8 million General Fund and 10 positions for ongoing agency operations to support implementation and oversight of the system envisioned by HB 2417, the development of standards for statewide mobile crisis teams, development of Medicaid reimbursement opportunities and business information system and financial management support.

In addition to Representative Reschke's testimony, impacted organizations added their opinion of the tax.

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The Oregon Combined Chapters of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials and National Emergency Number Association offered testimony in opposition to HB 2757, saying

We believe that supporting a tax as outlined in this bill dilutes our ability to secure future increases that may be needed to augment the acquisition of new technology and/or services. As a federally mandated program addressing mental health and addiction services, 9-8-8 will likely have a significant number of other funding options ranging (but certainly not limited to,) from private insurance companies to grants.

In the past, there have been other attempts to enact similar tax mechanisms added to phone lines in Oregon have been rejected. The examples we have are Life Flight and OHSU’s Poison Control Center. Again, while we support the mission of both organizations, we opposed both of those taxes. We feel that adding a 9-8-8 tax falls into that same category.

We feel that any further taxes or increasing our tax to fund other things is an open invitation for many others to want their piece of that pie and it would risk our ability to successfully continue down the road.

Brant Wolf of the Oregon Telecommunications Association objected to the tax increase, offering these thoughts to the House Committee on Revenue,

Based on prior comments offered on HB 2757A, it is important to note and understand that the FCC did not direct states to impose 988 fees. The clear majority of states have not adopted any such fee. Most states have used their own general fund dollars, federal funds or some combination of the two in order to fund 988 systems and response teams if they have taken action at all.

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-19 14:54:23

Last Update: 2023-08-25 19:09:32

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has now announced that Erin McMahon, a retired General Officer for the Oregon National Guard and United States Army has been appointed to lead the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. The Oregon Senate will take up her confirmation as permanent director in September.

"As our state responds to wildfires, extreme weather events, and other rapidly changing emergencies, the person leading the Oregon Department of Emergency Management must be able to anticipate and respond to a broad range of crises that Oregon will inevitably encounter,” said Governor Kotek. “Erin McMahon brings over twenty years of experience leading teams in response to large-scale emergencies at the state and national level. I am confident in her ability to support Oregonians across the state and look forward to seeing her positive impact and leadership at ODEM.”

Kotek says that McMahon has twenty-four years of experience advising state and national leaders on emergent and active emergencies requiring operational and civilian support.

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In her role as Principal Deputy General Counsel for the United States National Guard Bureau, McMahon advised federal leaders on the 2021 Oregon wildfires, when more than 1,000 fires burned at least 518,303 acres across the state.

She claims that McMahon also worked with programs for the Department of Defense to combat sexual assault. McMahon served the United States as an Army Brigadier General (ret.).

Most recently, McMahon was a Senior Advisor at The McChrystal Group in Virginia.

“I am honored and proud to serve Oregon as the Director of the Department of Emergency Management,” said director Erin McMahon. “After over fifteen years of supporting emergency management operations at the national level – including during the COVID-19 health emergency and dozens of climate-related catastrophes – I will capitalize on my prior work with FEMA and other federal partners to develop a strategic plan for emergency management that will help our communities before, during and after disaster. I am honored to serve Oregonians in times of crisis and beyond.”


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-18 11:22:02

Last Update: 2023-08-18 20:31:37

In 2023 Oregon has seen 628 fires, so far, burning 63,104 acres. Of those, 85 fires were started by lightning down from an average of 181. It’s the other 543 fires that are on the increase from 481 average over 10 years that are human caused and concerning.

SB 762 (2021) passed as the Landscape Resiliency Program (LRP) to improve forest restoration and set up landscape-scale projects that reduce wildfire risk on both public and private forestlands. The bill has been criticized over the Wildfire Maps producing a backlash. However, the appropriated $20 million also funded the placement of 20 more SensORs to monitor air quality from wildfires, and to treat 210,734 acres in the four highest expected net value change (eNVC) risk classes by the end of 2021-2023 biennium.

The Landscape Resilience Program Final Report concluded that the projects exceeded the expectation treating 211,914 acres. To date, there are no wildfires in the treated areas.

The most discussed part of the LRP are the three projects involved in prescribed fire (Rx) work, totaling 6,325 acres. The report says, “when Rx was completed, the fuel model changed, resulting in a less fire prone site, reduced fire risk, and decreasing potential fire intensity limiting severity.”

Timber owners fear ODF may be forced to burn profitable resources if the Western Oregon Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is adopted. They are linking Rx to the proposed HCP if there is a decrease in timber harvest by 50 percent. The National Forest Service (NFS) timber sales tied up in courts since 1970, lack of revenue from harvesting, and lack of funding by Congress has them suspecting that the larger fires may be creatively used as prescribed fire burns. Others site a federal agent as saying the way government works is to make NFS more influential by exploiting wildfires and growing the need to employ more firefighters and equipment to grow the agency.

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Out of the 24 current fires in Oregon, there are currently five large fires. A complete list can be found on Oregon Fires and Hotspots Dashboard. The five large fire areas to avoid:

• Flat Fire – located 2 miles SE of Agness, Oregon. This fire started on July 15 on the Rogue-Siskyou National Forest and is currently the largest fire in the state at 33,817 acres with 47% containment. It is burning in extremely difficult terrain and very dry fuels, which means this fire will remain on the landscape throughout the summer months. ODF continues to work with USFS and CFPA to manage the fire and protect high-risk values.
• Pricebord Fire – located 9 miles E of Junction City, Oregon. This fire started August 4, and has burned 310 acres and is 75% contained. This was an incredible catch, one of the best this year for ODF, made possible through the combination of ODF resources, local landowner efforts, Linn and Lane County fire departments, and OSFM. The fire is currently in the mop-up stage.
• Bedrock Fire – located 27 miles SE of Eugene, this fire started on July 22 and has burned 15,178 acres on the Willamette National Forest. Bedrock might be a case against prescribed burns. It started on the edge of a burn two years ago and moved fast through the older burn. Lightning started a second fire on the south edge at Gayles Creek, which the crew was told to let burn. Bedrock fire is now progressing north toward private land. Landowners and ODF staff have been engaged for weeks in an attempt to keep the fire off private ownership, however, due to difficult terrain and associated safety concerns, some private land will be burned. ODF personnel have been inserted into the IMT to ensure private land values at risk remain a top priority.
• Wiley Creek Fire – located 9 miles E of Sweet Home, Oregon. This fire started on August 7 on USFS ownership and is currently 220 acres and 5% contained. Unfortunately, the fire has spread onto approximately 10 acres of ODF protected land. Evacuation notices and road, trail, and area closures remain in place. A significant airshow with helicopters, water scooping, and retardant dropping aircraft was critical in reducing the spread rate of this fire and allow firefighters to establish fire lines quickly and safely. A robust Type 3 IMT is in place and making great progress through utilization of dozer and handline to surround the fire while resources begin the mop-up of hotspots. ODF remains confident this fire will remain in its current footprint with decreasing smoke impacts and fire activity alleviating some of the local concerns.
• Lookout Fire – located 4 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge, Oregon. This fire was caused by lightning from a storm that moved through the area on August 5 and is currently 25 acres and 0% contained. This is a USFS fire in rugged land and roadless areas on Lookout Mountain, which delayed response giving it a big head start. Active fire behavior has prompted evacuation notices and threat to structures. It is ODF’s biggest concern due to a potential push toward Blue River through the combination of terrain aligned with east winds. USFS has a Type 3 IMT on the fire currently but has a Type 2 team incoming to take over management of the fire.

The Oregon Department of Forestry worked towards a shared stewardship approach to the LRP for implementing land management that improves community resilience against wildfires. However, resilience has different priorities when the community depends on timber for their necessities.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-08-17 09:43:21

Last Update: 2023-08-17 17:01:00

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced the appointment of Aruna Masih, a long-time employment, worker, and civil rights attorney, to the Oregon Supreme Court. Masih will be Oregon’s first Punjabi, Indian American and South Asian Supreme Court Justice. Born in New York to a Punjabi, Indian father and British mother, when six-months old, they moved back to India as medical missionaries to work at a rural, mission hospital in Punjab, returning to this country when she was in high school.

"Aruna Masih is a decorated civil rights attorney who has worked on behalf of Oregonians for over twenty-five years in both her career and community service," said Governor Kotek. “As a practicing attorney, Aruna will bring direct and recent experience working for people — an invaluable perspective that will strengthen the current Oregon Supreme Court. Aruna’s dedication to public service and passion for equal access to justice is also evident from her long-time leadership in advancing equity and diversity in the legal field. I look forward to seeing her continued service to Oregonians as a Supreme Court Justice.”

Aruna Masih’s experience has been as a practicing attorney in Oregon for over 25 years. For most of her career, she has been a partner in the law firm of Bennett Hartman LLP, providing representation in a variety of areas, including employment, labor, appellate, professional licensure, contract, and constitutional law. Masih has also represented clients at McKanna Bishop Joffe LLP. Her legal background is a depth of technical expertise in nuanced Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and pension case law.

Masih is no stranger to the Oregon Supreme Court, she has been a part of her firm’s PERS team, representing the PERS Coalition of unions and public employees in their fight to preserve retirement benefits before the legislature and the courts. She has testified as an expert witness about public pensions and represented public employees in all the major PERS cases decided by the Oregon Supreme Court since 2003.

Along with her law partner, Margaret Olney, she advises on and litigates election law matters, including filing ballot title challenges before the Oregon Supreme Court.

Masih has served as Chair of the Oregon State Bar’s Advisory Committee for Diversity and Inclusion and as Chair of the Labor and Employment Section. She is a founding member and Vice-President of the South Asian Bar Association of Oregon and currently serves on the Board of the Multnomah Bar Association receiving their Diversity Award, and the Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation. She is also a former board member of the Oregon Women Lawyers and the Oregon Minority Lawyers Association.

Masih attends the Calvary Presbyterian Church in NE Portland serving on the advisory board for their Roseway Recovery Cafe, which serves community members in northeast Portland who have experienced trauma and the results of trauma, such as homelessness, substance use disorder, and addiction.

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“Equal access to the courts is an issue of civil rights,” said Masih. “To meet the challenges of our society that the pandemic has undeniably made apparent, we must renew our purpose and redouble our efforts to create a justice system that is recognized by those who interact with it and are impacted by it to be respectful, accessible, and just. Over the last twenty-five years, I’ve represented the interests of hundreds of Oregonians, and I look forward to bringing my unique perspective to the Oregon Supreme Court. I am committed to being a fair and thoughtful Justice and to continue being a steward of equal access under the law.”

Masih says her “parents modeled the importance of public service, commitment to a larger cause, and equitable access for all. These values have informed my personal and professional life.”

Since this is an elected position, voters are challenged to analyze how well she transitions from a defense attorney to an impartial judge.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-08-16 14:30:59

Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:28:51

Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read announced to Willamette Week his intent to run for the Secretary of State position in 2024. He is shifting his focus from seeking the governor’s office to secretary of state. Read is prohibited by term limits from running again for State Treasurer.

The open position for secretary of state comes after Shemia Fagan resigned for moonlighting as a consultant for a cannabis company and criticism over the questionable donations from the bankrupt cryptocurrency firm FTX.

Now Read’s office may be facing similar criticism. According to the New York Times, the Oregon State Treasury “routinely understate” the risks of their investments in private equity funds. Michael Markov, a mathematician who runs a financial technology company told the Times: “Oregon’s pension fund is over 40 percent more volatile than its own reported statistics show”.

The state pension fund has been pouring money into private equity funds engaged in debt-fueled takeovers of companies promising high returns. Markov says that, on average, the risks being carried by public pension funds are at least 20% greater than they are reporting, largely because they aren’t taking account of the true risks embedded in private equity, and Oregon is twice that.

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Individual investors of private equity funds are rich enough to be insulated from fund losses. But public pension plans don’t give the option to decide where their money is invested. The Securities and Exchange Commission considers private equity too complex and perilous for ordinary people to rely on as core investments, an assessment Markov wholeheartedly agrees with.

In the long Oregon legislative session this year, the mounting deficit for the PERS fund was not addressed. Who will run for state treasurer to address this risk? What qualifications does Read bring to Secretary of State?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-08-14 21:16:57

Last Update: 2023-09-20 20:11:11

Dave Drotzmann, a small business owner, Hermiston mayor, and president-elect of the League of Oregon Cities Board of Directors, has announced that he will run for Oregon State Senate District 29.

“This dynamic rural district deserves representation in Salem that understands not only the challenges ahead but the opportunities to build on our unique strengths through our core values,” said Drotzmann. “Senator Hansell has been a strong voice for the region, and with his pending retirement, I believe I have the experience and abilities necessary to strengthen relationships and advocate for each of District 29’s counties and communities.”

Drotzmann says he will focus on making sure state government is accountable for every dollar it spends, which will allow Oregonians to afford everyday expenses in the face of record inflation and incentivize private businesses to invest in their employees. He says he will also stand firm on his conservative principles of lower taxes, safer communities, and protecting Second Amendment rights and the right to life.

Drotzmann moved to Eastern Oregon in 1998 when he started Lifetime Vision Source in Hermiston as the sole optometrist and has since grown the business to more than a dozen employees and three optometrists. During his 25 years in the community, Drotzmann served in elected office 8 years on the Hermiston School Board and the past 10 years as Hermiston’s mayor.

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“As a business owner, mayor, and father, I’ve seen first-hand how policies and tax spending decisions in Salem too often overlook rural Oregonians,” Drotzmann said. “I will advocate for a common-sense state budget that keeps dollars in pockets of Oregonians by cutting back bloated and ineffective state programs, invest in the responsible use of our region’s natural resources to create family-wage jobs, and protect the constitutional rights of every Oregonian.”

In 2018, Drotzmann was appointed to the League of Oregon Cities Board of Directors to advocate for cities, focusing on providing the tools and local control necessary for communities to set and reach their own goals for growth and development. As president-elect he states that he is working to understand the issues facing cities of all sizes and connect with leaders across the state to help bridge divides and find solutions.

Republican leaders are already voicing their support for Drotzmann. He begins his campaign with endorsements from Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) and U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

“Dave’s experience both as an Optometric Physician and Mayor of Hermiston has made him an outstanding advocate for Northeast Oregon and he will continue to demonstrate his leadership and wisdom as State Senator,” said Rep. Smith.

Those interested can find more information on his campaign website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-14 11:52:30

Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:29:33

In July, the Washington County Oregon Sheriff's Office partnered with the FBI and multiple local agencies to target traffickers and connect survivors with advocacy services. The mission was part of the FBI’s annual Operation Cross Country. Nationally, the operation led to the identification or arrest of 126 suspects and the recovery of 59 victims of child sex trafficking.

During WCSO’s mission, investigators arrested two men and helped seven women speak with advocates dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking.

Detectives arrested 30-year-old Calvin Daejuan Smith of Portland for promoting prostitution, identity theft, and a parole violation. Mr. Smith was released in July and arrested again in August after failing to appear for court.

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Deputies also arrested 31-year-old Chris Kendall West Jr. of Portland for unlawful possession of a firearm. Detectives continue to investigate multiple other people identified during the mission.

WCSO was joined by Safety Compass, which offers free and confidential advocacy services for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation in Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, and Washington counties. During the mission, multiple survivors were connected in person with Safety Compass advocates.

The mission was a partnership involving the Sheriff’s Office, the Beaverton, Hillsboro, Sherwood, and Tigard police departments, the FBI, Safety Compass, and the Washington County Human Trafficking Task Force. That task force is overseen by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and brings together prosecutors, law enforcement, and numerous community partners and agencies to rescue victims, identify sex buyers, and hold traffickers accountable.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-13 15:20:53

Last Update: 2023-08-13 15:29:26

Oregon Health officials are reminding people heading outdoors in eastern Oregon to do their best to prevent mosquito bites after a recent jump in the number of mosquito pools – collections of up to 50 insects – testing positive for West Nile virus, according to local vector control districts.

Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., state public health veterinarian at Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Public Health Division, said high heat combined with sporadic precipitation has created perfect conditions for mosquito growth in recent weeks. As a result, eastern parts of the state are seeing more mosquitoes and a corresponding increase in traps containing West Nile-positive insects.

The increase in mosquito populations may be behind new human cases of the virus.

“Eastern Oregon has seen a little bit of rain, leading to additional water available for mosquitoes to lay eggs,” said DeBess. “We saw an increase of 13 West Nile-positive mosquito pools in one week, 10 of them in Baker County, and two presumptive human cases.”

So far in 2023, a total of 22 mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus. Eleven have been in Baker County, seven in Malheur County, two in Union County, and one each in Jackson and Umatilla counties.

Last year, there were five human West Nile virus cases in Oregon, and three cases among horses, with 45 positive mosquito pools. There also were five human cases in 2021, along with eight horse cases, two bird cases and 75 positive mosquito pools.

Groups at risk for severe disease include adults 50 and older, immunocompromised people and those living with certain conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

While most infected people show little to no signs of disease, one in five show signs of West Nile fever. Flu-like symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks and may include fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, severe headaches, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, shaking, paralysis or rash. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should contact their health care provider.

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People should mosquito-proof their homes by following these steps:

• Eliminate standing water in and around the home and business where mosquitoes can breed.
• At least once or twice a week, empty water from flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans.
• Clean out clogged rain gutters.
• Remove discarded tires and other items that could collect water.
• Look for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.

Take personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Generally, the more active ingredients a repellent contains the longer it can protect against mosquito bites. Repellents containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picaridin are recommended; follow directions on the container for applying it to the skin.
• Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when outdoors with infants.
• When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
• Install or repair window and door screens
• Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. When using an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the products.

Oregon Health Authority says that the easiest and best way to avoid mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites.

The Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division works with local health departments, mosquito control districts and other agencies to detect and test for the presence of West Nile virus in animals and humans.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-11 17:48:06

Last Update: 2023-08-11 18:48:06

Three people representing a group called “Friends of Gap Road” recently asked Linn County Oregon Commissioners Will Tucker and Sherrie Sprenger to oppose a proposed solar energy park project about eight miles south of Brownsville near Harrisburg that would be sited on 1,500 acres of prime farm land.

Linn County Board Chairman Roger Nyquist was not present.

Farmers and others recently packed the Community Room of Brownsville City Hall, opposing the proposed Muddy Creek Energy Park which would be developed and operated by a company called Hanwa Qcells, whose U.S. headquarters are in California and international headquarters in South Korea.

Because the project would encompass more than 160 acres, its siting and land use process falls under the Oregon Department of Energy’s jurisdiction, although Linn County commissioners can provide oral and written comments.

Present Tuesday morning were Troy Jones, Stephanie Glaser Hagerty and Arnold Kampfer. All own property near the proposed project and have long family histories in the area.

Although the proposed project would be on Class I and II soils, solar projects are allowed as a conditional use under state law use laws. The developers plan to graze sheep on the property under the solar panels.

Jones asked the commissioners to oppose the project. “We are concerned about wetlands, wildlife and the fact this would be on EFU (Exclusive Farm Use) land,” Jones said.

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The group also believes the siting process would “circumvent” Linn County’s Planning & Building Department.

He added that the state has long-valued EFU land to keep “farming alive.”

Glaser-Hagerty said her family has lived and farmed in the area for five generations. She considers the project as a 1,500-acre experiment that will have a negative effect on the area for decades.

Kampfer encouraged the commissioners to execute “more leverage” on the siting process and to be “more forceful.” “This is not good for the community or the neighbors,” Kampfer said. “There is a place for this, but not on EFU ground.”

Commissioner Tucker said he doesn’t know enough about the project to come out in opposition, but he does “know enough to be concerned. As commissioners we can express our concerns, but we don’t have the ability to change the course.”

Commissioner Sprenger said she has had conversations with numerous people and although she has to be cautious and let the process work its way through, she is “not a fan”. “It’s a very big project on prime farm land,” Sprenger said.

The proposed facility would generate 199 megawatts of power, enough to service about 34,000 homes in the Willamette Valley. One of the issues that makes the site viable is there is a Pacific Power substation nearby with capacity to carry electricity produced at the park.

The property would be leased for 40 years from local landowners.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-11 11:43:22

Last Update: 2023-08-11 12:00:28