Archive for the Oregon Press Releases Category 
Toxic air pollution in Oregon on rise
Thursday, February 23rd, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
With the release of EPA’s latest National Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA), Oregon scientists now have more evidence that statewide efforts to reduce toxic air pollution must continue in order to protect public health.
With the release of EPA’s latest National Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA), Oregon scientists now have more evidence that statewide efforts to reduce toxic air pollution must continue in order to protect public health.
The assessment provides an inventory of air toxics emissions using 1999 data from a variety of sources and attempts to characterize potential public health risks related to toxic emissions. According to the assessment, Oregon’s overall health impacts from air toxics appear higher than national averages.
The assessment provides the most complete picture of Oregon’s air quality to date. However, EPA acknowledges that in some instances data sets are incomplete. For example, the assessment does not provide a cancer risk analysis for diesel exhaust, one of the top toxic air pollutants of concern in Oregon and a key source of fine particle pollution. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) scientists are currently developing health-based goals for reducing toxic air pollutants like diesel smoke and will be seeking more monitoring data to make up for the gaps in NATA.
The assessment confirms DEQ’s belief that more information on toxic air pollution specific to Oregon is needed. Further action needs to be taken to reduce these pollutants in communities around the state. The assessment also confirms DEQ’s belief that two sources, vehicle exhaust and various forms of wood and debris burning, are among the largest contributors to toxic air pollution.
DEQ already requires large industrial sources to control toxic air pollutants through the air quality permit program. Additionally, woodstove certification and vehicle inspection programs have helped manage pollutants from those sources in specific areas of Oregon, but other strategies may be needed on a statewide level. DEQ will use information from the national assessment to help identify the areas where toxic air pollution may exceed health-based goals.
DEQ has a history of working with local communities to identify sources of air pollution and design plans to reduce pollution that meet community needs. The agency plans to use a similar strategy in curbing air toxics. Because an overwhelming percentage of toxic air pollutants are generated from non-industrial activities, such as the combined activities of individuals (driving cars, burning wood or debris), solutions will need to be tailored to reach a broad audience.
Though much more is needed to address toxic air pollutants, DEQ has several programs already in place that reduce air pollution and toxic air pollutants. These include:
Vehicle inspection programs in Portland-Metro and Medford areas
Providing assistance to small businesses to adopt Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Promoting “clean diesel” fuel and diesel engine retrofitting
Promoting anti-idling at school pick up/drop off areas
Providing electric hook-ups for semi-trucks at truck stops to reduce idling
Woodstove certification programs
Clean Air Action Day (CAAD) and other air quality advisories
Permitting of industrial sources
For more information on the National Air Toxics Assessment and to look up information specific to Oregon, please visit EPA’s website at:
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/nata/
For more information on Oregon’s Air Toxics Program, please visit DEQ’s website at:
http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/hap/index.htm
Livestock brands”“ a return address for cattle and horses
Thursday, February 23rd, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
There are ear tags. There are tattoos. In the brave new world of electronics, there are even microchips embedded under the hide. But to help stolen or lost livestock get back to their rightful owners, there’s nothing quite as effective as the old fashioned cattle brand and the work of the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s livestock brand inspectors.
Statistics compiled for 2005 by ODA’s Animal Health and Identification Division show a busy livestock industry that depends on brand inspection.
The problem is, too many owners of cattle and horses don’t know the value of the brand and don’t even know that they are required to have their animals inspected at certain times to ensure ownership.
“Brand inspection, as we say, is a cow or horse’s only return address,” says Rodger Huffman, ODA’s Brand Inspection Program Manager. “In a court of law, the brand is used as proof of ownership.”
With so many animals bought, sold, and transported across state lines, it is just as important today to be able to track livestock that may be missing or stolen as it was a hundred years ago when cattle rustling was a part of the old west.
“Ear tags can be switched, tattoos can be blotted out, and microchips can’t always be read by our electronic readers,” says Huffman. “The old fashioned way of brands is the only legally recognized way for a person to prove that animal belongs to them.”
Whether it includes a running W, a lazy A, a bar, a slash, the brand is unique to the owner and is recorded by the Oregon Department of Agriculture in a massive, electronic database. ODA registers brands on cattle, horses, and some sheep. Currently, there are a total of 11,568 active brands recorded- most involve cattle.
The application of animal brands is more prevalent east of the Cascades.
“Animals or more likely to be out on the range on the east side and commingling with another rancher’s cattle or may be out of sight from the owner’s view,” says Huffman. “They are more likely to be branded. Most Eastern Oregon producers do have a brand.”
Brands are not mandatory in Oregon, but state law does require that all cattle and horses, both branded and unbranded, be inspected before leaving the state, before being sold at an auction, before being taken to a slaughterhouse, and when change of ownership occurs (cattle only).
ODA’s brand inspection program is 100% fee supported and includes 69 inspectors statewide, five supervisors, and two livestock theft investigators. Last year, the team inspected 1,070,943 cattle and 13,388 horses.
Brand inspection statistics for 2005 show that ODA received 75 reports of missing livestock involving 557 animals. What the figures don’t show is the potentially huge number of animals that have not been lost or stolen because of brands and brand inspection.
“The numbers of missing livestock have stayed fairly stable the past few years, but if we did away with our brand inspection program, I would bet that those numbers would increase dramatically,” says Huffman. “Any loss of livestock leaves a major financial impact on the producer. That’s why brand inspection is important.”
It is often the auction yard where inspectors play a very important role.
“We have people at every auction yard at all hours on sale day,” says Huffman. “We look at the animals and the documentation. We verify the ownership. If the brand belongs to the person presenting the animal, then the new buyer will get a certificate showing they now own the animal with that brand on it- just like transferring a title to a car. It passes on from the previous owner and we will document that sale.”
But there are times when the brand does not belong to the person bringing the animal to market. The inspector may then hold on to the proceeds of that sale until proper documentation can be provided. Last year, 626 holds were placed on cattle (involving 1,242 animals) with 540 holds eventually cleared and released.
If it’s a matter of needing a brand inspection before the animal is transported out of state or sold without taking it to an auction yard, owners will normally ask the inspector to visit on-site.
Inspectors are also checking animals as they are in transport throughout the state- just to make sure.
“Once animals leave the state, it is impossible to detect and prevent that theft,” says Huffman. “We are doing more road stops, checking vehicles carrying animals. Our supervisors are at scales and truck stops. If we see vehicles transporting livestock at the borders, we may stop them and make sure they have the proper documentation for the animal.”
In most cases, the owner is glad for the stop, knowing that someone is out there trying to prevent theft and loss of livestock. But too often, the owner is more likely to say they didn’t know that a brand inspection was required before a sale or before transport out of the state.
“Our view is to educate people into compliance,” says Huffman. “Even though violation of the brand inspection law is a Class B misdemeanor, we would rather educate people than go out and cite them.”
Rustlers will be prosecuted when caught. ODA employs two retired police officers to concentrate on theft investigation. As a result, the odds of getting away with cattle and horse theft have become more difficult.
Calving season is approaching and livestock will be turning out to pasture in the next few months. It’s a good time to think about branding the animals. When it comes to brand inspection, it’s simple: It is mandatory.
For more information or to schedule a brand inspection, contact the State Brand Inspection Program at (503) 986-4681.
Charter School holds open house
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
Rimrock Expeditionary Alternative Learning Middle School (REALMS) is hosting an Information Night for parents and students interested in applying for the 2006-2007 school year.
REALMS is a public charter school enrolling a total of fifty-four 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.
Now in its fifth year, REALMS has a project-based approach to learning which leads to high quality student work. The open house will be Tuesday, February 28th from 6:30pm – 7:30pm in the Pilot Butte Middle School cafeteria.
Applications for the 2006-2007 school year are due no later than Friday March 23rd, and will be available at the Open House.
Ruff Wear Hires New North American Sales Representatives
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
Ruff Wear, the leading designer and manufacturer of gear For Dogs On The Go,® has announced several new representatives within its North American sales force. All are equipped and enthused to meet the needs of customers in both the outdoor retail and specialty pet markets.
The new sales representatives augment the talented and enthusiastic sales force currently in place, and Ruff Wear looks forward to continuing to establish the premium brand as a leader in both markets through these expanded sales efforts.
Hailing from the Rocky Mountain region, Jeremy Anderson will represent the state of Colorado. Jeremy is a Colorado native who enthuses, “It feels really good to be representing a company that makes such a quality product that is in such demand. I’ve seen a lot of happy dogs at all of the shops I’ve visited!”
Other gregarious sales representatives include J.J. Pilgreen in Anchorage who will head the sales efforts in Alaska.
Wil Bryan and Adam Finken will team to represent America’s heartland – Iowa, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebraska and Wisconsin.
Mark Hollingsworth will head up the Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and the Texas regions.
Representing the east coast areas of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island is Christa Grenat.
Chris Hall will exemplify the Ruff Wear spirit in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.
Bob Beale will lead the sales efforts in the Sunshine State of Florida.
Founder and Leader of the Pack, Patrick Kruse is thrilled with the new countrywide representation and enthused, “All of these individuals truly embody the spirit of Ruff Wear. They live with zeal and enthusiasm, communicate our core philosophy with passion and believe in the high performance dog gear we continue to create for active canines. We welcome them to the pack.”
Ruff Wear’s mission is to enhance the interactive bond between canines and their human guardians. Ruff Wear encourages an active lifestyle for everyone with a four-legged friend – stay fit, healthy and happy – whether it’s 15 minutes of playtime, a long walk, or day hike. Our gear For Dogs On the Go® combines performance, quality, fit, function and safety to meet the needs of active and adventurous canines and their companions. Based in Bend, Oregon, Ruff Wear sells their line through specialty pet and outdoor retailers as well as through www.ruffwear.com.
Oregon Humane Society to Build First Animal Medical and Learning Center in U.S.
Monday, February 20th, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
The Oregon Humane Society said today that it will build the first Animal Medical and Learning Center in the United States that incorporates a university veterinary program with on-site animal care. Oregon State University college faculty will be based on-site and students will live in dormitories in the new facility, providing 24-hour care for OHS shelter animals.
Ground breaking is scheduled in June, provided the final $1 million of the $6.4 million needed for the project is raised.
For the first time in its 137-year history, the Oregon Humane Society will be able to provide on-demand medical services for animals in its care when the new Center is completed sometime in early 2007.
The new 22,000-square-foot facility will adjoin the west end of the current OHS building which was constructed in 2000, resulting in a total of 68,000 square feet.
“There are multiple benefits to building the Center, including our partnership with the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Delta Society, a national organization centered on the human-animal bond”, said Sharon Harmon, OHS Executive Director.
“Veterinary students no longer will need to travel out of state to receive the year of training that requires them to provide medical care for animals,” she said. “And our animals will receive the critical care that is lacking for them now.”
“We believe that our new facility will be the first of its kind in the nation,” Harmon said. “This is truly an opportunity to make history happen in the world of animal welfare.”
New Center to Benefit Animals, Students and Community
On-site care by faculty, staff veterinarian and veterinary students will eliminate transportation of animals – sometimes sick or injured – in crowded vans to various clinics throughout the Portland area. Currently, OHS depends upon the generosity of local veterinarians who care for the animals when they have openings in their schedules.
Care will be provided in two examination rooms, three surgery suites, a multi-station treatment room, radiology, laboratory and pharmacy facilities. Immediate and critical diagnostics and treatment will be possible with these amenities, as will access to the resources of OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Corvallis; therefore more Northwest communities can be served.
“Up to 48 students a year will gain a better understanding of homeless animals and their plight,” Harmon said. The benefits of the new Center will extend far into the community. Animals will spend less time at the shelter before adoption resulting in more space for animals from shelters across Oregon. Last year nearly 2000 pets were saved through the “Second Chance” program at OHS.
Harmon said animals aren’t the only beneficiaries of the new Center. The creation of another first of its kind program, the Animal Assisted Therapy Prep School, will train pets to become certified therapists. These pet partner teams will bring unconditional love to patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Currently OHS can only fill 20 percent of the demand for this service. “No caring pet lover should be deprived of animal companionship in their time of greatest need,” said Harmon. Already connected to the Delta Society, the Prep School will create more certified teams to meet the demand for AAT teams.
OHS’s educational programs for students of all ages are in high demand. The new facility will provide room to expand the successful educational programs such as Youth Service
Learning, Children’s Summer Camp and monthly clubs. Lastly, the Learning Center will
expand the Animal Behavior Training program that helps dogs to become good pets, reducing the likelihood that they will be returned to shelter care.
Those who wish to donate to the construction fund may do so at: 503-416-2994 or at http://www.oregonhumane.org/capitalcampaign/.
Celebrating 137 years of service to animals in this community, the Oregon Humane Society is the leading animal welfare organization within the region. Founded in November 1868, the Oregon Humane Society is dedicated to helping animals and people. Each year, nearly 13,000 animals are served by the Oregon Humane Society, more than 850 reports of animal abuse and neglect are investigated, 21,000 children are taught humane education, and hundreds of nursing home residents are visited by animal assisted therapy volunteers and their animals. Visit us at www.oregonhumane.org.
Ground-breaking on a new $6.4 million Oregon Humane Society Animal Medical and Learning Center will take place in June or as soon as the final $1 million is raised. The new 22,000-square-foot facility will adjoin the current Oregon Humane Society building that was constructed in 2000.
Investigation continues in Sunday’s triple fatal crash
Monday, February 20th, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
On February 19, at approximately 3:55 p.m., a 1998 Toyota Camry with four occupants was westbound on Highway 20 near milepost 75 negotiating a left hand curve when, for an unknown reason, it lost control and slid broadside across the centerline into the two eastbound lanes. An eastbound 2003 Ford Explorer driven by Grant L. Hall, 58, from Bend, crashed into the passenger side of the Toyota. Oregon State Police troopers believe the impact was in the right hand eastbound lane.
On February 19, at approximately 3:55 p.m., a 1998 Toyota Camry with four occupants was westbound on Highway 20 near milepost 75 negotiating a left hand curve when, for an unknown reason, it lost control and slid broadside across the centerline into the two eastbound lanes. An eastbound 2003 Ford Explorer driven by Grant L. Hall, 58, from Bend, crashed into the passenger side of the Toyota. Oregon State Police troopers believe the impact was in the right hand eastbound lane.
The four occupants of the Toyota included one adult male, two adult females, and one teenage male. The adult male driver, an adult female passenger, and the teenage male passenger died in the crash. The other adult female passenger was critically injured and transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend by ambulance. They were all using safety restraints.
The driver is identified as Patrick J. Horton, 51, from Beaverton. His wife, Julianne Horton, 51, was seated in the right front seat and was also pronounced deceased at the scene. Their son, Ryan B. Horton, 15, was in the right rear seat. He reportedly was pronounced deceased while being transported by AirLife to St. Charles Medical Center.
The lone survivor critically injured in the Toyota is identified as Laura A. Beyer, age 75, from Keizer. She was in the left rear seat and is reported to be the mother of Julianne Horton.
Hall was using safety restraints and received minor injuries. He was transported by ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center for treatment.
Oregon State Police troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Assistance at the scene provided by an OSP trooper from Bend, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and Sweet Home Police Department. ODOT provided traffic control assistance. Highway 20 was closed for one hour, then traffic was open to one lane until the onscene investigation was completed.
Bend man has Landmark crash in Tigard
Monday, February 20th, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
Oregon State Police troopers cited a driver Sunday afternoon following a minor injury crash during which his vehicle travelled off a freeway off ramp, through two chain link fences and crashed into cars on the Landmark Ford car dealership in Tigard.
On February 19, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a Chrysler LeBaron driven by Kurt Booker, 52, reportedly from Bend, was southbound on Interstate 5 when it took the off ramp at exit 293. As it approached a curve, it continued straight through two chain link fences and crashed into two vehicles on the Landmark Ford car dealership. A third vehicle was reportedly damaged when it was hit by a section of fence.
Booker was transported to Oregon Health Sciences University for treatment of minor injuries.
OSP troopers investigating found drug paraphernalia and other evidence related to illegal drug possession.
Follow-up investigation at the scene and hospital led to Booker being cited for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants – Controlled Substance, Reckless Driving, Possession of a Controlled Substance – Cocaine, and Possession of a Controlled Substance – OxyContin.
Structure Fire on Reed Lane
Monday, February 20th, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
On February 19, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Bend Fire Units responded to a reported structure fire on Reed Lane. The first arriving engine reported smoke and flames on the roof near the chimney. The fire was controlled minutes after arriving on scene by responding Bend Fire Units
The owners of the building witnessed their lights go out and smelled smoke outside. The owners called 911 and evacuated the residence. The home suffered some structural damage to the roof and trusses. Damages were estimated to be approximately $3,500.
There were no injuries. Bend Fire Officials would like to remind residence to have their flue pipes and chimney inspected regularly by a qualified chimney sweep.
