MEDIA NOTE

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesperson

For Immediate Release

May 22, 2018 

The United States is pleased to announce the start of negotiations with Canada to modernize the Columbia River Treaty regime on May 29-30, 2018, in Washington, D.C.  The 1964 Treaty’s flood risk and hydropower operations have provided substantial benefits to millions of people on both sides of the border.  The Treaty, a worldwide model for transboundary water cooperation, has also facilitated additional benefits such as supporting the river’s ecosystem, irrigation, municipal water use, industrial use, navigation, and recreation.  Modernizing the Treaty regime will ensure these benefits continue for years to come. 

As the United States enters these bilateral negotiations with our Canadian counterparts, our key objectives include continued, careful management of flood risk; ensuring a reliable and economical power supply; and better addressing ecosystem concerns.  Our objectives are guided by the U.S. Entity Regional Recommendation for the Future of the Columbia River Treaty after 2024, a consensus document published in 2013 after years of consultations among the Northwest’s Tribes, states, stakeholders, public, and federal agencies.

The U.S. negotiating team will be led by the U.S. Department of State and will include the Bonneville Power Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division (which together comprise the “U.S. Entity” that implements the Treaty in the United States); the Department of the Interior; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

As negotiations proceed, the U.S. government will continue to engage regional stakeholders, Tribes, state government officials, and other interested groups.  For more information regarding upcoming Town Halls open to the public, please contact iaRiverTreaty@state.gov">ColumbiaRiverTreaty@state.gov.  For press inquiries, please contact ess@state.gov">WHAPress@state.gov.

The Oregon State Police (OSP) with the assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Medical Examiner have tentatively identified the occupants of the quadruple fatal crash that occurred on May 19, 2018 on Interstate 5 near Rice Hill. 

The operator of the Acura Integra is Gayle WARD, age 65, from Vancouver, Washington. 

The operator of the Nissan Murano is Jennifer MONTANO, age 18, from White City, Oregon.

The passengers of the Nissan Murano are Luciana TELLEZ-CABEZAS, age 18, and Esmeralda NAVA, age 18, both from White City, Oregon.

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Saturday night’s quadruple fatal crash on Interstate 5 north of the Rice Hill area. 

On May 19, 2018 at 9:33 p.m., OSP troopers and emergency responders were dispatched to a two vehicle crash on Interstate 5 southbound near milepost 154. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a red Acura Integra was southbound on Interstate 5 when for unknown reasons turned around and went northbound in the southbound lanes.   The Acura Integra continued northbound in the southbound lanes and collided nearly head-on with a southbound Nissan Murano.  Both vehicles became engulfed in fire after the collision.  Bystanders were able to remove two passengers from the Nissan Murano.    Drivers of both vehicles were not able to be safely removed and died from injuries sustained in the crash.  The two passengers that were removed from the Nissan Murano also both died from injuries sustained in the crash. 

Names of all involved are not being released pending positive identifications and next of kin notifications being completed. 

Investigators are looking for any witnesses that may have seen the red Acura Integra on Interstate 5 southbound prior to the crash.  Those witnesses can call the Oregon State Police at 541-440-3333 and reference case number SP18-181178.

Interstate 5 southbound was closed for over five (5) hours.  Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) set up a detour. 

OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT, North Douglas Fire, South Lane Fire, Bay Cities Ambulance, Sutherlin Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Roseburg Towing.  OSP was also assisted with the investigation by Clark County, Washington Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson County, Oregon Sheriff’s Office.    

May 25th is National Missing Children’s Day every year. Missing Children’s Day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers, and others concerned with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority.  It serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families and an occasion to honor those dedicated to this cause. The theme of this year’s event is taken form the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, “Hope is why we’re here”.  Organizations on-hand include those that not only investigate missing children cases, but also those that strive to give kids and adults tools to keep themselves safe on a daily basis.

The Oregon State Police tracks all missing and unidentified person cases in Oregon. OSP works closely with all other Law Enforcement partners to get these cases entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NamUs) www.namus.gov.   As of today, there are over 412 missing children in Oregon.  That number changes daily.  We need the public’s assistance to help bring closure to these families. 

We are proud and excited to announce this year we will have representatives from:

• Department of Human Services
• Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal
• FBI- Portland
• Homeland Security
• Clackamas County Forensic Imaging Specialist
• Joyful Child Foundation
• RAD Kids
• SAFEOregon along with Madison Baker, Miss Oregon High School
• OSP Forensic Services Division
• OSP Criminal Services Division
• OSP Patrol Division
• Polk County Sheriff’s Office
• Salem Police Department
• Vicki Kelly, Tommy Foundation
• Portland Police Bureau

Aurora, Ore., May 22, 2018—Life Flight Network, the largest not-for-profit air medical transport service in the United States has released a new app called LFN Respond that allows hospitals and first responders to call for a life-saving air ambulance transport with the touch of a button. The tool, developed in partnership with dispatch software creator Flight Vector, saves valuable time when every second counts.

In emergency medicine, prompt medical attention can mean the difference between life and death.   The faster a patient gets to definitive care, the better their chance of survival. 

“With LFN Respond, approved hospital and emergency responders can instantly request a Life Flight Network aircraft by tapping the flight call button in the app, sending vital information and GPS location directly to dispatch personnel at our Communications Center,” said Life Flight Network CEO Michael Griffiths. “LFN Respond saves precious seconds and makes calling for air ambulance transport easier for hospitals and first responder teams working to save lives.”

The free app is designed for use by approved agencies to send activation requests to Life Flight Network. Those agencies include hospitals, first responders, fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, search and rescue, ski patrols, and other qualified agencies currently working with Life Flight Network. Life Flight Network’s service area covers Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.

The LFN Respond app provides additional functions including a searchable hospital directory, a landing zone guide, access to Life Flight Network’s calendar of outreach education trainings, and push notifications from Life Flight Network on education and training events. Once a flight call has been made using the app, users can view a real-time progress tracker that shows the aircraft’s location while en route and when it’s expected to arrive. LFN Respond integrates seamlessly with Life Flight Network’s computer-aided dispatch and flight tracking software.

“Life Flight Network’s investment in this technology will help us work together better and more efficiently to get people the emergency care they need, as quickly as possible,” said South Lane County Fire & Rescue Fire Chief John Wooten. “Especially in rural parts of our state, air medical transport is critical to saving lives and being able to communicate with Life Flight Network through LFN Respond will improve the process.”

LFN Respond is available on the Apple app store or Google Play to approved hospital and emergency response personnel. The app is also web-based for utilization by computer. Life Flight Network is inviting hospitals and first responders in its service area to register and start using LFN Respond. Hospitals and emergency response agencies in Life Flight Network’s service area interested in LFN Respond should contact their Life Flight Network Customer Service Manager, or call (503) 678-4364.  

Life Flight Network offers memberships for a $65 annual fee. Members incur no out-of-pocket expense if flown for medically necessary emergent conditions by Life Flight Network or one of their reciprocal partners. To request more information about the membership program, or if organizations would like an in-person presentation, they should contact the Life Flight Network membership office at 800-982-9299.

ABOUT LIFE FLIGHT NETWORK

Life Flight Network, a not-for-profit air medical service, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) and the National Accreditation Alliance of Medical Transport Applications (NAAMTA). Life Flight Network has administrative offices in Aurora, Oregon and is owned by a consortium of Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, and Providence Health System. Aviation services provided by: Life Flight Network and Jackson Jet Center, Inc. For more information about Life Flight Network or to become a member, visit www.lifeflight.org.

For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: i.Gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov . The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986?0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet by conference call at 1 p.m. on June 8. Its agenda includes approval of Oregon Historic Cemeteries Grants. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment.

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oregon.gov. The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986?0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

For more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org

UPDATE -  The deceased operator of the motorcycle has been identified as Daniel Lawrence Foster age 60 of Trail, OR.  The deceased passenger on the motorcycle has been identified as Catherine Denise Hock age 54 of Trail, OR.

The names of the juveniles will not be released by the Oregon State Police at this time.

On Saturday, May 19, 2018, at approximately 8:30PM, Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 234 near Eagle Point in Jackson County.

Preliminary investigation revealed a black Harley Davidson was traveling eastbound with a passenger when a silver Ford Mustang collided nearly head-on with the motorcycle.  Both occupants of the motorcycle suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.  There were no injuries sustained by the three juvenile occupants in the Mustang.  The operator of the Mustang was arrested at the scene for DUII.

Highway 234 at the scene was closed for approximately 3.5 hours.  OSP was assisted by ODOT, Fire District 3, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when available.

On Sunday, May 20, 2018 at about 3:45pm, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a traffic crash on US Highway 101 near milepost 145, just south of South Beach.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a blue 2007 Toyota Corolla, driven by Shane LARSON, age 44, of Tillamook, and also occupied by Tyann WALKER, age 32, from Beaver, was traveling northbound when the vehicle crossed into the southbound lane of travel on a relatively straight section of the highway.  The vehicle struck a southbound silver 2014 Buick Verano head on.  The Buick Verano was driven by Sean COMPTON, age 50, from Springfield.  Following the initial collision, the Toyota Corolla traveled over an embankment west of the roadway and rolled onto its top.  The Buick Verano spun across the northbound lane and came to rest with the rear of the vehicle against the guardrail facing west.  

LARSON and COMPTON were transported by ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport.  LARSON was later transported by Life Flight helicopter to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis due to the extent of his injuries. 

WALKER suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.        

US Highway 101 was closed intermittently during the investigation for approximately six hours following the crash.  OSP was assisted by Newport Fire and Rescue, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Seal Rock Fire and Rescue, and ODOT. 

Speed and DUII are being investigated as possible contributing factors for the crash.  This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when available.

On May 19, 2018, at approximately 9:18 am, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a stabbing in the parking lot of Rays Market in Selma, Oregon.   Upon the deputies arrival, the victim was deceased.

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Central Point Oregon State Police Criminal Division. Detectives responded and assumed the investigation.

The subsequent investigation revealed a physical altercation occurred in the parking lot between the victim and the suspect.  The victim, 46 year old Frank Norman Chambers of Selma, Oregon  was stabbed during the altercation and died as a result of his injuries.  The suspect, Ramon Eduardo Rodriguez-Acosta, 58 year old also from Selma, Oregon is in custudy and being lodged at the Josephine County Jail on Manslaughter in the first degree.

This is an ongoing investigation and no further details will be released.

May 19, 2018 Josephine County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the Rays Food Place in Selma. Upon arrival they located one victim with fatal stab wounds.  JCSO requested Oregon State Police Major Crimes to investigate.  

A person of interest has been detained.

Investigation continuing.

On May 18, 2018 at approximately 9:40 PM Oregon State Police Troopers responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near Coos Bay.

A 2018 Jeep, driven by George Reese age 73 from North Bend, was north on 101 when it left the roadway striking a business and a residence before coming to a stop in the front yard of the residence.  The driver was transported to Bay Area Hospital with serious injuries.  The passenger, Sharon Reese age 73 from North Bend, died at the scene.

The structures sustained substantial damage.  No injuries were reported from the occupants of the structures. 

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Oregon State Police was assisted by Coos Bay Fire Department, Coos County Sheriff, and ODOT. 

Friday, May 18, is the anniversary of the Mt. St. Helens eruption that, in 1980, unleashed the most devastating eruption in U.S. history. This year’s anniversary is happening as volcanic activity continues to emit dangerous gases and lava in Kilauea, Hawaii, and Oregon Office of Emergency Management Geologic Hazards Coordinator Althea Rizzo says now is great time to remember that it is important learn about volcanoes in Oregon.

“There are lots of places to get good information about volcanoes,” Rizzo said. “We live in a unique area that is geologically active, and understanding hazards posed by volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest is important because volcanoes have potential to cause problems.”

Scientist-in-Charge, Cascades Volcano Observatory Seth Moran also said that it is a good idea to understand what mountains are volcanoes and what the potential hazards associated with those volcanoes are, but said that while the ash clouds in Kilauea are ominous for Hawaiians, that they are small in the grand scheme of things and principally pose a hazard only to the Big Island.

“It's highly unlikely that Kilauea will produce an ash cloud capable of reaching the mainland,” he said.

 The Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) is the agency responsible for monitoring airspace for ash in the Pacific Northwest.  Alerts can be accessed at http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/messages.html . For more information on volcanoes visit: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/index.html

“It is important to know what the hazards are for the areas you work and live in,” Rizzo explains. “We all have hazards to deal with. Once you know the hazard, you can plan.”

For more information on how to get prepared for emergencies go to: http://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx

PHOTO CAPTION:

On Sunday, May 18, 1980 at 8:32 a.m., the bulging north flank of Mount St. Helens slid away in a massive landslide -- the largest in recorded history. Seconds later, the uncorked volcano exploded and blasted rocks northward across forest ridges and valleys, destroying everything in its path within minutes. (Photo courtesy of USGS https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/mount-saint-helens-eruption)