Polk County, Ore. 23 July 24- On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 6:17 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to two-vehicle crash on Hwy-22W, near milepost 20, in Polk County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Chrysler Sebring, operated by Mary Louise Nathe (73) of Salem, attempted to turn left onto Oak Grove Road and entered the path of a westbound Ford Expedition, operated by Karen Jean Bell-Stanerson (53) of Salem. The Ford struck the passenger side of the Chrysler in a side-impact collision.

A passenger in the Chrysler, Amanda Rose Nathe (41) of Salem, was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Chrysler (M. Nathe) was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital.

The operator of the Ford (Bell-Stanerson) suffered reported minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. An unsafe turn is considered the primary cause of the crash.

OSP was assisted by Dallas Fire, Polk County Fire, and ODOT.

# # # 

About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Clatsop County, Ore 23 July 24- On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 5:20 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 15, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Dodge Dakota, operated by Thoren Poole (33) of Seaside, entered the northbound lane for unknown reasons and struck a Ford F450, operated by Jeremy Townsend (50) of Warrenton, head-on. 

The operator of the Dodge (Poole) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Ford (Townsend) was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Gearhart Fire, Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.

# # # 

About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Linn County, Ore 21 July 24- On Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 2:09 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 222, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Lexus GS, operated by Isael Garcia (23) of Woodburn, rear-ended a northbound Toyota Camry, operated by Justin Michael Palmer (37) of La Center (WA).

The operator of the Toyota (J. Palmer) suffered reportedly serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital. 

A passenger in the Toyota, Scott Alan Palmer (53) of Camarillo (CA), was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Lexus (Garcia) suffered reportedly minor injuries. Garcia was medically cleared and arrested for DUII.

The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The investigation is on-going.

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.

# # # 

About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Morrow County, Ore. 19 July 24- On Friday, July 19, 2024, at 3:10 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-730, near milepost 173, in Morrow County,

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Jeep Wrangler, operated by Anthony Daulton (41) of Las Vegas (NV), crossed into the eastbound lane for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Nissan King Cab pickup, operated by Abraham Figuerou-Ayala (51) of Umatilla, head-on.

The operator of the Nissan (Figuerou-Ayala) and passenger, a male juvenile, were declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Jeep (Daulton) and passenger, Clarissa Ann Daulton (41) of Las Vegas (NV), suffered reported serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by Boardman Fire, Irrigon Fire, Morrow County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT. 

# # # 

About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

Contact Info:
Public Information Officer 
Oregon State Police 
Media Email: OSPPIO@osp.oregon.gov 
www.oregon.gov/OSP

Clackamas County, Ore. 21 July 24- On Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 1:45 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy-26, near milepost 32, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Volkswagen Tiguan, operated by a female juvenile, entered the eastbound lanes for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound BMW 540, operated by Matthew Dorsett (32) of Redmond (WA), head on. The BMW spun into the westbound lanes and was struck by a westbound Tesla T3, operated by Renee Ann Dejarnatt (40) of Portland.

The operator of the BMW (M. Dorsett) and passenger, Claire Elise Kidd Dorsett (31) of Redmond (WA), were declared deceased at the scene. 

The operator of the Volkswagen (female juvenile) suffered reported minor injures and was transported to a local medical center.

The operator of the Tesla (Dejarnatt) suffered reported minor injuries and was transported to a local medical center.

The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation and no further information is available for release at this time.

OSP was assisted by Hoodland Fire and the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

I-84 between Pendleton and Ontario will close for the next three to five nights to manage the Durkee Fire currently burning west of the interstate. 

The closures will begin at 7 p.m. with all lanes open again by 5 a.m. the following day. If other highways need to be closed in the area, they will be closed during the same time.

A full closure will allow fire crews to safely conduct large-scale fuel reduction burnouts.

Travelers are encouraged to delay their trip during these closures until roads are safe. If you must travel, consult Tripcheck.com and check conditions for your route. Plan an alternate route by staying on main highways. Do not follow GPS directions or detour on county or forest roads as these are not suitable for interstate traffic and may have ongoing fire activity.

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Cycle Oregon will host a meeting 11 a.m. July 29 to discuss the proposed designation of the Aufderheide Scenic Bikeway, a 60-mile route that connects Highways 126 (McKenzie River) and 58 (Oakridge).

The meeting is open to the public. The agenda and link for the meeting is posted on the Scenic Bikeways website. 

Agenda: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/BWT/Documents/SB-Scenic%20Bikeway%20-%20Public%20Meeting%20Agenda-Aufderheide%20072924.pdf

Meeting registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h0UZ0HFUSN-ODLTTf0Y3WQ#/registration

The Scenic Bikeways program was established in 2009 by Cycle Oregon, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Travel Oregon and the Oregon Department of Transportation. It now includes the state’s best 17 designated mostly-roadway bicycle routes to showcase Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes, cultural treasures and western hospitality. 

The program is currently managed under a partnership agreement between Cycle Oregon and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. 

The Scenic Bikeways is overseen by the Scenic Bikeway’s committee, an advisory group for the management and designation of routes nominated by the public for state scenic bikeways designation. Its members include citizen representatives, tourism organization, local governments and state agencies involved in bicycle recreation or transportation. 

For more information, contact Steve Schulz, Executive Director of Cycle Oregon at 503-381-4614 or steve@cycleoregon.com.

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) temporarily banned campfires at most Oregon State Parks due to dry conditions and the strain on firefighting resources from wildfires burning across the state. 

Campfires and open flames are banned at all parks east of the Cascades due to the low humidity and risk of wildfires. They’re also restricted at parks in high-risk areas across the state until conditions improve. Most bans impact parks east of the Cascades and in the valley with some restrictions at select coastal parks.

“We understand that campfires are an important part of the experience at Oregon State Parks. We don’t make the decision lightly to restrict the use of fire, but unfortunately conditions require that response. The decision is made in consultation with our local fire agencies. Thank you for helping us do our part to reduce the risk of any new wildfires,” said JR Collier, OPRD’s deputy of statewide operations.

Campfire restrictions generally ban all “open flame,” but often make exceptions for propane cooking as the flame is contained. Check individual park webpages for details on any restrictions before visiting. Restrictions are listed in alphabetical order in a feature story at stateparks.oregon.gov/ or on the individual park pages. 

OPRD also encourages visitors to know before they go when it comes to the impact of wildfires across the state:

• Several parks have been closed due to wildfires including Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor, Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, East and West Hatfield Trailheads on the Columbia River Highway State Trail and Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor. Check park webpages at stateparks.oregon.gov/ and search by park.
• Some parks have reduced air quality due to wildfire smoke. Check DEQ’s website for air quality information at www.oregonsmoke.org/
• Several roads and highways have been closed due to wildfires. Please use TripCheck to learn about closures and alternative routes. Relying on GPS might lead drivers into unsafe conditions

For more information about current wildfires around the state, go to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx. 

For more information about wildfire prevention, please visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx.

DEPOE BAY, Oregon— A virtual public hearing will be held 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14 to take public testimony on Ocean Shore Alteration Application number 3051 to build a riprap revetment west of SeaRidge Condominiums in Depoe Bay. 

The permit application requests to construct an approximately 600-foot-long riprap revetment on the Ocean Shore State Recreation Area west of the condominiums at 4175 N. Hwy 101 in Depoe Bay. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) regulates ocean shore activities including reviewing alteration permits.

The hearing includes an introduction by staff, and then the applicant will be provided an opportunity to clearly identify how the application substantially and factually includes information that demonstrates the proposal meets the review standard set forth in OAR 736-020-0003 through 736-020-0030. 

The public will then be provided an opportunity to present testimony.  Anyone wishing to testify must pre-register, each registered individual will be provided up to 3 minutes to testify. Within 45-days after the hearing, OPRD will make a permit decision. This decision will include consideration of public comment received during the public notice and this hearing.

Following OPRD’s initial evaluation of this application, it is not clear whether the proposal meets the applicable review standards. The Department must “determine if the granting of such permit would in any way be detrimental to the interests and safety of the public and to the preservation of the natural resource, scenic, recreational and economic values of the ocean shore” (OAR 736-020-0003(7)). 

This hearing is an opportunity for the department to further develop a factual basis for a permit decision based on the review standards, including whether the application demonstrates:

• There are no reasonable alternatives to the proposed design or construction methods that would better protect the ocean shore, including recreation, scenic, and natural resources.
• The proposed project was designed to avoid and minimize damage to, and retain the scenic attraction of, the known ancient forest remnants.
• The project avoids impact to properties not owned by the applicant, unless agreed to by the landowner.

The submitted materials for application 3051, can be viewed under the heading of “Pending Applications” at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/prp/pages/per-ocean-shore.aspx.

Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2l_2kNRdR-C0ml4eTYSaaA#/registration to attend the Zoom meeting or call Allison Mangini, 541-220-3786, allison.mangini@oprd.oregon.gov   by noon Aug. 13 to be added to the attendee list.

Following the hearing, registered attendees may provide written testimony until 5 p.m. Aug.  19.  Submit by sending to: 

• es.Permits@oprd.oregon.gov">OceanShores.Permits@oprd.oregon.gov, or
• Tyler Blanchette

OREGON PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT 

P.O. Box 2139 

Waldport, OR 97394 

Contact Ocean Shore Permit Coordinator, Tyler Blanchette 503-510-6741, .Blanchette@oprd.oregon.gov">Tyler.Blanchette@oprd.oregon.gov, for questions about permit application process.

The services, programs and activities of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need special accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact Allison Mangini at 541-220-3786, allison.mangini@oprd.oregon.gov by 5 p.m. Aug. 8.

While you tune in to watch sports over the next two weeks, consider: The arena is not that different from a workplace. 

SAIF, Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ comp insurance company, released a series of short videos comparing athletic competition to workplace safety. The videos focus on five key areas of injury prevention, and what we can learn from the world’s best athletes. 

The videos include tips from SAIF safety management consultants, as well as from SAIF policyholder Gallagher Fitness Resources in Salem. Read more about Gallagher Fitness Resources.  

“For athletes, an injury can keep them from competition and everything they’ve been working for,” said Tom Melendy, safety and health supervisor at SAIF. “Getting injured on the job can mean a lengthy recovery and challenges outside of work.” 

Luckily, SAIF has resources at saif.com/sports to prevent injuries in any workplace: 

• Prevent repetitive motion injuries: Whether you’re on the water or at your job
• Proper lifting techniques: Whether you’re lifting weights or lifting boxes
• Hydration: Whether you’re running a race or on the job
• Fall protection: Whether you’re climbing a wall or up high on a job 
• Personal protective equipment: Whether you’re facing an opponent or on the job site

View all five videos, tips, and free safety resources at saif.com/sports. 

Find more information, including additional free safety resources, at saif.com/safetyandhealth.

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. Since 1914, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.