Coos County, Ore 19 Nov 24- On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:57 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 255, in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound GMC Sierra, operated by Nickolos Hastings Barker (40) of Bandon, crossed the center line for unknown reasons and struck a southbound Ford F-250 and trailer, operated by Michael Guarino (49) of Bandon, head-on.

The operator of the Ford (Guarino) was ejected from the vehicle and declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the GMC (Barker) was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by the Bandon Police Department, Bandon Fire Department, Coquille Police Department, Coos County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

PR 22-24

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 
CONTACT: Maryam Habibi, BPA, 503-230-4413

BPA selects Chris Wilk as chief information officer

Wilk will take over the role and join BPA’s executive team on Dec. 1, 2024 

Portland, Oregon – The Bonneville Power Administration has named Chris Wilk as its chief information officer and executive vice president of Information Technology. Wilk will take over the role on Dec. 1. 

Wilk comes to BPA from the Southeastern Power Administration, where he served as CIO for three years. He also served as BPA's acting CIO during the first half of 2024. 

“Chris brings to BPA a depth of experience in civil service, industry and the military that gives him a uniquely well-rounded perspective and the ability to create connections, collaborate and build coalitions across diverse groups at all levels," said Chief Administrative Officer Robin Furrer. 

The CIO and executive vice president of Information Technology is responsible for developing and supporting BPA-wide technology systems and providing governance and planning to meet BPA's mission and objectives. In this position, Wilk will have overall responsibility, oversight, direction and accountability for BPA information and operational technology-related programs.

After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado, Wilk was commissioned through the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. While on active duty, he served with the storied 10th Mountain Division as part of Operation Enduring Freedom as well as with the 15th Signal Brigade and U. S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence. 

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as BPA's chief information officer," said Wilk. “Technology is a key partner and enabler, supporting nearly all aspects of our agency's mission. I look forward to working with BPA’s workforce as we help move the agency forward during a time of critical transformation."

You can read more about Wilk’s qualifications and responsibilities in BPA’s newsroom. 

About BPA: BPA is a federal non-profit power marketing administration that delivers reliable, affordable and carbon-free hydropower produced in the Columbia River Basin to communities across the Northwest. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage transmission lines and administers one of the largest, most comprehensive fish and wildlife conservation programs in the United States. More information about these and other activities is available on our Media Relations page.

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SALEM, Oregon — Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comments on proposed general park area rule updates that refine definitions, reflect agency practice, make rules easier to understand and provide more flexibility when possible.

Park area rules help guide public use of park properties and cover everything from the use of motor vehicles, bicycles and boats to day use and campground use. Proposed changes would address issues that staff face as visitation grows, make rules and penalties clearer and provide more flexibility for public services.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed updates now through 5 p.m. Jan. 17, 2025: 

• Submit comments online on the rules webpage 
• Attend a public hearing Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 5:30 PM
  • Registration required to provide public comment: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V89ta-sURvamrsaBaOnz0g
  • Watch the hearing: https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams

Two internal workgroups developed the proposed updates. The last group reviewed the rules with an inclusionary lens and sought external feedback to help remove possible barriers to park use. 

A Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) met three times last summer to suggest changes to the proposed rule updates developed by the two internal workgroups. RAC Members included mental health practitioners, representatives from the disability community, equestrian community and diversity and environmental conservationists. The committee included diverse stakeholders who currently use state parks and those who have faced barriers. Those meetings are posted online at https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams

One proposed update creates a clearer definition of the overnight campground stay limit. Currently, visitors can stay no more than 14 consecutive days in a 17-day period. This definition has caused confusion for visitors and staff. The proposed update defines the stay limit as no more than 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period to match most national parks. Another update includes language about traditional use for members of a federally recognized Oregon tribe. 

Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Helena Kesch at least three days in advance of the meeting at helena.kesch@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-881-4637.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Robert Gary Gammell, died November 11, 2024. Gammell was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Gammell entered DOC custody on July 7, 2020, from Marion County with an earliest release date of November 3, 2028. Gammell was 68 years old. 

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.

Please note - the delay in public notification is due to a technical difficulty with the messaging platform DOC uses.

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SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will once again offer free day-use parking the day after Thanksgiving to encourage Oregonians to enjoy the outdoors.

Popularly known as “Green Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on Nov. 29 this year, has become a tradition for many families. State parks will waive day-use parking fees in the 23 parks that are open and charge for parking. (Fall Creek and Nehalem Bay charge for parking but are closed.)

“We’re excited to continue this tradition and offer everyone the opportunity to get outside and explore,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. 

Parking is free year-round at almost all of Oregon’s approximately 250 state parks; the waiver applies to the parks that charge for parking. The current $5 daily fee is going up to $10 starting Jan. 2, 2025, but the prices for 12-month and 24-month permits are staying the same at $30 and $50, respectively. Learn more about the increasing fees on our website. 

The parks that charge parking fees include popular destinations such as Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Silver Falls, Champoeg, L.L. Stub Stewart, Smith Rock and Milo McIver. A complete list of the 25 parks that require day-use parking permits is available online.

The fee waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 29, except at Shore Acres State Park where it expires at 4 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. 

Use #OregonStateParks and #GreenFriday on social media to share your adventures. 

The day after Thanksgiving is one of three days a year that Oregon State Parks waives the day-use parking fees. Other days include First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day and Oregon State Parks Day the first Saturday in June, which also includes free camping. 

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