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Seattle/Western Wash. News Releases for Tue. Jul. 29 - 10:54 am
07/25/14
Update #3: Victim ID - Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 30 east of Astoria in Clatsop County (Photo)
Oregon State Police - 07/25/14
2014-07/1002/76308/072514.fatal.hwy30_mp94.1.jpg
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Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Friday morning's two-vehicle fatal traffic crash that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to two other people along Highway 30 about three miles east of Astoria. The victim's name is released in this update.

According to Sergeant Dennis Thomas, on July 25, 2014 at approximately 6:49 a.m., a report was received of a serious injury crash involving two vehicles on Highway 30 near Liberty Lane.

Initial investigation indicates a 1999 Toyota Tacoma pickup driven by MICHELLE LYNN FLETCHER, age 38, from Longview, Washington, was westbound near milepost 94 when it crossed the double solid centerline and sideswiped an eastbound 1993 Ford pickup with two occupants.

The westbound vehicle had three occupants. FLETCHER was seriously injured and extricated by firefighters. She was taken by LifeFlight from Columbia Memorial Hospital to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and is in critical condition. Right front passenger ARTHUR ROMINE JR, age 51, from Warrenton, was not injured. Both were using safety restraint and the pickup's airbags deployed.

The pickup's left rear passenger, BRYCE WILLIAM SARANPAA, age 43, from Warrenton, was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was not using safety restraints.

The Ford's driver, DANIEL BECERRA CAMPOS, age 33, from Seaside, received non-life threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria. Right front passenger SAMUEL BECERRA VELASQUEZ, age 28, from Seaside, was not injured. Both were using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the Astoria Area Command office are continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash. OSP was assisted at the scene by Astoria Police Department, Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, Astoria Fire Department, and ODOT.

One lane was opened to traffic at approximately 10:10 a.m. The other lane was opened before noon.

Photographs - Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2014-07/1002/76308/072514.fatal.hwy30_mp94.1.jpg , 2014-07/1002/76308/072514.fatal.hwy30_mp94.2.jpg
07/22/14
Tidewater to Acquire the Assets of West Coast Marine Cleaning, Inc.
Tidewater Barge Lines - 07/22/14
Vancouver, WA - July 22, 2014 - Tidewater today announced that it will acquire the assets of West Coast Marine Cleaning, Inc., a Vancouver-based marine & industrial cleaning services company. West Coast Marine Services will operate through a division of Tidewater Environmental Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tidewater Holdings, Inc.

West Coast Marine will stay headquartered at its current Vancouver, WA location with Robby Baker, GM, continuing to lead the 63 employee team. "We are proud to be joining a company with such a rich history, well-established brand and commitment to customer service and environmental stewardship. We are excited to become part of the Tidewater team," said Baker.

In operation since 1990, West Coast Marine's range of services includes industrial cleaning, hazardous and non-hazardous waste transportation, wet/dry vacuum services, tank cleaning, and ship cargo hold cleaning throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of California.

"We have worked closely with West Coast Marine in the past, and our two companies share a strong culture of entrepreneurship and a focus on safety, quality and service to the customer. This acquisition is an outstanding fit, and we are excited about the possibilities for growth that it offers us," said Bob Curcio, Tidewater's President & CEO. "The synergies and strengths of the combined companies will result in additional service offerings to existing and new customers within an expanded geographic footprint."

Along with its inland transportation and terminal services, Tidewater can now provide a comprehensive range of onshore and offshore cleaning and waste transportation services to the marine and industrial business markets, as well as an expanded inventory of emergency response personnel and equipment.

"Tidewater has proudly served the marine industry for over 80 years, always striving to provide the most economical and environmentally sound customer solutions," added Curcio. "We look forward to developing and providing an even greater portfolio of services for our customers throughout the Pacific Northwest."


###

About Tidewater
Tidewater is a multi-commodity transportation and terminal company headquartered in Vancouver, Washington. The company's operating area spans 465 miles on the Columbia-Snake River system extending from the inland Port of Lewiston, Idaho, to the Port of Astoria, OR, on the Pacific Coast. For more information, visit www.tidewater.com

About West Coast Marine Cleaning
West Coast Marine Cleaning works with marine and industrial businesses to provide ship, barge and vessel cleaning as well as industrial cleaning, bulk material transportation, and transportation services of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. www.westcoastmarinecleaning.com
American Red Cross issues urgent call for blood and platelet donors
American Red Cross Blood Services - 07/22/14
Blood donations needed now to prevent emergency situation

PORTLAND, OR (July 22, 2014) - The American Red Cross is facing a looming blood shortage, leading to an urgent need for donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and give.

Donations through the Red Cross are down approximately 8 percent over the last 11 weeks, resulting in about 80,000 fewer donations than expected. The number of donors continues to decline, and the shortfall is significant enough that the Red Cross could experience an emergency situation in the coming weeks.

In addition, the Independence Day holiday falling on Friday reduced the number of blood drives scheduled in early July. Many sponsors did not host drives because people took vacations either over the long weekend or for the entire week. In an average summer week, about 4,400 Red Cross blood drives are scheduled, compared to Independence Day week when only 3,450 drives occurred.

"Hospital patients continue to need lifesaving blood this summer, and they're relying on the generosity of volunteer donors to give them hope in the days and weeks ahead," said Jeff Allen, CEO for the Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region. "Please, consider giving the gift of life. Each day donations come up short, less blood is available for patients in need - and you never know when it could be your loved one needing blood."

Eligible donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed at this time. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

There is also an urgent need for platelet donations. Platelets - a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, burn victims and bone marrow recipients - must be transfused within five days of donation, so it's important to have a steady supply of platelets on hand.

The summer can be among the most challenging times of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they take vacations and participate in summer activities. When school is out of session for summer break, donations from those who normally give on campus tend to drop by more than 80 percent.

Every day this summer is a chance to give hope to patients in need and their network of family and friends. July 13 marked the half-way point for the Red Cross campaign "100 Days of Summer. 100 Days of Hope." Blood and platelet donations are needed now and for the rest of the summer. Individuals who donated blood earlier this summer may now be eligible to donate again and help patients such as accident victims, heart surgery patients and children with blood disorders.

Local Blood Donation Opportunities
See downloadable list of local blood donation centers and mobile blood drives for July 22 through August 10.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

###


Attached Media Files: 2014-07/1812/76186/CAmerican_Red_Cross_Blood_Drives_(July_22_-_Aug_10)_4.docx
07/20/14
(PHOTO) Oregon Army National Guard aviators conduct fire suppression operations (Photo)
Oregon Military Department - 07/20/14
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140720-Z-PL993-074
An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter drops water on a fire in support of fire suppression efforts at the Logging Unit fire west of Madras, Ore., July 20. The "Bambi" bucket used on the Chinook helicopters can carry up to 1,500 gallons of water. Two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two HH-60M Blackhawk helicopters of the Oregon Army National Guard arrived at the Madras Airport, July 19, to assist local authorities in suppressing the wildfire west of Madras, Ore. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.

140720-Z-PL993-100
An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter returns to the Madras Airport after successfully dumping water on a target area in the Logging Unit fire west of Madras, Ore., July 20. Two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two HH-60M Blackhawk helicopters of the Oregon Army National Guard arrived at the Madras Airport, July 19, to assist local authorities in suppressing the wildfire west of Madras, Ore. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.

140720-Z-PL993-129
An Oregon Army National Guard HH-60M Blackhawk helicopter waits for a launch order to continue supporting fire suppression efforts in the Logging Unit fire west of Madras, Ore., July 20. Two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two HH-60M Blackhawk helicopters of the Oregon Army National Guard arrived at the Madras Airport, July 19, to assist local authorities in suppressing the wildfire west of Madras, Ore. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.

Video can be found at:

http://www.dvidshub.net/video/350484/oregon-army-national-guard-aviators-assist-fire-suppression#.U8xlH45iG_E


Attached Media Files: 2014-07/962/76145/140720-Z-PL993-074.jpg , 2014-07/962/76145/140720-Z-PL993-129.jpg , 2014-07/962/76145/140720-Z-PL993-100.jpg
07/15/14
American Red Cross calls on eligible donors with all blood types to help maintain a sufficient blood supply this summer
American Red Cross Blood Services - 07/15/14
(see downloaded file for a list of upcoming blood donation opportunities in the area)

PORTLAND, OR (July 15, 2014) -- The American Red Cross encourages all eligible blood donors to make an appointment to donate blood soon to help prevent a shortage.

During the summer months, on average, about two fewer donors give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what is needed to meet the needs of patients. Vacations and summer activities are among the reasons regular donors may not find the time to give. But, patients don't get a vacation from needing blood - the need is constant.

As a national network, the Red Cross has a unique responsibility to help ensure blood is available for patients whenever and wherever it is needed. By donating blood or platelets through the Red Cross, donors may be helping patients in their community or patients across the nation.

Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so they must constantly be replenished.

To learn more and make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

See attached document for a list of upcoming blood donation opportunities in the area.

How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

###


Attached Media Files: 2014-07/1812/75962/American_Red_Cross_Blood_Drives_(Aug_1_-_Aug_15)_4.docx
07/13/14
OSP Arrests Man For Attempted Homicide & Robbery of Hitchhiker Along Southern Oregon Coast
Oregon State Police - 07/13/14
Oregon State Police (OSP) arrested a 56-year old Washington man Saturday after he allegedly threatened to kill and robbed a hitchhiker at knife-point while giving the victim a ride along Highway 101 on the southern Oregon coast.

On July 12, 2014 at approximately 1:56 p.m., OSP was notified by Curry County 9-1-1 of a report that a hitchhiker was robbed by a suspect who was last seen southbound on Highway 101 between Gold Beach and Brookings. A vehicle description including license plate was provided. The victim had been given a ride by some people passing through the area to Brookings where he reported the incident and was contacted by OSP Senior Trooper Jeff Johnson at Brookings Police Department.

The victim, DANIEL DEDARD GUAU, age 28, from Quebec City, Quebec, Canada reported he was picked up by the suspect while hitchhiking on the northern Oregon coast. As they traveled along the southern Oregon coast near milepost 345, the suspect allegedly pulled a knife on the victim, placed it against his throat and threatened to kill him. The suspect, later identified as SAMUEL NILS STROM, age 56, from Lynnwood, Washington, slashed at the victim and forced him from the vehicle, leaving him on the side of the road. STROM left in the vehicle with the victim's passport and other personal property.

Through the trooper's investigation the suspect was positively identified. At approximately 6:13 p.m., the trooper learned the suspect's vehicle was parked at a residence west of Highway 101 between Brookings and the Oregon/California border. OSP troopers found the vehicle and observed the victim's property and a knife inside the vehicle. Subsequent contact with STROM led OSP to take him into custody for Attempted Criminal Homicide, Robbery in the First Degree, and Menacing.

Troopers were able to return the victim's property to him after seizing it from the vehicle.

No photographs available for this release.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
07/08/14
More Sex Abuse Victims Come Forward After Media Airs Information on Suspect Arrested by Milwaukie Police. (Photo)
Milwaukie Police Dept. - 07/08/14
Jason James Karsten
Jason James Karsten
http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2014-07/1406/75750/thumb_2014013820_0300.jpg
More Sex Abuse Victims Come Forward After Media Airs Information on Suspect Arrested by Milwaukie Police.

After an initial investigation responding to a report of an adult male who had sexually abused 12 year old girls in his home during the last year, Milwaukie Police sought help in locating other possible victims.

On May 22, 2014, Jason James Karsten, 41 years old of Milwaukie was arrested on allegations of child sex abuse. He was charged with Sex Abuse I and indicted by a Clackamas County grand jury on those charges.

After media reports aired seeking help in locating other possible victims, Milwaukie Police Detectives received tips that led them to further, previously unreported victims of Jason Karsten.

In a continuing effort to locate any other possible victims who have not yet contacted the police, the Milwaukie Police Department once again is asking if anyone has any information to contact the Milwaukie Police Department at 503-786-7500.


Attached Media Files: Jason James Karsten
07/07/14
Update #2: Added Info & Photo - Washington Man Arrested After Attempt to Elude on Interstate 5 Between Eugene and Cottage Grove (Photo)
Oregon State Police - 07/07/14
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Update #2: Based on the car's vehicle identification number, OSP has confirmed it was a reported stolen out of Washington State. Additional charge for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle is pending.

***

Update #1: As the eluding vehicle was traveling northbound from Cottage Grove, the passenger side window blew out as it was passing the left side of a commercial truck and semi-trailer. After the eluding driver was in custody, OSP found a handgun inside the car missing two rounds. OSP suspects the driver fired at least one round out of the car as it was passing the truck and semi-trailer. The truck is described as a late model Freightliner conventional style cab pulling a white in color box semi-trailer. The driver probably is unaware that the left rear side of the trailer may have been struck by a gunshot. OSP would like to speak to the truck's driver. Anyone with information is asked to call Senior Trooper Blaine Hlebechuk at (541) 726-2536.

***

Oregon State Police (OSP) arrested a 24-year old Tacoma, Washington man Monday after his attempt to elude troopers on Interstate 5 south of Eugene. The suspect eluded Lebanon police earlier in the day.

On July 7, 2014 at approximately 1:47 p.m., OSP Northern Command Center dispatch received a citizen's driving complaint of a high speed 1990s Mercury displaying Washington license plates southbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 216. The vehicle matched the description of a vehicle reported by Lebanon Police Department after it eluded one of their officers.

Troopers set up southbound along Interstate 5 to find the car. At approximately 1:57 p.m. a vehicle matching the description passed an OSP trooper near Coburg. A second trooper also got behind the car and they attempted a traffic stop near Belt Line Road. The vehicle failed to yield and sped up to speeds over 100 mph as it drove recklessly, passing vehicles on the shoulder.

Troopers backed off, keeping the car in sight as it continued southbound and OSP notified Lane County Sheriff's Office and Cottage Grove Police Department (CGPD) for assistance. The driver avoided spike strip deployment by Cottage Grove police near milepost 176, but a second attempt by CGPD near milepost 174 successfully deflated the left front tire.

The vehicle exited Interstate 5 at London Road on the south end of Cottage Grove and returned northbound on the freeway. Speeds began to slow to 80 - 90 mph as the vehicle was traveling on 3 tires.

At approximately 2:26 p.m., the vehicle exited in Creswell and turned right onto E. Cloverdale Road where a trooper pulled along the passenger side and safely executed a tactical vehicle intervention technique. The eluding car came to a stop and the driver fled on foot on Emerald Parkway for about a half block before troopers took him in custody without further incident.

The driver was identified as JAMES CARL VOSHELL, age 24, from Tacoma, Washington. VOSHELL was lodged in the Lane County Jail on the following charges:

* Felony Attempt to Elude in a Vehicle
* Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude on Foot
* Reckless Driving
* Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine
* Carrying a Concealed Weapon
* Recklessly Endangering Another Person (10 counts)

Additional charges may be pending by Lebanon Police Department related to their incident earlier.

Investigation is continuing.

Photograph - Lane County Sheriff's Office

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2014-07/1002/75728/Voshell.jpg
Regional Commitments, Resources, and Results Help Students 'Stay Strong' (Photo)
Puget Sound ESD - 07/07/14
2014-07/4161/75725/Vargas_and_Ryan.jpg
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Commitment: Leaders Sign Unprecedented Compact
Transitioning from high school to college can be a challenge for students locally and across the U.S. Leaders across the Puget Sound recognize the weight of this transition and have come together to agree to practices aimed at improving students' postsecondary opportunities and outcomes. Resources allocated through Race to the Top are helping smooth the path to postsecondary work for students across South King County.

Established in 2010, the Puget Sound Coalition for College and Career Readiness has worked diligently to provide a seamless transition K-16 transition for students. The Coalition recently finalized and signed a Compact that commits to regional change in K-12 and postsecondary education. This document is the first of its kind in the State of Washington. Drafted by Task Force members Green River Community College President Eileen Ely, Auburn, Kent and Puget Sound ESD Superintendents Kip Herren, Lee Vargas, and John Welch and Road Map Project Executive Director Mary Jean Ryan and College and Career Success Director Kirsten Avery, the Compact articulates the agreement to implement a range of practices across organizations strengthening student experiences through the high school to postsecondary transition.

"Coalition members, representing both the K-12 and postsecondary institutions, have reached out across systems to do what's best for students," said PSESD Superintendent John Welch. "Coupled with other efforts to increase access and support for students entering post-secondary college or career programs, we should see a significant increase of students in the region entering post-secondary programs to eventually secure viable careers."

The Compact represents an unprecedented commitment to regional collaboration to broaden access to postsecondary success, and includes such evidence-based practices as improving systems (student scheduling and academic support) to broaden access to rigorous course taking, implementing early interventions for students are at risk of not graduating from high school, implementing policies and practices allowing for multiple measures for course placement in college math and English and adopting and expanding access to effective strategies promoting the persistence of recent high school graduates, and reengaged youth ages 16-24 including mandatory orientation and advising for first-time college students.
Other practices focus on the continuum of instructional and programmatic supports for students who are eligible for the College Bound Scholarship. A record 95% of students from low-income families in the South Seattle and South King County region have signed up for the state's College Bound Scholarship, which could pay for their college tuition.

"I am excited by the commitment of our Coalition members to remove potential barriers for all students, but particularly for first-generation college students and students of color. It is clear that access to valuable postsecondary options and programs must be available for all students," commented South Seattle College President Gary Oertli.

The Compact received feedback from numerous stakeholders in K-12, postsecondary education and community based organizations. Next steps to implement the Compact include educating school district and community and technical college boards about Compact agreements and defining an agenda for learning in 2014-15 to support implementation of these promising practices across the region.

Resources: More than $10 Million in Federal Race to the Top Funds
The region is fortunate to have resources to support these efforts through both federal and private grants. Over $10 million of the $40 million federal Race to the Top grant is dedicated to "Stay Strong" efforts. The Executive Committee for the Road Map Region Race to the Top issued preliminary awards of $1.5 million in Investment Funds for Project 8 (College and Career Readiness) as part of the second round of awards to the seven districts participating in the Consortium.

A total of $3.7 million will be awarded through Project 8 (College & Career Readiness) in three disbursements. The first and second distributions of these funds totaled $1.5 million each, which included the following awards:
* Auburn School District: Systematic Implementation of College and Career Readiness, $242,460
* Federal Way: Academic Acceleration Support, $200,560
* Highline Public Schools: On Track to College and Career Success, $225,182
* Kent School District: Preparing College Bound and Career Ready Students $163,095
* Renton School District: Implementation of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Ensuring Success through Support, $247,482
* Seattle Public Schools: College Bound, $45,241 and Enhancing Applied STEM Learning and College Bound Scholarship Support, $180,209
* Tukwila School District: Get Ready, Get Out, Get In, $246,314

Like other districts in the Road Map Region, Renton School District has achievement and opportunity gaps. The implementation of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) at Renton High School is a research-based program designed to mitigate and overcome these gaps. Through whole-school reform, the IBDP will infuse all aspects of the school rather than merely being a program solely for high-achievers during the 11th and 12th grades.

Renton High School has achieved significant progress made through initial funding in Round 1. The goal for nearly 100% participation in IB English and IB History of the Americas for juniors is highly ambitious and the inclusion of college visits is a strong strategy.

Results: Students Already on the Road to 'Stay Strong'
In addition to the successful implementation of district-level programs, the Race to the Top Executive Committee decided to expand in-school SAT taking to include 12th grade students in October 2014 for Auburn, Federal Way, Highline, Kent and Tukwila school districts.

Race to the Top funds currently provide free, in-school College Board testing for students in 8th grade to take ReadiStep, 10th grade to take PSAT and 11th grade to take SAT. The number of students taking the SAT grew from 5,781 in 2013 to 6,478 in 2014. Consortium districts requested the expansion to provide all 12th grade students the chance to take the SAT. The expansion effectively gives students an opportunity to test a second time to obtain a higher score, allows students who may have missed the opportunity in the spring another chance to take the test, and gives seniors who have not yet passed state graduation exams the opportunity to earn a score on SAT that qualifies them for graduation.

"With our initial offering of College Board testing, we have increased College and Career Readiness in districts and removed the financial, scheduling and transportation barriers for students pursuing post-secondary education," commented Jennie Flaming, College and Career Readiness Project Manager for Race to the Top.


Attached Media Files: 2014-07/4161/75725/Vargas_and_Ryan.jpg