Record Numbers For DEA'S Fourth National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Resident's in the Pacific Northwest turned in Over 14 Tons


May 3 - (Seattle, WA) - The American people have again responded overwhelmingly to the most recent DEA-led National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. On April 28th, citizens turned in a record-breaking 552,161 pounds (276 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,659 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. When the results of the four Take Back Days to date are combined, the DEA and its state, local, and tribal law-enforcement and community partners have removed over 1.5 million pounds (774 tons) of medication from circulation.

In a four hour time period, residents of Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Alaska, turned in 28,482 pounds (over 14 tons), record numbers for each state. The following are the results broken down by state:

* Washington - 97 collection sites which resulted in 13,426 pounds (6.7 tons) removed from circulation.

* Idaho - 30 collection sites which resulted in 4,245 pounds (2.1 tons) removed from circulation.

* Oregon - 60 collection sites which resulted in 8,117 pounds (4.1 tons) removed from circulation.

* Alaska - 37 collection sites which resulted in 2, 694 pounds (1.3 tons) removed from circulation.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high--more Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined, according to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Four days after the first Take-Back event in September 2010, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an "ultimate user" of controlled substance medications dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents' controlled substances in certain instances. DEA is in the process of drafting regulations to implement the Act.

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Wednesday morning's two-vehicle traffic crash on the Astoria-Megler Bridge that resulted in one death and serious injuries to another person. The victim's name is released in this update.

According to Sergeant Andrew Merila, on May 2, 2012 at approximately 5:25 a.m. a 2003 Hyundai four-door driven by NOLAN NEAL BENSON, age 27, from Long Beach, Washington, was northbound on the Highway 101 Astoria-Megler Bridge when it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with southbound a 2003 Toyota pickup driven by CHRIS A. LEVNO, age 57, from Kelso, Washington. After impact, the pickup came to rest on the guardrail and the Hyundai stopped in the traffic lane.

BENSON was pronounced deceased at the scene.

LEVNO was transported initially to Columbia Memorial Hospital and then transferred to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center with serious injuries.

Both drivers were using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the Astoria Area Command office are continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, Astoria Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Astoria Fire Department, Medix Ambulance and ODOT assisted at the scene. The highway was closed until 9:00 a.m.

Photographs - Oregon State Police

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


Attached Media Files: 2012-05/1002/53991/050212.fatal.astoria.1.JPG , 2012-05/1002/53991/050212.fatal.astoria.2.JPG , 2012-05/1002/53991/050212.fatal.astoria.3.JPG

Oregon's newest roadside memorial sign honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty was posted along Interstate 5 in the Salem area Friday morning. The signs placement followed a special ceremony at the Oregon State Capitol attended by the officers' family, friends, State legislators, current and retired Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers, and fellow public safety officers and officials.

On April 27, 2012, Deputy Superintendent Richard Evans joined State Representative Andy Olson to unveil the sign during a special ceremony inside the Oregon State Capitol in front of approximately 100 people. Family representatives expressed their heartfelt gratitude and shared special memories. The roadside memorial sign is the third to be posted along an Oregon highway after the 2011 Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 3039 authorizing the placement of the signs.

"The sign is a reminder that we won't forget the loss of Superintendent Holcomb, Sergeant Schuening, Trooper Nelson, and others who gave their life in the line of duty" said Evans. "As people travel past these signs, we hope they will remember each of our law enforcement officers working every day to keep our communities and highways safer for everyone."

The following three fallen Oregon State Police law enforcement officers whose names are displayed on the sign posted by Oregon Department of Transportation along the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 near milepost 258 between Market Street and Portland Road are:

* Superintendent Holly V. Holcomb died in the line of duty November 25, 1975 in front of the Public Service Building in Salem when he was shot following a confrontation with a former state police employee. Superintendent Holcomb joined the Department of State Police January 1, 1939. (Info and photo - http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/holly_holcomb.shtml)

* Sergeant Richard Schuening died in the line of duty October 2, 1997 while performing duties as a Hazardous Devices Technician at a remote site in eastern Oregon. Schuening joined the Department of State Police April 1979 and worked in a variety of duties including patrol, criminal detective, and arson and explosives. (Info and photo - http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/sgt_richard_schuening.shtml)

* Recruit Trooper Dan Nelson died in the line of duty July 28, 1972 at the age of 24. Nelson had recently completed recruit school training and was beginning solo patrol when he was struck and killed along Interstate 5 north of Salem while standing next to a vehicle he stopped for a traffic violation. An elderly, drowsy driver crossed the fog line and struck Nelson as he was issuing a warning to another driver. (Info and photo - http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/officer_dan_nelson.shtml)

The sign was paid for by the Oregon State Police Officers' Association.

Roadside memorial signs were previously erected along Interstate 5 north of Albany (9/1/11 - Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Maria Mignano and Albany Police Officer Jason Hoerauf) and Highway 126 in the Eugene/Springfield area (12/10/11 - Eugene Police Officer Chris Kilcullen).

Photographs - Oregon State Police

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


Attached Media Files: 2012-04/1002/53825/042712.i5mp258.LEmemorial.sign.1.JPG , 2012-04/1002/53825/042712.i5mp258.LEmemorial.sign.2.JPG , 2012-04/1002/53825/042712.i5mp258.LEmemorial.sign.3.JPG , 2012-04/1002/53825/042712.i5mp258.LEmemorial.sign.4.JPG , 2012-04/1002/53825/042712.i5mp258.LEmemorial.sign.5.JPG

The Umatilla County (OR) Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating 26-year-old Melody Kaye Mickel, who was reported missing under suspicious circumstances on Friday April 27, 2012 at 5:30 a.m. Mickel was reported missing by a co-worker after she left her job at Rite Aid in Hermiston, Oregon.

Umatilla/Morrow County Major Crimes Team investigators believe 28-year-old Alberto Quiroz Martinez is a suspect in Mickel's disappearance. Investigators believe that Mickel and Martinez have been involved in a domestic relationship.

Martinez is described as a Hispanic male, 5'11', 160 to 180 pounds, black hair, and brown eyes.

Mickel is described as a white female, 5'5", 124 pounds, brown hair and brown eyes.
Martinez' vehicle is described as a black 2006 Subaru Legacy 4-door.

Attached is a flyer for public distribution with photos of Mickel, Martinez, and a 2006 Subaru Legacy 4-door. Investigators would like the public to share this information via Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets.

Anyone who sees Martinez or Mickel is asked to immediately call 9-1-1. Anyone with non-emergency information about this investigation is asked to call the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office Detective Kasey Ward at (541) 966-3651.

Sent on behalf of the Umatilla/Morrow County Major Crimes Team.

#CS


Attached Media Files: 2012-04/3056/53865/Umatilla_County_Wanted_Poster.jpg

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An Oregon Army National Guard crew chief from Charlie Co., 7-158 Aviation, directs first responders, as they load a simulated injured "patient" onto an HH-60 Blackhawk MEDEVAC helicopter during the Vigilant Guard Exercise near Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., May 2. The exercise runs May 1-6, and tests the the interoperability of local and state first responders, National Guard personnel, and representatives from U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), and to enhance multi-agency cooperation and response in disaster situations. Utilizing multiple flights, including a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, the Oregon National Guard evacuated 142 casualties during a simulated mass casualty scenario. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Armondo Borboa, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

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Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers simulate the evacuation of a casualty at the Eugene Airport, May 2, during Exercise Vigilant Guard. The event, designed to test interoperability between first responders, National Guard personnel and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), is being conducted at various locations throughout the state, May 1-6. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

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Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen with the Washington National Guard CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) transport a simulated casualty at the Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Training Center in Tualatin, Ore., during the Vigilant Guard Exercise, May 3. Vigilant Guard is an exercise designed to test the the interoperability of local and state first responders, National Guard personnel, and representatives from U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), and to enhance multi-agency cooperation and response in disaster situations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).


Attached Media Files: 2012-05/962/54041/120503-A-PL993-125.JPG , 2012-05/962/54041/120502-A-S713-48.jpg , 2012-05/962/54041/120502-A-0876B-123.JPG

RICHLAND, Wash. - Northwest ratepayers became the beneficiaries today of a nuclear fuel purchase agreement that will generate $80 million in rate case savings from 2014 to 2017 and potentially many millions more in savings through 2028.

Contracts were signed today between Energy Northwest, Tennessee Valley Authority, the U.S. Enrichment Corporation, and the Department of Energy that will begin the process of turning depleted uranium into low-cost nuclear fuel.

The depleted uranium, also called uranium tails, would be delivered to Energy Northwest for use in Columbia Generating Station following enrichment. The program is similar to a pilot project in 2005 that reduced fuel costs over $100 million.

"This will provide a substantial benefit to Columbia and Northwest ratepayers," said Mark Reddemann, CEO of Energy Northwest. "It will give us a stable fuel supply through 2028 and at a lower cost."

The expected net-present value of the transaction is estimated to be in excess of $100 million (assuming a conservative 12 percent discount rate) primarily as a result of the reduced cost of fuel purchases for Columbia.

The transaction results in near-term decreases in Energy Northwest/BPA costs of roughly $20 million each year from 2014 to 2017, helping keep electricity rates lower than they otherwise would be. Future ratepayers will also benefit from access to low-cost fuel.

"This transaction, while not without risk, projects to produce benefits for ratepayers who get power from BPA both near and long term," said BPA Administrator Steve Wright. "We are particularly pleased with how well EN and BPA worked together to assess and mitigate risk."

DOE approached BPA and Energy Northwest to gauge interest in uranium tailings that could be enriched to provide fuel for Columbia, similar to the 2005 pilot project. DOE has an estimated 700,000 metric tons of depleted uranium hexafluoride now scheduled for disposal.

USEC enriches uranium at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, which it leases from DOE. Under the agreement, USEC would provide Energy Northwest with 482 metric tons of enriched uranium product from depleted uranium. Through the agreement, Energy Northwest will contract with USEC to enrich the depleted uranium and use it to fuel Columbia and to supply TVA.

Currently, Energy Northwest has enough fuel in inventory or under contract to meet its fuel reloading requirements through 2019. With the additional fuel, Columbia's fuel costs will be reduced and predictable through 2028. Columbia's expected forthcoming license renewal will extend the plant's operations through 2043.

Energy Northwest also would sell a portion of the enriched uranium to TVA beginning in 2015 to meet needs for its nuclear plants and defray some of Energy Northwest's cost.

About Energy Northwest
Energy Northwest develops, owns and operates a diverse mix of electricity generating resources, including hydro, solar and wind projects - and the Northwest's only nuclear generating facility. These projects provide enough reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy to power more than a million homes each year, and that carbon-free electricity is provided at the cost of generation. As a Washington state, not-for-profit joint operating agency, Energy Northwest comprises 28 public power member utilities from across the state serving more than 1.5 million ratepayers. The agency continually explores new generation projects to meet its members' needs. Energy Northwest - www.energy-northwest.com.

About Bonneville Power Administration

BPA is a nonprofit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.

Portland Ore.- Anglers of all experience levels are needed for the Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery Program. The 2012 season starts Tuesday, May 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2012. Reporters are invited to the kick-off event to capture footage/photos of the pikeminnow, anglers and workshops on how to catch the fish. Staff and participants will be on hand to interview.

Anglers earn $4 to $8 for northern pikeminnow nine inches and larger caught in the lower Columbia and Snake rivers. The more pikeminnow an angler catches, the more the fish are worth. As an added incentive, specially tagged fish are worth $500.

Northern pikeminnow are voracious eaters, consuming millions of young salmon and steelhead each year. Research shows reducing pikeminnow numbers helps protect salmon and steelhead populations.

BPA's sport-reward program has helped reduce predation on salmon and steelhead over the past 20 years by managing pikeminnow populations. Once harvested, pikeminnow don't go to waste. They are used in liquid organic fertilizer for agriculture and fish meal for poultry and dairy cattle feed.

WHAT: Tour the registration station and interview staff from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Bonneville Power Administration. Expert pikeminnow anglers, biologists and new participants will also be on-hand. Visuals include a close-up view of pikeminnow in an aquarium, workshops on how to reel them in, and the registration process.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to noon

WHERE: M. James Gleason Boat Ramp located at NE 43rd Ave. and Marine Drive. Take exit 307 off of I-5, head east on N.E. Marine Drive. The boat ramp is across from Portland International Airport at 15475 Ferry Road.

For more information about the program call visit www.pikeminnow.org or call 800-858-9015.

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Kindergarten and preschool registration for the 2012-2013 at Raymond Elementary is now open.In order to attend kindergarten, children must be 5 years old on or before August 31 of the current school year. Registration continues through the beginning of the school year in September, but we encourage you to register as early as possible. The elementary office is open for registration from 9:00-11:00 AM and 12:30-3:30 PM. Please bring a copy of your child's immunization record and birth certificate.

The Raymond School District is seeking children ages 2-6 who may be in need of special education services, and who need to be screened for possible disabilities or learning problems. The screening will cover vision, hearing, speech and language, motor, learning, and social skills. Please contact Jesica Bryant at 942-2435 to schedule an screening appointment.