Klamath Basin Buiness January 2018

KLAMATH BASIN

January 2018

Basin Business

Thursday, January 25, 2018 Herald and News

Business

Chamber Gala ready to kick off Saturday night — Page 4

Helping the body heal Four-day event features family fun, top vendors — Page 4 FINANCIAL FOCUS: When do you need a financial advisor?

— Page 5

Dollar General holds grand opening in Chiloquin — Page 6

Cascade Chiropractic expands in new location

Dr. Jeff Harmon hopes to add more staff at his new location off Campus Drive. See story on Page 2.

A publication of the Herald & News

Chamber: www.klamath.org

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Thursday, January 25, 2018 Herald and News

Basin Business

Basin Business

Healing arts

Thursday, January 25, 2018 Herald and News

Get ready for the Chamber Gala

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97 years in Cascade Chiropractic continues to grow at new location the making

By SEAN BASSINGER

By SEAN BASSINGER

H&N Staff Reporter

H&N Staff Reporter

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or Dr. Jeff Harmon, being a chiropractor runs in the family. Harmon, who operates Cascade Chiropractic, said he followed in the footsteps of his dad and uncle.

“I knew I wanted to help people in the medical profession,” Harmon said. “Chiropractic is a different philosophy from traditional medicine.”

Following its move to Campus Drive in September, Cascade Chiropractic renovated its new location and added another massage therapist onto the staff. Harmon, who also works alongside Dr. Kristine Taylor, said their clinic has at least 300 patient visits a week.

Harmon said moving to their new offices gave them an opportunity to expand. They now have seven rooms available for procedures, compared to four at their previous location.

In addition, they hope to have more changes coming their way, such as adding a new chiropractic doctor onto their staff in six to 12 months.

“There’s definitely room for expansion and growth in that aspect,” Harmon said.

Prioritizing prevention Harmon graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009.

He started practicing in Meridian, Idaho, for three years before coming to Klamath Falls in 2012. That’s when he took over Cascade Chiropractic, which used to be on Klamath Avenue.

Unlike some forms of medicine, Harmon said he found chiropractic care unique since it focuses more on preventive measures and recovery.

Cascade Chiropractic is pictured at left at its new location on Campus Drive.

Photos by H&N reporter Sean Bassinger

“The body has this innate ability to heal itself.

Sometimes it needs a little bit of help — that’s where I come in.”

— Dr. Jeff Harmon “The body has this innate ability to heal itself,” Harmon said. “Sometimes it needs a little bit of help — that’s where I come in.”

As a field, Harmon said chiropractic care focuses on a variety of areas in addition to the spine, which can include everything from joints to the nervous system.

“If your spine isn’t working properly, your nervous system isn’t working properly,” Harmon said.

But in Harmon’s eyes, patients return to Cascade Chiropractic because of what he describes as a

no-pressure atmosphere. The focus is on how the patients feel in addition to any other treatments they may receive for back aches, headaches and other issues.

“It’s just a very warming feeling — that’s why I think people come back,” Harmon said.

Working toward results Cascade Chiropractic works with patients in tune with what their insurance plans cover. In most cases, Harmon said people may not realize they can get massage therapy covered, which Harmon said helps people

Nearly a century old, one of the oldest documents from the Southern Oregon Consolidated Chamber of Commerce can be seen at the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce offices.

Chrystal Vaughan, programs and marketing coordinator for the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce, reflected on the document as the chamber prepares for its 97th annual gala event.

“They’ve been having the gala since this time,” Vaughan said. “It’s like time travelling almost, looking at this thing.”

The 97th Annual Chamber Awards Gala kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Ross Ragland Theater.

Described as a “Hollywood-style awards show complete with entertainment,” the event honors several local businesses for their achievements over the past year.

The gala also functions as a social networking event, according to the chamber’s Facebook page. Tickets cost $40 for members and $65 for nonmembers.

heal even faster if they suffer from an injury. Harmon said they also utilize electric stimulation therapies to help the recovery process.

“Your results skyrocket,” Harmon said. “The time to healing is a lot quicker because we’re implementing both of those.”

Above all else, Harmon said he enjoys his work because of the oppor- Categories, major nominees tunity to meet new people and hear This year’s main award categories their stories. If a patient says they include Big Idea Innovation, Environcannot enjoy activities they used to, mental Leadership, Commitment to Harmon and his staff work to get to Community, Best Place to Work (two categories), Spirit of Entrepreneurism, the bottom of it.

“I love meeting new people and tak- Lifetime Achievement and the Pathfinder Award. ing somebody from the worst of the worst to the best of the best,” Harmon William Ganong and Steve Bocchi are nominees for the Lifetime Achievesaid. “It’s a very rewarding ment Award, while Chad Olney and profession.”

Jim Chadderdon have been selected as More information on Cascade nominees for the Pathfinder Award.

Chiropractic can be found online at Chelsea Brosterhous, Katie Voight, kfallschiro.com.

H&N file photo

Last year’s winners celebrate at the annual awards at the Ross Ragland Theater.

Mike Angeli and Scott Fritz are nominees for the Spirit of Entrepreneurism award.

An annual tradition Lots of preparation goes into setting up the annual event, according to Vaughan, planning months ahead of time in an effort to reach out to everyone involved.

Vaughan, who enters her second year organizing the gala, said she put a special poll on their Facebook page to see what people love most about past gala events.

“The ladies really love to get dressed up and mingle,” Vaughan said. “Some people come because they’re excited about the food.

“As we get closer, there’s a lot of detail that goes into making sure everyone has a great time,” Vaughan said.

Volunteers from Henley High School’s Jr. ROTC program and the Eagle Ridge K-Club volunteer to help at the event, and also earn students extra credits toward their senior projects.

More information, including information on tickets, can be found online at klamath.org/events/event/97thannual-chamber-awards-gala.

The full list of nominees: Best Place to Work, 15 employees and under category, are: Transformations Wellness Center, Bogatay Construction, Nerds R Us, and SCOEDD. Best Place to Work 16 employees and above: Klamath Algae, CAL-ORE Communications, Lutheran Community Services, Marquis at Plum Ridge, Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union, and Production Metal Forming.

The Big IDEA Innovation Award: Klamath Falls News, Klamath Sustainable Communities, Klamath Works, Reit Lab, inc., and Roe Outfitters.

The Commitment to Community Award: Ace Towing, Affordable Cremation Care, Cascade Health Alliance, Collins Products, Full Circle Healing Too, Klamath Falls Honda Subaru, Klamath Basin Equipment, Klamath Freedom Celebration, Main Street Jewelers, Millard Dental, Mills Neighborhood Association, Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union, Winema Electric, and Win R Insulation.

The Lifetime Achievement Award: William Ganong and Steve Bocchi.

The Pathfinder Award: Chad Olney and Jim Chadderdon.

Environmental Leadership: EcoSolar, Harbor Freight, and SCOEDD. The Spirit of Entrepreneurism Award: Chelsea Brosterhous, Katie Voight, Mike Angeli, and Scott Fritz.

Mark Fay, M.D. Scott Stevens, M.D. Physician/ Surgeon of the Eye Physician/ Surgeon of the Eye

Edwin Tuhy, O.D. Optometrist

Jennifer Sparks, O.D. Optometrist

New Patients Welcome

2640 Biehn St. • 541.884.3148 • www.klamatheyecenter.com

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Thursday, January 25, 2018 Herald and News

Basin Business

Basin Business

More than livestock

Income taxes

Watch for W-2 scams during tax filing season

Top West Coast vendors will be on hand; plenty of family fun

For the last 58 years on the first weekend in February, the Klamath Bull & Horse Sale has been a premier event in Klamath Falls, showcasing the best bull programs in the Northwest.

The all-inclusive event has been a staple for the ranching and farming community to provide entertainment, education, and a great venue for the sale of their livestock. This fun and family-focused event is sponsored by the Klamath Cattlemen’s Association.

During the four-day event, held annually at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, a trade show features some of the top vendors from all over the West Coast.

You can not only see and purchase the best cattle and horses available, you’ll also have an opportunity to see some great action in the Event Center.

It all begins with the Stock Dog Trials on Thursday, Feb. 1. That same evening is the Beef & Brews, which showcases several of the local breweries and wineries offering beer and wine paired with some awesome beef prepared by Roosters Steak House.

On Friday, Feb. 2, you will see some great roping action in a twoman ranch sorting event and some of the best branding teams around with both a four-man event and mixed branding.

The little ones will find their fun at the Kids Stick Horse Barrel Race and Boot Race.

Friday night will feature great

Submitted photo

entertainment and food, with the Klamath County Cattlewomen hosting a Social Tri-Tip BBQ Dinner.

Dinner tickets will be available at the sale offices.

On Saturday, in the Event Center, the Stock Horse Show, a stray gathering, sale horse viewing and the Horse Sale at 4 p.m. is followed by the Kids Goat Roping.

The KCA Ranch Rodeo begins at 6 p.m. and concludes on Sunday.

Saturday, the 58th Bull & Replacement Heifer sale will take place in the indoor arena, and will begin at noon.

The 31st annual Horse Sale takes place starting at 3 p.m. with a viewing of approximately 15 horses that will be available. The sale should start at 4 p.m.

Pre-sale tickets are $6 and include admission for both Saturday and Sunday. Pre-Sale tickets for the Ranch Rodeo will be available for purchase before the event at Grange Co-op and Coastal or they can be purchased in advance by calling Kristine Golden 541-891-8930.

Tickets will also be available at the sale offices. Tickets at the door will be $10.

There is no admission fee for the Bull Sale or to the event center with bidder number.

For more information for bull or horse sale entries, stock dog entries, or trade show information please feel free to call Becky Hirschbock at 541-891-5102 or Andra Campell at 541-281-2180 or visit the website at www.klamathbullsale.com.

The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax industry today urged all employers to educate their payroll personnel about a Form W-2 phishing scam that made victims of hundreds of organizations and thousands of employees last year.

The Form W-2 scam has emerged as one of the most dangerous phishing emails in the tax community. During the last two tax seasons, cybercriminals tricked payroll personnel or people with access to payroll information into disclosing sensitive information for entire workforces. The scam affected all types of employers, from businesses to public schools and universities, hospitals, tribal governments and charities.

Reports to phishing@irs.gov from victims and nonvictims about this scam jumped to approximately 900 in 2017, compared to slightly over 100 in 2016. Last year, more than 200 employers were victimized, which translated into hundreds of thousands of employees who had their identities compromised.

By alerting employers now, the IRS and its partners in the Security Summit effort hope to limit the success of this scam in 2018. The IRS last year also created a new process by which employers should report these scams. There are steps the IRS can take to protect employees, but only if the agency is notified immediately by employers about the theft.

Here’s how the scam works: Cybercriminals identify chief operating officers, school executives or others in positions of authority. Using a technique known as business email compromise (BEC) or business email spoofing (BES), fraudsters posing as executives send emails to payroll personnel requesting copies of Forms W-2 for all employees.

Thursday, January 25, 2018 Herald and News

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FINANCIAL FOCUS

When do you need a financial advisor?

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f you could accomplish all your financial goals just by putting your paycheck into the bank every couple of weeks, you wouldn’t need the services of a financial advisor.

But life isn’t that simple — and so, at some point, you may realize you need some professional assistance. But when?

Actually, you might benefit from the services of a financial advisor during many life events, including the following: n Starting your career — When you’re starting out in your career, you may encounter several questions related to your benefits package. Should you contribute to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plan? If so, how much, and where should you invest your money? Are the life and disability insurance policies offered by your employer sufficient for your needs? A financial advisor can help you answer these and other questions you may have. n Getting married — When you get married, you’ll have to decide if, and how, you want to combine your finances. Also, you and your spouse may have different attitudes about investing and different tolerances for risk. A financial professional can help you find common ground. n Changing jobs — When you switch jobs, what should you do with your old employer’s retirement plan?

And how should you invest in the plan offered by your new employer? As was the case when you first began your career, you may find that a financial professional can help you make the right choices. n Facing a layoff or buyout — You may never go through a layoff, or take a buyout offer from an employer — but if either of these events happen, you will face some financial decisions. And during such a potentially stressful period, you may be tempted to make some financial moves that won’t be beneficial.

A financial advisor can suggest some strategies that may help you keep your investment situation relatively intact until you land your next job. n Saving for college — If you have children whom you’d like to send to college someday, you’ll probably want to start putting money away as early as possible. A financial professional can show you the various college-savings vehicles, and help you choose the ones that are most appropriate for your needs. n Getting divorced — If you are fortunate, you won’t ever experience a divorce, but, if it does happen, you’ll want to get the professional assistance necessary to ensure fair outcomes for everyone. You’ll obviously need to work with an attorney, but you may find that, in the area of investments, a financial advisor also can be useful. n Entering retirement — As you near retirement, your key questions will switch — but not entirely — from putting money in to taking money out.

How much can you withdraw each year from your 401(k) and IRA without running the risk of outliving your resources? When should you start taking Social Security? If you were to work a couple of years longer than you had originally intended, how would it affect your withdrawal strategies? Again, a financial advisor can help you with these issues.

As you can see, most important life events will carry some financial concerns. But you don’t have to face these challenges alone — and by getting the help you need, when you need it, you can ease the transition from one stage of life to another.

Meredith Hoffman Financial Advisor-Edward Jones 1307 S Alameda Ave, Suite B Klamath Falls, OR 97603 541-273-2483

Klamath, Lake counties see no change in unemployment Employment in South Central Oregon: December 2017 The employment situation was largely unchanged over the past 12 months in Klamath and Lake Counties. There will likely be significant changes to these estimates as our next release of monthly employment data will be revised using payroll tax records.

Klamath County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained little changed at 5.9 percent in December compared to 6.0 percent in November. The rate was essentially unchanged from this time last year when it was 6.3 percent.

Klamath County shed 220 jobs in in December, fairly typical losses for this time of year.

Total nonfarm payroll employment was largely unchanged over the past year with the county only

Klamath County Chamber of Commerce 205 Riverside Drive, Ste. A Klamath Falls, OR 97603 Office: 541-884-5193 Fax: 541-884-5195

Heather Tramp,

Executive director Email: heathert@klamath.org www.klamath.org www.facebook.com/KlamathChamber

adding around 250 jobs (+1%). Leisure and hospitality posted large job gains from this time last year (+150 jobs). These industry gains were largely negated by losses in professional and business services (-100).

Government employment was up largely due to job growth in local education.

Lake County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.4 percent in December. The rate was 6.0 percent in December 2016, not a statistically significant decline.

The county lost 20 jobs in December, fewer than typically expected this time of year.

Total nonfarm employment is largely unchanged from this time last year (-20 jobs). Minor gains in retail and construction were overcome by losses in manufacturing over the past year. twitter.com/AccessKlamath

Executive Board President: Wes French First Vice President: Rachael Spoon Treasurer/Secretary: Jennifer Scanlan Members: Jason Chapman, Sergio Cisneros, George Ormsbee Immediate Past President: Todd Andres

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Thursday, January 25, 2018 Herald and News

Basin Business

Basin Business

New business profile

Pamela Ruddock Consulting Ore, 97601. 541-281-2000. Website is under construction

What was your motivation in opening this business?

To provide event planning, grant writing, and helping community organizations to find funding opportunities in Klamath and Lake counties.

enced in project management.

Fundraising events include grant writing, research and development, as well as putting programs together such as musical theater events by tapping into the talent here in Klamath County. We are unique in that we offer a variety of services to really touch our community.

Business address, phone number, website: 533 Main Street Klamath Falls, OR 97601 541-810-3411 www.ontimeproserv.com

Give a brief statement about your background and previous experience:

Ruddock

Tell us about your goals and marketing strategies: Creating memorable events and helping our communities in finding funding opportunities to help with growth. Our marketing strategies will be in utilizing social media, strategically placing brochures about our business services around town, speaking on talk radio, attending trade shows, and word of mouth.

Tell us briefly about any special features of your product or service. What makes your business unique or different? How does your business fit in Klamath’s marketplace?

The special features of the business are in communication and paying attention to details.

Part of the communication process is listening to your client to give them the best possible outcome. Whether it’s a birthday party or a community event, we will make sure to create the event that is memorable and has the best outcomes for the client. We take away the stress and worry of planning and pulling together events. For the business client, this is mostly done in-house. This means additional work for employees.

Pamela Ruddock Consulting takes that worry and stress from employees to create a great event for all. We’ve also created a database of contacts for events — everything from caterers to venues to potential guest speakers at events. We have organized fundraising events and parties for the business client in the past and we are also experi-

Ruddock has worked doing fundraisers for the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, the Klamath County Crisis Center, planning dinner events, and special trips for friends. She has also written grants for Workforce Training programs as well as career/job expos locally.

How do you see your business developing over the next few years?

Pamela Ruddock Consulting can only anticipate growth over the next few years.

This growth will be steady and most of our business will come through word of mouth. The event planning could be growing as personal clients having events throughout their lives could require our services. From weddings, to a baby’s first birthday and subsequent events throughout their lives will help sustain the business.

As businesses grow, we are hoping to help with their needs of planning events for them. This may require doing a couple of events for free, but those will be contingent upon receiving additional work from them. We will be making sure to attend trade shows and continue our education on the different types of grant funding that is available to our communities.

Any other information you’d like to share: Ruddock just finished as a participant in the Dream Savers Program. For every one dollar she saved, the Dream Savers program would match it with three. This helped Ruddock meet her savings goal of $3,000 in December of 2017 and received her matching funds of $9,000 in January 2018 for a total of $12,000 to use for start-up business costs. She is looking to become a certified event planner.

All other planning has been done through the multi-tasking talents that Ruddock has learned over the years.

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Oregon Century Farm and On Time Process Services Ranch Program accepting Owners: Gary Clayton and Joelle Clayton awards applications

New business profile

Business address, phone number, website: 732 N. 11th St., Klamath Falls,

Thursday, January 25, 2018 Herald and News

What was your motivation in opening H&N file photo this business?

Dollar General is now open in Chiloquin.

Store opens in Chiloquin, promises social benefits From a press release CHILOQUIN — Dollar General’s newest store at 1008 Chiloquin Blvd. in Chiloquin is now open.

In its new location, Dollar General will offer area residents a convenient new place to shop for everyday essentials.

Dollar General will celebrate the store’s official grand opening on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 8 a.m. with free prizes and special deals.

Additionally, the first 100 adult shoppers at the store will receive a $10 Dollar General gift card and the first 200 shoppers will receive a Dollar General tote bag with complimentary product samples, among other giveaways.

“Dollar General is committed to delivering a pleasant shopping experience that includes a convenient location, a wide assortment of merchandise and great prices on quality products,” said Dan Nieser, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development.

Dollar General stores offer convenience and value to customers by providing a focused selection of national name brands and private brands of food, housewares, seasonal items, cleaning supplies, basic apparel and health/beauty products.

Seasonal products are displayed in

We saw a need in the Klamath Basin for professional legal document services. We wanted to show residents of the Basin that process servers were not scary and there isn’t a need to avoid us.

the center of the store, departments Tell us about your goals and marketare easily recognizable with visible ing strategies. signage and coolers are conveniently Our goal for On Time Process located at the front of the store. TraServices is to provide our clients ditional Dollar General stores employ with outstanding and profesapproximately six to 10 people, sional process serving and legal depending on the need.

Anyone interested in joining the support. We want every interaction with our company to be Dollar General team may visit the Career section at www.dollargeneral. a positive, lasting impression, com. regardless of if you need docuDollar General is deeply involved ments served or are being served in the communities it serves and is documents. We are currently an ardent supporter of literacy and working on expanding to other education. counties and states.

At the cash register of every Dollar Tell us briefly about any special feaGeneral store, customers interested in learning how to read, speak Eng- tures of your product or service. What lish or prepare for their high school makes your business unique or difequivalency test can pick up a bro- ferent? How does your business fit in chure with a postage-paid reply card Klamath’s marketplace? that can be mailed in for a referral to On Time Process Services a local organization that offers free stands out from other compaliteracy services. nies by using state of the art Since its inception in 1993, the technology and software to Dollar General Literacy Foundation track down hard to find people. has awarded more than $140 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, We provide our clients with real helping nearly more than 9 million time updates so they are never left guessing what is going on individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued educa- with their legal document. Since tion. For more information on the coming to Klamath Falls, we Dollar General Literacy Foundation have provided our clients with a and its grant programs, visit www. job well done in a timely mandgliteracy.

ner. We stand by our fast and friendly services 100 percent. On Time Process Services is not like your average process server. We also help the individuals being served documents understand the legal jargon and terminology. We are friendly, professional and nonjudgmental.

Give a brief statement about your background and previous experience.

On Time Process Services started in 2014 in Portland by Joelle and Gary Clayton. Joelle still works in the community by providing health services.

Gary Clayton was employed as a sales representative at Sears Hometown Store for many years.

Late last year, On Time Process Services expanded and Gary left his position at Sears to grow the business. Gary and Joelle work very hard to be active in community and help grow the economy.

How do you see your business developing over the next few years?

On Time Process Services is working to bring a nationwide call center to Klamath Falls and provide a full-service legal support across the nation. We are dedicated to Klamath and our clients.

Any other information you’d like to share?

On Time Process Services also helps track down people for many different reasons. We can help you find a lost brother, sister or an individual that is avoiding paying you money owed. We help in filling of small claims and serving the defendant so you can regain your money.

Oregon Century Farm & Ranch Program is seeking applications for 2018 Century and Sesquicentennial Awards Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 award year for the Oregon Century Farm & Ranch Program. The application deadline is May 1, 2018. Families throughout Oregon who have continuously farmed portions of their family acreage for the past 100 or 150 years are invited to apply.

The Oregon Century Farm & Ranch Program began in 1958 to honor farm and ranch families with century-long connections to the land. To qualify for a century or sesquicentennial award, interested families must follow a formal application process. Members of the Application Review Committee review each application against the qualifications, which include continuous family operation of the farm or ranch; a gross income from farm use of not less than $1,000 per year for at least three years out of five prior to application; and family members must live on or actively manage the farm or ranch activities. Application documentation may include photos, original deeds, personal stories, or other historic records. These records help support Oregon’s agricultural history by providing valuable information about settlement patterns and statistics on livestock and crop cycles. All documents are archived for public access.

The Century Farm and Ranch application and program guidelines are available at http://www.centuryfarm.oregonfb.org, or by contacting Andréa Kuenzi at 503400-7884 or cfr@oregonfb.org.

Successful applicants receive a personalized certificate with acknowledgment by the Governor and the director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, and a durable metal roadside sign to identify the family’s farm or ranch as having historic Century or Sesquicentennial status. Each family will be honored during a special ceremony and reception at the Oregon State Fair on August 25, 2018.

Every Oregon farm and ranch has a unique history and special family story.

The Oregon Century Farm & Ranch program encourages agriculture families to share these stories of century-long connections with a broader audience. By promoting family stories, rich cultural heritage is passed down to future generations while educating Oregonians about the social and economic impact of Oregon agriculture. To date, 1,200 families have formally received the Century designation and 39 families have received the Sesquicentennial Award.

The Oregon Century Farm and Ranch Program is administered by the Oregon Farm Bureau Foundation for Education.

It is supported by a partnership between the Oregon Farm Bureau, the State Historic Preservation Office: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon State University Libraries’ Special Collections & Archives Research Center, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, and by generous donations of Oregonians.

For information about the Oregon Program, contact Andréa Kuenzi Program Coordinator, at 503-400-7884 or cfr@ oregonfb.org.

KLAMATH BASIN

Business

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Thursday, January 25, 2018 Herald and News

Basin Business

Januar y 2018 Newsletter Ore gon State Senator Dennis Linthicum – District 28 I represent the citizens of Senate District 28, which includes all, or part of Þve rural, mostly-eastern Oregon counties: Jackson, Klamath, Lake, Deschutes and Crook.

Senator Dennis Linthicum OR Senate District 28

As Senator of one of the largest Senate districts in our state, it Capitol Phone: is extremely important that my constituents remain in contact Capitol Address: with me about the issues and concerns that affect their lives.

I encourage you to use the information here as a resource and to contact my ofÞce by either phone or e-mail so that I can know how to best serve you. I am honored to be here in Salem Þghting for your freedom and liberty.

Aside from these issues, the Senate President added me to two new committees and the Governor appointed me to a Special Task Force dealing with the rash of Opioid deaths by overdose. Opioid overdoses plagues rural and urban communities, alike.

Effective pain management is one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine. Opioids such as morphine and fentanyl are the preferred clinical treatments for moderate to severe pain because of their strong analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.

But the ongoing epidemic of deaths from respiratory depression induced by opioid overdoses highlights the need for safer analgesics.

It is estimated that more than 100,000 adults suffer from chronic pain in the United States alone, and that this costs up to US$635 billion per year in medical treatment and lost workforce productivity. The most commonly used drugs for pain management can have numerous side effects. For example, some cause cardiovascular complications, gastrointestinal bleeding, and renal disease.

Aside from these medicinal side-effects, opioids are extremely addictive. Opioids, both prescription and illicit, are the main driver of drug overdose deaths. Opioids were involved in

503-986-1728 900 Court St. NE, S-305 Salem, Oregon 97301

E-Mail: sen.DennisLinthicum@OregonLegislature.gov Website ebsite:

We’ve got our work cut-out for us…

PERS liabilities, high-school graduation rates, OHA budget over-runs, carbon emission debates, over-spending tendencies, criminal incarceration rates, marijuana problems Ð weÕve got our work cut-out for us alright.

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42,249 deaths in 2016, and opioid overdose deaths were Þve times higher in 2016 than 1999.

OregonÕs own statistics mirror the national averages. In Oregon, the opioid overdose death rate in 1999, was 2.1 per 100,000, while in 2016 the rate was 11.9 per 100,000. However, Oregon is at the high end of the scale with regard to opioid prescriptions, where there are 82.2 - 95 prescriptions for every 100 people.

A concerted coalition is needed among the medical/pharmaceutical industry. Prescribers need to focus on distribution and tracking to curb opioid abuse.

Over the long-term, researchers are ever-hopeful for scientiÞc breakthroughs in the R&D and pharmaceutical arenas. Community rehabilitation efforts, in concert with state and local law enforcement, will also be necessary.

Additionally, I am still the Vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Education. The Education Committee focuses on K-12 education, graduation rates, teacher student ratioÕs and developing curriculum to satisfy upcoming opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medical Þelds.

I am also a sitting member of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. This committee deals mostly with criminal law, prisons, recidivism rates, parole, probation and re-introduction policies.

Additionally, I have played an integral role in the Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology due to my knowledge and background in information technology and largescale software project management.

http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/linthicum As I mentioned, I was also appointed to two new committees. First, the Senate Committee on Human Services which focuses on all aspects of adult and child welfare services. Including equity and multicultural services, along with the rules for large and small adoption agencies, and protecting individuals with disabilities.

My last committee is the Senate Committee on General Government and Accountability. This committee reviews the legislated purposes, goals and missions of various state entities. The rules for measuring the effectiveness of the entity, and weighing the beneÞts, also come from this committee.

So, we clearly have our work cut-out for us.

In mid-January, our state and nation celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was a sincere champion of freedom and individual liberty. He believed that, "We have an opportunity to make America a better nationÉto make America what it ought to be", and he gave everything he had-including his life--for the belief that his fellow Americans had a God-given right to live their lives free from oppression.

His example is one that we should all strive to imitate. Dr. King admonished us on the higher value of an individualÕs personal character and integrity over superÞcial distinctions such as, the color of oneÕs skin, ethnic background, or native language.

The best way to honor the life and work of Dr. King is to protect each personÕs individual liberty and return freedom to all of OregonÕs worthy citizens.

If we don’t stand for rural Oregon values and common-sense – no one will!