 In this issue:
A message from Marion County Health Administrator Cary Moller
 Some of you may be aware of the recent tragedies to strike our community. Three young adults have died by suicide in the last 30 days, including two high school students. Those of you with school age children and teens at home may be wondering what you can do to support your families when events like this occur.
If you are the parent or guardian of a teenager, don’t be afraid to ask them about suicide. Ask whether they or a friend has considered it, and offer reassurance that things can get better, and ensure them that you will be there to help. Lean in to the conversation, maintain an “open door policy” with your teen in which they are comfortable to come to you with their thoughts, including thoughts of suicide or fear that a friend may be at risk.
Pre-teens are also very aware of the reality of suicide. Your role is to help them understand that those who succumb to suicide are not weak, and that asking for help is one of the bravest things a person can do. Explain the warning signs and the variety of resources available, including the Oregon Youthline (877-968-8491) and Marion County’s Youth & Family Crisis Services Hotline (503-576-4673).
More suggestions for supporting your familiy after a suicidal tragedy are available at the following links:
“Parenting Teenagers: How to Talk to Your Teen About a Suicide”
“How to talk to children about suicide: An age-by-age guide”
As always, it is also important that as a community we support each other. Please feel free to reach out if you need help coping with these recent tragedies or are facing a mental health challenge of your own. The Marion County Psychiatric Crisis Center is open 24-hours per day, seven days per week and can be reached at 503-585-4949. Visit our website for additional information and resources about suicide prevention.
My deepest regards,
Cary
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 On September 25, 2018, a federal magistrate judge approved Marion County's status as an intervenor in the lawsuit between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Northwest Environmental, Wildearth Guardians, and Native Fish Society. In order to maintain a stable economy in the North Santiam Canyon and for the health and welfare of Marion County's residents, including safe and adequate drinking water for the city of Salem, the county filed the motion to intervene in the U.S. District Court of Oregon on September 6, 2018.
In response to the lawsuit by the environmental groups, he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has proposed construction of a water mixing tower to control water temperature at Detroit Dam. In order to construct the tower, it is anticipated that Detroit Lake would need to be drained for an extended period of time which could negatively impact agricultural and recreation based industries in the area.
Marion County Economic Development Coordinator Tom Hogue estimates that 70 percent of jobs in the Detroit Lake area are recreation based and prolonged low water conditions could lead to an annual $11 million loss to these industries. Additionally, farms and businesses in the southern part of the county that rely on water from the North Santiam River Watershed for irrigation would also be severely impacted by low water conditions at Detroit Lake.
"With this action, Marion County is seeking to protect the long-term viability of county agricultural and recreational industries," said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. "It is important for Marion County to officially participate in this lawsuit to ensure the concerns of our residents and businesses are considered."
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 The arrival of fall typically signals the seasonal closure of several Marion County parks. This year, for the first time, a number of parks that are normally closed for the season will remain open. Russ Dilley, parks coordinator, said, “We receive requests every year to keep some of our seasonal parks open. This year we’ve added additional year-round staff which means we’ll be able to expand and improve our services.”
On November 1, the following parks will close until May 1, 2019:
- Spong’s Landing on the Willamette River north of Keizer; and,
- Bear Creek, North Fork, and Salmon Falls parks, which are all in the North Santiam River Basin.
On November 1, the gate at Scotts Mills Park will be locked for the season, but like St. Louis Fish Ponds which closed for the season on October 1, people will be allowed to walk in. Visitors should be aware that the restroom facilities at both parks are not available.
The Marion County parks that are now open year-round are:
- Aumsville Ponds on Bates Road SE near Aumsville;
- Bonesteele Park on Aumsville Hwy SE;
- Auburn, Denny, Eola Bend, Joryville, Labish Village, and Parkdale in the Salem area;
- Rogers Wayside near Silverton; and,
- Minto, Niagara, and Packsaddle along the North Santiam River
For more information these county parks, including descriptions and locations, visit the Marion County Parks website or call (503) 588-5036.
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On October 18 at 10:18 a.m. Marion County employees joined more than 570,000 Oregonians participating in the Great Oregon Shakeout. This annual event is aimed at helping communities prepare for earthquakes and other emergencies.
Marion County Emergency Manager Ed Flick provided tips to the Statesman Journal on how individuals and businesses can prepare. Also, check out their Think Big series for information on assembling a kit for yourself or your family.
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