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Monroe, Ore. – A multi-agency investigation into online threats made against a Monroe school, found no credible threat to the city of Monroe’s students, staff or families.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), along with other law enforcement agencies, investigated the validity of a recent Snapchat threat to a Monroe school being shared across the nation and determined there was no direct connection to Monroe, Oregon schools.

“For example, there is a city of Monroe in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Washington, and Wisconsin, so what happens when a threat is made to a Monroe School, people think Monroe, Oregon is being threatened,” stated Sheriff Van Arsdall. “What we are really trying to do is to educate students that if they see a threat, they need to report it to their parents or law enforcement immediately, instead of sharing it on social media.”

If you see something, ay something. BCSO asks you to please discuss with your child the importance of responsible social media use and to report school threats to adults. 

The sheriff’s office will have an increased presence at Monroe schools for their reopening on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. 

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CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce an upcoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training course, designed to enhance local emergency preparedness and empower community members with critical skills.   

The CERT Training program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing local hazards while providing participants with essential education and hands-on skills training. The course includes 12 hours of online coursework, followed by 16 hours of in-person training. 

Participants will benefit from the expertise of local professional responders, State-certified trainers, and knowledgeable volunteers who are subject matter experts. This robust training ensures that individuals of all abilities can gain valuable preparedness skills in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment. 

The CERT Training course emphasizes hands-on practice, enabling participants to gain practical experience while fostering a collaborative spirit. By joining this program, individuals not only contribute to their own preparedness but also to the overall safety and well-being of their communities. 

The course includes:

1. Disaster Preparedness 
2. CERT Organization 
3. Disaster Medical Operations – Part 1 
4. Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2 
5. Disaster Psychology 
6. Fire Safety and Utility Controls 
7. Light Search and Rescue Operations 
8. Terrorism and CERT 
9. Course Review and Disaster Simulation 

Benton County CERT Fall 2024 Schedule:

• October 10 (Thursday evening)
• October 25 (Friday evening)
• October 26 (Saturday, all day)
• October 27 (Sunday morning)

Interested individuals are encouraged to register early to secure their spot. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. If younger, participants may attend if accompanied by a parent/guardian. 

The 12-hr online training must be completed to attend classroom training beginning October 10. To register, go online to Benton County Oregon CERT training. 

For more details, please contact cert@bentoncountyor.gov or leave a message at 541-766-6050.

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CORVALLIS, Ore. – On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at approximately 3:40 pm, Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to a two-vehicle double fatality crash on Highway 20, near Blodgett, Oregon.

Investigators determined 26-year-old Shylene Olsen, of Corvallis, was driving eastbound on Highway 20 in a white 2020 Hyundai Ioniq when she crossed the center line and collided with 31-year-old Anna Kelley, of Waldport, driving westbound in a blue 2010 Toyota Highlander.

Both drivers were pronounced deceased at the scene. Two minor children in the Toyota were transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

Highway 20 near milepost 42 was closed for approximately three hours while investigators processed the scene. 

BCSO would like to thank the Philomath Police Department, Philomath Fire Department, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police, Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplains, Blodgett Fire Department, Corvallis Police Department, and Corvallis Fire Department for their assistance with this incident.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Benton County multi-agency crash team. If you have any additional information or witnessed the crash, please contact BCSO at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or their tip line at 541-753-8477, re: case #2024-2228.

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