Police in Gresham are investigating a series of thefts and robberies which have targeted local retailers.  Surveillance footage captured the suspect, who is described as 18-25 years old, 5’6”-5’9” tall, and weighing about 120 pounds, jumping over the checkout to steal cash from the register.  Anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to email Gresham Police Sgt. Adam Oblack at

lack@GreshamOregon.gov">Adam.Oblack@GreshamOregon.gov

Oct. 13, 2025

Media Contact: Communications@employ.oregon.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY

Oregon Employment Department adjusts monthly media plans amid federal shutdown

Salem, Ore. – Due to the ongoing federal shutdown, the Oregon Employment Department (OED) is unable to share some labor market data and is adjusting its monthly economic reporting and media activities for the week of Oct. 13-17.

Although the unemployment rate and nonfarm payroll data for Oregon in September is not available during the shutdown, OED will share what data is available in its regularly scheduled statewide press release on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The department will not host a media briefing this week, but will release a media statement on Thursday, Oct. 16 with agency updates, including the latest Unemployment Insurance claims data and an upgrade to Frances Online functionality for employers.

This situation continues to change quickly, and OED will continue to adapt in order to provide the public, our partners, and the media with accurate economic and labor market information.

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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

Oct. 13, 2025

Media Contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459 PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Conference of Local Health Officials to meet Oct.16

What: The monthly public meeting of the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO).

Agenda: Committee appointments; Elections; Annual CLHO Committee Reports; Federal Funding Updates; Rural Health Transformation Program.

Agenda is subject to change and is posted with meeting materials on the CLHO website at http://www.oregonclho.org/ prior to meeting.

There is no public comment period during this meeting.

When: Thursday, Oct. 16, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Where: This meeting will be virtual via Zoom. Members of the public must register for the meeting here.

Background: The Conference of Local Health Officials provides recommendations to the Oregon Health Authority on the foundational capabilities and programs and any other public health program or activity under ORS 431.340.

Program contact: Liz Hunt, 503-756-5678, liz.a.hunt@oha.oregon.gov

# # #

For people who speak or use a language other than English, people with disabilities or people who need additional support, we can provide free help. Some examples are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages or transcript
• Braille
• Real-time captioning (CART)
• Large print
• Virtual platform change
• Audio and other formats

This meeting will be virtual only. This meeting will screen share and use Word documents, PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations.

Please contact Liz Hunt at 503-756-5678 (voice or text) or liz.a.hunt@oha.oregon.gov by Wednesday, Oct. 15 to request an accommodation.

Oct. 13, 2025

Media Contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459 PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Opioid Settlement Research, Evaluation and Data System Subcommittee to meet Oct. 15

What: A public meeting of the Opioid Settlement Data, Research and Evaluation Subcommittee.

Agenda: The Agenda is here.

When: Oct.15, 2025, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Where: Via Zoom Meeting

Dial by your location

• +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)
• +1 646 828 7666 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 161 551 1946

Passcode: 533818

Background: On August 6, 2025, the OSPTR Board approved the merger of The Data System Subcommittee and the Research and Evaluation Subcommittee.

The purpose of the Opioid Settlement Research, Evaluation and Data System Subcommittee (RED Subcommittee) is to make spending recommendations to the OSPTR board for the research and evaluation and data system allocation categories.

Read more about Oregon’s opioid settlement funds at www.oregon.gov/opioidsettlement.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact the Oregon Opioid Settlement team at 971-678-1036, or OHA.OpioidSettlement@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Oct. 13, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider,971-599-0459, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Prineville Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Prineville Reservoir due to elevated microcystin. The lake is in Crook County.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Prineville Reservoir and enjoy activities such as, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

The risks associated with consuming fish from waters with active blooms where cyanotoxins are present is poorly understood. At this time OHA is recommending that fish, and crayfish in particular, caught from Prineville Reservoir not be consumed. If you do decide to consume fish caught from Prineville Reservoir, we recommend that you remove the fat, viscera, and skin, and rinse the filettes in clean water prior to consumption.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 1-877-290-6767, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

Photos courtesy of the DNA Doe Project. 

PORTLAND, Ore. (13 Oct. 2025) – More than 30 years ago, on August 17, 1992, workers clearing brush near the St. Johns Bridge in North Portland discovered the fully skeletonized remains of a man. Local law enforcement immediately responded to conduct a death investigation, and the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office was called in to help recover the remains.
 

This week, with help from the DNA Doe Project, the remains were positively identified as Bryant Edward Deane, who is believed to have been about 39 years old at the time of his death.

After the remains were transferred to the medical examiner’s office, a forensic pathologist and forensic anthropologist examined the bones and determined the decedent was likely a white male, close to 50 years old, and about 5-foot-2 to 5-foot-5 in height. They noted arthritic changes, several fractures, a marked difference in leg length indicating the man would have walked with a limp, and estimated he had been deceased for about a year before discovery.

The fractures were more pronounced on the left side of the body, suggesting the decedent may have fallen from the bridge or been struck by a vehicle and thrown from the bridge. However, the cause and manner of death remain undetermined.

The clothed remains included a maroon fleece-lined jacket, dark denim pants, MacGregor brand ankle boots, and gray and brown cotton gloves on both hands, suggesting the man died during the winter. Brown hair was found near the remains. A dental examination showed evidence of restorations.

Unfortunately, there were no leads on the man’s identity, and the case went cold.

As with other unidentified remains cases, some progress was made over the years, but the case only advanced significantly with developments in genetic genealogy.

In 2011, a NamUs profile (UP#8259) was created, and DNA results were uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), though no matches were found.

In 2019, more extensive short tandem repeat (STR) DNA testing was completed, resulting in the addition of Y-STR (male-specific) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profiles to CODIS. Despite these efforts, no matches were made.

In February 2024, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office partnered with the DNA Doe Project, which offered pro bono assistance. The organization secured funding for advanced DNA extraction and sequencing.

In March 2025, Astrea Forensics produced a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profile, which was uploaded to the GEDmatch Pro database. The enhanced profile indicated North Atlantic, Baltic, and western Mediterranean heritage. DNA Doe Project volunteers began the process of investigative genetic genealogy.

In June, the SNP profile was uploaded to the FamilyTreeDNA database to find additional matches. Soon after, volunteers began narrowing in on a match by researching family records, old newspaper clippings, and other sources. By August, they had identified a potential match and possible relatives to contact.

The medical examiner’s office reached out to the decedent’s presumed brother, who had not been in contact with him since the mid-to-late 1970s. He agreed to provide a DNA sample for comparison.

In October 2025, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the remains as those of Bryant Edward Deane, born Aug. 2, 1952.

Based on the totality of genetic and circumstantial evidence, Dr. Sean Hurst, Oregon’s chief medical examiner, positively identified the remains. Next of kin have been notified. The Portland Police Bureau has been made aware of the positive identification in the case.

“This case was cold for 33 years,” said Hailey Collord-Stalder, forensic anthropologist with the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office. “Bryant’s parents passed in 2017 and 2019, respectively, never knowing what happened to their son. His family left a space for him on their headstone; now he can finally be laid to rest with his family.”

The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office is grateful for the work of the DNA Doe Project and its volunteers, who are committed to restoring names to unidentified persons. The project continues to assist the office on several other cases.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and to other law enforcement agencies throughout the state. 

On October 8, 2025, just before 10:00 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies patrolling on SW Tualatin Valley Highway near SE 48th Avenue in Hillsboro saw the driver of a 2019 Dodge Journey commit a traffic violation. While trying to pull the vehicle over, the driver began eluding.

The driver headed into neighborhoods near SW 170th Avenue and SW Ivy Glenn Street, where a caller reported the Dodge abandoned in the street. Deputies set up containment in the area and requested assistance from a K9 and a drone.

Deputies located all four occupants of the Dodge. Two were found on a side street, while Corporal Terry and K9 Griff found the remaining two hiding in bushes outside a home. All four were determined to be juveniles, and the Dodge was reported stolen out of Forest Grove.

The Dodge was returned to the registered owner, and the juveniles were referred to the Washington County Juvenile Department.

If you witnessed this incident and have not spoken to investigators, please contact the Sheriff's Office through non-emergency dispatch referencing case number 50-25-14211.

Good morning,

Here is the current Kaiser Permanente statement about the 5-day OFNHP strike scheduled to begin tomorrow morning and last through Sunday morning. The statement references the national Alliance of Healthcare Unions, of which OFNHP is a member. 

I will share updated/new versions of our statement through Flash Alert as they are available.

As you are covering the strike at our hospitals and clinics this week, thank you in advance for only filming off of our property, to protect the privacy of our patients and staff. 

Thanks!
Debbie

Kaiser Permanente Statement 10.13.2025

Since May, we’ve been actively working with the Alliance of Health Care Unions to reach new national and local agreements in support of nearly 61,000 dedicated employees. At the heart of this negotiation is a dispute about wages.
 
A Strong, Comprehensive Offer
We’ve recognized our employees’ hard work and responded with a strong proposal that provides immediate benefits. Alliance-represented employees currently earn, on average, 16% more than peers elsewhere. Our latest offer increases their already above-market wages by an additional 21.5% over the four-year contract. The offer also enhances employees’ high-value medical plans and retiree benefits—benefits that have long made Kaiser Permanente an employer of choice. We value every member of our team and our history of collaboration with labor unions. 
 
The Alliance began bargaining seeking a 38% wage increase over four years and now demands 25%—a figure out of step with today’s economic realities and rising health care costs. This would dramatically increase the current $6.3 billion annual payroll and lead to higher rates for members and customers, with serious market implications. Our 21.5% offer will increase payroll for this group by nearly $2 billion in total by 2029. To support this level of increase, we’re reducing internal costs and optimizing operations. Anything beyond 21.5% will require us to further increase rates for our members and customers, at a time when health care costs are increasingly unaffordable and many are having to make the difficult choice to go without coverage. We have a responsibility to do the right thing for our employees and our members and customers.
 
Strike Is Unnecessary and Disruptive
We respect the Alliance and value their members—our employees—for the vital role they play caring for our 12.5 million members. A strike is unnecessary when a generous offer is on the table. It is designed to disrupt the lives of our patients—the very people we are all here to serve. 
 
Since May, we’ve worked to reach new national and local agreements—achieving 52 tentative agreements, holding over 900 local bargaining sessions, and reaching comprehensive agreements at 17 of 54 local tables. We’ve enhanced proposals, initiated mediation, and extended bargaining. Even after receiving 10-day strike notices, we continued negotiating, seeking agreement.
 
Unfortunately, the Alliance has made little meaningful progress. Despite our best efforts to reach a fair agreement that supports our employees and sustains high-quality, affordable care, some of the Alliance unions have called a strike that serves no one, least of all, our members and patients. Importantly, not all of the Alliance unions currently in negotiations will be taking part in the strike, those that do represent about 43,000 workers. Many of our staff have shared that they do not intend to take part in the strike.
 
We are actively preparing for a five-day strike in California, Oregon, and Hawaii from 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 14 to 7:00 a.m. Sunday, October 19. We expect normal operations to resume afterward.
 
Prepared to Maintain Care During Strike
For months, we’ve been preparing contingency plans to ensure members continue receiving safe, high-quality care if a strike occurs. During a strike, our hospitals, medical and dental offices and pharmacies will remain open. Members also have 24/7 access to same-day care through Get Care Now on our mobile app.
 
In some cases, we are shifting appointments to virtual care (phone, video, e-chat) and may need to reschedule certain appointments, elective surgeries, and procedures. Our facilities will be staffed by physicians, experienced managers, and trained staff, with added licensed contract professionals as needed. We are onboarding up to 7,600 nurses, clinicians, and other staff to work during the strike, the majority of whom have worked at Kaiser Permanente before. In addition, more than 1,000 of our employees have volunteered to be reassigned to work in strike locations. 
 
Members can find the latest updates on care impacts at kp.org.
 
We remain committed to bargaining in good faith for a fair agreement that balances fair pay with high-quality, affordable care. We will continue providing the care our members rely on while honoring employees and protecting patients.
 
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APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

To view the Applicant Review Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve September 24, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Ziji Donahoo, DPSST No. 66742; ODOC/Oregon State Police

    Presented by Cindy Park

4. Juan Rios, DPSST No. 66172; ODOC/Oregon State Penitentiary

    Presented by Cindy Park

5. Davon Taylor, DPSST No. 66344; ODOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution

    Presented by Cindy Park

6. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only

    Presented by Cindy Park

7. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – November 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Applicant Review Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nationally Recognized Artist, Douwe Blumberg, to Host Event Discussing New Art Installation

Blumberg’s newest sculpture, Confluence, will be installed on October 15^th in Happy Valley

Happy Valley, OR [October 13, 2025] – On Wednesday, October 15^th nationally renowned artist Douwe Blumberg will be in Happy Valley overseeing the installation of his latest artwork, Confluence. The sculpture features three birds, finished with different metals, swooping together and climbing up into the sky.

“A confluence can be the coming together – a meeting or gathering of peoples, cultures and ethnicities,” said Blumberg. “A confluence can mean the flowing together of waters, streams or rivers. Confluence can also mean the merging or joining of paths and trails. It also brings to mind the seamless joining and counterplay of the flight paths of birds spiraling skyward as they ride the rising air currents of an afternoon thermal.”

The Kentucky based artist has had pieces commissioned across the country as well as internationally. His most famous piece, America’s Response Monument, was dedicated in 2012 and commemorates Special Forces operations in Afghanistan during the opening days of Operation Enduring Freedom. The piece now overlooks the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.

The October 15^th event will feature a conversation with the artist near the Confluence installation site. Members of the Happy Valley Public Art Committee, who selected the piece from over 250 submissions, as well as members of Happy Valley City Council will also be in attendance. Members of the community are encouraged to attend to learn more about the artist, the sculpture, and the work of the Public Art Committee.

“The location for this artwork was the historic entry point to Happy Valley, the confluence of roads bringing people into our community,” said Tom Ellis, Mayor of Happy Valley. “We’re thrilled to feature Mr. Blumberg’s work here where our residents will be able to admire it for years to come.”

Event Details:

·       What: Discussion with the artist Douwe Blumberg, on his piece Confluence

·       When: Wednesday, October 15^th at 4:00 pm

·       Where: Rebstock Park - 12915 SE King Road, Happy Valley, OR 97086

·       Interview Opportunities: Artist Douwe Blumberg, members of the Happy Valley Public Art Committee, Members of City Council

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Stanford historian Ana Raquel Minian to deliver keynote on immigration and resilience; Mano a Mano honored with Peacemaker of the Year Award

Salem, Ore., September 17, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College will host the 2025 Salem Peace Lecture, Holding on to Hope: Navigating the Crisis of Detention and Deportation, featuring acclaimed historian Ana Raquel Minian, Ph.D., of Stanford University. The event will take place this Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Chemeketa Auditorium, Building 6, on the Salem Campus. Admission is free and open to the public.

Dr. Minian, a professor of history at Stanford University and award-winning author of In the Shadow of Liberty: The Invisible History of Immigrant Detention, is widely recognized for her groundbreaking scholarship on immigration, borderlands, and the human consequences of detention and deportation policies. Her work highlights the lived experiences of immigrant communities, blending rigorous research with compelling narratives that illuminate the challenges—and resilience—of those navigating migration systems.

In addition to the keynote lecture, the evening will include the presentation of the 2025 Peacemaker of the Year Award to Mano a Mano, a local nonprofit recognized for its compassionate leadership and creative programming that uplift Latino/a/x community members.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Minian to Chemeketa, and to celebrate the inspiring work of Mano a Mano,” said Jon Mathis, Ph.D., Executive Director of Chemeketa’s Bridging Institute. “This event exemplifies Chemeketa’s mission to create a place of peace, belonging, and opportunity for all members of our community.”

The Salem Peace Lecture is one of the community’s most anticipated annual events, offering reflection, dialogue, and recognition of those who advance peace and justice. Parking is available on campus, and guests are encouraged to review Chemeketa’s campus map for directions to Building 6.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 17,500 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Monday, October 13, 2025

BEND, OR — Just below our feet, there is a universe that is busy, active and alive. On Saturday, October 18, the High Desert Museum invites visitors of all ages to explore the interconnected, underground world of soil in the original exhibition, Soil Alive!

Soil is made from minerals, air, water and decaying bits of organisms. But soil is not just a bed of crunched up rocks and other materials. Soil is alive.

Presented in English and Spanish, Soil Alive! is a family-friendly, interactive exhibition, taking visitors on a subterranean journey. On the way, they will encounter mycorrhizal networks, burrowing animals and microscopic organisms.

“Soil Alive! beckons visitors underground to explore a world that is hidden from sight,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “We wanted to convey the excitement of this habitat, so people learn that soil is a living, breathing and busy world that is integral to the health and stability of our ecosystem.”

Like fingerprints, every region’s soil is unique. Many factors inform a soil’s individual characteristics. These factors can range from volcanic eruptions and historic floods to droughts, snowfall and wildfires. Soil is also the result of living organisms, which perform a delicate exchange of moisture, nutrients and sugar. 

It’s this idea that Soil Alive! hopes to communicate above any other — that healthy soils are the result of thousands of relationships. These relationships are seemingly endless: between ponderosa pine tree roots and mycorrhizal networks; between pygmy rabbits and sagebrush shrubs; between farmers and ground-nesting bees; between soil crusts and native grasses; between beavers and cattails. The relationships transform simple dirt into living soil. 

Located in the Brooks Gallery of the Museum, the exhibition will be organized into four sections, or landscapes: the Ponderosa Pine Forest, Sagebrush Steppe, Alfalfa Seed Field and Flooded Wetlands. Each of the landscapes has a Soil Ambassador, a cute creature who welcomes visitors and guides them on their underground adventure. The Beaver, Alkali Bee, Pygmy Rabbit and Pogie the Fungus will show off their homes in the High Desert.

Dim light and amplified soil sounds recorded from underground such as clicks and rustling will greet families as they enter a tunnel-like passageway, giving the illusion that they are traveling underground. Visitors will learn about the four landscapes, meet the ambassador animals and discover different types of soil before venturing deeper into the gallery.

The exhibition itself is packed with interactive, hands-on elements that allow visitors to see, touch, hear and even smell life underground. From soil recipes and smell stations to digital experiences, families will learn that no matter what the individual characteristics may be, all soils have one important thing in common: They form the foundation of the West’s ecosystems.  

In the Sagebrush Steppe, a giant magnifying glass can be pointed at a wall-sized digital illustration, enlarging soil areas and illuminating organisms living in the biotic crust or living layer of the soil. Information bubbles pop into view as the Pygmy Rabbit, who lives below the sagebrush plants, explains that while the soil is dry, it grows some of the rabbit’s favorite foods including shrubs and flowers.

Over in the Ponderosa Pine Forest, Pogie the Fungus will encourage visitors to help mycelium “arms” connect their home in one root system to a ponderosa sapling nearby using hand gestures. The motion-activated, wall-sized feature illustrates how the fungi give the tree nutrients and water in return for sugar. As a result, the sapling and mycelium flourish on screen.

In addition to showcasing the wonders of this subterranean community, Soil Alive! digs into the issue of invasive species such as the jumping worm and cheatgrass.

Jumping worms eat the top layer of the soil, turning the soil’s texture into coffee grounds, which causes the soil to lose moisture. Invasive plants such as cheatgrass have shallow roots, stealing moisture from the soil’s top layer. Visitors will learn how to protect and conserve soil, including staying on designated trails, growing native plants and letting those pesky piles of fallen leaves become homes for small mammals and insects.

Soil Alive! promises to be a captivating and enlightening experience for Museum visitors of all ages, offering a glimpse into a subterranean universe full of activity and brimming with life.  

Soil Alive! is open through March 29, 2026. The exhibition is made possible by the Oregon Invasive Species Council, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and Gold 107.7 FM, with support from Waypoint Hotel.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: 

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. 

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On October 10th at approximately 1:45 PM, deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported vehicle crash involving two vehicles near mile 12 on Elk City Road in rural Lincoln County. Early information received indicated after the vehicle collision gun fire was exchanged between both vehicles involved.

Partner law enforcement agencies from the from the surrounding area responded to the evolving incident.

At approximately 2:01 PM, Officers with Toledo Police Department located Jacob Barnhart near mile post 12 on Elk City Road with his vehicle. The Officer provided first aid for a gun shot wound to the leg and requested helicopter transport. Mr. Barnhart was safely transported to Eddyville where he was transferred into the medical helicopter and flown to Good Samaritan Hospital-Corvallis. Mr. Barnhart was able to provide vehicle and suspect description of the other party involved.

Law enforcement agencies continued to investigate and search a wide regional area for the described vehicle and reported male driver.

At approximately 5:45 PM, law enforcement received information of an additional report for a gunshot wound in the 100 block of Jacobson Rd, rural Lincoln County. This location was in close proximity to the original traffic crash and shooting. Law enforcement members arrived and contacted Dyllan Nicholas Thompson age 27 of Toledo, OR and learned he was injured from a reported gunshot wound to the leg. Mr. Thompson reported he was involved in a vehicle crash earlier in the day while traveling on Elk City Rd. Mr. Thompson was assessed and medical attention was recommended for his injury. Mr. Thompson was detained and transported to Samaritan Pacific Community Hospital in Newport where was treated for his injury. Mr. Thompson was interviewed by investigators and subsequently arrested for Assault in the First Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

This incident remains under investigation. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like anyone who was traveling or in the area of Elk City Road on October 10 between 1-2PM to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777.

The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police, Toledo Police, Newport Police, Lincoln City Police, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Philomath Police and the Lincoln County Major Crime Team which includes members of the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.

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On 10/10/2025 at 7:21pm Kelso Police officers, assisted by the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office, Longview Police Department, Woodland Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol, responded to South Kelso Drive near Alma Drive in Kelso, Washington, for a vehicle versus pedestrian collision. The pedestrian, a 47 year old male kelso resident, died at the scene. The driver, identified as 45 year old Larry Hole of Kelso, remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation. Mr Hole was arrested and booked into the Cowlitz County Jail for Vehicular Homicide, Driving Under the Influence, and Knowingly Possess Controlled Substance. This incident is still under investigation.  The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Cowlitz County Coroner's office.

The Vancouver Police are seeking assistance locating a missing adult, Miguel Angel Bagley. Bagley is potentially medically endangered. Bagley is 71 years old, 5'8 and 210lbs with brown eyes and has a tan complexion. He was last seen in the area of the 1800 Blk of St. Johns Blvd on 10/08/2025. If you have information on Bagley's whereabouts please call 911.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Military Department sponsored the 2025 Oregon Labor Summit today at the Oregon Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Salem, bringing together service members, educators, industry partners, and community leaders to strengthen connections between military training and civilian workforce opportunities.

The Labor Summit served as a bridge between the Oregon National Guard and Oregon's business community, showcasing how military training translates directly into valuable workforce skills through hands-on demonstrations and static displays highlighting the diverse specialties available in the Guard.

Senior leaders and service members from both the Oregon Army and Air National Guard participated in presentations demonstrating the jobs, skills, and benefits the National Guard offers to employers in the local business community.

"This summit links education and workforce pipelines with Oregon National Guard talent, turning military training into apprenticeships and career pathways that bolster Oregon's economy and communities," said Col. Philip DeMontigny during his remarks to attendees.

The event featured extensive participation from career and technical education organizations, with Skills USA and the Oregon Career and Technical Education Student Leadership Foundation playing significant roles alongside the Oregon Department of Education. Representatives from Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), including Skills USA, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), DECA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and the Technology Student Association (TSA), attended the summit.

Industry partners from healthcare, construction, aviation, logistics, information technology, and public service sectors explored how Guard members bring valuable leadership skills, technical training, and strong work ethics to civilian workplaces.

Gov. Tina Kotek addressed attendees, emphasizing the partnership between the state and private sector in supporting Guard members. "Beyond supporting careers and filling critical workforce gaps, we are proving that serving your country and building your future are not separate paths. They are part of the same mission, and I fully support that," Kotek said.

Jeff Rhoades from the Oregon Department of Education's Office of Education, Innovation & Improvement also spoke, thanking educators and CTSO advisors for their dedication to empowering students and preparing them for future-ready careers.

The Oregon Military Department's sponsorship of the Labor Summit underscores its commitment to community partnerships and workforce development, aligning with the organization's strategic vision to be "the partner of choice within our communities, state, nation, and internationally," said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon.

Released B-Roll Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/984745/oregon-military-department-sponsors-2025-labor-summit

Released Photos:

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Col. (promotable) Philip DeMontigny addresses attendees during the 2025 Oregon Labor Summit at the Oregon Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Ore., Oct. 10, 2025. The summit brought together service members, educators, industry partners, and community leaders to showcase how military training translates into civilian workforce skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Dahmen shows industry partners a system the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) member uses to enhance the team's situational awareness in responding to an event during the 2025 Oregon Labor Summit at the Oregon Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Ore., Oct. 10, 2025. The summit brought together service members, educators, industry partners, and community leaders to showcase how military training translates into civilian workforce skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Mahnesmith, an infantryman, helps Coral Smith with the Oregon Department of Corrections recruitment try on a combat load of equipment during the 2025 Oregon Labor Summit at the Oregon Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Ore., Oct. 10, 2025. The summit brought together service members, educators, industry partners, and community leaders to showcase how military training translates into civilian workforce skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Participants try out the latest white phosphorus night vision devices in a darkened room during the 2025 Oregon Labor Summit at the Oregon Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Ore., Oct. 10, 2025. The summit brought together service members, educators, industry partners, and community leaders to demonstrate how military training translates into skills relevant to the civilian workforce. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek addresses attendees during the 2025 Oregon Labor Summit at the Oregon Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Ore., Oct. 10, 2025. The summit brought together service members, educators, industry partners, and community leaders to showcase how military training translates into civilian workforce skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek shakes hands with U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Martin, a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Packag (CERFP) team member, in front of an equipment display during the 2025 Oregon Labor Summit at the Oregon Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Ore., Oct. 10, 2025. The summit brought together service members, educators, industry partners, and community leaders to showcase how military training translates into civilian workforce skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Participants gather for a group photo inside the hangar during the 2025 Oregon Labor Summit at the Oregon Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Ore., Oct. 10, 2025. The summit brought together service members, educators, industry partners, and community leaders to showcase how military training translates into civilian workforce skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

DOGAMI and USGS to collect geophysical data in northeastern Oregon

Baker City, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) and the U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) have contracted with Merrick-Surdex JV and New-Sense Geophysics to collect airborne geophysical data over portions of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho. This airborne geophysical[1] data is being collected as part of the USGS’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (EarthMRI) to support research into Oregon’s critical minerals, water resources, and geologic hazards.

Who is conducting these surveys?

DOGAMI is an independent agency of the state of Oregon. DOGAMI develops maps, reports, earth science data, and other geographical information to help Oregonians understand the state’s unique geologic setting, geologic history, manage its natural resources, and prepare for natural hazards. Learn more about DOGAMI’s role in Oregon and explore geologic publications at the agency website, https://www.oregon.gov/dogami.

The USGS is a U.S. federal agency that works to provide objective and impartial science to resource managers, emergency response, and the public. EarthMRI is an initiative within the USGS Mineral Resources Program that aims to modernize mapping of the Nation’s surface and subsurface to deliver high-quality data to advance the understanding of the Nation’s geology and mineral resources, and to inform decisions about how the Nation will meet its evolving needs. https://www.usgs.gov/news/state-news-release/media-alert-low-level-flights-image-geology-over-portions-blue-mountains

When and where will these surveys be conducted?

The geophysical data collection flights will be conducted over portions of the Blue Mountains and adjacent areas in northeastern Oregon and western Idaho. Flights began in early October and will continue until snowfall begins to impact data quality. Flights will resume in the Spring of 2026 and continue through the Summer of 2026.

Geophysical data will be collected over portions of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho.

Geophysical data will be collected by a helicopter with instruments on a forward mounted boom.

How will DOGAMI use this data?

Airborne geophysical data is essential information needed to produce new high-resolution geologic maps, better understand geologic hazards such as earthquakes, and inventory and manage natural resources, such as groundwater and critical minerals. Northeast Oregon is a key focus area for DOGAMI to conduct geologic mapping due to the importance of conservation and sustainability of water resources and the strategic need to identify critical minerals necessary for modern technologies, economies, and national security.

High-resolution geophysical data from the Pendleton area of northeast Oregon was used by DOGAMI to create detailed geologic maps showing the distribution of faults. See McClaughry and Azzopardi (2023) for more information. https://pubs.oregon.gov/dogami/gms/p-GMS-129.htm The upper image here shows fault lines mapped using a total-field high-resolution aeromagnetic anomaly map shown in the lower image.

Will these surveys cause any disturbances on the ground, and will any additional information over the target areas be collected during data acquisition?

• No. All sensors used in the collection of data for these surveys are passive recording devices with no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life.
• No photographic or video images will be collected during survey operations.
• Aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots specially trained and approved for low-level flying.

###

Oct. 10, 2025

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Oregon Cannabis Commission meets via Zoom Oct. 15

What: A Zoom meeting for the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: The full agenda will be available at www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Zoom Meeting. Members of the public may join remotely by phone at 1-669-254-5252; Meeting ID: 160 016 6803 Passcode: 721911

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission provides advice to Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission regarding Oregon Administrative Rules that govern medical cannabis as well as retail cannabis as it pertains to patients and caregivers.  Additionally, the commission is tasked with developing a long-term strategic plan for ensuring that cannabis will remain a therapeutic and affordable option for patients and monitoring federal laws, regulations, and policies regarding cannabis.

Visit www.Healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written material in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Megan Lockwood at 503-621-4042, 711 TTY or .lockwood@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">megan.r.lockwood@oha.oregon.gov at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is requesting applications for two openings on the Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees.

The terms for the positions begin on Jan. 2, 2026, and end Dec. 31, 2027.

The Board of Trustees oversees the work of the Clark County Mosquito Control District. The board establishes policy, manages expenditures, and approves contracts for services.

The Board of Trustees is comprised of one member from each city or town in Clark County and three at-large members appointed by the Clark County Council. 

The board meets on the second Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December. The meetings begin at 7 pm and are currently being held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual attendance available.

Applicants should send a résumé and letter of interest to Jake Goodwin, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000. Applications also can be sent by email to jake.goodwin@clark.wa.gov.

Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

For more information, visit the Board of Trustees website.

Vancouver, WA – October 12, 2025 – Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of serious illness and death among women—especially among women of color and those in rural communities. To raise awareness and funds for breast health education, and funds for early detection, financial assistance, and emotional/psychological support programs, Pink Lemonade Project has been named the beneficiary of the 19th Annual Girlfriends Run/Walk by WHY Racing Events at the scenic Vancouver Waterfront.

More than 2,000 participants will gather to celebrate, honor, and pay tribute to those affected by breast cancer. Funds raised will directly support Pink Lemonade Project programs serving patients and families across Southwest Washington and Oregon.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, breast cancer screening rates have dropped by more than 10%. Meanwhile, more young women are being diagnosed with aggressive forms of the disease. Communities of color and rural populations are being disproportionately affected.

Today, 1 in 7 women in the Northwest will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and 1% of men will also face the disease. Nationally, an estimated 42,000–48,000 women will die from breast cancer this year alone.

“The need for breast health education and programs has never been greater,” said Susan Stearns, Chief Executive Officer of Pink Lemonade Project. “We are evolving and growing to fill critical gaps by working alongside healthcare systems, community organizations, public health organizations, faith communities, and so many more to improve access to care, survivorship, and quality of life for those impacted. Today, people need more support than ever through diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and beyond.” Since 2020, demand for Pink Lemonade Project’s services has risen by 292%.

“Our partnership with Pink Lemonade Project has personal meaning for me,” said Karissa Schoene, owner of WHY Racing Events. “The Girlfriends event was created to honor and support my mother, Joleen Skarberg, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 19 years ago. She continues to run every year with her daughters, sisters, nieces, cousins, and girlfriends.”

The Girlfriends event offers a Half Marathon, 10K, and 6K run/walk. Participants are encouraged to sign up and donate at whyracingevents.com/girlfriends-run/.

About Pink Lemonade Project

Pink Lemonade Project, founded in 2010 by Drs. Allen & Cassie Gabriel, educates, empowers, and supports all communities affected by breast cancer. The purpose is to provide the region, newly diagnosed patients, survivors, those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer, and their families with programs and services to enable them to navigate their breast cancer journey. Pink Lemonade Project supported 4,226 people last year with a budget of $1.2 million in revenue. Learn more at pinklemonadeproject.org

VANCOUVER, Wash.– The VA Portland Health Care System unveiled its newly restored iconic Vietnam War-era helicopter, “Lady Bell,” at a ceremony held at the Vancouver VA campus, Sept. 25.

Lady Bell, a UH-1 Iroquois “Huey,” is believed to have first served in Vietnam with Company D, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion.

She flew a total of three years and one month in Vietnam before returning to Fort Rucker, Alabama, in February 1972. Withdrawn from active duty in March 1973, she later served with the Wyoming National Guard and Kentucky National Guard before transferring to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for firefighting duty.

In June and July, Lady Bell underwent an extensive restoration that included cleaning, inspection, sanding, refinishing, and re-making with insignia reflecting her service history. While not technically accurate, she now carries both Army and Navy markings, signifying her new role as a medical evacuation aircraft tribute stationed at a VA Medical Center.

“When I heard Lady Bell was in need of attention, I was thrilled to give back what had been given to me during my time in the Navy in service to others,” said James Donnelly, architect and healthcare engineer with VA Portland Health Care System. “I have been around planes much of my life because my dad was in aviation, so I have a sentimentality, but mostly I wanted to help those who see displays such as the Lady Bell as a beacon of hope in healing old wounds.”

The UH-1 Iroquois “Huey,” produced from 1956 to 1987, is one of the most iconic military helicopters in U.S. history. With more than 60 years of service, the Huey carried soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen into battle, evacuated the wounded, and brought many home. The restored Lady Bell now stands as a memorial to those who served in Vietnam and beyond.

Donnelly’s restoration effort was supported by a team of VA Portland employees who volunteered their time and energy. What began as Donnelly sharing his expertise became a labor of love. “Many people made many sacrifices, specifically in Vietnam,” Donnelly said. “Medevac aircraft like Lady Bell served as a beacon of hope to those most in need.”

Media: Here is a raw interview with Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner that you are free to use. We ask as a courtesy that you not run the contents without editing.

https://vimeo.com/1126300062/82f7f9c970Interview

On October 6, a home in the Bethel area belonging to Asian community members was burglarized during the daytime while occupants were working at their Eugene business. Case (25-16245). Eugene Police have been dedicating substantial, ongoing resources to investigating similar crimes that appear to be the work of a group of foreign nationals.

The investigation revealed a brief video that captured a person posing to be a pizza delivery driver shortly before all cameras malfunctioned simultaneously. 

Investigators were led to a local pizzeria that happened to be near the victim’s place of business.  Additional footage was located that showed the suspect and the possible involved vehicle. Detectives uploaded the vehicle into the ALPR system and found it had travelled in the area of the burglary on the day the crime took place. 

With sustained investigative effort, detectives began searching for the vehicle. The system revealed hits on the vehicle in Eugene.  Combining a great deal of hard work and some luck, detectives were able to eventually locate the suspect vehicle in the afternoon of October 8 in south Eugene.

EPD detectives watched the vehicle and the following day, October 9, detectives followed it north to several other cities including Corvallis, Salem, and Keizer where it was joined by two other vehicles. 

ALPR access from multiple jurisdictions was crucial in confirming the presence and locations of the suspect vehicles at various times that day. 

While maintaining observation of the vehicles and suspects, one vehicle was believed to have committed a residential burglary in west Salem.  EPD detectives aided Salem Police with the initial investigation and the two agencies worked together.

Detectives traced the suspects to the 2400 block of Skyline Boulevard in Eugene and with the assistance of patrol resources, monitored the location until a search warrant could be submitted to a local judge.

The search warrant was granted.  and on October 9, Eugene Police SWAT served the search warrant. At the initial announcement of the warrant service, at least seven people fled the residence but were all eventually apprehended. During this, a phone alert went out to the area advising residents to shelter in place.

EPD Investigators and analysis work have confirmed all four known suspect vehicles matched the same timing and path of travel through neighboring states before arriving in Oregon. ALPR technology has been instrumental in identifying these multi-state crime groups. 

“In this particular investigation the ALPR technology was a critical investigative tool in providing a turning point to help solve this case,” said Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner. “This is an example of how this technology can serve victims of crime in a more effective and efficient way. The burglaries affecting Asian business owners and their families throughout Eugene and other Oregon jurisdictions has been a focal point for our police department and we are so pleased that we were able to bring this to a resolution.”

The investigation remains active. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

Arrested for Burglary in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Burglary in the First Degree and lodged at Lane County Jail were:

27-year-old Steven Alexander Quirogasolano

31-year-old Robinson Camacho Rodriguez

26-year-old William Steven Rodriguez

24-year-old Denison Martinez

27-year-old Jesson Quintero

44-year-old Jhon Alexander Quintero

24-year-old Jhon Quintero

PREVIOUS NEWS RELEASE

October 8, 2025

EPD continues to double down on Burglary ring targeting residential homes

The Eugene Police Property Crimes Unit continues to dedicate detectives and resources to investigating a pervasive burglary series that has targeted residential properties owned by members of the Asian community.  The department is prioritizing public awareness and safety as we are investigating a new, possibly connected burglary of a home in the Bethel area that occurred in the afternoon of October 6.

The new reported burglary in Bethel appears to be connected to a recent string of residential burglaries involving victims within the Asian community. Eugene Police immediately assigned a detective to the most recent case.  Detectives are actively following up on leads and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies.  

Since late 2023, investigators believe approximately 21 Eugene burglaries are the work of an organized group. The suspects, as in previous cases, appear to be foreign nationals.  Similar crimes are occurring across the United States and in multiple jurisdictions within the state of Oregon. Eugene Police detectives have made successful past arrests; some of the arrestees have subsequently been linked to similar crimes in other jurisdictions.

There is information suggesting a new, similar crime group may be operating in Oregon. Suspects are described as screening or surveilling potential victims, then breaking into homes while residents are at work.  Reporting methods include pretending to make deliveries (pizza, food, etc.), posing as gardeners or delivery drivers, or wearing high-visibility attire. Some reports indicate use of signal jammers, disconnecting Wi-Fi, cutting power, or turning breakers off.  Burglaries most often occur through rear entrance, with safes, money and jewelry, and other valuables stolen. 

The department is urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.  We would also like to remind the community of the key crime prevention tips (previously provided, below):

EPD Community Engagement Team offers these additional prevention tips:

• Lock all windows and doors. Use deadbolts on doors that have them
• Install surveillance cameras that will notify you in real time of criminal activity
• Use timers on TVs and lights while away
• Close blinds when away from home and leave exterior lights on at night
• Make the home appear occupied when away or arrange to have someone stay at your house while gone
• Arrange mutual aid with your neighbors, keeping an eye on each other’s properties while you are gone
• Also, schedule vacation house checks while gone. https://www.eugene-or.gov/Search?searchPhrase=Home%20Vacation%20Check%20Application&pageNumber=1&perPage=10&departmentId=-1
• Don’t store large amounts of cash at home. Some criminals have been known to work together and steal large safes. If you have a safe, ensure it is mounted properly and securely
• Be aware of suspicious persons or vehicles around your neighborhood or at your place of business
• Schedule a free Home Vacation Check while away
• Schedule a Home Safety Assessment with the Eugene Police Department’s Community Engagement Team – Use the Eugene Police Community Engagement Team webpage, type in your  address in the widget tool to find your specialist. https://www.eugene-or.gov/944/Community-Engagement-Team

Report ALL non-emergency crimes and suspicious activity to the police at 541-682-5111.

You can also report crimes online at https://epd.mypdconnect.com/

October 10, 2025

Portland, OR- The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is sending letters to more than a thousand Portland area victims who may have been sex trafficked on the website Backpage.com and its sister website CityXGuide.

The site launched in 2004, focused mostly on classified ads. But over time, the majority of its revenue came from its ‘adult services’ section. Law enforcement investigators considered it one of the largest online prostitution sites in the world, grossing an estimated $500-million-dollars from the sexual exploitation of countless victims.

In 2018 the federal government seized the site and shut it down. Two of the site’s owners were sentenced to 10 years in prison, a third was sentenced to five years prison. 

The government also seized the assets of the site including bitcoin, which was used as payment for sex trafficking related advertisements and posts. The Department of Justice is now using the money and assets to help survivors heal.

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Glen (JR) Ujifusa, who runs MCDA’s Human Trafficking Division, is spearheading the effort to let local survivors know there may be money available for them to help pay for healing.

Under his direction, the office is reaching out to individuals who may have been exploited and victimized. We are creating a page on our website with helpful links and sending out letters with information on how to apply for the money along with a list of other resources to help them.

He said: “Our office and the Human Trafficking Team strives to be victim-centered and trauma informed. This proactive effort is just one of the ways we try to bring some justice to victims of trafficking. Backpage affected thousands of individuals and was one of the main ways victims were trafficked between 2004 and 2018. We hope we can reach those individuals and provide them with the support they need to help them receive some compensation. We know this does not compare to the physical and mental trauma that has been done. We will continue to support victims of trafficking and work to hold traffickers and buyers accountable for their crimes.” 

Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said, “I am proud of the work of our office to support victims and hope these funds help victims going forward.”

The name of the federal government program that will pay money to survivors is a bit awkward  but we are including it here so the public will know it is real.  It is called Backpage Remission.

In addition, on our webpage we will include a link that allows victims to connect with attorneys providing free legal help with this process. 

It is our sincere hope that everyone who was trafficked on Backpage will apply. Below is a link to the federal webpage which explains the program in greater detail.

https://www.backpageremission.com/en

Need free legal help? Click the link below:

https://www.backpageremissionnetwork.org/

This is a link to the government’s announcement on Backpage.com remission:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-department-justice-announces-compensation-process-victims-trafficked-through-backpagecom#:~:text=To%20date%2C%20Backpage.com%2C,is%20Feb%2C%202%2C%202026.

                                                        ###MCDA###

UPDATE:

Sheriff Michelle Duncan is releasing further information regarding the search of the North Santiam River near the Mill City bridge for the missing 18-year-old male.  The male is now being identified as Karandeep Singh.  Although Singh had several people on scene that were close to him and were kept updated on search efforts, he was not known to have family in the United States.  Deputies worked with the Consulate of India who were able to notify the family abroad.

Deputies investigating the case learned that Singh was last seen the night before, October 7th, around 10:00 p.m. walking with several friends near the North Santiam River.  He had been drinking and said he was going to get into the river.  Singh did not know how to swim but had been in the shallow waters of the river before.  His friends tried to stop him, but he jumped in the river in an area that was much deeper than where he had been previously.  Two of his friends entered the river and tried to save him but were unsuccessful and lost sight of him.  It was not until the next morning, on October 8th, that his friends reported the incident to a third person, and it was eventually reported to law enforcement.  Part of the delay was due to a language barrier.

Recovery efforts for Singh began the morning of October 9th, when the Water Rescue Team divers began their search of the river where the male was believed to have entered.  The team was unable to get a traditional boat to this area, so three divers on a rescue watercraft searched the area, first with an underwater camera. Divers then dove areas they could not get to with the camera.  They searched under and around large boulders where the body could have been stuck.  The waters in this particular area are running very fast with a large amount of underwater debris and entanglement hazards, so the divers had to use extreme caution while conducting the search.  Before and during the search of the area with divers, multiple deputies from Linn and Marion County searched a larger area of the river with drones. 

Although search efforts have been reduced, deputies plan to continue with periodic drone flights and on-water search efforts by watercraft.  The Linn County Sheriff’s Office expresses their deepest sympathies for Singh’s family and friends.

Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that on October 8, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the Linn County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing person near the edge of the Santiam River in Mill City.

Deputies responded to the area and contacted the witnesses. They learned that an 18-year-old male from Mill City was seen in the Santiam River. According to witnesses, he was pulled into the current and has not been seen since. Witnesses were unable to rescue the male as he was pulled under the water and did not surface.

With this information, multiple deputies began searching the surrounding area and riverbanks on foot, utilizing several drones to aid in the search. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with aerial support using additional drones.

Today, multiple search teams are back on scene, including the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Water Rescue Team, ground search members, and drone operators, as efforts continue to locate the male. Sheriff’s Office divers are using underwater camera equipment to aid in their search for the male.

We are not releasing the name of the subject at this time as we are still attempting to locate the immediate family to update them on our efforts.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at 541-967-3950.

Oct. 10, 2025

Contact: Franny White, 971-349-9539, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov (media inquiries)

Melisa Otrugman ugman@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">melisa.z.otrugman@oha.oregon.gov (meeting information or accommodation)

Sustainable Cost Growth Target for 2026-2030 Workgroup meets Oct. 16

What: The first meeting of a short-term workgroup tasked to review economic trend data and recommend what Oregon’s cost growth target -- a sustainable rate of health care cost growth that serves as a statewide goal to limit annual health care spending increases -- should be for 2026–2030.

When:  Thursday, October 16, 3 – 4:30 p.m.  

Where: This is a virtual meeting.

• Join by Zoom: Meeting ID: 160 701 2101; Passcode: 912607
• Join by Phone: One tap mobile
  • +16692545252,,1607012101 # US (San Jose) or
  • +16468287666,,1607012101 # US (New York)

Agenda:

• Welcome, Introductions
• Workgroup charge and processes
• Overview of Oregon’s Cost Growth Target Program
• Oregon’s cost growth trend relative to the target to-date
• How Oregon’s cost growth target was initially set
• Plan for meeting #2, next steps

Public Comment: There will not be a public comment period held at this meeting. To submit public comment about the cost growth target for 2026-2030 or the Workgroup, please email it to e.CostTarget@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">HealthCare.CostTarget@oha.oregon.gov.

All public comments received will be shared with the Workgroup and posted online.

For more information, please visit the Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target’s website.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Melisa Otrugman ugman@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">melisa.z.otrugman@oha.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

SEASIDE, Ore. – Oct. 10, 2025 – A body discovered on Seaside Beach early this morning has been identified as Wayne Wilson, 64, of Seaside. Wilson was reported missing the evening of Thursday, Oct. 9, prompting an overnight search effort by Seaside Police and Seaside Fire & Rescue.

At 7:37 a.m. this morning, Seaside dispatch received a report of a man found down on the beach near the Avenue A approach. First responders confirmed the individual, identified as Wilson, was deceased and called the Clatsop County Medicolegal Death Investigator to the scene to complete an examination.

Wilson was last seen at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Thursday near his residence in the area of N. Wahanna Road and Broadway Street in Seaside.

The City of Seaside wishes to thank Seaside Fire, Police, and Dispatch for their continual efforts on behalf of the community. The City also extends its gratitude to the community member who took the initiative to call SPD early this morning and report finding Wilson.

end of release

Stayton, Ore. – As of 12:01 am, October 12, 2025, the North Cascade District of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will terminate fire season and end regulated use for forestlands protected by the district, which includes Marion, Clackamas and Multnomah counties and portions of Linn County.

The end of fire season means property owners protected by ODF can burn residential yard debris and burn barrels without a permit. Fire officials caution that, even though fire season is over, they should remain vigilant in fire prevention efforts. This includes refraining from burning on dry, windy days and managing debris burn piles with water and a shovel. Also, never leave a debris burn unattended and make sure it is completely out when finished. 

Fire season requirements for industrial operations are also no longer in effect. However, the burning of slash resulting from forest harvesting operations requires a permit year-round. Check with your local ODF office before lighting a fire to stay safe and avoid escaped debris burns.

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s North Cascade District would like to thank all our landowners, forest operators, the public, and interagency partners for their efforts in fire prevention, detection, and suppression activities this season.

Press Release   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
October 10, 2025

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2025 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AWARDS HONOREES

Celebrating Excellence in Business, Leadership, and Community Impact at The Heathman Lodge

VANCOUVER, Wash.  — The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding businesses and leaders who have made meaningful contributions to the economic growth, vitality, and community spirit of Southwest Washington. 

2025 Award Recipients 

• Start-Up to Watch: OnPoint Removal Services 
  OnPoint Removal Services was honored as the Start-Up to Watch for quickly establishing itself as more than a service company. They have become a responsible partner in building a cleaner and more sustainable Southwest Washington. With a focus on sorting, recycling, and donating usable goods, OnPoint Removal Services demonstrates how business practices can directly support local nonprofits and families in need. Their early growth, reliability, and commitment to community stewardship set them apart. 

• Small Business Award: The Difference Boutique 
  The Difference received the Small Business Award for its dedication to empowering women through personalized styling, confidence-building, and community engagement. By spotlighting local artists and fostering connections beyond retail, The Difference has woven itself into Vancouver’s social fabric, partnering across industries to create lasting impact for clients and the broader community. 

• Large Business Award: Cascades Amphitheater (Live Nation Premium Experiences)
  Cascades Amphitheater earned the Large Business Award for elevating Southwest Washington’s cultural and economic landscape. By bringing world-class entertainment to the region, supporting local nonprofits, mentoring youth through programs like Music Forward, and fostering community engagement, Cascades Amphitheater demonstrates how a global organization can remain deeply rooted locally while driving both economic growth and social impact. 

• Statesperson of the Year: Rep. Kevin Waters (17th Legislative District) 
  Rep. Kevin Waters was recognized for his unique blend of business leadership and public service. A lifelong resident, Waters founded Backwoods Brewing and expanded it into a thriving company. He has served on multiple community boards, as Port of Skamania Commissioner, economic development manager, and now represents the 17th District in the Washington State Legislature. His dedication to economic vitality, public safety, and community values exemplifies the ideal of the Statesperson Award. 

• Manufacturer of the Year: Ryonet 
  Ryonet, a Vancouver-based screen printing supplier founded in 2004, has grown into a global leader in print manufacturing while remaining committed to the local community. Through brands such as Ryonet Manufacturing and Riley Hopkins, the company supports entrepreneurs worldwide and drives innovation in the printing industry, showcasing how a locally rooted manufacturer can have global impact. 

• First Citizen Award: David & Patricia Nierenberg 
  Philanthropists David and Patricia Nierenberg were recognized as the 2025 First Citizens for their extraordinary leadership, philanthropy, and long-standing service to the Vancouver community. Their $20 million support of PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center has expanded the Emergency Department and established the Community Health Hub, significantly improving access to healthcare. They have served on numerous local and national boards, championed education and animal welfare initiatives, and embody the vision and generosity celebrated by the First Citizen Award. 

“The Business & Leadership Awards highlight the creativity, dedication, and leadership that make our community thrive," said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. "Each honoree, whether a business innovator, community advocate, or public servant, represents the talent and drive that keep Southwest Washington moving forward." 

The awards ceremony was held on October 9 at The Heathman Lodge and was live-streamed for a broader audience. The event was supported by generous sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Riverview Bank, along with BBSI, Maddox Industrial Transformer, HAPO Community Credit Union, Alaska Airlines, PeaceHealth, Washington Trust Bank, WSU Vancouver, The Columbian, Perkins & Co, Opsahl Dawson, MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions, and Touchmark. 

For more information on the awards and next year’s sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Chamber at Chamber@VancouverUSA.com" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(0, 79, 89);" target="_blank">YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com or visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/business-leadership-awards.  

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About the Business & Leadership Awards

Introduced in 2012, the Business & Leadership Awards honor outstanding businesses and individuals who exemplify the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s motto of "Moving Business Forward." For over a decade, the southwest Washington business community has celebrated excellence and leadership through these prestigious awards.

About First Citizen Award

Since 1939, the annual First Citizen Award has been presented to a Clark County resident who models the attributes of good citizenship through leadership, action, civic pride, and cultivates inclusive civic engagement practices. These are individuals who, through their business, volunteering, and philanthropic efforts, improve the lives of those in the community by serving first. For more information about the First Citizens through the years, visit:  https://www.vancouverusa.com/first-citizen-award-honorees.

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for more than 135 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com. 

Media Assets: 

• https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZPDz3iScbdRpBzMIO_Mq4jIaQ5iZp-vy?usp=sharing

Oct. 10, 2025

Media Contact: don@employ.oregon.gov">seth.c.gordon@employ.oregon.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY

Oregon Employment Department to host follow-up Unemployment Insurance Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) virtual meeting Oct. 13

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is proposing changes to three Oregon Administrative Rules related to Unemployment Insurance (UI). OED will host a second virtual Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting via Zoom from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, to gather input and recommendations on the proposed rule changes.

You are invited to attend the virtual meeting and can RSVP using the following link: UI Rules Advisory Committee Oct. 13 video conference.

OED has drafted changes to the following rules:

• 471-010-0105 (4) – Customer Information and Disclosure: General Disclosures
• 471-030-0050 (3) – Benefit Payments
• 471-030-0036 – Eligibility factors

The initial meeting was held virtually on Oct. 2, but the committee did not finish discussing proposed changes to 471-030-0036, which defines the weekly eligibility requirements for being able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work.

The meeting on Oct. 13 will focus primarily on proposed changes to section (5), subsection (d), which were not discussed at the initial meeting. These proposed changes are intended to clarify how OED will implement Senate Bill 916 (2025) and administer limited UI benefits to striking workers beginning in 2026.

More information, including the draft rule language, video of the first meeting, and upcoming meeting agenda are available on the OED administrative rules page.

Next steps:

• File proposed rules with Secretary of State: Oct. 24 (proposed)
• Public Comment Period: Nov. 4-Dec. 5
• Public Hearing (virtual): Nov. 19
• File final rules with Secretary of State: Dec. 26 (proposed)
• Rules become effective: January 4, 2026.

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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

AMBOY, WASHINGTON – North Clark Historical Museum is in upper Amboy at 21416 NE 399^th St. in the renovated 1910 United Brethren Church. The Museum incorporated in 1988 and opened to the public in June of 2000.

Dates:  Friday, October 24^th and Saturday, October 25^th   

Time:   10:00 am until 4:00 pm.

Vendors will provide a variety of hand-crafted items for sale: greeting cards, ornaments, original oil paintings, aprons, baby bibs, journals, memory books, jewelry, woodburning & vinyl decals.  The Museum Store will be open for business. Stop by and find the perfect gift and/or home decor for the upcoming holidays from talented artists and craftspeople.

The vendors donate 10% of their sales to the Museum. The proceeds benefit the Museum’s development, maintenance, and operating expenses.

The museum is wheelchair accessible and has air conditioning. Admission is free. Donations are welcome.

Quilt raffle tickets will be available for “Creamsicle”, a beautiful quilt made by the Chelatchie Quilters. Tickets are $1.00 each. This is the annual fundraiser, and proceeds go to the Capital Improvement Fund, which is being accumulated for a new roof in 2-3 years.

For more information, please contact 360-247-5800 and leave a message or email museumnch88@gmail.com or check out the website at northclarkhistoricalmuseum.com

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The North Clark Historical Museum was founded in 1988 and is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The doors were opened in June of 2000. Mission Statement:   To preserve North Clark County’s natural and cultural history through collections and exhibits, and to sponsor educational programs and research opportunities for the enrichment of the public.

Salem, OR – The State Library Board will meet virtually 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025.  This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Jessica Sokoloff at jessica.sokoloff@slo.oregon.gov. See the agenda below.

Questions or concerns can be addressed to Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian at 503-378-4367 or nelisen@slo.oregon.gov">wendy.cornelisen@slo.oregon.gov. Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested 48 hours before the meeting; notice 72 hours before the meeting is preferred.  Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in an alternate format 72 hours before the meeting.  Requests may be made to Jessica Sokoloff at jessica.sokoloff@slo.oregon.gov.     

October 24, 2025

Virtual

Anne-Marie Deitering, Chair

Agenda

9:00 a.m.         Approval of the Minutes – July 25 Meeting                                        Deitering

9:05                 Public Comment                                                                            

9:10                 Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Hearing                                    Deitering

9:20                 Report of the Board Chair and Members                                          Deitering

9:50                 Report of the State Librarian                                                             Cornelisen

10:00               Budget Report                                                                                   Cornelisen

10:10               Quarterly Statistics                                                                            Cornelisen

10:20               Annual Performance Progress Report (APPR)                                 Cornelisen     

10:30               Break                                                              

10:45               LSTA Council Nominations                                                               Nielsen

10:50               Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse Report (OIFC)            Ottum

11:15               Annual Strategic Plan Report                                                            Cornelisen

11:25               Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Adoption                                   Deitering

11:45               Board Meeting Logistics                                                                    Deitering

Noon               Adjournment                                                                                      Deitering

Any person may address the State Library Board on any topic for up to 3 minutes. The State Library Board does not generally engage in dialog with those making comments but may refer any questions or issues raised to the State Librarian.

NOTE: The times of all agenda items are approximate and subject to change.

Issued on behalf of the Washington County Fire Defense Board, which represents fire agencies throughout Washington County.

Effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, the High-Fire Danger Burn Ban will be officially lifted across Washington County, Oregon. This includes areas served by Banks Fire District #13, Cornelius Fire Department, Forest Grove Fire Department, Gaston Rural Fire District, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. Initially implemented due to an elevated fire risk, the ban is being lifted following recent rainfall, and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has ended the fire season.

Outdoor burning rules vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Refer to each fire agency’s outdoor burning rules or contact the relevant burn information line to ensure compliance with regulations.

Residents planning to conduct backyard burning or businesses conducting commercial agricultural burning must follow all applicable laws from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) regarding burning. Fire departments or districts do not have the authority to enforce air-quality complaints regarding smoke. For more information about DEQ’s laws and guidelines for burning, visit https://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/Pages/Burning.aspx.

The High-Fire Danger Burn Ban is managed by the Washington County Fire Defense Board, which represents fire agencies throughout the county. Burning restrictions are enforced under Oregon Revised Statute 478.960 and Oregon Fire Code 307.

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The Sandy Fire District Board of Directors will hold a regular board meeting on Wednesday, October 15, at 5:00 p.m.  Agenda items include the election of officers and regular monthly division reports.

If you would like to provide public comment during the meeting, please sign up by completing the Sandy Fire District Public Meeting Comments form by Wednesday, October 15, at 2:00 p.m.

The public can attend either by remote video conferencing or in person at the Sandy Fire District Station 71 Annex building (17459 Bruns Ave., Sandy, OR 97055). If you would like to attend online or by phone, please access Sandy Fire’s website for the Zoom meeting link and passcode at: https://sandyfire.org/about/board. 

Oct. 9, 2025

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Health Licensing Office publishes FAQs for sign language interpreter educational, legal and medical licenses

Salem, OR — During the 2025 Legislative Session, Senate Bill 950 (2025) was passed and signed into law by Governor Kotek May 28, 2025.

The new law repeals the sign language interpreter (SLI) educational, legal and medical licenses, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Under the law, SLI educational, legal or medical licenses issued between June 8, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025, will remain valid until Jan. 1, 2029.

This provision allows current license holders three additional years to continue practicing.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the Health Licensing Office (HLO) will no longer issue or renew SLI educational, legal or medical licenses.

To support license holders and the public in understanding these changes, HLO has published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Educational License
• FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Legal License
• FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Medical License

News regarding the Board of Sign Language Interpreters can be found here.  

If you have any questions, please contact: Josh Page at josh.page@oha.oregon.gov, or by calling (503) 934-0720

Oct. 9, 2025

Contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Conference of Local Health Officials Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee meets Oct. 22 via Zoom

What: The monthly public meeting of the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO) Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee.

Agenda:

• Share information on meeting format and requirements.
• Review committee work plan.
• Charter and schedule meetings to suggest updates for approval at a future meeting.
• Discuss moving or canceling Nov. and Dec. meetings due to proximity to holidays.
• Share state and local program updates.

Agenda is subject to change and is posted with meeting materials on the CLHO website at http://www.oregonclho.org/ prior to meeting.

There is no public comment period during this meeting.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. 

Where: This meeting will be a virtual via Zoom. Members of the public must register for the meeting here.  

Background: The Conference of Local Health Officials provides recommendations to Oregon Health Authority on the foundational capabilities and programs and any other public health program or activity under ORS 431.340.

Program contact: Liz Hunt, 503-756-5678, liz.a.hunt@oha.oregon.gov

# # #

For people who speak or use a language other than English, people with disabilities or people who need additional support, we can provide free help.  Some examples are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages or transcript
• Braille
• Real-time captioning (CART)
• Large print
• Virtual platform change
• Audio and other formats

This meeting will be virtual only.  This meeting will screen share and use Word documents, PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations.

Please contact Liz Hunt at 503-756-5678 (voice or text) or liz.a.hunt@oha.oregon.gov by Friday, October 17 to request an accommodation. We will make every effort to provide services to requests after October 17. We accept all relay calls. If you need an accommodation, please contact us right away even if you are only considering attending. The earlier you make a request the more likely we can meet the need.

DALLAS (OR) – James Lawrence Kleinschmit, 55, was sentenced today to serve 275 months (22.9 years) in prison on 12 criminal counts, including rape, sodomy, unlawful sexual penetration, sexual abuse, burglary, and strangulation arising out of a 2024 incident in West Salem.

Kleinschmit, a Salem area transient, was sentenced after a trial last month before  Polk County Circuit Judge Monte S. Campbell, in which the Court convicted him of Rape in the First Degree, Sodomy in the First Degree, Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree (2 counts), Sexual Abuse in the first degree (2 counts), Burglary in the First Degree, Robbery in the Third Degree, Theft in the First Degree, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Strangulation, and Assault in the Fourth Degree. Kleinschmit was sentenced according to Oregon’s Measure 11 mandatory sentencing laws. Consequently, he will not be eligible for any form of early release or sentence reduction. He will also be required to serve a 140 month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release and register as a sex offender.

At trial, the District Attorney’s Office presented evidence that Kleinschmit broke into the victim’s home while she was alone then brutally attacked, raped, and strangled her. He then bound her before stealing her guns, jewelry, and vehicle prior to being located by the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. During sentencing, Judge Campbell described it as, “the most violent rape he has ever seen in his 33 years as a lawyer and a judge.”

The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen of the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. (9 Oct. 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to locate the person(s) responsible for the waste of a cow elk in Lincoln County.

On September 23, 2025, Fish and Wildlife troopers received a report of a deceased cow elk in the Stott Mountain Unit near Fraser Road and the Salmon River Estuary. The cow elk had an arrow lodged in its abdomen and was left to waste.

The investigation determined the elk was likely shot earlier that morning. This unit is open only for the harvest of bull elk during the archery season.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Oregon State Police dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP25-414233.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 for illegally obtaining an Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information, visit the Oregon State Police Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) web page.

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About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multidisciplinary organization charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and to other law enforcement agencies throughout the state. 

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in a Working Session Meeting on Monday, October 13, 2025 at the Parkrose School District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott Street, Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30pm.

Guests and members of the public may attend in-person or virtually. 

Virtual Link - Please click this URL to join: https://zoom.us/j/94961285856 or join by phone: 1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 949-6128-5856

We encourage and welcome all members of our community to engage with our board. Please email questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or call 503.408.2100 to arrange for translation services at least 72 hours before this meeting. Closed captioning provided on zoom. Other appropriate auxiliary aids and services may be provided upon request and appropriate advance notice.

The agenda is posted on our website at: LINK.

Agenda items include but are not limited to: MESD government affairs update, athletics update, integrated guidance annual report, state assessment preview, board budget update, appreciation planning, OSBA convention, introduction and first reading of policy, equity lens training, finalize goals, discuss levy results, and an extended travel request.   

Electronic/Virtual Public Comment Protocol - If you wish to submit a public comment before, or during this Board Meeting please fill out this electronic public comment form before "Public Comments" on the agenda: https://forms.gle/5sUjRZjxJikqmqVg9. If you don’t submit your comment in time we will read it at the next board meeting.

In-Person Public Comment Protocol - Upon arrival at the meeting, please fill out an Intent-to-Speak card and hand it to the Board Assistant prior to "In-person Public Comment" on the agenda. You will have a 3 minute time limit.

Board Meeting Video Recordings - For those of you who cannot attend we will post a recording of the meeting on our website at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXajhxrPxMclOQ6J00JUszQ.

Questions welcomed, please email: questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or leave a voice message at 503-408-2114.

The City of Battle Ground is seeking applicants for the Youth Representative position on the Parks & Community Engagement Advisory Board (PACE).   Candidates for the position must be between 14 and 18 years of age and reside within Battle Ground’s Urban Growth Boundary or currently enrolled as a student in the Battle Ground School District. 

The PACE Board is a 7-member volunteer board that supports city parks and recreation programs by fostering public interest in events and activities.  The Board serves in an advisory capacity, making recommendations to the City Council regarding the development and operation of public parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities. 

The Youth Representative term limit is two years with the period of service to run September of one year through June of the second year.  The Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month, as needed, and participates in Parks & Recreation activities throughout the year. 

For more information on the Parks & Community Engagement Board and to apply, please visit the City of Battle Ground website at www.cityofbg.org/PACE.  Applications will remain open until the position is filled.

Salem, OR – Marion County Health & Human Services (MCHHS) is proud to announce the relocation of its Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC) to a newly renovated facility at 1234 Commercial Street SE in Salem. The move coincides with the BHCC’s 30^th anniversary of providing crisis support and stabilization services to individuals and families in Marion County.

The new Crisis Center will be fully operational beginning October 30, with no disruption to services anticipated during the move. The transition is carefully planned to ensure that community members continue to have uninterrupted access to behavioral health crisis care.

The new space expands capacity and enhances comfort for clients and staff, featuring six screening rooms, three clinical spaces, and 31 offices. Designed with wellness in mind, the building is filled with natural light and has updated technology for secure, efficient operations.

“We are beyond thrilled to have this new Crisis Center building coming online to expand services and be able to serve more individuals in their moment of need,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell, Chair. “Having this resource for our community is essential and I want to see continued expansion and partnerships meeting these needs.”

For three decades, the BHCC, formerly the Psychiatric Crisis Center, has been a vital community resource, providing crisis intervention, face-to-face assessments, and stabilization services to anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.  The name change to Behavioral Health Crisis Center earlier this year reflects a broader approach to crisis care, recognizing that behavioral health encompasses both mental health and substance use needs.

The Crisis Center’s multidisciplinary team works side-by-side with individuals to identify goals, connect to ongoing care, and build lasting stability. Services include referrals, psychiatric support, housing and benefits navigation, and access to community resources.

In addition to in-office support, Marion County’s Community Response Team (CRT) and Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) provide crisis response in the field, meeting individuals where they are to offer safety, support, and connection to care.

The CRT pairs a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) or Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) with a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) to deliver crisis intervention, safety planning, peer support, and referrals in situations involving suicidal thoughts, overwhelming stress, substance use concerns, or psychotic behavior.

The MCRT partners a Marion County Sherrif’s Deputy with a QMHP to respond to behavioral health emergencies in the community. Together, they provide both safety and behavioral health support on scene, helping individuals in crisis de-escalate, stabilize, and connect with appropriate services.

The Behavioral Health Crisis Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone in crisis can call 503-585-4949 for services and support.

PPB OFFICERS CLEARED IN USE OF DEADLY FORCE ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2025. SUSPECT INDICTED ON MULTIPLE COUNTS INCLUDING ATTEMPTED FIRST DEGREE MURDER.

10/9/25

Portland, OR-The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office today filed a declination memo regarding the use of force by Portland Police Officers Sammy Smith and Spencer Foster against Bryan Velasco Ruelas on September 20, 2025.

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Brian Davidson reviewed the investigation into the shooting and concluded the use of force was justified under Oregon law and therefore not criminal.

A Multnomah County Grand Jury indicted Bryan Velasco Ruelas on 15 charges including four counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree. The case number is: 25CR56406.

Both the declination memo and the indictment are attached.

Oct. 9, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-544-0459, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir due to the presence of elevated microcystin. The lake is located in Baker County.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water.

Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 1-877-290-6767, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

Please be advised that the Bulletin does not include all calls for service to which officers respond.  Many calls do not require that a report be written; such as:

•Traffic Stops

•Advising/Referring a Person to the Proper Agency to handle their request

•Restoring the Peace

•Premise Checks

•Welfare Checks

•Flagged Down by Citizen

Woodland School District Welcomes Officer Roberto Cuneta as New School Resource Officer

WOODLAND, WA - The Woodland School District is thrilled to welcome Officer Roberto Cuneta as its first School Resource Officer (SRO). This vital role, funded by the Woodland City Council, is a significant step to enhance safety and build stronger connections between our schools, law enforcement, and the community.

Chief of Police Robert Gibbs collaborated closely with Mayor Todd Dinehart and Superintendent Asha Riley to develop the rigorous hiring process for this position.

Officer Cuneta brings six years of law enforcement experience to the role, having previously served in Ridgefield and worked with Native American tribes. He is also actively involved in the Police Activities League. He joined the Woodland Police Department in January 2025, motivated specifically by his interest in the SRO opportunity. As a father of a 7-year-old son and the eldest of five children, Officer Cuneta is personally invested in building a positive connection between students and the Police Department. He will be a regular, positive presence across all schools in the district, focusing on building trust and serving as a key liaison.

What is a School Resource Officer (SRO)?

A School Resource Officer is a certified law enforcement officer assigned to work directly within a school setting. The SRO's mission is multifaceted:

• To help ensure safety and security for students and staff.

• To build positive relationships with students and faculty.

• To serve as a positive role model and resource for the school community.

What will Woodland's SRO do?

Officer Cuneta's role will be focused on proactive engagement and support throughout the district:

• He will rotate through all district schools to ensure every student and staff member benefits from his presence.

• His primary focus will be on proactively building trust and positive relationships with students.

• He will serve as the essential liaison between the school administration and the Woodland Police Department.

• He will help ensure the safety and security of all school facilities and students.

• He will also be available to mentor and provide informal guidance and support to students.

Success Story in Action: Bike Recovery 

The positive impact was immediate. Recently, after a student's bike was stolen from the rack, Officer Cuneta was quickly contacted. He met with the student, who had witnessed the theft, and quickly began the investigation by collaborating with staff and utilizing the school's camera footage. Officer Cuneta swiftly used the evidence to recover the stolen bike and return it to its very happy owner.

This incident highlights the value of having a dedicated SRO who can quickly coordinate with school personnel, use available resources, and apply law enforcement expertise to ensure a positive resolution for our students.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Officer Roberto Cuneta! We look forward to a safe and productive school year ahead.

State of Oregon v. Monica Weber

Marion County Circuit Court Case 24CR24457 and 24CR57520

Woman Sentenced to 32 years in Marion County Sexual Abuse Case

Salem, OR – October 8, 2025 – The Honorable Circuit Court Judge Jodie Bureta sentenced Monica Weber, 41, to 32 years in the Department of Corrections and a lifetime of post-prison supervision after she pled guilty to two counts of Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct, one count of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree, one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, and four counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

The defendant was known to the victim and held a position of authority in the victim’s life.  Over the course of nearly a decade, the defendant repeatedly sexually abused the victim beginning around age seven and continuing until age sixteen. Furthermore, she shared photographs of her abusive behavior with men she met online and through dating applications.

Under a provision of Oregon law known as "Jessica’s Law" (2006), anyone convicted of a first-degree sexual offense committed against a child under the age of 12 must serve a minimum of 25 years in prison.

“This case represents the worst kind of betrayal, a child being abused by someone they should have been able to trust,” said Deputy District Attorney Paige Clarkson. “The victim in this case showed incredible courage in coming forward and sharing their story.”

The victim was initially hesitant to provide information to investigators.  However, through the professional, thorough and delicate nature of the work done by Liberty House the victim ultimately disclosed the long-standing abuse.   In addition, Detective Scott Diehl of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office should be acknowledged for his outstanding investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Meghan Kamps and Katharine Semple.

Because the victim is a minor, no further information nor identifying information will be released. 

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About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for seeking justice through promoting accountability for criminal offenders; interpreting, enforcing, and executing law; responding to the concerns of victims and the public; and working cooperatively with members of the justice system.

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NORTH PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College’s Career Pathways and SNAP Training and Education Program are hosting the Fall Trades Career Fair from 1-4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24 at the Swan Island Trades Center, 6400 N Cutter Circle.

The event spotlights high-demand careers in construction, manufacturing, transportation, welding, machining, energy, and more. Many of these companies are offering paid training or education reimbursement, helping students reduce or avoid student loans. The event, which connects job seekers with more than 50 hiring employers across the region, is open to PCC trades students, community job seekers, partner agencies, and staff.

Attendees can meet recruiters from leading organizations such as Hoffman Construction, TriMet, Union Pacific Railroad, NIETC–IBEW Local 48, Jireh Semiconductor, Leupold & Stevens, Knife River, Greenberry Industries, FedEx and Vigor Marine, with more employers confirming daily. PCC hosts these employment fairs several times every year to serve the community and employers.

More information is available at pcc.edu/career-pathways, or interested employers can email r@pcc.edu" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);" target="_blank">michelle.parr@pcc.edu.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and brings attention to an important issue that affects millions of individuals and families. This month is a good reminder to encourage open conversations, express empathy, and work to create a safer environment. By increasing our understanding of domestic violence, we can better support survivors and work towards preventing domestic violence altogether.

Domestic violence includes many forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial. It can affect individuals of all ages, genders, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. Domestic violence leaves victims feeling trapped, isolated, and fearful.

Common Signs of Abusive Behavior in a Partner (provided by the National Domestic Violence Hotline):
 

1. Telling you that you never do anything right.
2. Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
3. Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with others, particularly friends, family members, or peers.
4. Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
5. Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
6. Controlling finances in the household without discussion, such as taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.

1. Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
2. Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
3. Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
4.  Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
5.  Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
6.  Destroying your belongings or your home.

If you are concerned about someone you know, you can help connect them to support. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233. Local non-emergency dispatch lines can also help connect you to proper authorities, the Non-Emergency Dispatch number for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is 541-265-0777. If there is an emergency, such as an immediate threat to life or risk of injury, call 911 to get help right away.

Domestic violence is a complex issue, but there are numerous organizations and helplines dedicated to providing support. Whether you're a survivor seeking assistance or someone looking to help, there are resources available, and you don’t have to go through this alone. We all have a role to play in ending domestic violence and everyone deserves a healthy relationship and safe home.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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Please be advised that the Bulletin does not include all calls for service to which officers respond.  Many calls do not require that a report be written; such as:

•Traffic Stops

•Advising/Referring a Person to the Proper Agency to handle their request

•Restoring the Peace

•Premise Checks

•Welfare Checks

•Flagged Down by Citizen

Salem, Ore. - The Statewide Database Licensing Advisory Committee (SDLAC) will meet on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. online. This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Arlene Weible at lene.weible@slo.oregon.gov">arlene.weible@slo.oregon.gov. The agenda is included.

The SDLAC advises the State Library and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Advisory Council on the Statewide Database Licensing Program (SDLP). Committee membership represents school, public, tribal, and academic libraries. The current member list is available at: www.oregon.gov/Library/libraries/Pages/SDLAC.aspx.

Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested 48 hours before the meeting; notice 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in alternate formats 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to Arlene Weible at lene.weible@slo.oregon.gov">arlene.weible@slo.oregon.gov or 503-378-5020.

Statewide Database Licensing Advisory Committee Meeting
State Library of Oregon – Virtual Meeting 
October 21, 2025

Agenda

9:00 a.m. Welcome and introductions

9:10 a.m.  Public Comment

9:15 a.m.  Review agenda and approve meeting minutes from October 28, 2024

9:20 a.m.  Review action items from last meeting and other updates

9:45 a.m.  LSTA budget update

10:00 a.m. Contingency planning for SDLP

• Overview of Orbis Cascade Alliance E-Resources Progra.m.
• Other models for shared e-resource purchases
• Outreach to libraries

10:50 a.m.      Action Item review

11:00 a.m.      Adjourn

Any person may address the Committee on any topic for up to 3 minutes. The Committee does not generally engage in dialog with those making comments but may refer any question or issue raised to the State Librarian.

NOTE: The times of all agenda items are approximate and subject to change.

Salem, OR—More than 2.1 million Oregonians have filed their tax year 2024 state personal income tax returns this year.

But with just six days before the tax filing extension deadline October 15, as many as 100,000 Oregonians are expected to sneak in under the wire.

“It’s not unusual for there to be a large number of returns filed in the last week before the extension deadline. If you forget and file after the extension deadline, you could be subject to additional penalties,” said Megan Denison, Personal Tax and Compliance Division administrator with the Oregon Department of Revenue.

“Our best advice for taxpayers is to get their returns in as soon as possible.”

In addition to filing sooner rather than later, the department offers the following information for taxpayers who still need to file their state return.

File electronically.

E-filing is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their tax refund. Nearly 95 percent of those who have already filed this year, have filed electronically. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks. Taxpayers should file just once. Sending a paper return through the mail after e-filing will delay a refund.

Free filing options

Revenue provides several options for taxpayers to e-file their returns for free. Oregon Free Fillable Forms performs basic calculations and is ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. The IRS offers a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically.

New this year, taxpayers can file their federal return directly with the IRS using IRS Direct File and their Oregon return directly with the state through Direct File Oregon for free. Videos are available to show how to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.

Information about all available free tax preparation software options is available on the Revenue website, along with a list of organizations providing free assistance.

Where’s my refund? tool and video

Revenue has issued nearly 1.5 million refunds already this year, most within two weeks of filing. Taxpayers wondering about the refund on their tax year 2024 return, can use the Oregon Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check its status and, if they want more information, watch a video outlining the refund timelines to better understand the process.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, see a list of approved tax preparation software products, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments. For questions not answered on our website, call 800-356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times.

September 29, 2025

Praxis Health Welcomes Oregon City Family Practice to Its Growing Network of Community Clinics

OREGON CITY, OR. – Praxis Health is proud to announce the addition of Oregon City Family Practice to its expanding network of independent medical clinics. Serving the Oregon City community for over 80 years, Oregon City Family Practice is a trusted practice that brings a long-standing legacy of compassionate, patient-centered primary care to the Praxis family. This expansion marks the continued growth of Praxis Health (gopraxishealth.com), the Pacific Northwest’s largest, independent medical group.

As a locally rooted clinic, Oregon City Family Practice has long been recognized for its commitment to lifelong care for individuals and families across all stages of life. Their team of experienced providers will continue to offer a full range of services including primary care, internal medicine, pediatrics, preventive care, and more!

Quote from our Regional Administrator:

“In 2025, at a time when the healthcare landscape is more complex than ever, partnerships like this matter deeply. Oregon City Family Practice has been a trusted presence for generations, and joining together now allows us to combine their deep community roots with our broader resources. In moments like these, we need each other more than ever—to protect access and ensure patients continue to receive the personalized, compassionate care they deserve.”

- Linda Kennedy, Regional Administrator, Praxis Health

Oregon City Family Practice is now accepting new patients and is conveniently located at 1420 John Adams Street, Oregon City, OR 97045. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call (503) 656-1484 or visit OCFPC.com.

Joining Praxis Health means Oregon City Family Practice patients will continue receiving the same trusted care, now supported by expanded resources, coordinated services, and a broader network of medical expertise—all backed by the innovation and operational strength of Praxis Health.

About Praxis Health 

Praxis Health is the Pacific Northwest’s leading independent, healthcare network, providing the highest levels of individualized patient care. With a mission to improve the health and well-being of our community, we’re committed to providing outstanding and compassionate care. Throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, we offer a dynamically different approach to “big-box” healthcare so prevalent today. We’re a “family” of community practices, all dedicated to providing more personalized care. For more information about Praxis Health and its services, please visit GoPraxisHealth.com.

Ar 1:30 PM there will be a "wet down" ceremony to put into service a new rescue rig that is designed to answer calls for a rural department that is located in the Scenic Gorge.  PRESS INVITED

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 8 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in downtown Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding efforts to sustain and enhance historic downtowns across the state. This year's edition saw the acknowledgment of 11 remarkable projects, activities, and individuals. West Linn was the recipient of the Outstanding Partnership award based on a nomination by Historic Willamette Main Street.
 

2025 Outstanding Partnership Award: City of West Linn and Historic Willamette Main Street

The 2025 Outstanding Partnership Award goes to Historic Willamette Main Street and the City of West Linn for their collaboration on the Willamette Falls Drive Streetscape Project. Together, they transformed the heart of downtown with wider sidewalks, safer crossings, bike lanes, street trees, and new public amenities that support businesses, residents, and visitors. Their long-term partnership, built on trust and community engagement, has boosted foot traffic, expanded the summer market, and created a stronger, more connected downtown.
 

“The collaboration between Historic Willamette Main Street and the City of West Linn is a shining example of what partnerships can achieve,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street. “Their work on the Willamette Falls Drive Streetscape Project has transformed downtown into a safer, more vibrant, and welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
 

The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives.
 

The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 8 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in downtown Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding efforts to sustain and enhance historic downtowns across the state. This year's edition saw the acknowledgment of 11 remarkable projects, activities, and individuals. St. Helens was the recipient of the Best New Building award based on nominations by St. Helens Main Street Alliance.
 

2025 Best New Building Award: Houlton Hollow Building

The 2025 Best New Building Project Award goes to the Houlton Hollow Building in St. Helens, developed by Russ and Mary Hubbard of Hubbard Construction. Built on a long-vacant, basalt-filled lot, the project created seven one-bedroom apartments—three ADA-accessible—and a new retail space, blending modern needs with historic character through basalt stonework, reclaimed materials, and heritage-style details. Supported by an Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, the building quickly filled with residents, boosted foot traffic, and demonstrated how thoughtful infill can strengthen housing, business, and community in the Main Street district.
 

“The Houlton Hollow Building showcases how thoughtful development, supported by the St. Helens Main Street Alliance, can transform a downtown,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street. “Russ and Mary Hubbard have created a space that honors the city’s history while meeting modern needs, strengthening housing, business, and community vibrancy in the Main Street district.”
 

The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives.
 

The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 8 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in downtown Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor the outstanding people, projects and activities that are helping to sustain and enhance historic downtowns across the state. This year's edition saw the acknowledgment of 11 remarkable projects and activities as well as recognition for 6 Standout Volunteers. Brian Dalton is the recipient of one of the Standout Volunteer certificates for his contributions to the Dallas Downtown Association.
 

Brian Dalton is one of the driving forces behind the Dallas Downtown Association, dedicating an impressive 430 hours in 2024 alone to preserve, promote, and enliven the heart of the city. As Vice Chair of the Design Committee and a key member of Promotions, he leads signature events like the beloved annual parade and the unique scarecrow contest, while passionately advocating for downtown building preservation through grant facilitation. Brian’s leadership shines in projects like the festive courthouse square lighting that transforms Dallas into a winter wonderland. Always the first to volunteer for clean-up days and meticulous in tracking progress with detailed reports, Brian’s unwavering commitment and deep love for Dallas make him an invaluable champion of community pride and growth.
 

“Brian’s energy, dedication, and love for downtown Dallas truly embody the spirit of Main Street,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street. “From organizing events to preserving historic buildings, his leadership helps make Dallas a vibrant, welcoming place where community pride shines.”
 

The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives.
 

The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 8 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in downtown Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor the outstanding people, projects and activities that are helping to sustain and enhance historic downtowns across the state. This year's edition saw the acknowledgment of 11 remarkable projects and activities as well as recognition for 6 Standout Volunteers. Denise Emmerling-Baker is the recipient of one of the Standout Volunteer certificates for her contributions to Main Street Cascade Locks.
 

Denise Emmerling-Baker is the driving force behind the creation and success of Main Street Cascade Locks. Since moving to the community in 2021, she has dedicated over 750 volunteer hours and substantial personal resources to transform a loosely connected group into a fully recognized Oregon Main Street Affiliate in under a year. As founding board president, Denise led incorporation, fundraising, and strategic planning, securing a $400,000 revitalization grant and building strong community support. Her deep commitment, expertise, and tireless work behind the scenes have been instrumental in turning vision into action—making Main Street Cascade Locks a vibrant, impactful organization poised for lasting success.
 

“Denise has been a true spark for Cascade Locks, bringing people together, rolling up her sleeves, and turning big ideas into real results,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street. “Her passion and dedication are exactly what make Main Street communities so special—she’s helping create a downtown that’s welcoming, lively, and full of opportunity for everyone.”
 

The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives.
 

The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 8 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding efforts to sustain and enhance historic downtowns across the state. A total of 11 projects, activities, and people were recognized. Beaverton was the recipient of two awards based on nominations from the Beaverton Downtown Association.
 

2025 Leadership on Main: Kirsten Agard, Beaverton Downtown Association

The 2025 Leadership on Main Award honors Kirsten Agard, Chair of the Beaverton Downtown Association, for her extraordinary dedication and impact over the past six years. Kirsten guided BDA through multiple leadership transitions and the challenges of COVID-19 while driving major initiatives that transformed downtown, including launching signature events like Boba Dash, BOOverton, and LagerFest, advancing the Pollinator Pathway project, and strengthening board diversity. Her hands-on leadership—ranging from strategic planning to grant writing—helped position BDA for long-term success, culminating in its recent accreditation as a Main Street America program. Beyond her work in Beaverton, Kirsten contributes to regional leadership through service on nonprofit boards and professional recognition at the national level.
 

2025 Open Door Award: Carina’s Bakery

The 2025 Open Door Award recognizes Carina’s Bakery in Beaverton for its commitment to inclusion and community impact. Founded in 2017 by Carina Comer, who is legally blind, the bakery was created to provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities—currently making up about 75% of its staff. Through adaptive technology, mentorship, and tailored training, Carina’s Bakery empowers employees to build skills and confidence, often leading to new career paths. Beyond employment, the bakery contributes to the community through local events and initiatives like its “Treat It Forward” program, while serving as a model for inclusive hiring and demonstrating how businesses can thrive by embracing accessibility and diversity.
 

“Kirsten Agard and Carina’s Bakery illustrate the power of people and businesses to shape vibrant, welcoming downtowns,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street. “Their leadership, creativity, and commitment to inclusion not only strengthen Beaverton but also demonstrate how communities across Oregon can thrive when we invest in people, preserve our unique character, and open doors of opportunity for all.”
 

The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives.
 

The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street, which is part of Oregon Heritage, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners during the annual Main Street conference on October 8^th in Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding accomplishments, activities, and people making a difference in historic downtowns across the state. A total of 11 projects, activities and people were recognized with an Excellence on Main Award and six certificates were given in recognition of volunteer service. Videos of the award winners can be found here.  
 

The 11 individuals, projects, activities, and businesses honored are:

• Business of the Year: Wildflour Public House, North Bend
• Business of the Year: No Dinx, Albany
• Best New Building: Houlton Hollow, St. Helens
• Bricks and Mortar: The Holly Theater, Medford
• Main Street Resiliency: Monteith Square, Albany
• Open Door: Carina’s Bakery, Beaverton
• Economic Vitality: Highwater Café & Market and Highwater Offices, Reedsport
• Leadership on Main: Kirsten Agard, Beaverton
• Outstanding Partnership: City of West Linn and Historic Willamette Main Street, West Linn
• Outstanding Promotional Event: North Bend Main Street Community Art Walk
• Statewide Leadership: Lise Grato, Albany

In addition, six individuals were acknowledged with certificates recognizing them as Standout Volunteers for their above and beyond contributions to their communities, including:

• Brian Dalton, Dallas Downtown Association
• Barb Dunham, North Bend Main Street
• Denise Emmerling-Baker, Main Street Cascade Locks
• Mayor Linda McCollum, Reedsport Main Street
• Phyllis Nelson, Downtown Medford Association
• Beth Walker, Albany Downtown Association

"What inspires me most is the heart behind each of these award winners,” said Sheri Stuart, State Coordinator, Oregon Main Street. “Whether it’s a business or property owner, a volunteer, or a city partner, each honoree represents the dedication and passion that keep Oregon’s downtowns thriving. By honoring their achievements, we’re also celebrating the future of Oregon’s Main Streets and the opportunities that come when we work together to reimagine what’s possible.”
 

The wide range of Oregon Main Street’s Excellence on Main awards is reflective of the comprehensive Main Street Approach™ to downtown revitalization developed by the National Main Street Center. This model is used by the communities participating in the three-tier Main Street Track of Oregon Main Street Network.
 

Oregon Main Street strengthens community networks, bolsters local economies, generates tax revenues, and fosters social connections across the state. OMS leads a network of local Main Streets that oversee a wide range of programmatic efforts to build community, support local businesses, and create an attractive and vibrant environment for workers, visitors, and residents. The Oregon Main Street network generates significant value for local communities and for the State of Oregon overall. Learn more about the impact of the Oregon Main Street program by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

Gresham, Ore.— A suspect accused of multiple felony sex crimes has absconded in the middle of trial. 

Sammy Lisero Cardoza faces charges of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree, and two counts of Sodomy in the First Degree.  Trial for those crimes began Monday morning in Multnomah County Circuit Court. 

Cardoza, who was out of custody on pre-trial release, attended the first day of trial.  This morning, Multnomah County pre-trial supervision officers received a notification that Cardoza had removed his GPS ankle monitor.  Cardoza then failed to appear on the second day of trial, and a nationwide warrant was issued for his arrest. 

"We are determined to hold him accountable and look forward to him being brought back to court," said Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez.  "Anyone found aiding in his flight from justice will be prosecuted."

Detectives have learned Cardoza may have fled to Washington state.  Cardoza was seen on surveillance video wearing a black sweatshirt, white shirt, and blue pants.  He may also be associated with a silver Dodge Charger with damage to the driver’s door. 

Anyone with information on his location is asked to contact Detective Lindsay Friderich at iderich@GreshamOregon.gov">Lindsay.Friderich@GreshamOregon.gov or to call the GPD tip line at 503-618-2719 or toll-free at 1-888-989-3505.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon City School District Pilots Groundbreaking Clackamas Youth Trades Initiative and is First District to Receive BOLI Pre-Apprenticeship Approval in Clackamas County

Oregon City, Oregon – October 8, 2025 – Oregon City School District has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first school district in Clackamas County to receive the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) approval to offer pre-apprenticeship classes to high school students. More significantly, the district has volunteered to serve as the pilot for the ambitious Clackamas Youth Trades Initiative – a region-wide effort to grow skilled trades opportunities across Clackamas County.
 

The groundbreaking program, launched this year in partnership with Area 1 Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 290, provides students who successfully complete the program of study with preferred entry into apprenticeship opportunities – creating a direct pipeline from classroom to career that will serve as a model for expansion throughout the county.
 

All OCSD high school students can take advantage of the Metals I and II class at Clackamas Academy of Industrial Sciences (CAIS) thanks to aligned schedules across all three high schools and a shuttle provided by OCSD’s transportation department. Following completion of these classes, students can apply to the apprenticeship program and take Metals III and IV classes at CAIS, plus they are then able to become OSHA 10 certified through the district’s Expanded Options Partnership with Clackamas Community College. Students will walk away with a professional portfolio that demonstrates their workforce readiness. 
 

Students who successfully complete this program dramatically increase their chances of securing apprenticeships that typically lead to careers with excellent wages, benefits, and job security.

Leading Regional Workforce Development

The district is already in conversations with other Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs about expanding this model to additional skilled trades, with plans to bring more industry partners on board using the same proven framework.
 

“In Oregon City, we are committed to connecting students with high-wage, high-demand, and high-skill career pathways across every sector. Through strong partnerships with local and regional industry leaders, our students gain meaningful exposure to guest speakers, job shadows, internships, apprenticeships, and more. By building awareness and engagement today, we are laying the foundation for long-term career success and ensuring that every student graduates ready to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Angie Gilbert, OCSD School to Career Coordinator.

The skilled trades sector faces significant workforce shortages, with plumbers and pipefitters among the most in-demand positions regionally. These careers offer starting wages well above regional averages, comprehensive benefits, and clear advancement opportunities.

As the pilot district for the Clackamas Youth Trades Initiative, OCSD is positioning itself and its students at the forefront of innovative career preparation. The success will position the Oregon City School District to lead additional workforce development initiatives. The district plans to evaluate opportunities for expanding pre-apprenticeship programs to other skilled trades based on student interest, industry partnerships, and regional workforce data.
 

Information sessions for interested students and families will be scheduled throughout the academic year. Students interested in the program should contact Angie Gilbert, School to Career Coordinator, or Mike Stead, Principal at CAIS.
 

"We're proud of our district, but we're even more proud of the doors this opens for our students and hopefully others," said Mike Stead, Principal at CAIS. "This is what putting students first looks like – creating opportunities that didn't exist before and ensuring our graduates are prepared for post-secondary success."
 

About Oregon City School District: Oregon City School District serves approximately 7,000 students across 13 schools in the Oregon City, Jennings Lodge, Beavercreek, and Redland areas. The district is committed to preparing all students for success in college, career, and life through innovative programming, strong community partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to putting students first.
 

About the Clackamas Youth Trades Initiative: The Clackamas Youth Trades Initiative is a region-wide effort to address skilled trades workforce shortages while creating career pathways for students across Clackamas County. Oregon City School District serves as the pilot district, demonstrating successful models for replication throughout the region.
 

EUGENE, Ore.— A Turner, Oregon, man was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison today for drug trafficking following a multi-agency investigation led by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO).

Ryan Gossett, 39, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on April 26, 2024, Gossett was apprehended in Bend, Oregon after fleeing prosecution in Marion County, Oregon for armed robbery. When apprehended, Gossett was in possession of a handgun and small amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Two days later, investigators with the DCSO Criminal Detectives Division executed a search warrant on Gossett’s vehicle, locating over 900 grams of methamphetamine, 330 grams of fentanyl, and firearm magazines.

Gossett has multiple prior convictions for delivery of a controlled substance.

Gossett was indicted on June 20, 2024, and pled guilty on July 9, 2025, to a single count of Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 500 grams of Methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the DCSO with assistance from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, and the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Andrew R. Doyle, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. 

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore. – A Portland, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today after robbing a KeyBank branch with a loaded gun.

James Michael Wallace, 55, is a career offender and was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,437 for losses associated with this and other robberies.

According to court documents, on February 28, 2025, Wallace entered the KeyBank branch located on Woodstock Avenue in Portland. Wallace approached a teller and pressed a loaded gun to the teller’s torso demanding the teller open the cash drawer. Wallace left the bank with $856 in cash, leaving behind his gun. At the time of the robbery, Wallace was on federal supervision for a prior federal bank robbery conviction.

On August 27, 2025, Wallace pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with Armed Bank Robbery.

This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken.

# # #

TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov

The meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve August 6, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Kathleen Williams, DPSST No. 43028; bureau of Emergency Communications

     Presented by Jennifer Levario

4. Applicant Review Committee Nominations

5. Agency Updates

6. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: February 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Telecommunications Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

Reference Coordinating Council

Online

October 14, 2025, 11:00 a.m.

AGENDA

11:00 am         Welcome and introductions

11:05 am         General Business

• Updates
• Approve minutes from Spring 2025 meeting
• Select future meeting dates

11:25 am         Wrap up

11:30 am         Adjourn

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL FUND BOARD

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a regular meeting on October 23, 2025, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting that begins at 9:00 am. at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve July 24, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Budget Update

   Presented by Marie Atwood

4. Sergeant Brian Gaunt (DPSST #37820); Beaverton Police Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

   Presented by Marie Atwood

5. Battalion Chief Michael Merlino (DPSST #08324); Sutherlin Fire Department; Initial Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

    Presented by Marie Atwood

6. Next meeting – January 22, 2026, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. 

JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. (8 Oct. 2025) – On Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at about 8:46 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a report of a person down in the roadway in the 100 block of Hogue Drive, in Selma, Josephine County.

Responding law enforcement determined the person had been struck by a vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer on scene. 

The pedestrian, Ray Arnold Wilder (62) of Selma, was declared deceased at the scene.
 

Detectives conducted witness interviews and learned a red truck and a white 4Runner (or similar vehicle) with a black canopy were seen speeding away from the area after the crash. The vehicles reportedly drove past the scene several minutes later. The suspect vehicle is believed to have front-end damage and may have a broken windshield.
 

Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP’s Southern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-2068 or by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-422785.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multidisciplinary organization charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources of Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crimes, conducts post-mortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces laws related to fish, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Mary’s Academy alumna Mary E. Brunkow ’79 won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries in peripheral immune tolerance on Monday, as announced by a panel at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

A molecular biologist at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, Brunkow was one of three scientists honored for their research, along with San Francisco-based Fred Ramsdell and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi from Osaka University in Japan.

At St. Mary’s Academy, the news of Brunkow’s achievement has reverberated throughout the halls among students and faculty.

“We are so proud of this incredible achievement by one of our own,” St. Mary’s Academy President Emily Becker said. “Her groundbreaking work is a testament not only to her brilliance and perseverance but also to the values she carried with her from her time here — intellectual curiosity, compassion, and a deep commitment to others.”

As a Catholic all-girls school guided by the mission and charism of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, St. Mary’s Academy celebrated Brunkow’s achievements in medicine on the Feast Day of Blessed Mother Marie-Rose Durocher, the changemaking SNJM foundress whose life of service inspired countless young women to join the order.

In the same way the spirit of Mother Marie-Rose can be recognized in Brunkow’s accomplishment, we celebrate the embodiment of a St. Mary’s girl changing the world.   

Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center Celebrates 150 Years of Care and Innovation

Founded in 1875, Legacy Good Samaritan celebrates a century and a half of healing, innovation, and community service.

Portland, Ore. (October 8, 2025) - On October 9, Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center will celebrate its 150^th anniversary with a commemorative time capsule and a special event honoring the history and future. Founded in 1875 with 50 beds and five staff, Good Samaritan currently employs over 2,000 staff, including 700 nurses and has 220 beds, serving thousands of patients each year. The event will also include a mayoral proclamation highlighting the hospital’s role in healthcare.

“We are pleased the City of Portland has proclaimed October 9, 2025, as a day to recognize our hospital for the evolution of care that has taken place over the years. What started as an act of faith has blossomed into a legacy of excellence and a commitment to serve generations to come,” said Legacy Good Samaritan President Kevin O’Boyle.

Since its founding by Episcopal Bishop Benjamin Wistar Morris, Good Samaritan has achieved many innovative firsts in medicine impacting lives of patients in the region and beyond:

• 1887 - Opened the first medical school in the region, which later became Oregon Health & Sciences University.
• 1921 - Opened Wilcox, Oregon’s first maternity hospital.
• 1965 - Launched Oregon’s first dialysis department.
• 1991 - Established the first bloodless surgery program in the United States.

Legacy Good Samaritan has grown to become a hospital known for specialty programs and clinical excellence featuring nationally ranked programs and services like the Legacy Cancer Institute, Legacy Devers Eye Institute, Legacy Transplant Services, Legacy Weight and Diabetes Institute and the Legacy Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon.

“Generations of healthcare workers contributed to Good Samaritan’s success, and we recognize our current dedicated and hardworking Good Samaritan family who will carry that legacy forward,” said O’Boyle. “Finally, we extend our appreciation to the people of this community for placing their trust in us for their healthcare needs. Their support inspired us to innovate and expand our programs to provide enhanced services.”

Resources:

Link: YouTube Good Sam 150th Anniversary: An enduring legacy of care

https://www.legacyhealth.org/campaign-pages/gs-anniversary

[Photos courtesy of Legacy Good Samaritan: Legacy Good Samaritan, Kevin O’Boyle President of Legacy Good Samaritan]

About Legacy Health
Legacy Health is a local, nonprofit health system driven by our mission to improve the health of those around us. We offer a unique blend of health services – from wellness and urgent care to dedicated children’s care and advanced medical centers – to care for patients of all ages when and where they need us across the Portland/Vancouver metro area and mid-Willamette Valley. For more information, visit www.legacyhealth.org.

Tigard City Council has selected Councilor Yi-Kang Hu as Tigard’s next Mayor.

Council made the decision by a 5-1 vote at the October 7 Council Meeting. Incoming Mayor Hu will fill the remainder of the vacant mayoral term, through the end of 2026.

“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve Tigard as your Mayor,” Hu said. “My husband, Abram, and I have proudly called this beautiful city home for more than 20 years, and I am deeply grateful for the trust this community has placed in me. Tigard isn’t defined by one person—it’s all of us working together to build a city where everyone feels welcome and included. As Mayor, I am committed to restoring stability, strengthening trust, and making sure our local government reflects the teamwork and respect our residents deserve.”

Born in Taiwan, Hu immigrated to the United States with his family as a child. Outside of his work on council, he is a food and drug lawyer whose practice focuses on FDA law and regulation. He also serves on the Tigard Chamber of Commerce's Diversity and Community Engagement Committee, where he advocates for equity and inclusion in the local business community.  Prior to his election to the Council, Hu served on the Tigard Planning Commission, Tigard Transportation Advisory Committee, and Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine.

Before his legal career, he worked as a research scientist.  He holds a BA in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Reed College, a Ph.D. in the same field from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), and a law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School.

Hu’s diverse background and experience have shaped his belief in the importance of creating a city where everyone feels valued and included.  As Mayor, he is committed to ensuring Tigard is a place where all community members can thrive and contribute to the city’s success.

“Tigard City Council is strong, highly effective, and committed to the city's success. We are fortunate to have a great leader in Yi-Kang Hu to assume the role of Mayor,” said Acting City Manager Emily Tritsch. “I look forward to partnering on Tigard's next chapter together.”

Hu will be officially sworn in at the City Council meeting on October 14. Council will discuss the process for filling his vacant council seat at the meeting on October 21.

###

At approximately 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, the Vancouver Fire Department responded to reports of smoke near the Port of Vancouver. The first crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming from a large pile of scrap metal at 900 Port Way.

More than 40 firefighters from the Vancouver Fire Department, including several crews from Clark County Fire District 6, worked through the night and into Wednesday morning to contain the fire. Firefighters deployed large water streams from both ground and aerial positions to combat the fire.

As of this morning, approximately 20 firefighters remain on scene to continue suppression efforts. Fire crews are working closely with Pacific Coast Shredding personnel to pull the metal scrap pile apart, allowing better access to the deep-seated fire.

No injuries have been reported.

Due to the complex nature of the incident and the size of the metal pile, crews are expected to remain on scene for an extended period to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.

Captain Joe Hudson – Paramedic – Public Information Officer – Honor Guard

CITY OF VANCOUVER, WA

Vancouver Fire Department St 4 – Suppression

Tel: 360-487-7304 I www.cityofvancouver.us

E-Mail: Joseph.hudson@cityofvancouver.us

Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited

What: Pick It Up, Vancouver, sponsored by Killian Pacific

When: Friday, October 10, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: 605 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660 | Map Link

Event Description: Join us for the second Pick It Up, Vancouver! cleanup event, sponsored by Killian Pacific on October 10. From 10 am to 12 pm, volunteers will come together at Esther Short Park to make a meaningful impact on their community. To celebrate their hard work afterwards, volunteers are invited to The Hudson and enjoy pizza, generously donated by Hungry Sasquatch.

Why: As Vancouver and its surrounding communities continue to flourish, ensuring the cleanliness of our public spaces is more important than ever. Litter not only detracts from the city's natural beauty but also poses environmental hazards that can impact local wildlife and waterways. SOLVE is excited to continue expanding its efforts into SW Washington, empowering individuals and organizations to actively engage in their communities and take pride in maintaining clean and inviting spaces. By uniting for Pick It Up, Vancouver!, we are taking a crucial step toward a cleaner, healthier environment for all, showcasing our commitment to a sustainable future.

Pick It Up! is more than a cleanup, it’s a large-scale cleanup event that brings residents, businesses, and volunteers together, city by city, across the region. After inaugural Pick It Up! events in Milwaukie and Bend this September, Pick It Up, Vancouver! is wrapping up the series for 2025. As SOLVE is planning their 2026 cleanup tour, communities can nominate their city.

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am at Esther Short Park near the clocktower to see approximately 100 volunteers of all ages checking in, collecting their cleanup supplies, receiving a safety speech and event debrief, and then heading out in groups to pick up litter in the surrounding area. The event will run from 10 am to 12 pm, with volunteers expected to spread throughout the area. Afterwards, everyone is invited for a post-event celebration at The Hudson (101 E 6th St, Vancouver, WA 98660) to connect with fellow volunteers and enjoy some well-earned pizza, generously donated by Hungry Sasquatch! 

This event will have plenty of visuals of volunteers picking up litter, making for great community packages, VOs, and VOSOTS.

Available interviewees: 

• Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE

Visit the Pick It Up, Vancouver! event site or registration page for more information.

About SOLVE:

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. You can follow SOLVE on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon, Facebook at @SOLVEOregon, or at www.solveoregon.org. 

Oct. 8, 2025

Media contact: Franny White, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539

OHA partners with Medicaid members to improve durable medical equipment access

Ombuds Program, member concerns lead OHA to clarify policy, increase oversight

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority has reduced barriers that make obtaining medically necessary motorized wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment a challenge for the state’s approximately 1.4 million Medicaid members.

These challenges were brought to light by members who contacted OHA’s Ombuds Program, according to the program’s 2024 report. The report also recommends additional steps to further improve medical equipment access.

Durable medical equipment, or DME, includes a variety of tools that help people maximize their independence while living with health conditions. Wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, blood sugar monitors and infusion pumps are examples of DME.

In recent years, the Ombuds Program has received inquiries from people enrolled in Oregon’s Medicaid program, the Oregon Health Plan, or OHP, who had difficulty obtaining coverage for DME – with many specifically needing motorized wheelchairs. In 2024, more than 80 individuals contacted the program with DME concerns.

Members inspire change

The program’s case workers partnered with the Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Disability Commission and others to organize a group called the DME Think Tank. The group – which included 12 Medicaid members as well as caregivers, providers and representatives of advocacy groups – shared their personal experiences with OHA Medicaid policy and program staff.

During one listening session, a young woman with intellectual and developmental disabilities explained that her seven-year-old motorized wheelchair was beyond repair. Her local Medicaid network – also known as a coordinated care organization, or CCO – had denied her request for a replacement because it said staff at her group home could push her in a manual wheelchair instead. Unable to move on her own, the young woman could no longer interact with her neighbors or contribute to her household by collecting the mail every day.

One member of the DME Think Tank was a young man who became paralyzed after an accident. The report notes that he “felt dehumanized by the year-long struggle to get a mobility device that enabled him to do something as simple as navigate from his bed to the bathroom.”

After hearing these and other stories, OHA Medicaid staff committed to making changes. OHA took several actions as a result of the members’ feedback, including:

• Oregon Medicaid policy was clarified to note having a caregiver is not a reason to deny coverage of motorized wheelchairs.
• DME coverage was improved through regulatory rulemaking
• OHA issued a verbal noting that the rules improvement process is continual and will be informed by Medicaid members’ experiences.
• OHA increased its oversight by tracking prior authorization requests for DME as well as CCO denials of those requests

Ongoing improvement

The Ombuds Program’s efforts to improve access to DME is ongoing. After several DME Think Tank members reached out in late 2024, the program worked with the Oregon Disabilities Commission and the Disability Services Advisory Councils to host three meetings during the first half of 2025 to discuss new or continued challenges and also recommended next steps.

Moving forward, the report recommends that OHA do more, including:

• Formalize member involvement in an established DME advisory workgroup that hasn’t had regular member participation
• Collaborate with community members to review data from Medicaid member complaints and grievances
• Evaluate Medicaid policies and rules to identify opportunities to advance health equity, including for policies and rules related to DME coverage

Throughout 2024, the OHA Ombuds Program worked with 1,939 people who raised a total of 2,085 concerns about Medicaid. About 37% of those concerns were related to care access. Of all health service types, behavioral health was the focus of the largest share of concerns.

Since 2010, OHA Ombuds staff have helped Oregon Medicaid members obtain the care they need by helping OHA understand their voices and consider their perspectives while making decisions. To date, the program has received a total of 8,708 Medicaid concerns

OHP members who encounter barriers to receiving care are encouraged to first work directly with their CCO to resolve any concerns. OHP members who are not able to receive the support they need from OHA or their CCO can contact the Ombuds Program by sending an email to udsOffice@odhsoha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">OHA.OmbudsOffice@odhsoha.oregon.gov or calling 1-877-642-0450. The program’s phone message line is available in 14 languages. More information is on the OHA Ombuds program website.

Jointly funded by states and the federal government, Medicaid provides no-cost health coverage to adults, children, pregnant people, older adults, people with disabilities and others with lower incomes.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has finalized the 2026 health rates for the individual and small group plans following months of federal uncertainty that delayed the normal review timeline.

Five insurers – Moda, Bridgespan, PacificSource, Providence, and Regence – will continue to offer plans statewide. Kaiser Permanente will provide coverage in 11 counties, giving consumers six options to choose from in major portions of the state.

Average changes for 2026

• Individual market: In the individual market, six companies submitted rate change requests ranging from an average increase of 3.9 percent (PacificSource) to 12.9 percent (Kaiser), for a weighted average increase of 9.7 percent. That average increase is slightly higher than last year’s requested weighted average increase of 9.3 percent.

• Small group market: In the small group market, eight companies submitted rate change requests ranging from an average increase of 5.2 percent (PacificSource) to 21.5 percent (Providence), for a weighted average increase of 11.5 percent, which is lower than last year’s 12.3 percent requested average increase.

Federal policy shifts add pressure to 2026 rates

Consumers will see the costs of premiums rise next year due to the scheduled expiration of federal Affordable Care Act tax subsidies that helped offset costs for many Oregonians. Those expanded subsidies, known as Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, will expire on Dec. 31, 2025, unless Congress acts to reauthorize them.

Without reauthorization of the subsidies, people who buy their own health coverage through the federal marketplace will receive smaller tax credits to lower their monthly premiums. For some households, especially those in middle-income brackets or in rural parts of the state, this may translate into substantial increases in premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Although this federal change is beyond the state’s control, the state anticipates most who buy plans from the marketplace (about 126,000 as of the end of the second quarter this year) will see increases, some as much as 300 percent to 400 percent.

Even with increased premiums, it is important for consumers to maintain health insurance coverage to protect their health and guard against unexpected financial losses. To assist in selecting a plan or to compare plan costs, the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace has a calculator tool to help consumers make an informed decision on which plan is best for them.

Despite national cost pressures, Oregon’s reinsurance program continues to play a major role in holding down premiums. Since its creation eight years ago, the program has lowered individual-market premiums by at least 6.5 percent annually and by 9 percent this year alone, compared to what rates would have been without it.

The finalized rates and map are on DFR’s website.

###

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Finance Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/87220461057?pwd=NmkDoWeaG7hpuKxOsJhkYX1U2eshlf.1
Passcode:135490

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office to Participate in Faith & Blue Event in Gresham

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) will join community members, local faith leaders, and law enforcement partners for the upcoming Faith & Blue event 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Gresham, Oregon.

MCSO deputies and Gresham Police Department officers will be on hand throughout the event to answer questions, speak with residents, and highlight the work our agencies do every day to keep Multnomah County safe.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about community safety initiatives and discuss issues important to them.

Faith & Blue is a national initiative designed to foster safer, stronger, and more unified communities by promoting meaningful connections between law enforcement professionals and faith-based organizations. The events encourage open dialogue, relationship-building, and service activities that bring residents and officers together in shared purpose.

Through this effort, law enforcement agencies and faith-based partners across the country host gatherings, service projects, and community forums.

“These events remind us that public safety is not only about enforcing laws, but also about empathy, collaboration, and shared values,” said Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell.

Attendees can enjoy a family-friendly night with live music, light snacks, and connections.  

Event Details:

• What: MCSO and Gresham Police Department Faith & Blue Community Event
• When: Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 3 – 7 p.m.
• Where: Gresham Arts Plaza, located at 401 Northeast 2^nd Street, Gresham

For more information about the Faith & Blue national initiative, visit www.faithandblue.org.

MCSO recognizes the work of the Gresham Police Department’s community outreach division for leading this event. MCSO values the collaboration between our two agencies.

###

Salem, Ore. — In September 2025, the City of Salem commissioned a Community Satisfaction Survey to assess residents’ satisfaction with City services and communications, gather opinions on the value and distribution of City resources and gauge residents’ sense of safety and livability.  

More than two thirds of Salem residents report satisfaction with City services overall. Most residents are satisfied with fire and emergency services, street lighting, water services, parks and recreation and the library. Satisfaction with most key services in Salem has increased since 2022. 

Homelessness and public safety are the most important issues for residents. Homelessness (43%) and public safety (19%) are the most important issues cited by residents for the City to address. The survey captured residents’ impressions of safety and livability, including:

• During the day, most residents feel safe in all parts of the city, and nearly all feel safe in their own neighborhoods. Daytime safety is high across all areas of the city.

• Residents have mixed feelings of safety at night. Most feel unsafe in north/northeast Salem and downtown at night.

• Residents rate the livability of their own neighborhoods the highest. South and West Salem are most positively rated.

• Nearly 9 in 10 residents visited downtown in the past month. Those who have visited feel a greater sense of safety downtown during the day and at night.

Areas for Improvement. The highest levels of dissatisfaction from survey respondents are around access to affordable housing, growing local job opportunities and City planning and development review. This decline in perception of job opportunities is consistent with negative economic sentiments nationally.

Despite gains in satisfaction levels since 2020, residents are still largely dissatisfied with the value of city services for the taxes and fees paid. While residents believe their part of town receives its fair share of city services, many residents think resources are not distributed fairly across the city. 

While perceptions of the ease of interacting with the City has improved, residents still find many activities — like finding information needed to resolve an issue, or driving from one side of the City to another during peak hours — difficult.

Next Steps. Salem City Council will consider findings from this survey at its Oct. 13 meeting in preparation for its Strategic Plan Work Session on Nov. 17. Insights drawn from the survey and other outreach activities help City leaders plan for the future of Salem. 

This year, with the City of Salem’s update to the 2021 Strategic Plan underway, the Community Satisfaction Survey data is a critical to helping the City assess our progress, refine our priorities and create a clear roadmap for the next five years, ensuring that Salem continues to grow as a vibrant and resilient community. 

There will be more touch points in the new year, as the Strategic Plan begins to take shape, including a survey in February. We’ll present the final draft to City Council in March.  

About the 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey. The 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey was conducted from Sept. 9-16 via cell and land-line telephone calls, with an online option for both English and Spanish-speaking residents. DHM Research took measures to ensure survey responses represented all areas of the City and the diverse backgrounds of its residents. 

Survey data collected in 2025 can be used to track changes in opinion back to 2017. The City’s current Strategic Plan, annual City Council Policy Agendas or work plans, and community satisfaction surveys can be found on the City’s Strategic Plan webpage.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A man made his first appearance in federal court today after pointing a laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter in the Portland metro area.

Hector Miranda-Mendoza, 35, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft.

According to court documents, on the evening of September 27, 2025, law enforcement identified Miranda-Mendoza as an individual who targeted multiple aircraft with a laser pointer, including a CBP helicopter. Lasers can cause blindness and spotting in vision, making it a challenge for pilots to identify other aircraft and obstacles, which could lead to a catastrophic event. CBP used an on-board mapping system to locate the origin of the laser at a Portland residence.  Investigating officers contacted the defendant who admitted he recently purchased the laser and knew it was strong. Defendant reported he thought the helicopter was a drone and he remembered flashing the helicopter four or five times. Law enforcement seized the laser pointer and referred this matter for federal prosecution.   

“Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft endangers lives and is a federal crime. This conduct put the lives of CBP personnel and the community directly at risk, and my office will aggressively pursue those who engage in this illegal activity,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“The laser strike on a CBP helicopter over the skies of Portland put our community at risk and endangered the lives of federal law enforcement officers. This activity is unacceptable, and FBI Portland will aggressively pursue anyone anywhere targeting federal agents, especially those currently holding the line at the Portland ICE facility,” said Douglas A. Olson, FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 29 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

Miranda-Mendoza made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was detained pending further court proceedings.

Aiming a laser pointer is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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On October 22, 2025 the Oregon Heritage Grant Review committee will meet to score and rank the applications for the Oregon Heritage Grant program. The recommendations from the committee will be forwarded to the Oregon Heritage Commission for final review and approval on November 3, 2025. The review committee meeting will be held by teleconference at 9:00 a.m. interested parties must register through Zoom to receive access information. The meeting agenda includes grant information and discussion, the process is not open to public comment.
 

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon's heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The mission of the Oregon Heritage Commission is to secure, sustain, and enhance Oregon's heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity.
 

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services and a listening room – may be made by calling 503-986-0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: i.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov.

SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will meet on Tuesday, October 14 at 9:30 a.m. at the Department of State Lands building in Salem.

The day will begin with the 21^st annual State Land Board Awards ceremony. Every year, the Land Board honors exceptional projects and partners for their contributions to enhancing Oregon’s natural resources. Award recipients are:

• Stream Award: Sheep Creek Stewardship Project
• Wetland Award: West Sundial Wetlands
• Partnership Award: John Day Basin Partnership
• Catalyst Award: Kyle Waggoner, Umatilla County Soil and Water Conservation District

The Land Board meeting will begin immediately after the awards ceremony, and agenda items the Land Board will consider include:

• Appoint three voting members of the Elliott State Research Forest Board of Directors: Payton Smith, Haley Lutz, and Ken Carloni.
  The board serves as a key structure in shaping the management of the research forest through public oversight, accountability, and engagement. The appointments are intended to achieve a full complement of relevant experience that is not otherwise represented by current board members.

The Land Board will also receive updates on the Southern Resident Orca Management Plan, recent achievements at South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Oregon State Treasury’s annual report on Common School Fund investments, and the Oregon Ocean Science Trust’s annual report.

Meeting Details and Agenda

Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Department of State Lands

Land Board Room

775 Summer St. NE, Salem

The full meeting agenda and materials are available on the DSL website. The meeting will be livestreamed to the DSL YouTube channel.

The public may submit written testimony or sign up to provide spoken testimony (in person, by video, or phone) during the meeting. Advanced sign-up is required, and the deadline is 10 a.m. on Monday, October 13.

If you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact Arin Smith at 503-986-5224 or in.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov">arin.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov at least two working days prior to the meeting.

Visitors are not permitted to bring backpacks, bags, or large purses into the building prior to, during, or following Land Board meetings. Purses, medical bags, and diaper bags are permitted, but may be subject to inspection by the Oregon State Police.

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State Tobias Read, and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.

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www.oregon.gov/dsl

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Warm Springs, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for using online social media and messaging platforms to coerce and sexually exploit a 15-year-old minor victim.

Leonard Polk, 25, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in December 2024, Polk met the minor victim through Snapchat, an online messaging application. Using Snapchat and Facebook Messenger, Polk persuaded the minor victim to send sexually explicit images. Polk then picked up the minor victim and brought her to his house on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, where he sexually abused her on multiple occasions.

Polk was arrested in Washington on January 21, 2025, and the minor victim was rescued, after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received information that Polk had brought the minor victim from Oregon to Washington.

“Protecting children remains our highest priority. This case serves as a stark reminder of the very real dangers that exist on social media and the predators who use these platforms to exploit our youth,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Let there be no doubt: if you target children in our community, we will use every resource at our disposal to protect them and ensure you are held fully accountable.”

On February 11, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Polk with sexual abuse of a minor and sexual abuse – incapable victim.

On July 14, 2025, Polk pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor.

This case was investigated by the FBI Portland’s Bend Resident Agency and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlotte Kelley.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

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The Willamette River Water Coalition (WRWC) Board Meeting will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 4:45 pm.

This meeting is offered in-person and via phone/web:

• Physical location: Tigard Public Works Building Auditorium, 8777 SW Burnham Street, Tigard.
• Phone/web: If you wish to attend this meeting virtually, please contact ine.desau@tvwd.org">katherine.desau@tvwd.org or call 503-848-3078 by 12:00pm on October 14, 2025.

If you wish to address the WRWC Board, please request the Public Comment Form and return it 48 hours prior to the day of the meeting.

The Board meeting agenda packet is available here: WRWC agenda packet - Oct 14, 2025

LA GRANDE, Oregon— The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Grant Subcommittee will meet in person Oct. 21 and 22 to tour sites partially funded by ATV grants in Baker and Union counties.

The meetings are open to the public. Site visits will include tours of staging area facilities and the OHV (off-highway vehicle) trail systems accessible by dirt bikes, ATVs and side-by-sides. Members of the public are responsible for their own transportation.

On Tuesday October 21, the ATV Grant Subcommittee will meet 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Depot Inn in Sumpter, 179 S Mill St, Sumpter Oregon. The subcommittee will look at ATV Highway Access Route in Sumpter and roads and trails in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

On Wednesday, October 22, the ATV Grant Subcommittee will meet 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Fox Hill OHV Staging Area, located 2 miles north of La Grande, 62747 Fox Hill

Road.

The subcommittee with look at Mount Emily Recreation Area, which was purchased with ATV Grant Funds and managed for ATV Recreation.

The subcommittee provides recommendations on grant funding to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director for referral to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.

The ATV Grant Program provides funding statewide for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) recreation. Grant funds come from ATV user permit sales and a percentage of the gasoline tax revenue.

More information about the state ATV program is available at www.OregonATV.gov

Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance to improve accessibility by emailing ian.caldwell@oprd.oregon.gov.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Alexander Jay Boyce, 38, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on the evening of October 5, 2025, Boyce was part of a group of individuals encroaching on the driveway of the ICE building in South Portland. Law enforcement officers gave multiple warnings to the group to stay off federal property and began to clear the driveway. Rather than comply as directed, Boyce spit on the officer’s helmet. Federal officers immediately arrested Boyce. 

“Nobody spits on the brave men and women of federal law enforcement and gets away with it. If you spit on a federal law enforcement officer, you will be hit with federal charges,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 31 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

Boyce made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.

Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison. 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. (7 Oct. 2025) – On Monday, October 6, 2025, at 5:27 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 38 near milepost 49 in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gold Buick Century, operated by Kenneth Shane Garrison (52) of North Bend, was traveling eastbound on Highway 38 near Drain when it left the roadway for an unknown reason. The vehicle traveled down an embankment, struck a tree, and came to rest at the bottom of the embankment.

The operator (Garrison), and sole occupant of the vehicle, was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the North Douglas Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Commission on Aging’s charge is to provide leadership in addressing the special needs of the aging population and to manage and assist with the implementation of the county’s Aging Readiness Plan. This month, the commission welcomes staff from the Clark County Assessor’s office who will provide an overview and background information about Clark County’s Tax Exemption Program for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities, instruct attendees how to apply, what documentation to bring, and what benefits this program has to offer.

Additionally, COA member Donna Mason, who is also a board member for the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, is excited to discuss service opportunities and programs currently available at the animal shelter.

The meeting will take place at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and is open to the public.

Commission on Aging meetings are currently held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Training Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.

Commission meetings are carried on CVTV Channel 23/323 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the of the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.

SALEM, Ore. – Sumi Wu’s “Watershed,” a stunning new art installation at the Oregon State Police’s renovated Central Point facility, cascades throughout an open stairwell and elevator lobby space in a series of seven waterfalls made from kiln-cast glass.

Each waterfall is composed of three colored slabs capturing the textures and hues of the Rogue River Basin’s natural environment, from the earth beneath our feet to the skies above, creating a colorful, calming experience for employees ascending and descending the stairs.

“To create interesting textures in the glass, I carved images of natural phenomena from the Rogue River watershed into the original clay shapes that were used as molds to cast the glass,” Wu said.

The molds were cast by Bullseye Glass in Portland and fall into seven categories: Earth, Understory, Leaves, Trees, Landscape, Water and Celestial. Each glass waterfall is held by a stainless steel structure, which Wu says symbolizes the safety structure that OSP provides to the community.

“I hope people will notice the details and think about how everything in nature is interconnected. Every living thing depends on the life and natural forces surrounding it. When we know we are connected, we find compassion for each other,” the Portland-based artist added. 

The Art Selection Committee chose artwork that would align with the OSP’s core values of compassion, honor, integrity, loyalty and dedication. Wu’s work was chosen for its focus on the core value of compassion. Wu designed the piece to be restorative and evoke empathy and a sense of connection. Renee Couture coordinated the artwork project. DLR Group of Portland completed the Central Point building renovation.

“The intentional variation of colors, movement and textures of each glass piece affixed by steel are indicative of delicacy, beauty and strength in harmony. It is a joy to walk these stairs and enjoy this handiwork, especially when the sun joins the atrium!” said Tawnya Meyer, OSP Telecommunicator II.

Wu works in a variety of media. Her public and private permanent installations can be seen throughout the Pacific Northwest, with nine public artworks in Oregon and Washington. In addition to her sculptural work, Wu creates abstract, interactive set designs for dance and opera, and has performed as a dancer and musician herself.

Fifty years ago, Oregon was one of the first states in the nation to pass Percent for Art legislation, placing works of art in public spaces throughout the state. Since then, the Percent for Art in Public Places program has maintained a commitment to the placement of permanent art of the highest quality in public places. Committees of local residents across Oregon make selections. The overall collection, numbering almost 2,700 works, enhances the state’s public spaces and contributes to Oregon’s well-recognized quality of life. The “50 for 50” public art series, in celebration of the Percent for Art in Public Places program’s 50^th anniversary, highlights some of the state’s many fine public artworks.

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at artscommission.oregon.gov.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works, Clean Water, is launching a stormwater management action plan effort to improve water quality in the lower Salmon Creek watershed. The effort, called Salmon Creek Solutions, kicks off on Wednesday, Oct. 8, with a community open house. Residents are invited to help shape Clark County's plan to prevent pollution and enhance stormwater runoff management. From street sweeping and rain gardens to future development strategies, solutions will determine how the county supports a healthy and thriving Salmon Creek - for families, fish and wildlife.

At the open house at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 8, attendees can enjoy pizza, ice cream and kids' activities while providing input that will be used to create the stormwater management action plan. The event, at Ruth Bader Ginsburg Elementary School, 8408 NE 25th Ave., will include a presentation that will also be streamed live online via Webex. Information about joining the Webex meeting is available on the project webpage. Registration is not required to attend in person or online.

All residents, including those not able to attend the open house, are invited to take a survey to share how Salmon Creek is important to them and how they think the county should protect water quality. The survey is available on the project webpage in English, Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian.

Under the Clean Water Act of 1972, the county is required to develop a stormwater management action plan as part of its Phase I Municipal Stormwater Permit. The goal of the Lower Salmon Creek stormwater management action plan is to address stormwater runoff issues and enhance water quality treatment while considering future population growth. 

To request accommodations, translation or interpretation to participate in the open house or the survey, residents can email cleanwater@clark.wa.gov.

More information about Salmon Creek Solutions is available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/salmoncreeksolutions.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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City of Battle Ground Councilmember Eric Overholser recently earned a Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

AWC’s Certificate of Municipal Leadership program recognizes city and town elected officials for accomplishing training in five core areas:

• Legal requirements, roles and responsibilities, and ethics (Legal)
• Budgeting and financial management (Budget)
• Infrastructure, transportation, and land use (Land use)
• Building safe, healthy, and thriving communities (Community)
• Effective local leadership (Leadership)

“Being a city leader in Washington is a complex job,” said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. “Through our CML program we are providing our elected officials with the knowledge they need to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds, foster strong relationships, and work to build more equitable communities.”

Councilmember Overholser completed more than 30 hours of training to earn this distinction.

Overholser was elected to the Battle Ground City Council in November 2023.  He currently represents the City of Battle Ground as a member of the regional Emergency Services District 2 board and sits on the City’s Legislative Committee and Ethics Committee.

AWC serves its members through advocacy, education, and services. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that represents Washington's 281 cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and with regulatory agencies. AWC also provides training, data and publications, and programs such as the AWC Employee Benefit Trust, AWC Risk Management Service Agency, AWC Workers’ Comp Retro, AWC Drug and Alcohol Consortium, and AWC GIS Consortium.

WASCO COUNTY, Ore. (7 Oct. 2025) – On Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 4:39 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 197 near milepost 37 in Wasco County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Isuzu Rodeo, operated by Howard Mcloud Mansfield (60) of Maupin, was traveling northbound on Highway 197 near Maupin when it left its lane of travel for an unknown reason. The vehicle crossed into the southbound lane, struck the hillside, rolled over, and ejected the operator from the vehicle.   

The operator of the Isuzu (Mcloud) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately 30 minutes during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Southern Wasco County Ambulance, Juniper Flat Rural Fire Protection District, Tygh Valley Rural Fire Protection District, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Oct 7, 2025

Contact:

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates
Head Start Awareness Month

SALEM, ORE. –The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and the Oregon Head Start Association (OHSA) visited a Head Start of Lane County preschool classroom located at Lane Community College.

“For over 60 years, Head Start has provided children and families with more than quality early childhood education; it has become a generational building block that has touched the lives of more than 40 million children and families across the United States,” said Charleen Strauch, Executive Director, Head Start of Lane County. “The crucial work of Head Start is knowing that when the family and child succeed then the community succeeds. Head Start changes lives for the positive.”

Earlier this month Governor Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating October as Head Start Awareness Month. The month is celebrated annually across the country as a way to honor the legacy and current work of Head Start in positively impacting the lives of communities, families, and young children.

Education is only one component of the impactful work of Head Start. In addition to early childhood education, Head Start programs support family well-being by connecting families to medical and dental care while helping parents achieve family goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Oregon also offers Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool supports for children from Migrant and Seasonal working families along with additional Tribal Head Start programs administered by the federal government.

DELC also administers the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten program with programming available across all 36 Oregon counties. OPK is the state equivalent of the successful federal Early Head Start program that serves children from prenatal to five years old. Since OPK’s establishment in 1987, tens of thousands of children and their families have benefited from the program.

“Head Start Awareness Month has never been more important,” said Kate Gonsalves, DELC Communications Director. “At a time of federal instability, this is an important moment to draw awareness to the strong historical roots of Head Start along with the current positive impact Head Start makes for thousands of families across Oregon. DELC joins in celebrating the transformative impact of Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start during Head Start Awareness Month.”

These free, high-quality early care and education services and wrap around social supports are available to families including pregnant people and expectant families. Eligible participants include children aged birth through five whose families meet the federal low-income guidelines whose incomes are at or below the federal poverty guidelines or who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program public assistance services. Other eligible participants include children who are in the foster care system or experiencing homelessness. Some families with special circumstances are also eligible to receive support regardless of family income status. To find a head start center visit: Head Start Center Locator | ECLKC (hhs.gov)

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About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

COOS COUNTY, Ore. (7 Oct. 2025) – On Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 12:59 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 42 near milepost 23 in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver Ford Mustang, operated by Isaiah Michael Osbon (23) of Myrtle Point, was traveling westbound on Highway 42 when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound gray Honda Civic, operated by Christian Anthony Percell (26) of Medford.

A passenger in the Honda, Autumn Ruby Bishop (25) of Medford, was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Honda (Percell) was transported by Life Flight to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The operator of the Ford (Osbon) was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

Fatigue is believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash.

The highway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Myrtle Point Police Department, Fire Department, and Ambulance Service, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The City is now accepting applications for its 2026 Economic Prosperity and Housing funding cycle. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) anticipates making approximately $1.9 million in federal funds available locally. These include Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds.

The City expects to make about $1.6 million available for eligible housing programs and $300,000 for microenterprise assistance programs. HUD is anticipated to release the funds in July 2026. The programs are designed to support housing stability, increase economic opportunities, benefit people with low to moderate incomes, and create lasting improvements across Vancouver.
 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a pre-application by Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. and turn in their full application by Dec. 5. Interested applicants are required to watch an online information session before applying; they can be found at the City’s Federal Housing Programs webpage. The City will also host online drop-in office hours for pre-application technical assistance on Oct. 24 from 10:00-11:11 a.m.
 

Applicant presentations and scoring committee recommendations will occur in spring 2026. After City Council and HUD approval, funding is expected to be awarded in summer 2026.

Contact
For more information, including session links and application resources, visit the City’s Federal Housing Programs webpage or housing@cityofvancouver.us. 

A bicyclist is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries after a traffic crash on 99W this morning.

Tigard Police responded to the crash, which happened at 8:33 a.m. on SW Pacific Highway (99W) just north of SW Walnut Street. Witnesses reported the cyclist was heading southbound on the sidewalk along 99W, then moved into the bike lane, crossed the southbound lanes and hit a passenger car that was heading northbound.

The cyclist, a 48-year-old man, was not wearing a helmet. Witnesses, including a nurse and responding officers, performed CPR and the man was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The involved driver stayed at the scene. Officers do not believe the driver was at fault, and while this was a tragic incident, investigators do not believe it to be criminal.

Northbound traffic was temporarily shut down on 99W from SW Walnut to Johnson Street while first responders were at the scene and is now back open.

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The Oregon City Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a bank robbery that occurred in July, 2025 in the 1300 block of Molalla Avenue.

The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5’10” to 6’ tall, wearing gray sweatpants, a black motorcycle helmet, and white and blue sneakers. He fled the area on an electric scooter equipped with distinctive front and rear shocks and a rear footrest featuring double red crossbars.

Anyone with information about the suspect or the incident is urged to contact the Oregon City Police Tip Line at 503-905-0505 and reference case number 25-015370.

Press Release   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
October 7, 2025

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER OPENS REGISTRATION FOR THE 2026 NATIONAL CIVICS BEE
 

An annual competition designed to inspire the next generation of civic leaders

VANCOUVER, Wash.  — The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is excited to announce that it is now accepting essay submissions for the 2026 National Civics Bee®. Organized in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this educational initiative invites middle school students in Southwest Washington to explore American democracy, deepen their understanding of civics, and compete for the chance to earn recognition and cash prizes.

Local 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are encouraged to participate in the first round of the competition by submitting a 500–750 word essay. The prompt challenges students to identify an opportunity or problem in their community and propose potential solutions, sparking thoughtful dialogue and inspiring young people to take an active role in shaping their future. Submissions will be accepted by Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., at VancouverUSA.com/Civics-Bee.

A panel of distinguished judges, composed of local business and community leaders, will review the essays. The top 20 students will advance to the final round: a live quiz event designed to test their civics knowledge in a dynamic and engaging format.

“Through the National Civics Bee®, students gain hands-on experience in civic engagement, learning how to make their voices heard and contribute to a stronger democracy,” said Janet Kenefsky, Chief Operating Officer at the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “This program perfectly reflects our mission to support a community of informed, engaged, and active future leaders who will shape our workforce and economy.”

The live quiz event will take place on Monday, April 20, 2026. The top three winners from the local competition will advance to the state-level competition, where they’ll have the opportunity to compete for further honors.

In addition to the invaluable recognition, the local winners will be awarded cash prizes: $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $125 for third place. 

New this year, the National Civics Bee® is introducing additional incentives to further reward student achievement and school engagement. If the local winner advances to the state competition and wins, their school could have the chance to receive a $5,000 donation. State champions will also earn a paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Civics Bee® Championship in Fall 2026.

For more information on the essay topic, submission guidelines, and competition rules, as well as access to teacher and parent guides, please visit www.vancouverusa.com/civics-bee.

Business leaders interested in sponsoring this program are encouraged to contact the Greater Vancouver Chamber at tnerships@VancouverUSA.com" id="link-mailto:Partnerships@VancouverUSA.com-bca593da24e5" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(0, 79, 89);" target="_self">Partnerships@VancouverUSA.com.

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About the National Civics Bee

The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In the first round of the contest, local middle school students participate in an essay competition. Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in our local competition: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. The top three students from each local competition will advance to the state competition. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this competition was launched to tackle the lack of knowledge about history and civics among middle school students, exposed by new federal data on the Nation's Report Card. In 2022, the average civics score at eighth grade decreased by 2 points compared to 2018.

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for more than 135 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com. 

Media Assets: 

• https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XdY9zjy3IEqxmNaaUuCUg2cNJEMa3c_f?usp=sharing

Oct. 7, 2025

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Oregon Cannabis Commission meets via Zoom Oct. 15

What: A Zoom meeting for the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: The full agenda will be available at healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Zoom Meeting. Members of the public may join remotely by phone at 1-669-254-5252; Meeting ID: 160 016 6803 Passcode: 721911

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate.

The commission provides advice to Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission regarding Oregon Administrative Rules that govern medical cannabis as well as retail cannabis as it pertains to patients and caregivers. 

Additionally, the commission is tasked with developing a long-term strategic plan for ensuring that cannabis will remain a therapeutic and affordable option for patients and monitoring federal laws, regulations, and policies regarding cannabis.

Visit healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

UPDATE:

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is releasing further information regarding the homicide that occurred on Saturday, October 4^th on Highway 34 and Peoria Road, east of Corvallis.  When the Corvallis Fire Department arrived the morning of the incident, they found a single male occupant in a gray 2013 Chevrolet Camaro that had been crashed into a fence.  As they started to render aid to the male, they found he had been shot.  Deputies arrived shortly after the fire department and began a criminal investigation.  The occupant of the Chevrolet Camaro was identified as Christopher Joseph Smith, 30, from Albany.  Smith died on scene from his injuries.  Linn County Detectives are investigating the homicide. Smith’s family has been notified of his passing.  Anyone with information on this incident should contact Detective Scott Tennant at (541) 967-3950.      

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that this morning, October 4, 2025, at 4:19 a.m., the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call for a crash near Peoria Road and Highway 34, near Corvallis in Linn County.  The Corvallis Fire Department arrived at the reported crash just prior to law enforcement’s arrival.  As the Corvallis Fire Department began rendering aid to the single occupant of the vehicle, they observed injuries not related to the crash. The Corvallis Fire Department attempted lifesaving efforts, but the single occupant died at the scene of the crash. 

Detectives from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and are currently investigating the death as a homicide.  At this time, the name of the deceased is not being released, and no additional details are being shared to ensure the integrity of the investigation.  If anyone has information about this case, please contact Detective Scott Tennant at (541) 967-3950.      

To celebrate National Drive Electric Month, Portland General Electric is recognizing the impact electric vehicles have on communities through its 2025 Drive Change Fund awardees, who are providing vital care, human connection and food for people and their families.

The Drive Change Fund is a grant program made possible by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Fuels Program and administered by PGE, empowering grant recipients to invest in electrification projects across its service area with a focus on benefitting communities.

For 2025, PGE announced a total of more than $5.8 million to more than 30 organizations, including Oregon Food Bank, Meals on Wheels People, and the PDX Diaper Bank, to partner on electrification projects.

Through the Drive Change Fund, the PDX Diaper Bank will purchase its second electric cargo van, allowing them to replace a smaller, aging vehicle, increase cargo space for diaper pickups and deliveries, and maximize overall efficiency while reducing emissions throughout its route.

“Our partnership with the PGE Drive Change Fund has been pivotal to the growth and sustainability of PDX Diaper Bank,” said Rachel Alston, PDX Diaper Bank Executive Director. “Thanks to this grant program, PDX Diaper Bank can optimally meet our essential mission with increased efficiency, allowing us to support even more children and families in need.”

2025 recipient, Meals on Wheels People is also using the Drive Change Fund for electric transportation, adding a fully electric, zero emissions refrigerated truck to deliver meals to seniors throughout the Portland-metro area. The new truck will not only help keep food cold for delivery and pickup, but it will also lower costs, allowing the organization to reinvest funds toward more meals and services for the community’s most vulnerable older adults.

“Collaboration makes our work possible, and we’re so grateful for this vital partnership with PGE,” said Suzanne Washington, CEO of Meals on Wheels People. “This support helps us meet urgent needs today while building a healthier, more sustainable future for our community.”

In addition to funding electric vehicles, the Drive Change Fund can also be used toward other electrification projects like electric forklifts. This year, Oregon Food Bank is investing in new energy-efficient forklifts with support from the fund. Every week, the food bank moves roughly one million pounds of food. Oregon Food Bank Facilities Manager, Kira Harrow says electric forklifts will reduce costs, downtime and improve operations overall.

“Our fleet of forklifts are a vital component of this massive food movement operation, running up to 16 hours a day to keep fresh food reaching families across the state. Keeping this aging fleet running requires significant power consumption and ever-increasing maintenance costs," shared Harrow. “This investment strengthens our ability to serve communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington while increasing the environmental sustainability of our operations."

As PGE celebrates National Drive Electric Month, these partnerships demonstrate how electric transportation drives positive change far beyond individual vehicles—creating healthier communities and a more sustainable future.

Applications for the 2026 Drive Changes Fund open in February.

Click here to learn more.

2025 Drive Change Fund awardees:

To learn more on how recipients are using Drive Change Funds, click here.

About Portland General Electric Company 

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is an integrated energy company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to nearly 950,000 customers serving an area of 1.9 million Oregonians. Since 1889, Portland General Electric (PGE) has been powering social progress, delivering safe, affordable, reliable and increasingly clean electricity while working to transform energy systems to meet evolving customer needs. PGE customers have set the standard for prioritizing clean energy with the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the country. PGE was ranked the No. 1 utility in the 2024 Forrester U.S. Customer Experience Index and is committed to reducing emissions from its retail power supply by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. In 2024, PGE employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $5.5 million and volunteered nearly 23,000 hours to more than 480 nonprofit organizations. For more information visit www.PortlandGeneral.com/news

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Re-Imagined Radio will premiere “Frequency 43” by Jerrel McQuen and Marc Rose at 1 p.m. Oct. 20. Just in time for Halloween, this chilling story offers a suitable taste of terror with a side of science fiction adventure.

Originally broadcast in 1980 as “Transformer,” the story has been re-titled, re-booted and re-broadcast by Re-Imagined Radio. “Frequency 43” follows a researcher who discovers a parallel universe where dream and nightmare merge, challenging the boundaries of reality itself. Should we explore this strange, haunting dimension? Can dreams connect us to the Great Unknown—and if so, how much connection would we truly want? Listeners will find hints of answers in this eerie tale of science, sound and imagination.

“Jerrel McQuen and Marc Rose have been crafting immersive audio stories for more than forty years,” said John Barber, producer and host of Re-Imagined Radio and faculty member in the Digital Technology and Culture program at Washington State University Vancouver. “Their work combines cinematic sound design with provocative storytelling. We’re thrilled to reintroduce this piece, now re-imagined as ‘Frequency 43.’ It’s a perfect feature for October.”

The premiere will air on KXRW-FM (99.9) in Vancouver and KXRY-FM (91.1 and 107.1) in Portland, with subsequent broadcasts and streaming by local, regional and international partners.

McQuen and Rose, founders of Ensérné Media, first created “Transformer” as part of a planned radio series following their acclaimed “Farawan” and “Dry Smoke and Whispers” story worlds. Though the series was set aside, the story persisted—now, four decades later, it returns in a new form, continuing their exploration of sound-based storytelling and speculative audio fiction.

Re-Imagined Radio premieres new episodes on the third Monday of each month on KXRW-FM and KXRY-FM. Each episode is streamed globally and later available as a podcast and on YouTube. Previous episodes are released monthly on YouTube. Information and listening links are available at reimaginedradio.fm, where all episodes are archived.

The website also features Re-Imagined Radio EXTRA, providing additional sound-based storytelling between monthly episodes.

Community partners
Re-Imagined Radio collaborates with community voice actors, Foley artists, musicians, sound artists and engineers. Partners include KXRW-FM, KXRY-FM, the Electronic Literature Lab at WSU Vancouver, Marc Rose of Fuse Audio Design, Rylan Eisenhauer, Holly Slocum Design and Evan Leyden.

About Re-Imagined Radio
Created in 2013 by Barber, Re-Imagined Radio explores sound-based storytelling across genres — from drama to comedy, from documentary to sound art. Through performances, broadcasts, streaming, podcasts and social media, the program re-imagines radio storytelling for contemporary audiences.

About WSU Vancouver
As one of six campuses of the WSU system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses, industries, schools and nonprofit organizations.

WSU Vancouver is located on the homelands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Peoples of the Lower Columbia Valley. We acknowledge their presence here. WSU Vancouver expresses its respect toward these original and current caretakers of the region. We pledge that these relationships will be built on mutual trust and respect.

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At approximately 7 p.m. on October 6, 911 received multiple calls reporting heavy black smoke and flames coming from the garage of a home in the 20900 block of Piute Court. Callers also indicated that an adult occupant was unaccounted for and possibly still inside the residence.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered intense flames extending from the garage and front of the home. The incident commander quickly upgraded the response to a second alarm, bringing additional fire and medical resources to the scene.

Firefighters rapidly began searching the home while a truck crew worked to vent the hot and toxic smoke from the structure to improve visibility and conditions inside. Additional crews initiated an attack on the fire that had now spread through a significant amount of the home. Firefighters located the patient and quickly transferred them to medical personnel for treatment. The patient was then transported to a local hospital for continued care.

In total, five patients received medical evaluation and treatment at the scene. Four of them were transported to local hospitals with varying injuries. A fire investigator is working at the scene — the cause remains under investigation.

TVF&R was assisted on scene by Lake Oswego Fire, American Medical Response, and Tualatin Police.

TVF&R approves the use of all images included with this release for the purpose of news dissemination.

At approximately 3:48 p.m. on October 6, the Vancouver Fire Department responded to reports of a gas line leak at the intersection of Main Street and East 7th Street. Upon arrival, crews from the Vancouver Fire Department shut down the entire block and evacuated 25 individuals from five nearby occupancies. The Vancouver Fire Department worked in coordination with NW Natural and Clark Public Utilities to locate and secure the gas line. Once the gas leak was secure, the block was reopened to public traffic approximately one hour later. 11 firefighters responded and no injuries were reported.