BANK ROBBERY SUSPECTS DETAINED

January 29, 2026 – Lincoln County, OR

At approximately 11:48 am, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies, assisted by the Oregon State Police and Newport Police Department, responded to a bank robbery at Columbia Bank in Depoe Bay, Oregon. Two adult males were subsequently located and detained in the Newport area. This incident is still under investigation by the Lincoln County Major Crime Team.

More details will be released once they become available. 

Updated: Correct "hospital" to "highway".

Crook County, Ore. (Jan. 29, 2026)- On Wedenesday, January 28, 2026, at 9:04 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 126, near milepost 7, in Crook County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Jeep Cherokee, operated by Aspen Cheyenne Hadley (25) of Bend, crossed the centerline for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Freightliner box truck, operated by Leah Lynn Laforest (35) of Redmond, head-on. 

The operator of the Jeep (Hadley) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Freightliner (Laforest) suffered reported serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by the Crook County Sheriff's Office.

# # #

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 the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of 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.

JUDGE SENTENCES 19-YEAR OLD SERIAL RAPIST TO 45 YEARS PRISON

January 29, 2026

Portland, OR- Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Souede sentenced Damani Jazz Anderson to 45 years in prison today. 

Anderson pled guilty to sexually assaulting five girls and young women, four of them  at gunpoint.

After the sentencing, Senior Deputy District Attorney Robin Skarstad said: “Our community is so grateful for the strength and sacrifice of these five young survivors, who have saved others from harm at the hands of this sexual predator.”

Click on the link below to read our earlier release which has the details of the crimes Anderson pled guilty to today.

https://www.mcda.us/index.php/news/20-year-old-serial-rapist-pleads-guilty-to-multiple-crimes

JUDGE SENTENCES 19-YEAR OLD SERIAL RAPIST TO 45 YEARS PRISON

January 29, 2026

Portland, OR- Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Souede sentenced Damani Jazz Anderson to 45 years in prison today. 

Anderson pled guilty to sexually assaulting five girls and young women, four of them  at gunpoint.

After the sentencing, Senior Deputy District Attorney Robin Skarstad said: “Our community is so grateful for the strength and sacrifice of these five young survivors, who have saved others from harm at the hands of this sexual predator.”

Click on the link below to read our earlier release which has the details of the crimes Anderson pled guilty to today.

https://www.mcda.us/index.php/news/20-year-old-serial-rapist-pleads-guilty-to-multiple-crimes

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 10:39 a.m., deputies responded to a call of a stolen vehicle in the 39900 block of Lacomb Dr. outside of Lebanon.  It was reported that Travis Pressey, 47, of Sweet Home, was driving a 1990 Green Honda CRX, which he had stolen earlier in the week from the Sweet Home area. 

When the caller, who knew the owner of the Honda, confronted Pressey, he allegedly pointed a gun at the caller.  Pressey then took off in the stolen Honda headed toward Lacomb.  Deputies quickly arrived and started searching the Lacomb area for Pressey and the stolen Honda.  The Honda was located in a driveway and Pressey attempted to leave in the vehicle, but it was out of gas.  Pressey then fled on foot into a wooded area.  K9 Juice was deployed and tracked Pressey down.  K9 Juice bit Pressey in the arm while apprehending him.  Pressey was taken into custody and found to be in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl. 

Pressey sustained minor injuries to his upper arm and was evaluated by Lebanon Medics on scene.  Pressey was then transported to the Linn County Jail where he was booked on the following charges: Felony Attempt to Elude x2, Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another, Possession of Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine, Possession of Controlled Substance-Fentanyl, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Firearm, Menacing, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.  Pressey also had a felony warrant for a weapons offense, and a Lebanon Municipal Court warrant for Fail to Appear on a Fail to Perform Duties of a Driver (Hit and Run.)  The investigation continues and Pressey is facing additional charges to other cases.

As Pressey was reported to be in possession of a firearm, deputies and K9 Juice searched the area for the gun.  As it got dark and the brush was thick, deputies were unable to find the gun that evening.  The Linn County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) was called the following morning to do a thorough search of the area he was apprehended.  The SAR team found a .22 caliber revolver near where Pressey was apprehended. 

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Lebanon Rural Fire District.

We have had several inquiries about the decision today by the Federal Court of Appeals. 

Here is our response- if you need to quote someone please quote me or a spokesperson for the office etc:

This is a procedural case that is prone to misunderstanding. A person filing a lawsuit can allege any fact they want in their complaint. At the motion to dismiss stage, the court must assume that all facts in the complaint are true. The plaintiff in this case alleged that former DDA Kalbaugh knowingly made false statements in an arrest warrant application. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s office believes this allegation to be false and has every confidence that former DDA Kalbaugh will prevail on the merits if plaintiffs seek to refile their claim. Neither the District Court nor the Ninth Circuit has found that DDA Kalbaugh knowingly made false statements. Today’s decision only states that, if plaintiffs wish to pursue this matter, they can attempt to prove their allegations. We firmly believe they will not be able to do so, because that is not what happened in this case.

Pat Dooris

Director of Communications

Multnomah County District Attorney's Office

The City of Battle Ground proudly announces the upcoming 75th anniversary of its incorporation — a milestone marking seven and a half decades of community growth, shared heritage, and forward-looking progress. On June 18, 1951, the Town of Battle Ground was officially incorporated with a population of just 742 residents, setting the foundation for a vibrant city that now thrives with tens of thousands of residents and businesses. 

“We are thrilled to honor 75 years of cityhood — a story of community spirit, civic pride, and endless potential,” said Eric Overholser, Mayor of Battle Ground. “This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of our history — it’s a celebration of the shared legacy Battle Ground is creating each and every day.”

A Year-Long Celebration Begins

Throughout 2026, the City will host a series of community engagement activities, events, and experiences designed to honor the past, highlight the present, and inspire the future. While specific activities are still being finalized, the celebration will focus on:

• Celebrating Our History – Sharing stories, milestones, and achievements from Battle Ground’s journey from a small town to a thriving city. 
• Community Involvement – Encouraging residents of all ages to participate in events that showcase the heart of our city — our people.
• Looking Forward – Highlighting visions, plans, and ideas that will carry Battle Ground into its next chapter.

This anniversary also provides a unique opportunity to learn more about how Battle Ground got its name — inspired by an 1855 encounter between early settlers and members of the Klickitat tribe that, despite expectations of conflict, resulted in peace and left a lasting mark on local history. 

Stay Connected — Be Part of the Story

Details about anniversary events and ways to participate will be shared throughout the year on the City’s official website and social media channels. Residents are encouraged to follow along for announcements, event schedules, volunteer opportunities, and special highlights.

“We are excited to share this milestone with our residents and community partners,” shared Alisha Smith, Communications Manager.  “This anniversary is about coming together, and we invite everyone to take part in the celebration throughout the year.

Visit www.cityofbg.org/BG75 to explore Battle Ground’s history and sign up for updates. Follow the City on Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest on upcoming activities and ways to get involved.

All Colton Schools will be closed on Monday, February 2, 2026, due to continued high absenteeism.  Essential staff will report on Monday to clean all buildings.

Salem, Ore. — With funding for bridge strengthening from the 2022 Safety and Livability Bond projects, four local bridges are no longer load restricted.

The City installed additional reinforcement to strengthen four local bridges at 15th Street NE, 17th Street NE and Liberty Street NE over Mill Creek and the Mission Street SE Bridge over Pringle Creek. 

Previously, the weight of vehicles that could safely pass over the bridges, including some emergency vehicles, was restricted.  But now, after these improvements, the strengthened bridges enhance public safety and reduce emergency response times, especially near Salem Hospital. The work also allows large freight vehicles to access the bridges, shortening travel times. 

Construction was completed in December 2025.

January 29, 2026

Contact: Amy Coven, amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov, 503-943-0164

More than 118,000 people in Oregon signed up for Marketplace coverage in 2026

Salem, OR — During the 2026 Open Enrollment period, 118,372 people in Oregon enrolled in health coverage through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, which offers private health insurance for those who don’t have coverage through their employer, Medicaid or Medicare. Nearly 60 percent of enrollees who applied for financial assistance received help in 2026, compared to 80 percent in 2025. While enrollment dipped about 15 percent resulting in 21,316 fewer people obtaining coverage through the Marketplace, the fact that most re-enrolled indicates people in Oregon continue to value access to quality health care.

At the same time, 2026 enrollment patterns highlight growing challenges. The expiration of federal enhanced federal premium tax credits resulted in higher costs for many consumers, particularly middle-income households that no longer qualified for the same level of financial support. Individuals with incomes between 200-400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level saw premium increases of $90-$165. Marketplace enrollment partners reported that increased premiums led some individuals and families to delay enrollment, select plans with higher out-of-pocket costs, or forgo coverage altogether.

“We continue to see how critical financial assistance is in helping people get and stay covered,” said Chiqui Flowers, director of the Marketplace. “As enhanced premium tax credits expired, many people in Oregon faced difficult choices about affordability. Even so, thousands took steps to protect their health and financial security by enrolling in coverage.”

Although the 2026 Open Enrollment period ended Jan. 15, 2026, the Marketplace remains focused on closing coverage gaps and advancing health equity by supporting hard-to-reach communities and ensuring each person in Oregon understand their health coverage options.

The Marketplace encourages individuals who secured coverage for 2026 to:

• Pay their first month’s premium so their health coverage fully activates;
• Review their health plan’s provider network to confirm their preferred doctors and clinics are covered--if preferred providers are no longer in-network, their insurance company can help identify nearby providers accepting new patients;
• Schedule no-cost preventive services, such as annual checkups, vaccinations, and recommended screenings; and
• Explore available benefits, including mental health services, reproductive health care, and prescription drug savings.

Individuals with questions about their health plan are encouraged to contact their insurance company directly for personalized assistance. Contact information can be found in member booklets or on the back of insurance cards.

For those who missed the Open Enrollment deadline, coverage options may still be available. People who experience qualifying life events--such as moving, losing other health coverage, having or adopting a child, getting married, a change in citizenship or immigration status, or being released from incarceration--may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. In addition, enrolled Tribal members, Alaska Natives, and individuals with lower incomes may apply for health coverage year-round.

###

29 de enero de 2026

Contacto: Amy Coven, amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov, 503-943-0164

Más de 118,000 Personas en Oregon se Inscribieron para Obtener Cobertura a Través del Mercado de Seguros Médicos en 2026

Salem, OR — Durante el período de inscripción abierta de 2026, 118,372 personas en Oregon se inscribieron en cobertura de salud a través del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon, que ofrece seguros privados para quienes no cuentan con cobertura a través de su empleador, Medicaid o Medicare. Casi el 60 por ciento de las personas inscritas que solicitaron ayuda financiera la recibieron en 2026, en comparación con el 80 por ciento en 2025. Aunque la inscripción disminuyó aproximadamente un 15 por ciento, lo que significó que 21,316 personas menos obtuvieron cobertura a través del Mercado, el hecho de que la mayoría se reinscribiera indica que los habitantes de Oregon siguen valorando el acceso a la atención médica de calidad.

Al mismo tiempo, las tendencias de inscripción para 2026 ponen de manifiesto desafíos crecientes. El vencimiento de los créditos fiscales federales mejorados para primas de seguros médicos provocó costos más altos para muchos consumidores, en particular para los hogares de ingresos medios que ya no cumplían con los requisitos para recibir el mismo nivel de ayuda financiera. Las personas con ingresos entre el 200 por ciento y el 400 por ciento del Nivel Federal de Pobreza experimentaron aumentos en las primas de entre $90 y $165. Los socios comunitarios que ayudan con la inscripción del Mercado de seguros informaron que el aumento de las primas llevó a algunas personas y familias a retrasar la inscripción, a elegir planes con mayores gastos de bolsillo o a renunciar por completo a la cobertura.

“Seguimos viendo lo fundamental que es la ayuda financiera para que las personas obtengan y mantengan su cobertura de salud”, declaró Chiqui Flowers, directora del Mercado de Seguros Médicos. “Con la expiración de los créditos fiscales mejorados para primas de seguros, muchas personas en Oregon se enfrentaron a decisiones difíciles en cuanto a la asequibilidad. Aun así, miles de personas tomaron medidas para proteger su salud y su seguridad financiera inscribiéndose en un plan de cobertura de salud”.

Aunque el período de inscripción abierta de 2026 finalizó el 15 de enero de 2026, el Mercado de Seguros Médicos sigue enfocado en reducir las interrupciones de cobertura y promover la equidad en la atención médica, apoyando a las comunidades de difícil acceso y garantizando que cada persona en Oregon comprenda sus opciones de seguros médicos.

El Mercado de Seguros Médicos recomienda a las personas que obtuvieron cobertura para 2026 que:

• Paguen la prima del primer mes para que su cobertura médica se active por completo;
• Revisen la red de proveedores de su plan de salud para confirmar que sus médicos y clínicas de preferencia estén cubiertos; si sus proveedores preferidos ya no forman parte de la red, su compañía de seguros puede ayudarles a encontrar proveedores cercanos que acepten nuevos pacientes;
• Programen servicios preventivos gratuitos, como chequeos anuales, vacunas y exámenes de detección recomendados; y
• Exploren los beneficios disponibles, incluidos los servicios de salud mental, atención de salud reproductiva y descuentos en medicamentos recetados.

Se recomienda a las personas que tengan preguntas sobre su plan de salud que se comuniquen directamente con su compañía de seguros para obtener asistencia personalizada. La información de contacto se encuentra en los folletos para miembros o en el reverso de las tarjetas de seguro.

Para quienes no se inscribieron durante el período de inscripción abierta, aún puede haber opciones de cobertura disponibles. Las personas que experimentan eventos de vida calificados – como mudarse, perder otra cobertura de salud, tener o adoptar un hijo, casarse, un cambio en la ciudadanía o el estatus migratorio, o salir de prisión, pueden calificar para un período de inscripción especial. Además, los miembros de tribus indígenas, los nativos de Alaska y las personas con bajos ingresos pueden solicitar cobertura médica durante todo el año.

###

TAX SEASON SCAMS

Many are working on their Federal and State taxes now that tax season has opened. As you prepare your taxes, be aware of scammers and suspicious activity. One tax scam includes scammers claiming to be from the IRS telling you that you are due a federal tax refund. They then direct you to a website that appears to be a genuine IRS site. The bogus site steals your information and even contains forms or interactive web pages similar to IRS. Don’t be fooled! These sites and forms have been modified to request detailed personal and financial information from the recipients. Other tax related scams can include claiming you need to pay late fees or back taxes to a suspicious recipient or in untraditional payment forms such as BitCoin, giftcards, through a third-party website or unsecured, etc.

The IRS does not send out unsolicited emails or ask for detailed personal information. Additionally, they do not ask people for their PIN numbers, passwords or similar private access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts. The IRS primarily uses the mail when they need to notify you regarding any tax-related matter. They do not phone you late at night, or text you.
 

More Information and Resources
 

• For more information on phishing (suspicious emails) and identity theft, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.
• For information on preventing or handling the aftermath of identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission Web sites at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft and www.OnGuardOnline.gov.
• Report Fraud - Federal Trade Commission: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov./#/
• Report Scams and Fraud - Oregon Department of Justice: https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/sales-scams-fraud/report-scams-fraud/
• Internet Crime Compliant Center - FBI: https://www.ic3.gov/

###

Woodland, WA - For Max Koistinen, engineering isn’t just about calculations and blueprints—it’s about legacy, community, and the practical application of a lifelong passion for mathematics. A second-year student at Lower Columbia College (LCC), Max was recently named the 2025-26 recipient of the James A. Nelson Woodland Friends of LCC Endowed Scholarship, an honor that recognizes his academic excellence and commitment to his hometown of Woodland.

A Foundation Built on Family

Max’s journey to the world of Mechanical Engineering began long before he stepped onto the LCC campus. Growing up as the youngest of 11 children, he found his greatest inspiration within his own home. With parents married for over 45 years, providing a bedrock of values, Max watched his older siblings blaze trails in higher education.

“My siblings have been a huge inspiration for me,” Max shares. “Two of my brothers have Bachelor’s degrees, one in Mechanical Engineering and the other in Computer Science. Talking with them gave me the confidence to try engineering.”

This familial support, combined with a natural aptitude for math that saw him taking advanced courses as early as middle school, set the stage for his current success. By the time he began the Running Start program in high school, he had already cleared the prerequisites for complex engineering coursework.

Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Community

Currently maintaining a 3.7 GPA in the MRP Civil/Mechanical Engineering program, Max is a student who believes in "learning by doing." While many students wait until after graduation to enter the workforce, Max is already gaining hands-on industry experience at Alpine Engineers LLC.

At Alpine, Max contributes to HVAC projects that directly impact the local infrastructure. This role allows him to see the immediate, tangible results of his studies. Whether he is volunteering at his local church or optimizing building systems, Max’s goal remains the same: to use his technical training to serve the community that raised him.

The Road Ahead: A Five-Year Vision

The James A. Nelson Woodland Friends of LCC Scholarship provides more than just financial relief; it offers the stability necessary for Max to focus on his rigorous path toward professional licensure. His roadmap for the future is clear:

1. Graduate in June 2026 with his degree from LCC.

2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

3. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam to become an Engineer-in-Training.

4. Achieve Professional Engineer status in Washington after completing four years of supervised experience.

"I have always understood that work would be a huge part of my life," says Max. "I wanted my job to be something thought-provoking rather than something I do for money. I find mathematics and how it can be applied fascinating."

The Impact of Local Support

Max is one of the many success stories made possible by the Lower Columbia College Foundation. The James A. Nelson Woodland Friends of LCC Scholarship was established in 2015 with the collaborative efforts of Woodland High School, a group of Woodland community members, including Tim Welch and Lee Hutton-Welch, Tom Golik, Benno and Klazina Dobbe, Ron Nelson, and Woodland Rotary. In 2019, a very generous endowment gift from James “Jimmy” Nelson ensured scholarship opportunities for Woodland community members would be provided into perpetuity. The scholarship will be awarded to LCC students who live in Woodland or Kalama, attend LCC full-time, and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Priority given to Woodland High School graduating seniors. This year alone, the Foundation provided 310 scholarships totaling over $665,000. For students like Max, these awards are the catalyst that turns academic dreams into professional realities.

As Max continues his studies and his work at Alpine Engineers, he carries with him the support of the Woodland community and the legacy of the James A. Nelson Scholarship. He isn't just studying to build machines; he's studying to build a better future for the Pacific Northwest.

RELEASE DATE:               Jan. 27, 2026

CASE UPDATE:                 Jan. 29, 2026

CASE NUMBER:                26-4081

Caleb has been located

Gresham, Ore—Gresham Police is asking for the public’s assistance with locating a missing 12-year-old who was last seen leaving his home this evening.

Caleb Paris left his home in the 1300 block of NE Hogan Dr. at approximately 6 p.m. this evening. He is described as a White male with curly brown hair, is 5-feet and 10-inches tall and weighs 240 pounds.  Caleb was last seen wearing a light-colored button-up shirt and gray sweatpants. He was also wearing black over-the-ear headphones. Caleb’s family is concerned about his well-being because of statements he made indicating he may harm himself.

If anyone has information about Caleb’s whereabouts, they are asked to call 911.

#30

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries is offering grants for qualified historic cemeteries. The annual grants fund projects that preserve historic cemeteries. Projects funded in the past include marker repair workshops, fencing, signs, interpretive panels and brochures, security lighting, access improvements, records management, and more.
 

Awards typically range between $1,000 and $8,000, but have been higher. Anyone may apply for a grant. Projects must be related to historic cemeteries listed with the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries. Recent projects include marker repair and workshops in several cemeteries, installations of signs and informational kiosks, a preservation plan, and a fence replacement.
 

“Our goal is to preserve Oregon’s historic cemeteries and offer support throughout the application process,” said historic cemeteries program coordinator Kuri Gill.
 

The online grant application is simple to use and includes plenty of support.  A free, online workshop specific to this grant and how to use the online grant application system will be offered February 24, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Registration is required. Recorded trainings and tips are also online.
 

State law established the seven-member historic cemeteries commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. These grants support the goals of the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan and the Oregon Heritage Plan. To learn more about the grants or workshops visit www.oregonheritage.org. For additional information, translation, and accessibility needs contact Kuri Gill at i.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

Salem, Ore. – The deadline is nearing to submit nominees, individuals or groups, from Marion, Polk and Linn counties for the 2026 ILEAD Impact Awards. The awards will be presented at the ILEAD Youth Leadership Summit on March 7.

Submit your nominees by February 3.

ILEAD is an annual one-day Youth Leadership Summit for high schoolers living in the Mid-Willamette Valley. This free event is managed by the City of Salem's Safe and Healthy Communities Outreach – Opioid Prevention and coordinated by a planning committee of stakeholders alongside a youth committee. The mission is to encourage, empower and better equip teens to lead positive change in their lives, their schools and their community.

The ILEAD Impact Awards celebrate the great work being done in our community around youth leadership development and volunteerism, teen opportunity development, teen-to-teen advocacy and voice, and youth health and wellbeing focuses.

There are three award categories: 

1. the Youth Leader Impact Award,
2. the Youth Program Impact Award
3. the Adult Leader Impact Award.

Anyone in Marion, Polk or Linn county can submit nominations.

You can submit as many nominations as you wish. Click the link again if you have more than one to submit in the same category. Each selected nominee, group or individual, will receive an engraved medal.

Impact Awards are sponsored by the City of Salem - Opioid Prevention and Marion County Health and Human Services - Health Promotion and Prevention Services.

Online

Web pages: ILEAD Youth Leadership Summit and Summit Registration

Instagram: @ileadyouthsummit 

Facebook:  Facebook.com/ILEADoregon 

# # #

The Clackamas Fire District Board of Directors will hold a Work Session on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The agenda for the work session includes a Strategic Planning Workshop. 

If you would like to provide public comment during the meeting, you must sign up by Monday, February 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Please sign up by filling out the Public Meeting Comments form on our website: https://clackamasfire.com/public-meeting-comments/. 

The public can attend either by remote video conferencing or in person at Station 5 (9339 SE Causey Ave., Happy Valley, OR 97086). If you would like to attend online or by phone, please visit the Clackamas Fire District website for the Zoom meeting link and passcode at https://clackamasfire.com/public-notices/. 

Eisner Award-winning author visits campus as part of the 2025-26 Columbia Writers Series

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Clark College Columbia Writers Series will continue its 2025-26 season with comic journalist Joe Sacco, the Eisner Award-winning author known for his works in nonfiction comics. Sacco is the author of Footnotes in Gaza, for which he received the Ridenhour Book Prize, as well as Paying the Land, Palestine Journalism, Safe Area Goražde, and other books.

This free event, which is open to the public, will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, in Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258 B/C on Clark College’s main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.

Sacco practices investigative journalism through nonfiction comics, reporting from war zones and areas of political conflict, including the Gulf War, the occupied Palestinian territories, and Bosnia. His latest book, The Once and Future Riot, published in October 2025, examines the political violence that led to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar Riot in India. His work has also appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Guardian, and Harper’s Magazine. 

A 1981 journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Sacco founded the satirical comics magazine Portland Permanent Press in 1985 before working at The Comics Journal as a staff news writer. He lives in Portland, Oregon. 

Event details 

Time: Thursday, Feb. 5, 11 a.m. – noon

Location: Penguin Union Building (PUB) 258 B/C, Clark College main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98683

Parking: Green or Red lots—view online campus map and directions here.

Accommodations: If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 or email: hr@clark.edu

All are welcome. Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.

Upcoming Columbia Writers Series Events

Emma Pattee, climate journalist & fiction writer, May 12, 2026, 10 a.m.

Emma Pattee has written about climate change for The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and other publications. Her debut novel, Tilt, is a New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice, a USA Today Bestseller, a Best Book of 2025 for Vogue, and an NPR favorite fiction read of 2025.

Camille Dungy, author and poet, May 14, 2026, 1 p.m.
Camille Dungy is the author of Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden, which was named book of the month by Hudsons Booksellers, received the 2024 Award of Excellence in Garden and Nature Writing from The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries, and was on the short list for the PEN/Jean Stein Award. Dungy has also written four collections of poetry and the essay collection, Guidebook to Relative Strangers: Journeys into Race, Motherhood, and History.

About Clark’s Columbia Writers Series

The Columbia Writers Series aims to enrich the intellectual and cultural life of Clark College by providing a platform for literature and the arts. Since 1988, the series has brought a diverse array of local, national, and international authors to the campus and the community. Learn more about the Columbia Writers Series.

About Clark College

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. This public community college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves over 8,500 students including high school students, veterans, displaced workers, multilingual and mature learners. About three-quarters of its students are the first in their families to attend college. 

###

Update
 

Mr. Hart has been located and is safe. 

Vancouver Police Department's investigators are requesting public's assistance in locating James "Jim" Hart.  Hart is a seventy-seven-year-old white male. Hart is approximately 6'1" tall and weighs approximately (177) pounds.  He has green eyes and is bald.  Hart was  last seen wearing a tan baseball cap, plaid shirt and had a blanket over him.

Hart was last seen on January 28, 2026 at the Hampton Alzheimers Community Assisted Living facility located at 1617 SE Talton Ave in the City of Vancouver, WA. 

Hart's photograph is attached to this news release.  

Citizens with information regarding Hart's latest whereabouts are asked to contact Vancouver Police Department's dispatch center.

Associated case number is 2026-001877.  

Media Advisory

WHAT:

sQuatch Meets Galactic Fest 2026 - From Forest to Final Frontier

When:

Friday and Saturday January 30-31, 2026

Friday 2:00pm - 10:00PM

Saturday 9:00AM - 8:00PM

Where:

Cowlitz County Events Center

1900 7th Ave

Longview WA 98632

WHO:

Hosted by Craig Yahne, brought to you by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Featuring nationally recongized Sasquatch and UFO experts, including

• Cliff Barachman (Finding Bigfoot)
• Kathy Strain (The Proof is OUt There)
• Ben Hensen (Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files)
• Thom Reed, (main witness of the 1969 Bershires UFO Encounter)
• Jeff Davis - (Anthropolgies and Archaelogic working in our local Cascade Mountains and author of over a dozen books talking about PWN history, ghosts and legends)
• Tobe Johnson & Alicia Phifer (Olympic Strange Days)

Details:

sQuatch Meets Galactic Fest 2026 brings together Bigfoot lore, UFO encounters, expert speakers, live music, family activities, vendors, food trucks, and a Beer & Wine Garden (21+ add-on) for a two-day celebration of the unexplained.

FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS:

• Event opens at 2PM
• VIP Meet & Greet with all the speakers 5:30pm - 6:30PM (limited space available)
• Date Night with live music by Tony Jones 7:00PM - 10:00PM (21+)

Saturday Highlights:

• Full day of expert speakers
• Kids Cave with crafts and activities
• sQuatch calling contest
• Lunch with UFOEXPO by Thom Reed with special guest appearance via Zoom
• Vendors, food trucks, and interactive experiences

Why it Matters:

This unique festival draws regional and national attention, blending pop culture, science, mystery and family-friendly fun, making it a visually engaging interview-rich opportunity for media coverage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Bonnie Delaney 503-784-2244 or 360-423-8400

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

sQuatch Meets Galactic Fest 2026 Brings Bigfoot and UFOs to Kelso

January 30 & 31, 2026 | Cowlitz County Event Center

Kelso, WA — The unexplained takes center stage as sQuatch Meets Galactic Fest 2026: From Forest to the Final Frontier returns to the Cowlitz County Event Center on January 30 & 31, 2026. This two-day event brings together Bigfoot lore, UFO encounters, expert speakers, family activities, food, brews, and live entertainment for a weekend of mystery and fun.

Hosted by Craig Yahne, the festival features nationally recognized experts and investigators including Cliff Barackman (Finding Bigfoot), Kathy Strain (The Proof Is Out There), Ben Hansen (Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files), Thom Reed (main witness of the 1969 Berkshires UFO Encounter), Jeff Davis, and investigators Tobe Johnson and Alicia Phifer, creators and hosts of Olympic Strange Days.

Friday, January 30
Doors open at 2:00 PM, launching the weekend with vendors, activities, food trucks, and the Brew Mt. beer garden. A VIP Meet & Greet with event speakers will be held from 5:30–6:30 PM (limited availability). Friday night concludes with a special Date Night featuring live music by Tony Jones from 7:00–10:00 PM, a 21+ ticketed event.

Saturday, January 31
The event opens at 9:00 AM with a full day of programming, including expert presentations, panels, and interactive experiences. Highlights include a Kids Cave with crafts and activities, multiple sQuatch Calling Contests, merchandise booths, food trucks, and the Brew Mt. Beer & Wine Garden (21+ add-on).
Saturday also features Lunch with UFOXPO by Thom Reed, including special guest appearances via Zoom. The event wraps up Saturday evening at 8:00 PM.

Designed for believers, skeptics, and the simply curious, sQuatch Meets Galactic Fest 2026 offers something for all ages, with many kids’ activities included with an adult ticket.

Tickets, schedules, and additional details are available at kelsolongviewchamber.org.

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County will receive $1,031,000 in federal funding following passage of a federal spending bill that cleared the U.S. Senate last week. The funding was secured with the support of Oregon’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden.

The funding is part of the federal Community Project Funding process and will be used to replace and upgrade an outdated public safety communications system. This will allow Clatsop County first responders to better communicate with each other and the public in the event of an emergency.

Representative Bonamici championed the request in the U.S. House of Representatives, where the project was included in the bill’s initial draft before it ultimately advanced to the Senate.

“This funding reflects the strong partnership between Clatsop County and our federal delegation,” said Clatsop County Board Chair Mark Kujala. “We appreciate Representative Bonamici’s leadership in moving this request forward, as well as the continued support from Senators Merkley and Wyden in delivering resources that directly benefit our community.”

Clatsop County is prepared to implement the project consistent with federal requirements.

More information about the Community Project Funding process is available through the offices of Oregon’s congressional delegation.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. (28 JAN 2024) – A recent Oregon State Police traffic stop near Roseburg led to the seizure of a large quantity of cocaine and cash.

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m., an Oregon State Trooper stopped a vehicle on Interstate 5 southbound near milepost 153 for a traffic violation. During the contact, the trooper discovered the vehicle had been rented by an unknown third party who was not present. Neither of the vehicle’s occupants had a valid driver’s license.

The trooper became suspicious of possible criminal activity during the course of the stop and requested an OSP drug-detection K-9 team. The K-9 was deployed and alerted to the exterior of the vehicle. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, 11 pounds of cocaine and $24,000 in U.S. currency were discovered.
 

The case was referred to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

# # #

OSP Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative
The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement (OSP-DHE) Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.

A26-1976 – SWAT Incident, Death Investigation

On January 27, 2026, detectives with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office Crime Reduction Team (CRT) assisted the Kelso and Longview Police Departments in searching for a wanted subject, identified as Deyshawn Joshua Namock, age 25, of Longview.  Namock had an outstanding felony warrant from the Department of Corrections for Escape from Community Custody and was wanted on other charges, including:

Kelso Police Department case 26-551, arrest warrant for charges of Robbery 1^st Degree, Assault 2^nd Degree, and Unlawful Possession of Firearm 1^st Degree.

Longview Police Department case L26-2467, probable cause for charges of Residential Burglary, Robbery 2^nd Degree, and Assault 4^th Degree – Domestic Violence.

During the Longview Police incident reported on January 27^th, Namock had allegedly assaulted a female and stole her cell phone and vehicle.  CRT detectives were aware that Namock was associated with a female residing in the 100 block of Star Rd in Kalama and located the stolen vehicle at that address.

CRT detectives and deputies from the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office set containment on the home and broadcast a series of announcements ordering occupants to exit the home.  The female associated with Namock, her child, and another adult resident followed commands and exited the residence.  No response was received from Namock, who was believed to still be inside.  Detectives contacted the homeowners about the situation.  The homeowners were not aware of the alleged criminal activities and were cooperative with law enforcement’s efforts to take Namock into custody.

A Kelso Police detective obtained a search warrant for the residence, and the Lower Columbia SWAT Team was activated.  Numerous commands were broadcast instructing Namock that he was under arrest and to exit the residence, but no response was received.  While SWAT operators conducted an extensive search of the residence, a muffled pop was heard coming from the area of the attic.  SWAT operators used a pole camera to search the attic and located an unresponsive subject. 

The subject was extricated from the attic and appeared to have a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  A semiautomatic pistol was found near the subject in the attic, along with the assault victim’s stolen cell phone.

Medics with Cowlitz County Fire District 5 rendered medical assistance and determined the subject was deceased.  The decedent was positively identified as Dayshawn Namock. The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and took custody of the decedent. 

Troy Brightbill

Chief Criminal Deputy

Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office

OHA warns of exposure site linked to new Clackamas County measles case 

State of Oregon v. Kent Hart Marcotte

Marion County Circuit Court Case 18CR11602

Salem, OR – January 28, 2026 –  On January 27, 2026 Marion County Circuit Court Judge Channing Bennett sentenced Kent Hart Marcotte (age 43) to 100 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections based upon a No Contest Plea to Rape in the Second Degree, Sodomy in the Second Degree, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, and Attempted Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

Marcotte is convicted of crimes that occurred in 2017 with a juvenile victim who was under the age of 14 years old at the time. The defendant was known to the victim as a family friend. The victim’s mother became concerned after witnessing several inappropriate interactions. In February 2018 a Grand Jury returned an indictment, and an arrest warrant was subsequently issued; however, the warrant was not initially served because the defendant left the state.

In May of 2024, Marcotte was arrested in Texas on a Marion County Oregon warrant for his earlier crimes, and he was transported back to Oregon.

The investigation was conducted by the Salem Police Department and the thorough work of Detective John Diaz. This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Kylie Kuhns and Meghan Kamps. Due to the sensitive nature of the conduct, no additional information will be released.

####

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.

###

Clackamas Fire District firefighters will once again compete in the Blood Cancer United Firefighter Stairclimb on March 8, 2026, in Seattle, Washington. The annual event raises funds to support blood cancer research and patient services through Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).

This year, 33 Clackamas firefighters will participate—the district’s largest stairclimb team in more than a decade. They will join firefighters from around the world in climbing 69 flights of stairs in Seattle’s tallest building, the Columbia Center, while wearing full structural firefighting gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), jacket, helmet, gloves, and face mask.

While the stairclimb is a physically demanding challenge, the heart of the event lies in its fundraising mission. To support the effort, Clackamas firefighters will host a community fundraising raffle and invite the public to join them in supporting both the stairclimb team and Blood Cancer United.

Fundraising Raffle Event:

Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Valley Public House
12960 SE 162nd Ave, Happy Valley, OR 97086

Raffle Details:

• $1 raffle tickets (all proceeds donated to Blood Cancer United)

• You do not need to be present to win

• Raffle prizes donated by Starbucks, Ace Hardware, Stickmen Brewing, Starcycle, Orangetheory, Killer Burger, and more

Community members are encouraged to attend, purchase raffle tickets, and help Clackamas Fire firefighters make a meaningful impact in the fight against blood cancer.

Salem, Ore. — Starting February 1, 2026, some people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits and live in certain rural counties will not have to meet the work rules for the rest of 2026. This change is for people who live in areas where employment services that help them meet the requirements are not readily available.

This change affects 1,310 people living in Crook, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Morrow, Sherman and Wheeler counties.  More than 730,000 people in Oregon receive SNAP benefits.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will apply these discretionary exemptions for people with an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) status who live in seven rural counties without local employment service centers.

Under recently changed SNAP rules, having ABAWD status means people are between ages 18 and 64, do not have children under 14 living with them, and are able to work. Federal rules say that people in this group must work or take part in approved job or training activities for at least 80 hours a month to keep getting SNAP. If they do not, they can only get SNAP for three months. After that, their benefits stop and they cannot get SNAP again for up to three years, unless they qualify for an exemption.

While the exemptions in these seven counties are not related to the federal HR1 law passed in July 2025, HR1 did significantly alter how SNAP is administered in Oregon, including expanded work requirements statewide.

What people living in affected counties need to know

• Discretionary exemptions will be applied automatically each month beginning February 1, 2026 through December 2026.
• No action is required from people receiving SNAP in the affected counties.
• ODHS eligibility staff will continue to review and apply other SNAP exemptions at application, renewal and when changes are reported.

People who want to confirm their exemption status can:

• Check their ONE Online account,
• Contact the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075, or
• Reach out to a local ODHS office.

People in the seven counties are encouraged to continue participating in job training and employment services. Continued participation will not affect a person’s exemption status.

Supporting food access in rural Oregon

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, the federal program that administers SNAP, allocates a limited number of discretionary exemptions to each state each federal fiscal year based on the estimated number of people subject to SNAP time limits. Oregon received its allotment for federal fiscal year 2026 in December and is using these exemptions where access barriers are greatest.

The Oregon Employment Department provides employment and training services statewide through local WorkSource centers to SNAP participants with ABAWD status. The seven counties included in this change do not have a local WorkSource center, which can mean long travel distances or reliance on phone or internet access that may not be consistently available in rural areas.

Under federal guidance, discretionary exemptions are limited and may only be used for certain periods. Oregon plans to apply these exemptions in the seven counties from February through December 2026.

This change is not related to the federal HR1 law passed in July 2025 and does not reflect a new federal law or mandate. It is a state-level administrative action allowed under existing federal SNAP rules.

About SNAP in Oregon:

• SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities.
• Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year.
• But even with SNAP benefits, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs, especially amid the rising cost of food and housing. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to making sure people in Oregon receive the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.

###

FIRE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Public notice and request for comment on ODDS Medicaid waiver updates

(Salem, Ore.) ― The Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) seeks public comment on updates to its six 1915(c) Medicaid waivers:

• Adults’ Home and Community-Based Services Wavier
• Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Wavier
• Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver
• Behavioral Waiver
• Medically Fragile Waiver
• Medically Involved Waiver

Summary of substantial updates

• Expanded eligibility for Medicaid services: This change affects all six waivers. The change will make it easier for children with low incomes to access waiver services. Why is this change happening? The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is making this change to the Oregon Medicaid State Plan. ODDS is making this change to be consistent with OHA.
• Fewer forms to sign: We removed the requirement for a signature on the Freedom of Choice form and the Notice of Rights form. This makes getting services easier. People won’t have to sign as many forms. Services coordinators and personal agents will still go over the forms with individuals and record this in their progress notes.
• Word and formatting changes: These are all technical changes. None of these changes affects individuals’ services.

All six wavier applications and the announcement letter are available to read on the ODHS website. Print versions of the updates are posted in local community developmental disabilities programs and support services brokerages. To ask for a printed version, contact ODDS Medicaid Waiver/State Plan Analyst at 503-507-2083 or s@odhsoha.oregon.gov">odds.waivers@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

How to submit feedback on the proposed changes

1. Send an email to s@odhsoha.oregon.gov">odds.waivers@odhsoha.oregon.gov. 

1. Send written comments to ODDS Medicaid waiver/State Plan analyst, 500 Summer Street NE E-09, Salem, OR 97301.  

The deadline for comments is Feb. 27, 2026. We must receive comments by this date.

More information

You can get this document for free in other languages, large print, braille or a format you need. Email ectorsoffice@odhs.oregon.gov">dd.directorsoffice@odhs.oregon.gov or call 503-945-5811. We accept all relay calls.

(Salem, Ore.) ― El Programa para Discapacidades Intelectuales y del Desarrollo (ODDS, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon está actualizando sus seis exenciones de Medicaid 1915 (c):

• Exención de servicios a domicilio y comunitarios para adultos (Adults’ Home and Community-Based Services Waiver)
• Exención de servicios a domicilio y comunitarios para niños (Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Waiver)
• Exención por necesidades extraordinarias de los niños (Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver)
• Exención por razones de conducta (Behavioral Waiver)
• Exención por fragilidad por razones médicas (Medically Fragile Waiver)
• Exención por necesidades médicas (Medically Involved Waiver)

Resumen de las actualizaciones importantes

• Ampliación de la elegibilidad para los servicios de Medicaid: Este cambio afecta a las seis exenciones. El cambio facilitará el acceso de los niños con bajos ingresos a los servicios de exención. ¿Por qué se hace este cambio? La Oregon Health Authority (OHA) está haciendo este cambio al Plan Estatal de Medicaid de Oregon. ODDS está haciendo este cambio para mantener la misma consistencia con OHA.
• Menos formularios para firmar: Hemos eliminado el requisito de firmar el formulario de Libertad de Elección y el formulario de Notificación de Derechos. Esto hace más fácil obtener servicios. Las personas no tendrán que firmar tantos formularios. Los coordinadores de servicios y los agentes personales seguirán revisando los formularios con las personas y lo registrarán en sus notas de progreso.
• Cambios de redacción y formato: Se trata de cambios técnicos. Ninguno de estos cambios afecta a los servicios que reciben las personas.

Las seis solicitudes de exenciones y el comunicado están disponibles para leerlas en el sitio web de ODHS (en inglés). Las versiones impresas de las actualizaciones se publican en los programas comunitarios de discapacidades del desarrollo  y en las agencias de Brokerage (servicios de apoyo). Para solicitar una versión impresa, póngase en contacto con ODDS Medicaid Waiver / Analista del Plan Estatal en 503-507-2083 o s@odhsoha.oregon.gov">odds.waivers@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Cómo enviar sus comentarios sobre los cambios propuestos

1. Envíe un correo electrónico a s@odhsoha.oregon.gov">odds.waivers@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
2. Envíe sus comentarios por escrito y correo postal a ODDS Medicaid waiver/State Plan analyst, 500 Summer Street NE E-09, Salem, OR 97301.

La fecha límite es el 27 de febrero de 2026. Debemos recibir sus comentarios por correo antes de esta fecha.

Más información

Puede obtener este documento sin costo alguno en otros idiomas, letra grande, braille o el formato que usted necesite. Envíe un correo electrónico a ectorsoffice@odhs.oregon.gov">dd.directorsoffice@odhs.oregon.gov o llame al 503-945-5811. Aceptamos todas las llamadas de retransmisión.

The Oregon Heritage Commission is offering grants to qualified museums for collections, heritage tourism, and education and interpretation projects. Awards typically range between $2,000 and $10,000.
 

Museums may apply for a variety of projects. Collections projects may include cataloging, archival storage, disaster preparedness, and conservation. Heritage tourism projects may include museum marketing and promotions, enhancing visitor experience, and training for museum staff. Education and interpretation projects may include exhibits, online education, school classes, workshops, and camps. Museums may also partner with other organizations for projects that might be outside of the museum, but still meet the museum’s mission.
 

“Museums are the keepers of local, regional and state history and this program supports the collection, preservation and promotion of that history across the state,” said Oregon Heritage Coordinator, Katie Henry.

The online grant application is simple to use and includes plenty of support.  A free online workshop specific to this grant and how to use the online grant application will be offered February 24, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Advance registration is required. Recorded trainings and tips are also online.
 

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon’s heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are also nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The commission’s mission 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. The commission supports Oregon Heritage Plan goals that include: including more voices of Oregon’s history, access to Oregon’s historic resources, attaining best practices and promoting the value of heritage.
 

To learn more about museum grants, visit www.oregonheritage.org. For additional questions, translation and accessibility needs contact Kuri Gill at i.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

PORTLAND, Ore. (January 28, 2026) ~ January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight prevention and address persistent myths around Human papillomavirus (HPV), vaccination, and cervical cancer screening. Kaiser Permanente Northwest is offering interviews with Amanda Petrik, PhD, a Portland-based researcher whose work focuses on increasing education about the HPV virus, expanding access to HPV prevention, and reducing long-standing disparities in cervical cancer outcomes.

HPV causes cervical cancer and is also linked to six other cancers, including anal, oropharyngeal (mouth and throat), penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. The HPV vaccine is an effective cancer-prevention vaccine available today for both females and males. Yet screening gaps remain: more than half of cervical cancer cases occur among people who were never or rarely screened, with lower screening rates in safety-net clinics that serve low-income and racially diverse populations.

“Cervical cancer is largely preventable, but prevention only works if people can access tools that fit their lives,” said Amanda Petrik, PhD, investigator with the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland. “Whether it’s expanding HPV vaccination in school-based health centers or offering self-collected screening as an alternative to a Pap test, our goal is to reduce barriers and prevent cancer before it starts.”

Dr. Petrik is a health services researcher with more than 20 years of experience studying health systems, policy, and cancer prevention in real-world settings, including community and safety-net clinics. Her current National Cancer Institute-funded study, STEP-2, is testing FDA-approved HPV self-sampling kits as a cervical cancer screening option for patients who are due or overdue for screening. The study aims to identify the most effective and cost-efficient ways to implement programs that increase screening rates and reduce disparities as the technology rolls out nationally.

Interviews available:

Amanda Petrik, PhD, health services researcher with the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, is available for interviews on Thursday, Jan. 29 from 9-10 a.m. and 11-12:30 p.m. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org">Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Petrik is prepared to discuss:

• How the HPV vaccine protects against HPV virus and multiple cancers

• Who should get the HPV vaccine and when it’s typically recommended (age 9)

• How HPV self-collection (cervical cancer screening) works and why it may improve screening rates

• Disparities in cervical cancer screening and outcomes

• What Cervical Health Awareness Month means for prevention and public health

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org.

January 27, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Willamette Sauna Festivaali

www.SaunaFestivaali.org

Media Contact: Michael Calcagno, 503-866-7124, email info@SaunaFestivaali.org

New outdoor Sauna Festival planned for Portland this February

Willamette Sauna Festivaali drawing hundreds to steamy riverside sauna weekend

PORTLAND, ORE — Tickets sales are open for the first-ever winter sauna village Feb. 14-15 at Milwaukie Bay Park. The 9-acre waterfront will host more than 12 unique mobile sauna cabins on land and water, craft beer garden, artisan coffee, live music and a steamy textile showcase.

In collaboration with pFriem Beer, Brew Dr., and SaunaGlo, the festival is joining the National Sauna Week celebration and drawing visitors from across the country and abroad.

“The excitement is building to sweat, soak and bust the winter blues,” said Michael Calcagno, the event organizer. “Portland’s dreary weather is a perfect invitation for us to gather, get outside and smile together as we steam, shiver, and savor the joy of connection.”

• Live Music by Taylor Kingman, Christopher Worth, Trill LeBeau and more!

• Warm Shrub Cider by Sauvie Shrubs, fermented foraged drinking vinegar

• Sauna Hat making Workshop by Elan Hagens, fiber artist & outdoor educator

• Natural Fibers Showcase by Saunamekko merino wool sauna clothing

• Artisan coffee by Cafe Cinco Siete & Kombucha by Brew Dr.

• Launch of Tropical Hazy IPA by pFriem

• Viking Shower bucket dump by Cascade Fence & Deck

• Luxury Forest Retreat Giveaway by Green Springs Inn

Event saunas include: SaunaVelo of Portland, Sauna Väki of Bend, Rogue Sauna of Grants Pass, Laavu Sauna of Salem, Burn Barrel Sauna of Portland, Three Daughters Saunas of Clatskanie, Go Banya of San Diego, SaltSaun.NW of Bend, Heatwave of Portland, Club Sauna of Washougal, Alma Saunas of Portland, Sweaty Swan of Portland, SVANA Sauna of Sherwood, Mobile Sauna PDX of Estacada and SacredCedars Sauna of La Center. Tent sauna providers include Overland Sauna and North Shore Sauna.

With PDX Sauna Circuit Partnership from: Loyly Sauna, Koti Sauna, Connect Wellness and Ebb & Ember Floating Saunas.

###

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to ORS 163A.215, which authorizes Community Corrections to inform the public when the release of such information will enhance public safety and protection.

The individual listed below has been convicted of a sex offense requiring registration with the Oregon State Police. Based on their criminal history, this person has been classified at a level indicating a potential to re-offend. This notification is not intended to increase fear, but rather to support public awareness and safety.

NAME: Samuel Gardiner
SID#: 20111726
DOB: 12/06/1989
Current Age: 36
Race: White
Sex: Male
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 190 lbs
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown

Residence:
231 25th Street NE
Salem, OR 97301

Supervision Status:
Samuel Gardiner is currently on Post-Prison Supervision for the following crimes:
• Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (two counts)

Supervision began: 05/23/2025
Supervision expires: 05/22/2028

Victim Information:
Gardiner’s offending history includes minor victims who were unknown to him.

Special Conditions:
☒ No contact with minors
☒ Do not frequent places where minors congregate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[PORTLAND, OR, Jan. 27, 2026]

The Red Cross Cascades Region (OR and SW WA) has deployed 7 volunteers and 4 more are on standby if they are needed.

These volunteers will be helping with things like sheltering, feeding and distributing emergency supplies.

This extreme weather has also forced the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives in the affected areas, leaving 10,000 units uncollected, intensifying our blood shortage.

Read more about that HERE: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2026/severe-winter-weather-intensifying-severe-blood-shortage--more-t.html

How can people in Oregon and SW Washington help? Make an appointment to donate blood at https://www.redcrossblood.org/ and help keep the supply strong for hospitals and patients.

Original blood shortage release:

Severe blood shortage: Red Cross blood supply drops 35%

Donors urged to make an appointment to give blood and platelets amid growing flu, winter weather impact

[PORTLAND, OR, Jan. 20, 2026] —

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month. Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for platelets, types O, A negative and B negative blood.

High flu activity in nearly every state may be sidelining donors, slowing efforts to rebuild the Red Cross national blood supply. At the same time, hospitals already feeling the strain of the worst flu season in nearly 20 years are now also forced to triage critical blood products. Without immediate action, patients who count on transfusions — including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth and people with sickle cell disease or cancer — face serious risk. 

There’s no time to wait — book an appointment to give blood or platelets now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

Weather disrupts vital donations

About 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weather last month alone — more than three times the number of blood drives impacted during the same time the previous year. As a result, thousands of blood donations have gone uncollected. With intense winter weather and freezing temperatures expected across much of the country in the coming weeks, more blood drives could potentially be delayed or canceled at a time when every unit of blood could be the difference for doctors facing difficult choices about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait.

“Winter always puts pressure on the blood supply, and this year widespread flu and rough weather are making it even tougher,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross donor services. “If you’re able, now’s a great time to make and keep blood donation appointments, during National Blood Donor Month. Every donation can be a lifeline for a patient who isn’t able to hold off on critical care.”

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, servicing 65 hospitals in the Pacific Northwest; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

# # #

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet for their annual planning retreat on Feb. 4 and 5. The retreat’s two-day itinerary will include an executive session and public meeting, on Wednesday, Feb. 4, and public meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5. The planning retreat offers the board and department leadership the opportunity to connect on their shared strategic plan.

The public can attend in-person in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem or observe via a livestream on the department’s YouTube page.

During this informal annual retreat, board members will focus on:

• State forester updates
• Board Governance Committee work
• Rulemaking process and procedures
• Overview of Robert’s Rules of Order
• Executive Session
• Governor’s Natural Resources Team update
• Key Performance Measures and reflections
• Division Work Plans
• Board Work Plans

View the agenda and retreat details.

The Executive Session will be closed to the public, except for members of the press who are permitted to attend by law. This Executive Session is held pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection as well as pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with legal counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.

This meeting will not have live public testimony, but written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day by mail to the Board Support Office, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310 or email to oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. Please include the appropriate agenda item and topic with the submission.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. Read more information about the board.

RELEASE DATE: Jan. 27, 2026
CASE NUMBERS: 26-3925, 26-3957

Gresham, Ore. — Gresham Police officers responded to two reports of gunfire Monday evening. One incident was a confirmed shooting. The second was a report of gunfire heard in the area.

Case #26-3925

At about 6:30 p.m., officers were flagged down in the 18500 block of SE Yamhill Cir. by a person who reported gunfire in the area. Officers located evidence of a shooting including damage to a vehicle. The suspect/s fled before officers arrived. The investigation is ongoing.

Case #26-3957

At about 11:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of a single gunshot heard near the entrance to an apartment complex in the 100 block of SE 188th Ave. Witnesses reported juvenile males running through the area.

Officers contacted four teens, ages 14 to 16. A fifth juvenile fled and was not located. The teens told officers they heard a gunshot and ran because they feared for their safety.

Violence Prevention Efforts

Gresham Police take all reports of gunfire seriously and continue to investigate each incident thoroughly. Patrol officers, detectives, and the Ceasefire team remain focused on preventing shootings and holding offenders accountable.

These efforts include Gresham’s Ceasefire initiative, a collaborative strategy involving law enforcement, community organizations, and public health partners to reduce gun violence through targeted intervention and prevention.

“Every shots call matters,” said Captain Don Livingston, who leads the Ceasefire program’s bi-weekly shooting review and coordination meetings. “Our officers respond, our officers and detectives follow-up, and our partners work to interrupt violence before someone is hurt.”

If you have information about either incident you are urged to contact the Gresham Police Tip-line at 503-618-2719. Gresham Police Department is also partnered with Crimestoppers of Oregon. Information can be anonymously reported through their website at http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com or by using their mobile app.

KWRL Transportation—the long-standing transportation cooperative serving Kalama, Woodland, Ridgefield, and La Center School Districts—is taking a major step toward modernizing its fleet and improving long-term cost efficiency with the purchase of 14 new electric school buses. The milestone is the result of a multi-year effort to secure state, federal, and local utility grants that make electrification financially attainable for smaller districts.
 

Shannon Barnett, Transportation Director for KWRL, explained that the journey toward this purchase began nearly two years ago when bus manufacturers warned districts that diesel buses would soon be unavailable due to California emission standards being adopted in Washington and Oregon. “We were no longer going to be able to purchase diesel buses,” Barnett said, prompting KWRL to begin seriously exploring electrification options.
 

At first, KWRL hesitated to pursue electric buses due to infrastructure costs and concerns about range limitations for long-distance trips. But increasing grant opportunities—and the looming phase-out of diesel—spurred the Cooperative to apply.
 

“We applied the first time and were not accepted,” Barnett noted. But a second application, boosted by expanded grant programs, proved transformative. “I honestly didn’t think we would qualify, but it doesn’t hurt to apply,” he said. That persistence paid off.

A Unique Combination of Funding Sources

KWRL ultimately secured funding from three major sources: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Washington State Department of Ecology, and local Public Utility Districts (PUDs). “This creative approach to access multiple sources of funding ultimately allowed the cooperative to cover not just the cost of the buses, but also the infrastructure needed to power them, saving our local taxpayers money,” said Dr. Jenny Rodriquez, Ridgefield School District Superintendent. 
 

When Barnett contacted Clark and Cowlitz PUDs to assess feasibility, he received an unexpected offer. “They said, ‘We’ve got all of this gas tax money and the governor is encouraging us to use it on infrastructure—could we help you build infrastructure?’” Barnett recalled. With that, KWRL added substantial PUD contributions to its grant portfolio.
 

The final package included EPA funding covering half the cost of each electric bus, plus up to $40,000 per vehicle for infrastructure; Department of Ecology funds covered the remainder for 10 buses; and PUD support pushed the infrastructure costs to zero. In total, 10 of the 14 buses are fully grant-funded, while the remaining four cost the cooperative roughly $50,000 each—just a fraction of a standard diesel purchase price.
 

“Normally we’re looking at about $250,000 to $280,000 for a diesel bus and $400,000 for an electric bus,” Barnett said.

Long-Term Savings for Local Taxpayers

Beyond reduced fuel and maintenance costs, the electric transition will produce substantial savings for the four partner districts over the next decade. That’s because school buses in Washington are depreciated and reimbursed by the state over 13 years—regardless of how the buses were purchased.
 

“The state pays us back for every purchase… even though EPA and Ecology purchased them,” Barnett explained. “We’re getting payments on something that we didn’t spend money on.”
 

This means KWRL’s Transportation Vehicle Fund (TVF) will grow significantly without requiring annual contributions from local districts. Historically, the four KWRL districts have contributed approximately $300,000–$350,000 per year from local dollars to sustain the Cooperative. Those contributions will now be on hold.

Improved Riding Experience for Students

Electric buses offer several advantages that directly improve students’ daily ride to school. They are significantly quieter, which some students prefer. “Districts that already operate electric buses report a more peaceful ride,” said Barnett.
 

Electric buses also have smoother air-ride suspension systems and far fewer moving parts, dramatically reducing maintenance needs. And with the grant covering electricity, KWRL’s operating costs for these 14 routes will drop considerably.

Training and Timeline

About 30 KWRL employees—drivers, mechanics, and office staff—have already received specialized training in operating and maintaining electric buses. KWRL has also built internal capacity by training its own staff to serve as future instructors.
 

The buses are arriving in stages, two at a time, with full deployment expected by mid-February. Woodland launched the first electric route on December 15, with the ribbon-cutting celebration occuring on January 27.

“Saving Us Local Dollars and Upgrading Our Fleet”

When asked what he most wants the community to know about this transition, Barnett emphasized two key points: fiscal responsibility and modernization.
 

“This is saving us local dollars and upgrading to a newer and more modern fleet,” he said. Grant funding is not only supporting the purchase of electric buses but also allowing KWRL to continue purchasing diesel buses where appropriate for long-range routes. “It’s saving operational costs in maintenance and fuel.”
 

“For Ridgefield and our partners in Kalama, Woodland, and La Center, the move to electrification represents our shared desire for both innovation and fiscal stewardship,” said Rodriquez.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: January 27, 2026

Contact: Suzanne Harold, Library Director

old@astoria.gov">sharold@astoria.gov  503-298-2450

AI FOR EVERYONE RESCHEDULED

Introduction to AI Tools Moved to February 10

Astoria, OR –

Astoria Public Library has rescheduled its AI introduction to Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM. The program was originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 25.

AI expert Temese Szalai will present AI for Everyone: Understand it, use it. The presentation will be a friendly and practical introduction to artificial intelligence and how tools like ChatGPT work. Learn what AI can (and can’t) do, where it can go wrong, and how to use it thoughtfully. Attendees will walk away informed.

All library programs are free and open to the public. To learn more about the Astoria Public Library, visit www.astorialibrary.org or contact Suzanne Harold at 503-298-2450.

CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on February 10, 2026, 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.

Agenda Items:

1.  Introductions

2. Approve November 12 and December 16, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

a) Jacob Pratt; DPSST No. 61212
Basic Corrections Certifications

4. Sefiu Ballam; DPSST No. 59203; Marion County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

5. Robert Bingham; DPSST No. 38928; Washington County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

6. DeAndre Brown, DPSST No. 61256; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

7. Louis Martin, DPSST No. 45897; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

8. Alexander Navruzov; DPSST No. 64946; Washington County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

9. Ryan Reid, DPSST No. 48586; DOC/Columbia River Correctional Institution
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

10. Austin Wilcox, DPSST No. 64231; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

11. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0005, 259-008-0290, 259-008-0300, 259-008-0300, 259-008-0310, 259-008-0320, 259-008-0330, 259-008-0340, and 259-008-0400

Amending Public Safety Professional Certification Denial and Revocation Standards and Processes

Presented by Jennifer Howald

12. Agency Updates

13. Next Corrections Policy Committee Meeting: May 12, 2026, at 10:00 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 Corrections 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.

PORTLAND, Ore. – A student intern at Portland Community College was given one mission – find savings on the college’s water usage and billing. The result? Mission accomplished and then some.

Eric Brurud’s deep dive into the college’s water billing system is delivering big results for students and taxpayers: $143,000 in ongoing annual savings and $50,000 in one-time credits, after the intern identified billing errors, streamlined accounts, and helped PCC qualify for stormwater-related discounts. 

While utility rate increases offset some of these gains, the reductions combined with other utility cost controls prevented more than $1 million in additional utility expenses for PCC this fiscal year.

“I didn’t know how much I’d be able to move the needle,” said Brurud, who resides in Southeast Portland. “I knew I was making progress, but when I finally put everything together in my end-of-year presentation, I was shocked at the total.”

Brurud is a dual-enrolled PCC and Portland State University student preparing to transfer into PSU’s Environmental Engineering Program. Brurud expects to graduate in Spring 2027. He joined the internship after meeting with Adam Holzschuh, PCC’s Strategic Energy Management lead, to explore opportunities that aligned with Brurud’s career interests in water systems and management. 

“When I told Adam I wanted to focus on water, he was thrilled,” Brurud said. “He had a real need for help organizing water bills and meters, and that became the foundation for everything that followed.”

In his position, Brurud worked as the Strategic Energy Management (SEM) associate, a position funded by the Energy Trust of Oregon. The college has had this casual position dating back to at least 2017.

“Eric's interest in water and sewer infrastructure while pursuing a civil engineering degree stood out as an ideal way for both of us to learn more about PCC's water and sewer infrastructure,” said Holzschuh. 

His first major task was a comprehensive cleanup of PCC’s water meter inventory, mapping meter locations, working with staff, the Portland Water Bureau, and Bureau of Environmental Services to document and understand the billing line items.

“By digging into each billing line item across more than 60 bills, he was able to identify excess charges and additional discounts which PCC qualified for,” Holzschuh said.  

He then helped PCC secure discounts through the City of Portland’s Clean River Rewards Program, which reduces stormwater charges when properties demonstrate on-site rainwater management. Brurud analyzed green space coverage, reviewed past construction documents, collaborated with GIS resources, and used web-based tree canopy tools to document eligibility and enroll most applicable bills. He also identified “dead” meters associated with buildings that no longer exist, helping PCC avoid unnecessary fixed monthly charges going forward.

In one of the most significant findings, Brurud discovered the Cascade Campus’ billed area was overstated by about 12%. After providing documentation, the city corrected the measurement, resulting in approximately $50,000 in backdated charges being waived.

“Especially in the current budget environment, realizing savings is crucial, and the dollars he found last year provide financial relief not only this year, but for years to come,” Holzschuh said.

Beyond the audit, Brurud gained experience attending construction meetings and learning how major capital projects are managed. He also worked with Environmental Health and Safety staff on Department of Environmental Quality reporting requirements, and collaborated with PCC’s sustainability team to understand programs and incentives that support the college’s environmental responsibility.

“This is exactly the kind of work I want to do,” Brurud said. “It’s technical, it’s collaborative, and it has a real impact on the community.”

Learn more about PCC's Strategic Energy Management by visiting its webpage.

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.

###

FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES

(EUGENE, Ore.) - Healthcare Workers Hold Candlelight Vigil in Eugene to Honor Alex Pretti and Hold ICE Accountable 

Healthcare Workers Against ICE: Honoring Alex Pretti  
Candlelight Vigil  
Tuesday, Jan. 27 
5 p.m.  
Public areas in front of the Eugene Federal Building  
Near the intersection of E. Seventh Ave. and Pearl St. in Eugene, OR

WHAT: Local nurses and healthcare workers, elected officials, and community advocates will hold a candlelight vigil to honor Alex Pretti and all those killed and harmed by federal officers. Alex Pretti was an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital who was shot and killed by federal border patrol agents Saturday while observing immigration enforcement activities and attempting to aid a woman federal agents shoved to the ground.

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 5 p.m.

WHERE: Public areas in front of the Eugene Federal Building in downtown Eugene, OR 

Near the intersection of E. Seventh Ave. and Pearl St.

WHO: Nurses, doctors and healthcare workers from local hospitals and clinics, elected leaders and community advocates. 

Planned Speakers: 

• Chris Rompala, RN, ONA board member and executive committee chair at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart 
• Eliza Rotterman, RN, ICU nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart 
• Representatives from the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP)  
• Lisa Fragala, Oregon state representative  
• Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudsen 
• Kori Rodley, Springfield city councilor 

Speaker lineup is subject to change.  

WHY: Nurses and healthcare workers will not standby while human rights violations continue. We will honor Alex’s legacy by continuing to standup against injustice and hold ICE, border patrol and similar federal agencies accountable to ensure justice for our colleagues, patients and communities.

“A nurse's job is to care for their patients—but they are also ethically bound to speak out in the face of injustice and human rights violations. Provision 8.2 of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses is clear: 'Where there are human rights violations, nurses ought to and must stand up for those rights and demand accountability.' That is exactly what Alex was doing … The Oregon Nurses Association stands in unequivocal solidarity with immigrant communities, with nurses, and with all frontline healthcare professionals across the country who are demanding accountability, and an independent investigation. Federal enforcement tactics that endanger lives and traumatize communities have no place in a just society. We call on all major healthcare systems in Oregon to stand up for nurses, publicly denounce this killing, and to hold ICE and similar federal agents accountable in healthcare settings. A nurse who spent his life caring for veterans was killed by his own government for speaking out. He deserves justice.” - Oregon Nurses Association Statement on Jan. 24

• Read ONA’s full statement here.

Local elected leaders have also responded and are rallying in support of immigrant communities and healthcare workers. 

“We are heartbroken. We are angry. We are afraid. We are in solidarity in all this and more with our sisters and brothers in Minnesota and with all the helpers and healers across this nation who are aching with grief and who will still turn to someone in need; someone who needs their care--and wrap their wounds, soothe their pain, and serve with compassion and grace,” said Springfield City Councilor Kori Rodley.

“Alex Jeffrey Pretti was a an intensive care nurse at a VA hospital who dedicated his life to caring for military veterans and their families. This week, a life devoted to healing and justice was cut short by the actions of federal agents. My condolences go out to Alex's family, his community and the people of Minneapolis, said State Representative Lisa Fragala. “These acts of violence and aggression need to stop and I call on the federal government to end the occupation of Minneapolis and of all cities across our nation.”

Together, we can demand accountability for ICE, border patrol and similar federal agencies and protect our colleagues, patients and communities. 

### 

Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring of source water. The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. In the 50 liters sampled each day from January 18 to January 21, 2026, two Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in the sample collected on January 18 and one oocyst was detected in the sample collected on January 21. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the samples collected on January 19 or January 20. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run drinking water source on January 14, 2026.

The Bull Run watershed is Portland’s primary source of drinking water. The Portland Water Bureau does not currently treat for Cryptosporidium, but is required to do so under drinking water regulations. Portland is working to install filtration by September 30, 2027 under a compliance schedule with the Oregon Health Authority. In the meantime, Portland Water Bureau is implementing interim measures such as watershed protection and additional monitoring to protect public health. Consultation with public health officials has concluded that at this time, customers do not need to take any additional precautions.

Exposure to Cryptosporidium can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain. People with healthy immune systems recover without medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead to serious or life-threatening illness. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS, those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system, and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.

The Environmental Protection Agency advises that customers who are immunocompromised and receive their drinking water from the Bull Run Watershed consult with their healthcare professional about the safety of drinking the tap water. The Portland Water Bureau and Burlington, City of Gresham, City of Sandy, City of Tualatin, Green Valley, GNR, Hideaway Hills, Lake Grove, Lorna Domestic Water, Lusted, Palatine Hill, Pleasant Home, Raleigh, Rockwood, Skyview Acres, Tualatin Valley, Two Rivers, Valley View and West Slope Water Districts receive all or part of their drinking water supply from Bull Run. To learn if your drinking water comes from Bull Run, please contact your local drinking water provider.

The public and the media are encouraged to view all sampling results posted to the City’s website at portland.gov/water/CryptoResults. The bureau will notify the media and public immediately should further test results indicate a risk to public health and precautions are necessary.

Customers with questions regarding water quality can call the Water Quality Line at 503-823-7525.

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. 

About the Public Works Service Area

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या

口笔译服务 |  Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad

Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas

Portland, OR — The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is proud to present “Oregon Connections: A Conversation Series on the Right to Be Free,” a free, all-virtual program series beginning January 29, 2026. Designed to coincide with the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the Declaration of Independence, this innovative series brings together historians, legal scholars, and public audiences to explore how people in Oregon have engaged in the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.

Spanning five sessions, the series highlights both landmark and lesser-known stories from Oregon’s past that illuminate local and national conversations about rights such as freedom of speech, citizenship, due process, and community action. Each session brings together expert speakers and opens the virtual floor to audience questions and discussion.

“Oregon’s history shows us that the work of freedom is neither simple nor complete,” said Eliza E. Canty-Jones, chief program officer at OHS. “Through moments big and small — from Oregon’s early racial exclusion laws to individual acts of resistance — this series invites us to listen, learn, and reflect on how people have defined and pursued the conditions necessary for liberty.”

2026 Oregon Connections Series Schedule
(All programs are virtual and take place at 12pm PT; register here)

• January 29: “Incarceration” with Peggy Nagae and Kimberly Jensen
• February 12: “Immigration and Deportation” with Chelsea Rose and Jerry Garcia
• March 19: “Tribal Sovereignty and Civil Rights” with Bobbie Conner and Robert Kentta
• May 21: “Race, Citizenship, and Labor” with Jennifer Fang and Johanna Ogden
• June 4: “Community Organizing” with Kimberly Jensen, Carmen Thompson, and Diane Hess

All conversations will be recorded and made available for later viewing on OHS’s Past Programs page, along with associated resources to support further exploration of Oregon’s rich and complex history.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting applications to fill an open position on the Clark County Arts Commission.

The opening is for an at-large representative living in unincorporated Clark County. The term is for two years and begins immediately.

The Arts Commission is made up of 11 volunteers. Each participating city appoints one member, and the county manager appoints three members representing the arts, arts education and business communities. The commission meets at 5 pm on the first Tuesday of each month.

The commission advises and collaborates with the county council and city councils and reports accomplishments to the community. Members advocate for the arts in the community, at public hearings, budget hearings and other public forums.

Anyone wishing to apply should submit a letter of interest and résumé to Jake Goodwin, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applications also can be emailed to jake.goodwin@clark.wa.gov.

Application deadline is 5 pm, Friday, Feb. 13.

Learn more about the Clark County Arts Commission at https://clark.wa.gov/county-manager/overview-0.

MARION COUNTY, Ore. (26 January 2026) – Oregon State Police makes a significant drug seizure following a traffic stop near Ankeny Hill in Marion County.

On Friday, January 23, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., an Oregon State Trooper stopped a vehicle traveling northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 243 for a traffic violation. During the stop, the trooper observed discrepancies regarding the vehicle’s ownership. Upon further investigation, the trooper became suspicious that the driver was involved in drug activity.

The trooper requested a drug-detection canine team to respond to the scene. The canine was deployed and alerted to the exterior of the vehicle. During a subsequent search, troopers located approximately 26 pounds of methamphetamine and 18 pounds of cocaine inside a duffel bag.

The driver and the sole occupant of the vehicle was taken into custody. Due to the large quantity of drugs seized, the driver and narcotics were turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Any questions may be directed the United States Attorney’s Office in Portland.

# # #

OSP Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative
The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement (OSP-DHE) Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.

SMU DataArts Unveils Top 100: Oregon’s Creative Economy Shines on National Stage

Salem, Oregon, January 26, 2026 – Oregon has once again secured its place as a national cultural powerhouse, ranking No. 10 in the 10th annual SMU DataArts Arts Vibrancy Index. This marks the third consecutive year Oregon has appeared in the top 10, underscoring a sustained commitment to the arts and culture that spans from our bustling metro centers to our historic rural hubs.

From the world-class stage of the Oregon Symphony in Portland and the Hult Center in Eugene to the murals and bronze trails of Pendleton and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, our vibrancy comes from a unique blend of urban innovation and deep-rooted rural traditions statewide.

“Oregon’s creative landscape has long drawn people to live, work and create here,” said Amy Lewin, director of the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust. “This recognition belongs to Oregonians who fuel this vibrancy, leveraging resources and innovation to strengthen arts and culture in every corner of the state. Their creativity shapes the roadmap for a thriving future.”

While the index traditionally looks at data-driven metrics like supply, demand and public investment, for Oregonians, this ranking reflects a lived reality: a state where creativity is woven into the landscape. Oregonians don't just consume art and culture; they live it.

To mark its 10th anniversary, SMU DataArts expanded its list to 100 communities, analyzing more than 900 areas nationwide. The index measures 13 unique factors, including the number of independent artists, total nonprofit arts and culture dollars and government support.

“Oregon’s ranking is a testament to the fact that arts vibrancy isn't accidental,” said Dr. Jennifer Benoit-Bryan, executive director of SMU DataArts. “It is built through long-term commitment to funding, public investment in infrastructure, and a culture that values creativity as essential to quality of life.”

For more information on the Arts Vibrancy Index and to explore the data for specific Oregon communities, please visit https://culturaldata.org/arts-vibrancy-2025.   

############

About the Oregon Arts Commission

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.

About SMU DataArts

SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, is a project of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University. The mission of SMU DataArts is to provide the evidence-based insights needed to collectively build strong, vibrant and equitable arts communities. Its research efforts range from academic papers published in leading journals, applied research undertaken with community partners, and actionable insights shared directly with arts practitioners. Its programs provide business intelligence tools and resources to help arts leaders leverage data to answer critical management questions and connect research analyses to their own work.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Beaver Bay Campground reservations open this week before grand re-opening Memorial Day weekend

ARIEL, Wash. (January 26, 2026) — The Beaver Bay Campground on the Lewis River will have an updated look this Memorial Day. After a year of major renovations, the campground will reopen May 22, 2026.

Much of the campground layout has been redesigned to protect adjacent wetlands and shoreline, while still offering guests a total of 78 campsites to choose from, including several with accessible accommodations for people with disabilities. The campground will also have four new restroom buildings and three new picnic shelters with accessible features.

Thousands of visitors use Beaver Bay Campground every year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them back this spring. Campsite reservations at Beaver Bay Campground can be made starting January 30, 2026, through PacifiCorp’s website. For more detailed information about Beaver Bay Campground, campsite reservations and PacifiCorp’s other Lewis River recreation opportunities, visit PacifiCorp.com/Camp.

###

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Harefest LLC Announces “Legends Reloaded”

A High Desert Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Comes to Madras, Oregon, June 19–20, 2026

Madras, OR — January 26, 2026 — Harefest LLC, the Pacific Northwest festival producer behind Harefest, Capital City Retro Fest, 90’s Flannel Fest, and Seattle Retro Fest, is proud to announce Legends Reloaded, a two-day classic rock tribute festival taking place June 19–20, 2026 at the Jefferson County Event Complex in Madras, Oregon.

Set against the dramatic high desert landscape of Central Oregon, Legends Reloaded celebrates the music of rock’s most iconic artists, performed by top-tier bands from across the region. The inaugural lineup features faithful, high-energy tributes to legendary acts: Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Tom Petty, Heart, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Creedence Clearwater Revival, ZZ Top, Bad Company, Hall & Oates, the Doobie Brothers, and The Allman Brothers Band.

Confirmed performers:

Taken by the Sky – Fleetwood Mac
Eagle Eyes – Eagles
Petty Fever – Tom Petty
Barracuda – Heart
Whiskey River – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Bad Moon Riders – Creedence Clearwater Revival
El Loco – ZZ Top
Rock Steady – Bad Company
Hall and Bros – Hall & Oates + Doobie Brothers
Revival Brothers – Allman Brothers

Legends Reloaded is an all-ages music event with optional overnight RV/Tent camping available for ages 21 & over. Overnight access is strictly limited to guests 21+.

“We are excited to bring this multi-day festival to Central Oregon,” said Bart Platt, Event Complex Manager. “This family-friendly festival is exactly the kind of entertainment we strive to deliver to Jefferson County. Music can bring people together like no other form of entertainment—it proves we are more similar than we are different. We invite everyone to come celebrate our similarities June 19–20 at the first-ever Legends Reloaded Music Festival.”

EVENT DETAILS

Dates: June 19–20, 2026

Venue: Jefferson County Event Complex

Address: 430 SW Fairgrounds Rd, Madras, OR 97741

Festival Hours

Friday, June 19: Gates open at 6:00 PM | Music from 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Saturday, June 20: Gates open at 12:00 PM | Music from 1:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Admission Notes

All ages welcome during festival hours

Overnight RV and tent camping: 21+ only

TICKETS

Tickets on sale January 30th at 10:00am via Afton Tickets:
www.aftontickets.com/legendsreloaded

• 2-Day GA: $89 Advance / $105 Day Of Show

• Friday GA: $34 Advance / $45 Day Of Show

• Saturday GA: $69 Advance / $85 Day Of Show

• Saturday After 5PM GA: $45 Advance / $50 Day Of Show

• RV Camping Bundle (21+): $298 (includes two 2-Day GA tickets)

• Tent Camping Bundle (21+): $228 (includes two 2-Day GA tickets)

• Ages 12 & Under: Free with paid adult admission (festival hours only)

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:  Use the promo code ‘LEGENDS’ to receive a 20% discount on tickets. 

LINKS

Website: www.legendsreloaded.com
Tickets: www.aftontickets.com/legendsreloaded
Facebook: www.facebook.com/legendsreloaded
Instagram: www.instagram.com/legendsreloaded

MEDIA & FESTIVAL CONTACT 

Jason Fellman
Email: Canbyharefest@gmail.com
Phone: 503-515-2687

Polk County, Ore. (Jan. 26, 2026)- On Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:32 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 22, near milepost 16, in Polk County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Chrysler Town and Country van, operated by Eduardo Carrillo Jiminez (42) of Lebanon, left the roadway for unknown reasons in between the Highway 223 exit and Highway 22, before rolling and ejecting the operator.

The operator of the vehicle (Carrillo Jiminez) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

# # #

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 the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of 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.

Jackson County, Ore. (Jan. 26, 2026)- On Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 3:59 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 46, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Nissan Altima, operated by Ana Azuchena Villa-Rodriguez (31) of Medford, attempted to make a U-turn for unknown reasons and was struck by a southbound Dodge Ram 2500, operated by Kenneth George Brito (50) of Grants Pass. 

The operator of the Nissan (Villa-Rodriguez) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Dodge (Brito) was reportedly uninjured.

The interstate was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Rogue River Fire Department and ODOT.

# # #

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 the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of 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.

Kelso High School’s 7th Annual Kelso Kind for the Julia Hiatt Memorial Scholarship Basketball game will be held Friday, January 30th.  The Kelso Hilanders take on the Prairie Falcons with the Boys Varsity playing at 7:00 PM.

This 7th annual event has grown over time from a Teal Out for Team Jules  into the Kelso Kind Project for Team Jules. It is held each year in memory of 2016 Kelso High School graduate, Julia Hiatt, who was deeply admired for her compassion and commitment to community. The Kelso Kind Project aims to highlight our commitment to foster a culture of kindness, inclusion, and community here at Kelso High School and across Kelso School District.

In this 7th year of honoring Julia Hiatt, we will recognize students from Coweeman and Huntington Middle Schools and Kelso High School who stand out at their schools as being Kelso Kind.  

Kelso High School Pep Club students will be raising money for the Julia Hiatt Memorial Scholarship through the Kelso Public Schools Foundation.  This scholarship will be awarded to a Kelso High School Senior who, like Julia, makes Kelso a better place for their peers; someone who believes in doing good for others just for the sake of being kind, and inspires others through their actions.

Wear your Be Kind and Gratitude gear or teal and come cheer on the Kelso Hilanders as they face the Prairie Falcons! Together with the Kelso Kind Project and Team Jules, we’ll honor Julia, celebrate our Kelso Kind Honorees, and continue her legacy by raising funds for the scholarship in her name.

BE KIND gear can be purchased here: bsnteamsports.com/shop/BKIND2025. 

For those unable to attend these games who would like to donate, donations to the Julia Hiatt Memorial Scholarship will be graciously accepted at the Kelso High School ASB office through February 28th and at all times at wa-kelso-lite.intouchreceipting.com/JuliaHiattMemorialScholarship or directly through the Kelso Public Schools Foundation.

WE ARE TOGETHER!!!

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Charter Review Commission has established its regular meeting schedule and appointed several members to leadership roles.

Commission members voted to appoint Brandon Erickson from District 2 as the chair and Duncan Hoss from District 5 as the vice chair. Commissioner Cathie Garber from District 2 was selected to serve as secretary.

The Commission will hold weekly meetings on Wednesdays from 5-7 pm beginning Feb. 4. Meetings will be held in a hybrid format with in-person and virtual options for attending. In-person meetings will be held in the sixth-floor hearing room in the county’s Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. A virtual option is available via WebEx.

The Commission will not hold a meeting on Wednesday, April 1.

The Charter Review Commission held two meetings in January. Video recordings and agendas for the meetings are on the county’s’ website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/charter-review-commission-2026-2027.

The Charter Review Commission is tasked with reviewing the county's charter and potentially making recommendations for amendments. Fifteen commissioners were elected in the November 2025 general election; three commissioners for each of the five County Councilor districts. Commissioner terms began Jan. 1, 2026, and end Dec. 31, 2027. 

Any proposed amendments to the county charter must be approved by Clark County voters in a general election.

01/26/2026 1:30 p.m.

Media Contact:

Lieutenant Ben Harvey, Corvallis Police Department

(541) 766-6556 / cpdpio@corvallisoregon.gov

DUII Arrest Made Following Community Driving Complaints.

Corvallis, OR – On January 26, 2026, at approximately 8:41 a.m., Corvallis Police officers arrested 27-year-old Corvallis resident Korbin Ray Clemmons following multiple community complaints of erratic and dangerous driving in the area of NW Monroe Avenue and NW Arnold Avenue starting at 8:27 a.m.

Officers located the involved vehicle, light blue Ford Taurus, near the registered owner’s residence. Upon officer arrival, Clemmons fled the area on foot and was apprehended a short distance away after running into the backyard of a neighboring property.

Clemmons is a registered sex offender and was determined to be in abscond status with an active Oregon State Parole Board warrant. He was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants – Drugs, Reckless Driving, Interfering with a Peace Officer, and Driving While Suspended (Misdemeanor).

Clemmons was also found to have an extraditable U.S. Marshals Service warrant for Fail to Register as a Sex Offender. Clemmons was lodged at the Benton County Jail.

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL FUND BOARD

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a special meeting at 10:00 a.m. on February 2, 2026, 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 October 23, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Budget Update

   Presented by Marie Atwood

4. Officer John Christopher Kilcullen (DPSST #35147); Eugene Police Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

   Presented by Marie Atwood

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

    Presented by Marie Atwood

6. Next meeting – April 23, 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. 

SALEM, Ore. — Jan. 26, 2026 — Oregon is strengthening its winter emergency response capabilities with the deployment of new, state-of-the-art snowcats through the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) program. The specialized vehicles, designed for austere environments and extreme winter conditions, are now supporting local jurisdictions across the state. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, and to hear directly from a current Clark College student about their Running Start experience.

Register online to attend. Participants will receive a Zoom link automatically after completing registration. Live captioning in English, and interpreters in Spanish and Russian will be available for all sessions.

APPLICATION & ENROLLMENT SUPPORT NIGHTS (In-Person)

After attending a virtual information session, students will receive an email with enrollment details and a registration form to attend an on-campus Application & Enrollment Support Night at Clark College. These hands-on sessions will provide personalized in-person assistance with applications, enrollment steps, and general questions. 

Each Application & Enrollment Support Night will offer four sessions at 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. on the following dates at Clark College’s main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663:

• Monday, Feb. 9
• Tuesday, March 3
• Wednesday, March 18
• Thursday, April 23
• Thursday, May 7 

All are welcome. Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more atwww.clark.edu/nds.

Accommodation: If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 or email hr@clark.edu.

ABOUT RUNNING START AT CLARK COLLEGE

Running Start allows eligible high school juniors and seniors to earn college credits while completing their high school education – saving time and money while advancing their academic goals. Many Running Start students earn an associate degree, and graduate ready to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution. 

Running Start students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a wide range of academic programs and career pathways. Clark College's accessible campus offers modern learning spaces, arts and cultural programming, athletics, dozens of student clubs, and comprehensive academic, financial, and personal support services designed to remove barriers and support students success.

Learn more about the Running Start Program at Clark College.

ABOUT CLARK COLLEGE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMS

At Clark College, students can also choose to continue their education in any of the six bachelor’s degree programs in Applied Management, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Dental Hygiene, Human Services, and Teacher Education. These programs are designed to build on existing associate degrees, allowing students to enter as juniors and complete their bachelor's degree in two years or less.

Developed in response to local and regional industry needs, Clark’s bachelor programs emphasize applied skills and career readiness, combining technical knowledge with upper-level courses to prepare students for advanced careers and professional success. 

Learn more about Clark College bachelor degrees.

ABOUT CLARK COLLEGE

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education, serving almost 10,000 students per term. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. 

Clark College offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 47% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

####

Salem, OR—As Oregon and the IRS begin processing electronically-filed tax year 2025 returns today, the Department of Revenue expects the first Oregon taxpayers to receive their refunds—including their share of the state’s $1.41 billion kicker—as soon as February 17.

The department announced earlier this month that taxpayers who choose to file paper returns face a significantly longer wait. For paper filed returns, refunds will not start being issued until early April.

To help taxpayers avoid missteps that could further delay their refund, the department is opening 2026 tax season with a series of best practices suggestions.

File a return to claim your kicker

The kicker is a refundable credit that will either increase a taxpayer's Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.

Personal income taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using the “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2024 and 2025.

File electronically, request direct deposit

On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Those who file paper returns will experience a significantly longer wait in 2026 due to processing delays.

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax forms and information to the Oregon Department of Revenue. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns can’t begin until the end of March.

 Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to make a change to their return. They should choose to either file electronically or by paper. Doing both will delay processing of their return.

Gather all tax records before filing

In a kicker year, taxpayers can be in a hurry to file their return so they can get their refund as soon as possible. The department warns taxpayers not to get in too much of a hurry. They should make sure they have all necessary records—including Form W-2s from their employers and Form 1099s reporting other income—needed to file a complete and accurate tax return to avoid errors.

Getting in a hurry can cause taxpayers to file before they have all the information necessary to report all of their income. If income reported on a return doesn’t match the income reported by employers, the return, and any corresponding refund, will be delayed.

Revenue Online

Revenue Online is the state’s internet tax portal and is the best way to communicate with the department.

Taxpayers with a Revenue Online account should make sure their information is current before they file. They should check their username, password, and address; and verify any estimated tax payments they’ve made.

Those who don’t have a Revenue Online account can create one. They can simply go to Revenue Online, click “Sign Up” in the box at the top right and follow the prompts.

Download Form 1099-G

The department reminds taxpayers that it no longer mails Form 1099-G to taxpayers. The form reports the amount of refunds, credits, or other offsets of personal income, statewide transit individual tax, TriMet transit self-employment tax, or Lane transit self-employment tax paid during the previous year.

Only those who itemized deductions on their tax year 2024 federal income tax return will need a Form 1099-G to file their tax year 2025 return. Those taxpayers can view and download their Form 1099-G through Revenue Online.

Taxpayers who received unemployment insurance or Paid Leave Oregon benefits in 2025 will receive a separate 1099-G by January 31 from the Oregon Employment Department.

-30-

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Superintendent Evaluation Committee will meet at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/84254687117?pwd=MjNu1migr4wP8qPQIREvAT4lLVru5D.1
Passcode:428628

At 7:39 p.m. this evening, a resident called 911 and reported a fire in the attic of his home in the 700 block of SW Bailey Avenue in Hillsboro. Firefighters from Station 1 arrived within four minutes to find the resident safely evacuated and smoke emanating from the roofline. The call was then upgraded to a first alarm to bring additional firefighters and resources.

Firefighters quickly accessed the home’s attic and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the home. The fire was contained in a small area in the attic near a wood stove pipe. As a precaution, they searched the home and confirmed that everyone was safely out. Additional firefighters checked the ceiling and walls for fire extension and confirmed the fire was completely extinguished. No injuries were reported.

After the fire was extinguished, firefighters found no working smoke alarms in the home. They installed one smoke alarm in the bedroom and one smoke alarm near the kitchen to help provide a measure of safety for the resident.

Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains responded to the incident to provide aid and support to the resident, but the resident declined. Given the limited damage from the fire, the resident was able to reenter the home.

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue fire investigators responded to the incident, and a fire investigation is ongoing. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.  

This is the second residential fire in Hillsboro within 12 hours related to fireplaces and wood stoves.

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue encourages everyone to practice these safety tips for their chimneys and wood stoves:

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional each year.
• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from your fireplace or wood stove.
• Put ashes in a metal container with a lid. Place the container outside at least 10 feet from your home.

Additionally, working smoke alarms save lives.

• Ensure that you have a smoke alarm on every floor of your home and one in every sleeping area.
• Test your smoke alarm regularly and practice your home escape plan.
• Once you and your family are outside at your meeting place, call 911 from a safe location away from the fire.

Thanks to the Cornelius Fire Department, Hillsboro Police, AMR Ambulance, and Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains, who assisted at the incident.

-###-

Portland, Ore. — The Oregon Nurses Association is outraged, heartbroken, and profoundly disturbed by the fatal shooting of 37-year-old registered nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. Alex was an intensive care unit nurse and union member at the VA hospital who dedicated his life to caring for military veterans and their families. A life devoted to healing was cut short — gunned down in the streets by federal agents while speaking out.

Our deepest condolences go out to Alex’s family, his patients, his colleagues, and the people of Minneapolis as they grieve this senseless and devastating loss.

A nurse's job is to care for their patients — but they are also ethically bound to speak out in the face of injustice and human rights violations. Provision 8.2 of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses is clear: “Where there are human rights violations, nurses ought to and must stand up for those rights and demand accountability.” That is exactly what Alex was doing.

No one should be targeted by federal agents for speaking out. No nurse should be killed for standing up for human rights.

ONA members in Oregon are reporting growing fear and distress as they encounter federal agents in healthcare settings, particularly at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. The killing of a nurse is intensifying these fears and could create unsafe conditions for patients, their families, and frontline caregivers alike. Healthcare settings must be places of care, not sites of intimidation or terror.

The Oregon Nurses Association stands in unequivocal solidarity with immigrant communities, with nurses, and with all frontline healthcare professionals across the country who are demanding accountability and an independent investigation. Federal enforcement tactics that endanger lives and traumatize communities have no place in a just society.

We call on all major healthcare systems in Oregon to stand up for nurses, publicly denounce this killing, and to hold ICE and similar federal agents accountable in healthcare settings.

A nurse who spent his life caring for veterans was killed by his own government for speaking out. He deserves justice.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

Oregon History, Introduction to Online Resources, and FisherPoets

Astoria, OR –

Astoria Public Library is embracing its newly renovated space with fresh programs each week in February and March!

The fun and learning kicks off on Wednesday, February 11 at 5:30 PM with an author talk about Steve Forrester. Forrester will read from and talk about his recently published book, Richard Neuberger: Oregon politics and the making of a US senator.” Nueberger was elected to the US Senate in 1954, but had garnered national attention twenty years earlier as a journalist when his article “The New Germany,” was published in The Nation. “The New Germany” was one of the first pieces of investigative journalism to expose the abuses of power and murders already being committed by the Nazis. Copies of Forrester’s book will be available for purchase at the event.

On Tuesday, February 18, at 5:30 PM, volunteer Frank Betzer will demonstrate how to use World News to access regional, national and global newspapers. News Bank is available for free to all Astoria Public Library card holders and provides access to over 16,000 U.S. and global news sources from nearly 200 countries, including 50 specific to Oregon and 278 in Spanish.

World News is the second of a 4-part series on accessing the Library’s free online resources. Programs are on the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30 PM through April. March will focus on Heritage Quest, a genealogy tool, and April will introduce the Library’s online archives and digital index to historical newspapers.  

Wednesday, February 25 at 5:30 PM, AI expert Temese Szalai will present AI for Everyone: Understand it, use it. The presentation will be a friendly and practical introduction to artificial intelligence and how tools like ChatGPT work. Learn what AI can (and can’t) do, where it can go wrong, and how to use it thoughtfully.

Wednesday, March 4, at 5:30 PM LaRee Johnson will perform as Abigail Scott Duniway, Oregon’s Mother of Equal Suffrage, in Tea with Abigail. Scheduled at the start of Women’s History Month, the program will honor women’s rights advocate Duniway who crossed the Oregon Trail with her family in 1852. Johnson will arrive in the persona of Duniway, sharing her story. Light refreshments will be served.

All programs are free and open to the public. To learn more about the Astoria Public Library, visit www.astorialibrary.org or contact Suzanne Harold at 503-298-2450.

# # #

This morning at about 5:30am Portland Fire was called to a commercial fire in the vicinity of NE 127^th and Marx St.  The initial caller reported seeing smoke from a building west of them but were unable to give an exact address.  While enroute to the call the first arriving company noted a “header” or a large column of smoke coming from the roof and upon arrival it was noted heavy smoke coming from several bay doors of the building as well as the roof. 

All first arriving crews were quickly put to work establishing a water supply, forcible entry and search as well as fire attack.  Due to the large size of the commercial warehouse building, approximately 100’ x 300’ along with the amount of fire, a 2^nd alarm was called just a couple minutes after arrival of the first engine and truck.

It was quickly determined that this concrete tilt-up style warehouse contained several businesses, but they all were closed and no employees were on-site, so a defensive fire attack was initiated.  Elevated master streams were set up to attack the fire from above as sections of the roof had burned through.  Additionally, large hose lines were deployed to attack the fire through openings along the sides of the building, including several bay doors that had been forced open by firefighters.

Crews faced several difficulties during this incident including freezing temperatures which caused the surrounding parking lot and street to turn icy thus making moving around on the fire ground extra slow and difficult.  The first arriving crew was told by a by-stander that this building contained compressed gas cylinders which can become dangerous when exposed to fire conditions, and water pressure always becomes an issue when trying to implement several master streams during a defensive fire attack.  Crews were able to help mitigate this issue by cutting a hole in a fence and use a fire hydrant that was fed by a different water main.

The fire was under control after about 1 hour, but a small number of crews will remain on scene throughout the day, and possibly longer, to put out hot spots.  Investigators are currently working to determine the cause.

Portland Fire would like to thank our partners at Gresham Fire who responded on the second alarm, Portland Water Bureau, as well as Portland General Electric and Northwest Natural who responded to the scene to assist with the utilities.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles in a Clark County adult. The person, whose vaccination status is unverified, traveled recently to an area experiencing a measles outbreak.

The person who tested positive for measles was at Ridgefield High School while they were contagious on Jan. 14, 15 and 16. People who were at Ridgefield High School those days and who have not been vaccinated against measles or have not had measles in the past are at risk for getting sick.

Clark County Public Health is working with Ridgefield School District to identify students and staff who are not protected against measles. Those individuals will be excluded from school, child care and other public settings for 21 days.

No other public locations have been identified as possible exposure sites.

Clark County Public Health urges people who are not protected against measles to get vaccinated. Residents who have questions about the vaccine or are unsure whether they are protected should talk to their health care provider. Vaccination records are also available through the state’s MyIR Mobile system.

About measles

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness caused by a virus. It spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. A person with measles can spread the virus before they show symptoms. The virus also can linger in the air after someone who is infectious has left.

Measles poses the highest risk to people who have not been vaccinated, including infants younger than 12 months. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine provides the best protection against measles. One dose of the vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles. Two doses are about 97 percent effective.

After someone is exposed to measles, they begin to get sick in about one to three weeks. Measles symptoms begin with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually begins at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. People are contagious with measles up to four days before the rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears.

Measles can be serious in all age groups. However, children younger than 5 years and adults older than 20 years are more likely to suffer from measles complications. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. Measles may cause pregnant people to give birth prematurely or have a low-birth-weight baby. For every 1,000 children with measles, one or two will die from the disease.

To learn more about measles, visit the Washington State Department of Health website.

The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet for their Virtual Work Session Meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. 

The Board and key staff will participate vitually via the Zoom app.

To join the meeting, please click on the link below

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89739107880?pwd=6IzlNevF5OXxachGAR69cj__8VRFyQ.RbX7nweHmRzSp5B1
Passcode:076252

Or Telephone, dial:
     +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799

Webinar ID: 897 3910 7880
Passcode: 076252

Public tesimony is not applicable for work session meetings. For more information regarding this process, please visit our website at www.csd28j.org.

Note: The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet in executive session, after their work session meeting, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(d) and ORS 192.660 (2)(k) - to conduct deliberations with persons designated to carry on labor negotiations and consider matters relating to school safety or a plan that responds to safety threats made toward a school. Access is limited to designated staff only.

The full board meeting packet is available for reference on the Centennial School District website at www.csd28j.org and can be found on the School Board page. The meeting agenda may be updated as needed and additional board meeting documents may be added as they become available. 

For information about the agenda email dan@csd28j.org">melissa_grindle@csd28j.org or oard@csd28j.org">board@csd28j.org.

At 5:06 am on Friday, January 23, 2026, a 911 caller reported his home and garage full of smoke and a fire near the electrical panel in the garage.  Bend Fire & Rescue responded to the address at 20758 Lyra Drive in the Starwood subdivision off Tumalo Road.  First arriving units found a fire in the corner of the garage with some extension into the attic space above the garage.  Damage to the structure is estimated at $35,000 and $5,000 damage to the contents.  The interior of the residence sustained minor smoke and water damage, but is otherwise intact.  The home is not occupiable at this time due to lack of power.  The water to the home was also shut off in order to prevent freezing and bursting of pipes.  The residents declined Red Cross assistance.  

Upon investigation, the cause of the fire was found to be an electrical fault in the wiring of the home adjacent to the grounding rod.  This condition, called a floating neutral, can cause large imbalances in voltage within the wiring, leading to breakers tripping and the potential for a fire.  This is a situation that requires the urgent attention of a licensed electrician to correct. 

Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community that working smoke alarms save lives.  In this case, the smoke alarms in the home did not sound, despite there being smoke in the house.  A young child in the home woke up and awakened a parent, who smelled the smoke and acted.  The smoke alarms in the home were found to be older, in excess of 10 years old.  Smoke alarms have a life span of 10 years, the sensors degrade over time and become unreliable.  Even if an older alarm still chirps or beeps, there is no guarantee that it will activate in the event of a fire.  Smoke alarms (and carbon monoxide alarms) over 10 years of age need to be replaced.  For more information on home fire safety and smoke alarms, visit https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/community-programs/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms

January 23, 2026

Case 24CR15014

Portland, OR-Angelina Latisha Minor, 29-years-old, was sentenced to 125 months in prison today by Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Jenna Plank. 

The defendant crashed her car while driving drunk with a blood alcohol reading three times the legal limit at .32%. At the time of the crash Ms. Minor was on supervision for a previous drunk driving case in 2023 and had yet another earlier drunk driving case in which she entered diversion in 2019.

In the current case, the defendant pled guilty to Manslaughter in the Second Degree, two counts of Assault in Third Degree, and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Chris Shull handled the prosecution for the state.

After the sentencing he said:

“Ms. Minor’s conduct in this case was incredibly reckless and terribly tragic. It is unacceptable to drive intoxicated with children in your car in our community, and I hope that Ms. Minor’s experience will deter other people from getting behind the wheel while impaired. Ms. Minor has taken responsibility and our office feels tremendous empathy for her other children as they are separated during Ms. Minor’s incarceration.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank PPB Officer David Enz and the Major Crash Team for their excellent investigative work on this case.

THE FACTS: 

On March 20, 2024 Angelina Latisha Minor drove a black Hyundai Elantra while drunk with three children in the back seat and her significant other in the front passenger seat. In North Portland, near the intersection of North Fessenden and North Mohawk around 9pm the defendant lost control of the vehicle and slammed head on into a black Tesla. One of the children, a four year old, died in the crash. 

                                                     ###MCDA###

State of Oregon v. Richard Anthony Clinger

Marion County: 25CR00306

On January 23, 2026, Marion County Circuit Court Judge James Edmonds sentenced Richard Anthony Clinger (54) for five counts of child sexual abuse that he committed against a family member between 2006 to 2008.   At the time of the abuse, the victim was under 10 years old. 

Clinger plead guilty to four counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and one count of Attempted Sodomy in the First Degree, where each count repreented separate incidents and separate criminal episodes. After hearing sentencing arguments by the parties Judge Edmonds sentenced Richard Clinger to a total sentence of 28.75 years in prison.

The investigation began in 2024, when the now-adult victim contacted law enforcement.  He was arrested in January 2025, and has been in custody since that time.  The investigation was conducted by the Mount Angel Police Department with Deputy Chief Charlie Hall as the lead investigator.

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Kylie Kuhns and Meghan Kamps. Due to the sensitive nature of the conduct, no additional information will be released.  

20-YEAR-OLD SERIAL RAPIST PLEADS GUILTY

Case number: 24CR41664                                        January 23, 2026

Portland, OR- Twenty-year old Damani Jazz Anderson pled guilty to sexually assaulting five girls and young women between February 2023 and August 2024. Four of the attacks were at gunpoint.  Anderson pled guilty to four counts of Rape in the First Degree; three counts of Kidnapping in the First Degree with a Firearm; three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm; and single counts of Attempted Rape in the First Degree with a Firearm and Robbery in the First Degree with a Firearm.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 29, 2026 at 1pm in front of Judge Souede in courtroom 16A.

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Robin Skarstad prosecuted the case for the state. After the sentencing she said: 

“Damani Anderson sought out vulnerable victims on-line, lured them to secluded places, placed them in mortal fear, and terrorized them. Their young lives literally have been shattered by his sexual violence. Today, because of the bravery of these survivors, our community is safe from a predator who certainly would have found more victims.   

 The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office would like to thank Portland Police Detective Kyffin Marcum and Gresham Police Detective Larry Foulke for their outstanding work on this case.

MCDA would also like to thank MCDA Victim Advocates Allison Miller and Alie Aguilera for the care and compassion shown to the victims in these incidents.

THE FACTS:

Beginning in February of 2023, the defendant who was 16 years old had an on and off relationship with a 17-year old.  He was mentally, physically, and emotionally abusive to her.  At one point, she went to his room to retrieve her belongings and he pushed her down on the bed, put his knee on her back, tied her up, and raped her. 

In January of 2024, when the defendant was 17, he identified his next victim, a 13-year old middle schooler.  The youth said she met the defendant on Snapchat a few days before and made arrangements to meet up at her middle school. He pressured her to walk to a remote area of a nearby park. When they arrived, he pulled a gun and threatened to shoot her. He took her phone and threw it in a ditch then ordered her to undress. He took pictures of her and threatened to post them if she went to the police. The defendant then raped, strangled and sodomized the 13-year old threatening to kill her repeatedly. When he finished, she was able to run away.

In June of 2024, the defendant was 18 when he connected online with a 16-year old he used to date several years earlier. He met up with her at Pier park. They drank alcohol and then, when she laid down, he pressed a gun against her head and demanded she take off her clothes, which she did.  They were interrupted by people with flashlights and she was able to escape.  

A week later, in June of 2024, the defendant connected with a 17-year old victim. She was aware of him from school but when he first reached out on Instagram he did not use his real name. When they met up to smoke he was wearing a ski mask. When she laid down on a blanket she brought, he pulled out a gun,pointed it at her chest, and showed her it was real and loaded. He told her to take off her clothes. While she was doing that he told her about other girls he had done this to and who he had killed. He then raped her and forced her to perform oral sex on him. 

In August of 2024 the defendant, still 18 years old, connected on Tinder with an 18-year old who would be his last victim.

She agreed to meet up with the defendant in North Portland in an industrial area. She said the defendant directed her to an area along some railroad tracks that ran adjacent to what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse. They explored the property together and then he pulled out a gun-and forced it into her mouth. He made her perform oral sex on him while he pointed the gun at her forehead. He later raped her. Approaching lights in the distance distracted the defendant and the young woman ran wearing only a sweatshirt and carrying her underwear. She ran to nearby homes and asked for help. Police were called. 

                                           ###MCDA### 

Malheur County, Ore. (Jan. 23, 2026)- On Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 9:42 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 20, near milepost 228, in Malheur County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Hyundai Kona, operated by Mark Daniel Waggoner (61) of Meridian (ID), left the roadway for unknown reasons, rolled, and became submerged in the Malheur River.

The operator of the vehicle (Waggoner) was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Vale Fire Department and ODOT.

# # #

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 the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of 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.

Date: 1/26/2026

Time: 6pm

Location: Hockinson Community Center &  Zoom

Address: 15916 NE 182nd Ave  Brush Prairie, WA 98606

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office proudly honored the outstanding service and dedication of its deputies, civilian employees, and community members during its annual Awards Ceremony at Clark College on Jan. 22.

“We are proud to recognize the deputies, non-sworn professional staff, and citizens whose actions made a meaningful difference in our community,” said Sheriff John Horch. “Each person honored demonstrated courage, dedication, and a willingness to step up when it mattered most. I’m grateful for their service and proud of the example they set for Clark County.”

More than two dozen award recipients were recognized for going above and beyond to protect the community, save lives, and uphold public safety. Life-Saving Medals and Life-Saving Awards were presented to employees whose decisive actions helped save another person’s life in situations where, without their direct intervention, the outcome likely would have been fatal. Medal of Merit recipients were honored for putting themselves at significant risk in the line of duty to prevent crimes and help secure the arrest of dangerous subjects.

Along with law enforcement personnel, two civilians were honored for their courage and critical contributions to emergencies and crime prevention.

• Kylie Linderman and Trevor Casey were recognized for their quick thinking and outstanding assistance following a homicide investigation in Hazel Dell on October 26, 2025. After spotting a red sedan with a shattered rear window driving recklessly and fleeing southbound on Interstate 5, Kylie called 911, and the couple provided detectives with detailed descriptions of the vehicle and its occupants. Their observations helped investigators identify suspects and directly contributed to arrests in the case.

Among the medals and honors awarded:

• Medal of Merit: Sergeant Zach Nielsen, Sergeant Jared Stevens, Deputy Ben Hulsey, Deputy Nathan Smith, Deputy Sean Treseder
• Life-Saving Medal: Sergeant Mark Anderson, Detective Elijah Page, Deputy Erik Dunham, Deputy Drew Kennison, Deputy Liam MacMahon, Deputy Alex O’Hearn, Deputy Tyler Gelvick, Deputy Nicholas Rich, Deputy Jordan Lange
• Life-Saving Award: Deputy Slav Pavlenko, Deputy Bryson Layton, Deputy Liam MacMahon, Detective Christopher Fisk, Deputy Carson Theis, Deputy Joshua Christiaan, Sergeant Linda Hayes, Sergeant Kevin Schmidt, Detective Samir Vejo, Detective Helier Arvizo, Detective Albin Boyse, Detective Michael Trueblood, Deputy Rick Osborne
• Distinguished Service Award: Deputy Jon Feller
• Citizen Service Medal: Trevor Casey, Kylie Linderman

In addition, CCSO awarded the following for their exceptional performance in 2025:
Support Branch Employee of the Year: Karen Kessel, Legal Assistant
Support Branch Supervisor of the Year: Sheila Viken, Public Disclosure Unit Supervisor
Enforcement Branch Deputy of the Year: Deputy Amanda Nohrenberg
Enforcement Branch Detective of the Year: Detective Patrick Spak
Enforcement Branch Supervisor of the Year: Sergeant Adam Beck
Enforcement Branch Trainer of the Year: Deputy Chris Pizan

Woodburn, OR:  The Woodburn Police Department has entered its second year of a dedicated DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants) Enforcement Officer position following approval of a continued DUII enforcement grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The current grant period began on October 1, 2025, and runs through September 30, 2026, covering 75 percent of the dedicated officer’s wages and associated training costs.

An evaluation of the program’s first year shows measurable improvements in impaired driving enforcement and overall traffic safety. During the 2024–2025 fiscal year, total DUII arrests increased by 32 percent compared to the previous year, rising from 165 arrests in FY 2023–2024 to 217 arrests in FY 2024–2025.

From December 12, 2024, through September 30, 2025, the dedicated DUII Enforcement Officer conducted extensive enforcement and investigative activity, including 391 traffic stops, issuing 181 traffic citations and 321 warnings. During this period, the officer made 122 alcohol-related DUII arrests and eight drug-impaired DUII arrests, served 12 DUII search warrants, and handled nine Minor in Possession cases and 11 open container violations. The position also contributed to 40 DUII crash investigations, 22 non-DUII crash investigations, and 152 non-DUII-related arrests.

While the long-term goal of the dedicated DUII enforcement position is to reduce impaired driving, serious injury, and loss of life, the data from the first year highlights the continued risk impaired driving poses to the community. In 2025, Woodburn experienced two fatal crashes in which impaired drivers struck and killed pedestrians.

“While this dedicated position has shown great success and promise in removing impaired drivers from our roadways, the fact that we have experienced two consecutive years—2024 and 2025—with two deaths each attributed to impaired driving crashes underscores the continued importance of traffic safety and impaired driving enforcement in our community,” said Deputy Chief Andy Shadrin.

The Woodburn Police Department remains committed to reducing preventable tragedies through proactive enforcement, education, and ongoing public safety initiatives to keep the community safe.

Reports by The Oregonian on January 23 and Noticias Noroeste that a family was detained by ICE while seeking medical care for their 7-year-old child at Adventist Health in Portland are alarming, chilling, and deeply shameful. No parent should ever be forced to weigh their child’s health against the risk of detention. No child should be subjected to this level of fear. Every child deserves access to quality and timely healthcare.  

Provision 8.2 of the Nurses Code of Ethics is clear: “Where there are human rights violations, nurses ought to and must stand up for those rights and demand accountability.” That is why we are speaking out. 

Detaining a family while they seek medical care for a child is unconscionable and does not just violate the ethical obligations of frontline caregivers; it violates the fundamental ethical obligation of healthcare institutions.  

ONA members—nurses and frontline caregivers across Oregon—have been warning for months about the devastating consequences of ICE enforcement occurring in or near hospitals. Hospitals must be places of healing, safety, and trust. When that trust is broken, families delay care or avoid it altogether, turning preventable and treatable conditions into life-threatening emergencies. For children, the consequences of delayed or denied care are especially severe. 

When law enforcement actions intrude into medical spaces, patient care is compromised—and in this case, a child’s well-being was placed at risk. This unjustified action raises urgent and disturbing questions that demand answers. Did the child ever receive the healthcare they needed? What capacity does ICE have to ensure the medical stability of a child whose parents sought emergency care in a hospital setting? Who assumed responsibility for the child’s health and safety once the family was detained, and under what clinical standards? These are not abstract concerns; they are matters of life, health, and basic human dignity. 

ONA calls on Oregon’s healthcare executives, hospital systems, and elected officials at every level to forcefully put an end to this heinous practice and to take immediate action to ensure that hospitals remain safe spaces for all families, without exception. ONA will continue to stand with immigrant communities, our patients, our families, and caregivers to demand accountability and protect access to care for all. 

###

On January 22nd, members of the Clackamas County Human Trafficking Multi-Disciplinary Team conducted a sex buyers interdiction. The operation supported a wider metro effort to support Light up the Night and slavery and human trafficking awareness and prevention month.  The mission addressed a key root cause of sex trafficking through a law enforcement-led mission to arrest and cite sex buyers (also known as the “demand” side of that economy)

The Milwaukie Police Department in partnership with Lake Oswego Police would like to thank Clackamas County MDT agencies for their collaboration; West Linn Police, Oregon City Police, Molalla Police, Sandy Police, Clackamas County Parole and Probation, Oregon State Police and support from the Oregon Department of Justice and FBI-Portland. 

If you suspect human trafficking, please call your local law enforcement non-emergency dispatch. If you or someone you know is a survivor of human trafficking of commercial sexual exploitation in immediate need of support locally, call the Safety Compass 24/7 support line to speak with a confidential advocate at 971-235-0021

Link to Safety Compass News on Light up the Night : Safety Compass Leads “Light Up the Night” Outreach on 82nd Avenue to Advance Safety and Support for Vulnerable Community Members — Safety Compass Oregon

Reel from sex buyers interdiction in Milwaukie: https://youtube.com/shorts/TXsjuYfrfX8?si=k3pKjiJ7I7F2q2xu

City of Milwaukie Oregon Official Website

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet via online meeting on February 6 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussion of cemetery marker repair work and future workplan items. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Follow this link to register for meeting access information.
 

The meeting will be the first for newly appointed commissioner, Lindsay Reva Smith. She represents the Portland area on the commission. Smith is the office manager at River View Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. She began her journey in the death care field as a funeral director until her passion for historic preservation, mapping, and record keeping led her into the field of cemeteries. She brings skills including historic map and document comprehension, policies and procedures for small & large cemeteries, strong investigative skills, and genealogical research skills. Smith is also a volunteer for Great River Natural burial cemetery in the gorge and the co-creator of Thanatology Biome, a project dedicated to creating and promoting the most environmentally friendly death care options possible.
 

The commission is seeking another member to represent the east part of the state with knowledge related to, or interest in:

• cemeteries;
• historic preservation;
• genealogy;
• cultural and burial practices of ethnic groups found in Oregon;
• landscape and native plants; and
• history.

The OCHC is comprised of seven citizens. It is empowered by the Legislature to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries in Oregon, make recommendations for funding, seek legislative appropriations for historic cemeteries, and assist in the coordination of restoration, renovation and maintenance of historic cemeteries statewide. The commission develops online resources, offers workshops, and promotes the value of historic cemeteries through storytelling.
 

The group meets four times per year in different locations around the state and online. There may be an occasional additional meeting for extra projects, programs, and grant selection. Commissioners are also asked to organize informal meetings in their regions or work on other projects outside of meeting time. Travel costs are reimbursed.
 

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities or to attend in person, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov.
 

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For more historic cemetery resources or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

At 4:24 a.m. early this morning, Washington County 911 received a report of a residential fire in a multi-unit complex in the 100 block of NW Bailey Avenue in Hillsboro. The caller indicated that some people were evacuating, but they didn’t know what was on fire or how far the fire had spread. Additional neighbors in the complex called to report a fire and visible smoke coming from one of the apartment units; they, too, were evacuating, with smoke alarms audible in the background. A Hillsboro Police officer who arrived on scene shortly after the first 911 call reported that some residents had evacuated safely and that fire was now evident from the back of the apartment complex, burning through the windows. The fire was upgraded to a first alarm to bring additional firefighters and resources to the incident.

The first arriving fire engine and rescue unit from Station 1 entered the apartment on fire to locate and extinguish the fire and minimize its spread to other units. Additional firefighters began searching in the adjacent units for victims and to ensure no one was still inside. Shortly after 4:30 a.m., another 911 call reported a second residential fire about one block from this active incident. The incident commander requested one of the incoming fire engine crews to redirect to that location and assess the report. Firefighters on Engine 3 arrived at the second address and confirmed that there was no second fire and that the reported flames and smoke were actually coming from the original address and were visible from the nearby location.

Firefighters reported heavy fire and smoke conditions inside the affected apartment. They also reported that a sub-basement level existed beneath the entire four-unit complex and that precautions should be taken about structural stability.

At approximately 4:48 a.m., there was a report that there may be a victim inside the affected apartment on fire. Firefighters thoroughly searched all the units and floors and verified that all residents were safely evacuated. Although no injuries were reported, one person was assessed by paramedics on the scene. After firefighters knocked down the main part of the fire, they continued searching for and extinguishing hot spots throughout the entire complex.

Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains responded to the incident to provide aid and support to the residents. In total, eight adults and five children were displaced because of the fire. The American Red Cross was requested to aid the displaced residents.  

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue fire investigators responded to the incident, and a fire investigation is ongoing. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.  

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue reminds everyone that working smoke alarms save lives.

• Ensure that you have a smoke alarm on every floor of your home and one in every sleeping area.
• Test your smoke alarm regularly and practice your home escape plan.
• Once you and your family are outside at your meeting place, call 911 from a safe location away from the fire.

Thanks to Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Cornelius Fire Department, Hillsboro Police, AMR Ambulance, Portland General Electric, NW Natural Gas, Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains, and the American Red Cross, who assisted at the incident.

-###-

VANCOUVER — Heriberto Molina, 63, received a free eye exam and a prescription for new glasses during a Kaiser Permanente MLK Days of Service vision clinic held Thursday, Jan. 22, in Clark County.

Molina was referred to the clinic by Free Clinics of Southwest Washington and attended the appointment with his daughter, Karen Molina, who helped him get there, communicate his needs, and choose his new glasses. Molina's previous grocery store reading glasses were broken and no longer effective, in part because the vision in each of his eyes is different. Molina said he has three of "the best" daughters and smiled as he credited Karen’s help, adding simply, "She loves me."

"We are very thankful for this opportunity to get care that will help me be healthier and improve my day-to-day life," Molina said. "This is a really good thing for the community and for people who don't have the resources for an eye exam. From the minute we walked in, everyone was so helpful and friendly, and we felt very comfortable."

Kaiser Permanente optometrist Dr. Jeffrey Fries examined Molina and determined he has normal age-related vision changes. He prescribed bifocals to help Molina see clearly both near and far.

"Dr. Fries took time to examine me very well, and I really appreciate that," Molina said. "I like to watch sports on TV. Soccer is my favorite. But I was having trouble seeing and reading things every day, like grocery store labels. I try to live my best life. Laughter makes everything better, and being able to see better will help me every day."

Molina's daughter said his wife, Maricela, will be glad he no longer needs to borrow her glasses. "She'd always tell him, 'Go get your own,'" she said.

Fries said participating in the MLK Days of Service reflects why he chose a career in eye care.

"One of the primary reasons I pursued this work was to help others," Fries said. "A day like today is unique, and I feel fortunate that Kaiser Permanente supports community service events like this."

He added that access to vision care can make a meaningful difference in daily life. "Whether it's glasses or a broader medical concern, the care we provide helps patients drive safely, maintain a job, and better enjoy time with their families."

Kaiser Permanente Vision Essentials held three free vision clinics in Vancouver and Longview around the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, as well as three more in Portland, Clackamas, Ore., and Salem, Ore., and was able to offer 161 patients free eye exams, glasses, and prescriptions if needed.

The Clackamas Fire District Board of Directors will conduct its regular meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The agenda includes monthly division reports, a presentation about the December flooding, a recap on Operation Santa, a request to approve the Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation Budget, and a request from the Sandy Fire District for annexation into Clackamas Fire.

If you would like to provide public comment during the meeting, you must sign up by Monday, January 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Please sign up by filling out the Public Meeting Comments form on our website: https://clackamasfire.com/public-meeting-comments/.

The public can attend either by remote video conferencing or in person at the Clackamas Fire Training Center (15990 SE 130th Ave., Clackamas, OR 97015). If you would like to attend online or by phone, please access Clackamas Fire District’s website for the Zoom meeting link and passcode at: https://clackamasfire.com/public-notices/.

Battle Ground Public Schools is pleased to announce its 11th annual Industry Fair on Thursday, Feb. 19. The event is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Battle Ground High School, located at 300 W. Main St. in Battle Ground. This free community event is open to the public and welcomes jobseekers of all ages, students, families and local employers.

In addition to the fair, a free resume workshop will be offered from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Battle Ground High School career center for any attendee who would like help creating or polishing a resume.

Child care will be available during the event.

The Industry Fair offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect directly with businesses and organizations, many of whom are hiring, from a wide variety of industries:

• Health care

• Education

• Construction and skilled trades

• Real estate

• Law enforcement

• Retail

• Transportation

• Government

• Auto

• Logistics

• Hospitality

• And more

Whether you are exploring potential careers, seeking apprenticeships, looking for a job or interested in expanding your professional network, this event is designed to support career exploration and employment opportunities throughout Southwest Washington. 

Through Feb. 13, employers and organizations can sign up to host a free table at the fair. Representatives of all industries are encouraged to participate in this event, which drew more than 1,000 attendees last year.

Oregon hospitals fall short in meeting national standards for preventing some health care-associated infection measures