Correction: Headline corrected to Linn County.

Linn County, Ore. 8 July 2025- On Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 4:09 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Highway 34, near milepost 6, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Logan James Irwin (24) of Tangent, entered the eastbound lane and was struck by an eastbound Subaru outback, operated by Edward Thomas Peterson. 

The pedestrian (Irwin) was declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital. 

The Subaru operator (Peterson) was reportedly uninjured and remained at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.

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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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

VANCOUVER, WA — July 8, 2025

The Clark County Historical Museum invites the public to a fascinating afternoon talk, “Hong Kong Cinema and Singapore—The Cinematic Connection between Two Cities during the Cold War Era (1950–1965),” on Friday, August 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the museum (1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660). This program is free and open to the public.

Presented by scholar and filmmaker Dr. Grace Yan-yan Mak (麥欣恩), the talk will explore how geopolitical shifts in the 1950s redefined the landscape of Chinese-language cinema. With China increasingly isolated during the early Cold War period, Hong Kong emerged as a new cinematic hub, replacing Shanghai and expanding its cultural reach across Asia.

As British colonies, Hong Kong and Singapore were linked not only through political structures but also through a shared identity as part of the “overseas Chinese” world. This relationship was vividly imagined on screen, with Hong Kong films depicting Singapore and Malaya with familial warmth and symbolic closeness. Dr. Mak will delve into this “cinematic cultural ring,” which connected the two cities through shared audiences, institutions, and artistic visions.

Drawing from her extensive research and film analysis, Dr. Mak will examine key works by MP&GI (Cathay) and Kong Ngee Studio, exploring how Singapore and Malaya were represented in Hong Kong films, how this network evolved and eventually frayed, and how these portrayals helped shape Hong Kong’s cinematic identity during the Cold War.

About the Speaker:
Grace Yan-yan Mak (麥欣恩) is a Hong Kong–born scholar, writer, and filmmaker currently serving on the board of the Northwest China Council. She holds a Ph.D. in Chinese Studies from the National University of Singapore, with a research focus on Chinese-language cinema and modern Chinese literature. Dr. Mak co-founded Banyan Tree Movies and has taught at universities in Hong Kong and South Korea. Her academic and creative work includes over twenty scholarly articles, several screenplays, and the novel Black Box of Dreams. She is a former apprentice to acclaimed Hong Kong director Tsui Hark and a member of the Hong Kong Film Critics Society.

For more information about this event or the museum’s programming, visit www.cchmuseum.org or contact Sammuel Hawkins at outreach@cchmuseum.org.

HILLSBORO, Ore. – There are many skills an auto body repair technician needs to have to be effective at their job – attention to detail, elite technical skills, color matching and painting, problem solving, knowledge of safety procedures and being a good communicator.

For Portland Community College student Jackie Nguyen, she has the entire skill set in her toolbox. As a result, Nguyen has been awarded the distinguished Legends Scholarship by the Women’s Industry Network (WIN). 

A first-year student in PCC’s Auto Collision Repair Program and a Hillsboro native, Nguyen is among a record-breaking cohort of 40 students out of nearly 120 applicants nationwide to receive the 2025 WIN Student Scholarship Award. The initiative provides awardees with financial assistance and high-value tool kits to support their education and future careers.

For Nguyen, who previously earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Oregon State University in 2018, the award is a pivotal moment.

“Receiving this scholarship is a meaningful milestone for me that shows it’s never too late to change direction and pursue new goals,” she said. “It’s the first scholarship I’ve ever received, and I’m truly grateful to be recognized for my commitment to entering the auto collision industry.”

Her decision to transition into the hands-on world of collision repair is rooted in a lifelong passion for cars and creativity. A kinesthetic learner with a fascination for JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) vehicles inspired by “Initial D” and the “Fast & Furious” series, Nguyen found her calling in a program that offered both technical challenge and personal fulfillment. PCC’s Auto Collision Repair Program provided the ideal launchpad for her new career path.

“I plan to begin my career as a collision repair technician to gain hands-on experience with various types of damage,” Nguyen said. “This foundation will help me become a more accurate and efficient estimator in the future, with a deeper understanding of the repair process.”

Nguyen credits the PCC community, particularly program staff and advisors. When she began the program last fall, each instructor took the time to learn about her background and goals, offering both encouragement and practical advice. Christopher Mayo, auto collision repair instructor, said Nguyen has been an outstanding student in her time at the college. 

“She’s brought a high level of professionalism, and has a real passion for cars,” Mayo said. “So far, she’s learned how to disassemble and reassemble vehicles, weld, measure and repair vehicle frames and repair dents. Her positive attitude and professionalism will take her far in life, and lead to a successful career within our industry.”

Nguyen said program staff’s knowledge, passion, and sincere investment in student success have made a lasting impression. 

“Their ongoing support has played a major role in my drive to stay committed and push forward in the program, especially when the coursework gets challenging,” Nguyen said. “Knowing that they genuinely care about helping us succeed has motivated me to put in the effort every day.”

Since its establishment in 1970, the college’s Auto Collision Repair Program has grown into one of the largest and most reputable programs on the West Coast. Faculty implement class projects to help students understand current industry practices. The 17,000-square-foot Rock Creek Campus shop contains four frame benches and computer measuring systems, two state-of-the-art downdraft paint booths, and welding and prep areas.

Looking ahead, Nguyen hopes to bring both technical insight and customer-focused service to her future workplace. And she credits PCC for her success.

“PCC has shown me the true value of accessible education,” she said. “It’s a place where you can discover your direction and build a foundation with confidence.”

For more information on the PCC Auto Collision Repair Program, visit https://www.pcc.edu/programs/auto-collision/

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 53,000 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.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Commission on Aging’s charge is to provide leadership in addressing the special needs of the aging population and to manage and assist with the implementation of the county’s Aging Readiness Plan.  This month, the Commission focuses on Chapters 2 (Healthy Communities) and 3 (Housing) of the Aging Readiness Plan. The Commission welcomes the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities and certified “aging in place” specialists to discuss available services and housing modifications that will enable older adults to age in place.

The meeting will begin at 4:30 pm Wednesday, July 16, and is open to the public.

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

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

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

PF&R to send 25 members to Honor Ceremony in Idaho

Media Invite

• Wednesday July 9
• 7:45 AM
• 4800 NE 122^nd – PF&R Training Yard
   

Portland Fire & Rescue will be sending nearly 25 members to attend and participate in the ceremony to honor Coeur d’Alene Fire Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank J. Harwood, 52. These two firefighters were ambushed and killed while responding to a brush fire outside of Coeur d’Alene last week.

PF&R will be sending members to attend as a part of 3 different groups. There will be members selected at random to be a part of our official funeral platoon, another group representing the PF&R Honor Guard, and finally a large contingent of the Pipes & Drums Band.

We are humbled to be asked to aid in honoring the lives of these 2 members of our profession who were senselessly attacked while responding to the communities they served. It is a great honor to participate in these memorial services and aiding in any possible closure for the families and others so personally affected by such a tragic event.

The caravan will be leaving the training yard at 0830 or earlier to make their required arrival time. Members will be available to communicate to the media if there is a desire. PF&R Lead PIO Rick Graves will be present to make all needed connections and coordinate any media present.

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is accepting applications for its 2025 Citizens’ Academy. This free program is designed to give participants an opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.  

The Academy begins on Tuesday, September 2nd, and meets for ten sessions, ending Tuesday, October 21st. The class will meet each Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on two Saturdays, September 13th and October 4th, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Most classes meet at the Sheriff’s Office in Corvallis.  

During the program, participants will gain insight into the challenges and accomplishments of the BCSO. Most of the instructors are sworn deputies who share their experiences with the class.  

The Citizens’ Academy covers all aspects of the Sheriff’s responsibilities including law enforcement, emergency management, search and rescue, parole and probation, jail operations, and the support service and command responsibilities of the Office.

The Academy is geared toward adults but does accept applicants between the ages of 14 and 17, who must have signed a consent form and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  

The deadline for applications is August 28, 2025. The class fills up quickly, so we encourage you to get your application in early.

Applications are available online at https://sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/citizens-academy/ or in person at the Law Enforcement Building, 180 NW 5th Street, Corvallis. For further information, contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 541-766-6858. 

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MEDIA ADVISORY: July 8, 2025

Local nurses are fighting for fair contracts at two Samaritan hospitals while working to protect local birth centers and emergency surgical services  

WHAT: Informational picket and rally for a fair contract at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.

WHERE: Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center (3600 NW Samaritan Dr., Corvallis, OR 97330)

WHEN: Tuesday, July 8 from 1 – 3 p.m. Speeches start at approximately 2:15 p.m. 

Nurses will be available for interviews before and after speeches. 

WHO: Local frontline nurses and healthcare providers, patients and families. 

WHY: Nurses at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center are holding an informational picket and rally Tuesday, July 8. More than 700 local nurses are currently fighting for fair contracts at both Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center–Samaritan’s flagship hospital in Corvallis–and Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital in Lebanon. Nurses at both hospitals have been bargaining since March in an attempt to reach a fair contract agreement with Samaritan Health System executives. Nurses’ contracts at Good Samaritan and Samaritan Lebanon expired June 30, 2025.

Nurses at both facilities are committed to reaching a fair contract agreement that includes safe staffing and safe workplaces, fair wages, affordable healthcare, and a stronger voice for providers to improve local healthcare and prevent job cuts and department closures. 

ONA nurses in the Samaritan system have led public opposition to Samaritan’s reported proposals to cut birthing centers at hospitals in Lebanon and Lincoln City and eliminate local emergency surgery teams among other cuts. 

The community has joined nurses and rallied to defend the birth center and emergency surgery team with patients and elected leaders including U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04), among those publicly calling on Samaritan Health Services to maintain rural and coastal Oregonians’ full access to labor and delivery services.  

• Community members can email Samaritan decisionmakers here to ask them to save local birth centers and preserve access to essential care.  

Community members are encouraged to attend nurses’ informational picket on July 8 to hear directly from local nurses, ask questions, and share concerns and stories about their community’s healthcare.

Media members are encouraged to attend to capture the voices and stories of frontline nurses, healthcare workers and patients.

NOTE: An informational picket is not a strike or work stoppage. It is a demonstration of solidarity and an opportunity to educate the public about their community’s healthcare.  

NEWPORT, Oregon— South Beach State Park will host its annual sandcastle competition 10 a.m. to noon July 26 in Newport.

Anyone can compete as an individual or as a team for a chance to win first, second or third place. Prizes include baskets with an assortment of beach-themed prizes with the first-place basket stocked with four tickets to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Visitors interested in competing can sign up in person starting at 9:30 a.m. July 26 on the beach next to the South Beach day-use parking lot.

"It's a great opportunity for visitors to share their sand sculpting skills and connect with park volunteers and rangers," said Ranger Patrick Newhall.

Last year, 20 teams with a total of 65 competitors vied for the top spots. And as many as 190 visitors watched the sandcastles take shape.

For more information, please contact South Beach State Park at (541) 867-7451 Ext. 0.  

On July 7, 2025, shortly before 7:00 pm, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a disturbance call in the 900 block of SE Sheridan Road in the city of Sheridan.  Additional 911 callers reported a stabbing had taken place, and a responding Yamhill County Sheriff’s Deputy was involved in an officer involved shooting after arriving at the call.  Multiple stabbing victims were identified and transported for treatment of injuries.  The Yamhill County Major Crimes Response Team was activated, and the Newberg-Dundee Police Department was designated as the lead investigative agency for this incident.  This investigation is still in the early stages, and it will take time to gather all the relevant information.  Additional updates, and details surrounding the investigation will come from the Newberg-Dundee Police Department. 

PORTLAND, Ore.—Four defendants made their first appearances in federal court today after committing various offenses—including assaulting federal officers and possessing a destructive device—during ongoing protest gatherings near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Riley Freeman, 26, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offenses of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon and possession of an unregistered destructive device.

Andrew Marcum, 22, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

Jeremy Hummel, 27, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanor offense of depredation of government property.

Ian Joseph McCarthy, 35, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offenses of assaulting a federal officer and depredation of government property.

According to court documents and information shared in court, on July 4, 2025, several individuals gathered near an ICE office in South Portland where, for weeks, individuals have repeatedly targeted the building and federal law enforcement officers with threatening statements, discharging pepper spray, and throwing rocks, trash, and bricks.

At approximately 8:00pm, federal officers observed an individual defacing the ICE building guard shack with graffiti. As an officer began to pursue the individual, Marcum ran toward the officer and kicked the officer in the leg, causing the officer to trip.

At approximately 8:41pm, officers observed another individual, later identified as Hummel, defacing the ICE building with black spray paint.

At approximately 11:16pm, as federal officers cleared a group of people off federal property, Freeman threw an incendiary device towards the officers that detonated near them. Freeman attempted to flee but officers pursued him and Freeman was arrested.

The same evening, federal officers observed McCarthy using bolt cutters to attempt to damage a proximity card reader near the vehicle entrance of the building. McCarthy had also been observed removing and damaging the fiber optic cable system to the ICE building, interrupting internet and communication service for the building. While being placed under arrest, McCarthy kicked and punched several officers assisting in the arrest.

All four defendants made their first appearances in federal court Monday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. They were released on conditions pending future court proceedings.

Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison, and assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Felony possession of an unregistered destructive device and depredation of government property over $1,000 are punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. Depredation of government property under $1,000 is a class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in prison.

These cases are being investigated by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). They are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Since June 13, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged 22 defendants with offenses committed at the ICE building including assaulting federal officers, arson, possession of a destructive device, and depredation of government property.

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

# # #

SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will consider appointing Kaitlin Lovell of Colton, Ore. as the Oregon Department of State Lands director during a special 30-minute virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 9, at 10 a.m.

A scientist and lawyer, Lovell has led habitat protection and restoration efforts for the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services since 2007. Her work includes oversight of environmental regulation, permitting, and land use. Recent focus has included developing a publicly owned and managed mitigation bank in Portland and establishing a financing strategy for critical environmental projects.

Lovell previously served as salmon policy coordinator and counsel for Trout Unlimited, where she sought effective science-based state and federal policy solutions and helped draft Oregon's first recovery plans for Oregon Coast Coho and for Lower Columbia and Willamette coho, chinook, and steelhead. Prior to that role, Lovell served as assistant university counsel at Cornell University.

Lovell holds a J.D. from Cornell Law School with a focus in public law and a B.S. in environmental science from Bucknell University.

She has served on multiple DSL advisory groups, including the Elliott State Research Forest Board and a committee reviewing Oregon’s rules for wetlands and waterway permitting and mitigation.

Under Oregon law, the State Land Board appoints the DSL director to a four-year term.

Vicki L. Walker, who served as DSL director from 2018 until her retirement on June 30, announced her intent to step down in December 2024.

At Wednesday’s meeting, the Board will also consider appointing Deputy Director Bill Ryan as interim director and setting a bond amount for the position, as required by statute.

Meeting Details and Agenda

Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 10 a.m.

This special meeting of the Land Board will be held virtually only. Watch the meeting livestreamed online on the DSL YouTube channel. The full meeting agenda and materials are available on the DSL website.

The public may submit written testimony or sign up to provide spoken testimony (by phone or virtually) during the meeting. Advanced sign-up is required. The deadline is 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9.

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

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

###

On June 7, 2025, the Newport Police Department arrested Jacob Busch, 41, after investigating an alleged assault in front of the Newport City Hall during a political protest. Video footage of the incident showed Busch quickly exiting his parked car, running over to the protesters before using his chest to push a 74-year-old Army veteran. The male victim fell backwards, striking the back of his head against the concrete sidewalk and was later transported to the hospital for injuries. Busch was arrested later that day on one count of Assault in the Fourth Degree (misdemeanor). Busch was initially held in custody with security set at $75,000.

Given the extent of the victim’s injuries and Busch’s past criminal history, Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Thornicroft presented this case to the Lincoln County Grand Jury for additional charges. On July 1, 2025, Busch was indicted for Assault in the Second Degree - Felony (serious physical injury); Assault in the Fourth Degree – Felony (three prior convictions); and two counts of Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree. Busch was force released by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on July 3, 2025 and was later arraigned out-of-custody on the indictment on July 7, 2025. Busch remains out of on release and will return to court on August 25, 2025 for an early resolution conference.

The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Newport Police Department for their swift response and extensive investigation into these allegations to ensure safety for all those who participate in lawful, orderly assembly.   

The City is Converting Parking Downtown to Paid On-Street

• New paid parking meters in Downtown Salem July 10
• Free parking remains available for customers and visitors in downtown parking garages
• New pay stations will accept credit and debit cards in addition to coins for visitors only needing 10 to 20 minutes to grab a cup of coffee or run quick errands downtown
• Beep Beep Salem phone app available to pay for and renew parking time

Salem, Ore. – Starting July 10, visitors to downtown Salem will notice the addition of new parking stations, designed to make parking easier and create frequent availability of on-street parking spaces. In addition to paid on-street parking, the City will continue to provide free customer and visitor parking in the downtown parking structures.

"Metered parking supports more security and cleaning services for downtown Salem,” said Kristin Retherford, Community Planning and Development Director. “Moving from free on-street parking to paid parking can make it easier and more reliable to find parking in the area. Paid on-street parking makes more street spaces available for shoppers by shortening stays in on-street parking spaces, freeing up the space more frequently for new customers."

The new pay stations accept credit and debit cards in addition to coins for visitors only needing 10 to 20 minutes to grab a cup of coffee or run quick errands downtown. The City is also offering a mobile payment option via a new payment app called Beep Beep Salem, available for download on the Google Play Store or Apple iOS. You can download the app and set up your user account for free. A $0.35 fee applies to each transaction using the app, in addition to the $1.50 hourly parking rate. There are no transaction fees for use of a credit card at the pay stations. The cost for parking at an on-street space downtown will be $1.50 an hour and parking will be enforced 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The pay stations are license-plate based, so users will not need to display a receipt.

The downtown paid parking implementation is being paid for through Downtown Urban Renewal funds.

About the Pay Stations:

Need help with the pay stations? We have parking ambassadors and Downtown Enforcement Officers available to answer questions and help you with the new paid parking system.

You can find instructional videos for utilizing the new parking stations and the app as well as a downtown parking map and answers to frequently asked questions online.

About the App:

The new Beep Beep Salem parking app will be available for all on-street pay stations throughout the City including those by the Oregon State Capitol, Willamette University and at the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport beginning July 10. Users can download the app via www.beepbeepsalem.com, the Google Play store (Android) or Apple iOS (iPhone) applications. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can still pay for parking using the Beep Beep Salem web application by visiting https://salem.flowbirdapp.com and creating a user account. An instructional video about using the app is available.

Permits for Downtown Residents, Downtown Employees, Students, Volunteers and Jurors:

If you live or work downtown and plan to park in downtown Salem between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. any day except Sundays and legal holidays (students, volunteers, employees, jurors), you are required to purchase a parking permit for the parking garages or pay at the new parking meters. To learn more about permit requirements and options, go to www.cityofsalem.net/parking.

Additional information about the paid parking in Salem is available at www.beepbeepsalem.com. Questions can be emailed to eepBeep@cityofsalem.net">BeepBeep@cityofsalem.net.

# # #

Effective July 2, 2025, in response to the Multnomah County Fire Defense Board, the City of Gresham’s Fire Department implemented a Summer Burn Ban due to the continued hot and dry weather conditions across the region (see https://www.greshamoregon.gov/news/city-news/gresham-fire-department-implements-summer-burn-ban/ for more information). The ban includes backyard burning, recreational campfires and fire pits, and various agricultural types of burning.

Per Fairview City Code, Chapter 8.40 FIREWORKS, if the Multnomah Fire Defense Board issues an outdoor burn ban that covers all or part of the City of Fairview, the City Manager must issue an order prohibiting the use of all consumer fireworks (as defined by Oregon State Code) in the City (see Fairview City Code for more information at: https://www.codepublishing.com/OR/Fairview).

Effective immediately, there is no outdoor burning or consumer fireworks permitted anywhere within the corporate boundaries of the City of Fairview. This ban and prohibition will remain in effect until the Multnomah Fire Defense Board has rescinded this order. Violations of this order are subject to penalties as provided by law. If you have questions regarding the location of your property and/or the City’s Code, please contact the City of Fairview.

Please contact the City of Gresham Fire Department with fireworks or burning related questions at 503-618-2355.

This news release is being sent on behalf of the Washington County Major Crimes Team (MCT)

A man has been arrested on several charges after firing shots at people and ramming a responding officer’s patrol car.

On the afternoon of Sunday, July 6, 2025, several 911 callers reported the driver of a pickup driving recklessly in Tigard and Sherwood. The driver then rammed the gate at a storage unit facility at 21900 SW Langer Farms Parkway, and pulled inside. Moments later, at 4:22PM, several 911 callers reported hearing gunshots being fired within the storage facility.

Officers from Sherwood, Tualatin, Tigard and King City Police responded, along with deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. As the suspect drove away from the storage facility, he encountered a Sherwood police officer. He then put his truck in reverse and rammed the officer, causing injury to the officer and extreme damage to the patrol car. The suspect then drove forward, stopped, and fired his handgun again.

One Tualatin police officer returned fire. The suspect was not hurt and climbed through the sunroof of his pickup, where he surrendered to officers and was safely arrested. Thankfully, no one was hurt by any of the shots fired during the incident.

The Washington County Major Crimes Team responded to the scene to conduct an investigation. The Washington County Crash Analysis and Reconstruction Team also responded to help collect and process evidence.

The suspect has been identified as Travis Blumhagen, age 41, from Salem. He was checked out at the hospital and then was taken to the Washington County Jail on charges including:

• Attempted Murder II
• Attempted Murder II
• Attempted Murder II
• Assault II

The Sherwood officer who was rammed was also evaluated at the hospital and was released.

Additional charges are likely after a Washington County Grand Jury convenes to hear the case.

If you witnessed any part of this and have not spoken with an officer, or have information that may be helpful to investigators, please email tips@tigard-or.gov or call the tip line at 503-718-COPS.

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SALEM, Ore. – The Salem Substation Historic District is among Oregon’s latest additions to the National Register of Historic Places. Recommended for listing by the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) at its February 2025 meeting, the substation is recognized for its significance as an integral component of the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) Master Grid Development period (1938-1945). Furthermore, the substation’s Control House is individually recognized as an outstanding example of the Streamline Moderne architectural style. The National Park Service, which maintains the National Register of Historic Places, listed the substation in spring 2025.

Located on the Dallas Highway (OR 22) in Salem, Polk County, the district includes six built resources, three of which are contributing: the Control House, Switchyard, and Transfer Track. The Control House, completed in 1942, exemplifies the Streamline Moderne architectural style with its smooth surfaces, rounded edges, and use of aluminum, stucco, and chrome. It is one of the few remaining examples of this architectural style that was used by BPA during its Master Grid Development period. As a unit, the district was pivotal in distributing hydroelectric power from the Columbia River dams to rural communities and industrial operations in the Willamette Valley during World War II, fulfilling the increasing energy demands of the era. To explore historic images of the substation and its architectural features, visit the Salem Substation photo collection at river.bpa.gov/portals/Salem-Substation-OR.

The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Properties listed in the National Register are:

• Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
• Considered in the planning of federal or federally-assisted projects;
• Eligible for federal tax benefits;
• Qualify for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
• Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
• Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.
   

State law in Oregon requires local governments to offer a minimal level of protection for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places; the decisions about how to accomplish that goal reside with local governments, which also have the authority to create and regulate local historic districts and landmarks.

More information about the National Register and recent Oregon listings are online at oregonheritage.org (under the heading “Designate”).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: July 7, 2025

CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net

Suspect arrested in connection with May 2025 shooting

Salem, Ore. — After an extensive investigation stemming from a shooting incident in May 2025, Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit Detectives with the assistance of the Salem Police S.W.A.T. team, served a search warrant in the 300 block of Cornwell St in Woodburn, Oregon this morning, July 7.  During the warrant service they arrested Jovani Bravo, 24, at his residence for his involvement in the case.

The related incident occurred on May 17, 2025, at approximately 1:15 a.m., when officers were dispatched to the call of a gunshot wound that had occurred in the 1200 block of State St. The original disturbance started at a bar in the downtown Salem area. Persons involved in the disturbance left in two separate vehicles and eventually traveled east on State St. Bravo, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles, shot several rounds at the other vehicle striking a 24-year-old female victim in the leg. The victim was treated and released at a local area hospital.

Bravo was lodged at the Marion County Correctional Facility on multiple charges related to this case and will be arraigned today at 2:30pm at the Marion County Court Annex 4000 Aumsville Hwy SE.

All further inquiries into this investigation should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking nominations of businesses and individuals for its annual Clark County Disability Employment Awareness Month Awards. The awards honor the role people with developmental disabilities have in assisting us to achieve a dynamic, productive workforce and recognize the leadership of the business community. The event also celebrates October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Awards will be given for the following categories:

1. Large Employer of people with developmental/intellectual disabilities (50 or more local employees)
2. Small Employer of people with developmental/intellectual disabilities (49 or less local employees)
3. Employee with a developmental/intellectual disability
4. Dennis Campbell Outstanding Service Award for outstanding service to improving the lives of individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities
5. David Hanawalt Service Award for an employment specialist who demonstrates service to their clients above and beyond the client’s expectations, exceeds the contractual expectations, and promotes client success and growth.

Recognition: 

Recipients of these awards and nominees will be honored at the Disability Employment Awards Event, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, at Clark College in a ceremony, and celebration. The program will begin at 4 pm and end at 6 pm, with networking happening from 4-4:30 pm.

Anyone wishing to nominate a business or individual please access the nomination forms via the following link.

The deadline for submission is 5 pm Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2025.
 

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Emily Harris at emily@gowise.org or 503.750.9776.

Salem – Training and educating Oregon workers is essential to creating and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. To help expand training and education opportunities, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) offers a grant program that funds ideas to improve the safety and health of Oregon workers in high-hazard industries. And we are ready to help you transform your ideas into results.

The division is accepting grant applications to create innovative workplace safety or health training or education projects. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Oregon OSHA prioritizes  projects that engage workers on essential workplace safety or health topics. Projects may include an immersive training video or a well-designed safety publication or a multi-media package of best practices for a specific job task.

Go online to learn about how to apply or contact Theodore (Ted) Bunch at 971-375-8001 or email e.bunch@dcbs.oregon.gov">theodore.bunch@dcbs.oregon.gov.  

The grant program focuses on high-hazard industries in Oregon, including forestry, construction, and agriculture. A grant application may concentrate on a specific work process, targeting a reduction or elimination of related hazards. Any labor or employer group, educational institution that is affiliated with a labor or employer group, or other nonprofit entity may apply.

Grants may not be used to pay for projects that are purely for research, ongoing activities, or for activities required by law. Only new or substantially expanded projects will be considered for funding. Oregon OSHA is seeking project ideas that advance workplace safety and health training or education. We are not looking for ideas that handle concerns that have already been addressed. Materials produced by grant recipients cannot be sold for profit. All grant materials become available to the public. Depending on the type of project, some materials will be housed in the Oregon OSHA Resource Center while some will be available online.

Some examples of past grant projects include:

• Translation into Spanish of pesticide labels used in reforestation in Oregon and Washington
• Development of a series of toolbox talks addressing suicide prevention in the construction industry
• A virtual reality training for health care providers to help identify hazards related to infection control and prevention in hospitals
• Creation of safe-design guidelines for anchoring systems used as part of logging operations
• An educational program for nurses to prevent ergonomic-related injuries
• Videos and related training aids describing the most prevalent health hazards in construction: silica, lead, noise, and asbestos
• Spanish-language flip charts designed to help prevent heat illness among forest workers

The Oregon Legislature launched the Occupational Safety and Health Education and Training Grant Program in 1990. Award recommendations are made by Oregon OSHA’s Safe Employment Education and Training Advisory Committee, a group with members from business, labor, and government.

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

The Clackamas County Fair & Rodeo is thrilled to announce that Jacquie Roar, the powerhouse vocalist and finalist from Season 24 of The Voice, will headline the fair’s Thursday night concert on August 14, 2025. This highly anticipated performance is part of the fair’s weeklong celebration taking place August 12–16 at the Clackamas County Event Center in Canby.

Jacquie Roar, a North Plains, Oregon native, captivated national audiences with her dynamic performances and commanding stage presence during her run on The Voice, where she earned a coveted four-chair turn and ultimately placed fourth in the competition. Her soulful blend of country and rock, combined with heartfelt storytelling, has garnered her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. 

Beyond her television success, Jacquie has shared stages with country music legends such as Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, and Martina McBride. Her most recent performances included singing duets on stage with Jelly Roll and Jackson Dean. Roar has also opened for Priscilla Block and Kelsea Ballerini and is set to open for Riley Green and Cody Johnson in July. Jacquie’s most popular released singles, include “Bad Habit” and “Learn About Love,”  but her newest release, “That’s the Spirit” is making FM radio waves across the US. Jacquie knows how to showcase her evolution as a songwriter and her commitment to authentic, resonant music.

“We are beyond excited to welcome Jacquie Roar back to her home state for what promises to be an unforgettable night,” said Brian, Executive Director of the Clackamas County Event Center. “Her journey from local performer to national sensation is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait for our fairgoers to experience her incredible talent live.”

Concert Details:

·   Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025

·   Time: 9:00 PM

·   Location: Clackamas County Fair, Canby, OR

·   Admission: Included with fair entry

For more information about the fair schedule, ticketing, and other events, please visit www.clackamascountyfair.com or contact the fair office at (503) 266-1136.

About Jacquie Roar:

Jacquie Roar is a singer-songwriter hailing from North Plains, Oregon. Her powerful vocals and emotive performances earned her a spot as a finalist on Season 24 of NBC’s The Voice. With a background in live performances across the Pacific Northwest and collaborations with renowned artists, Jacquie continues to make waves in the country music scene. Her music is available on all major streaming platforms. 

About Clackamas County Fair & Rodeo:

Established in 1908, the Clackamas County Fair & Rodeo is a cherished annual event that celebrates the rich agricultural heritage and community spirit of Clackamas County. The fair offers a variety of entertainment, including live music, rodeo competitions, exhibits, and family-friendly activities.

Join us for a night of music, community, and celebration with Jacquie Roar at the 2025 Clackamas County Fair!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Colin Fogarty, Director of Communications

Oregon Community Foundation, cfogarty@oregoncf.org

DON’T LET ANYONE DIM THEIR LIGHT

Black Education Elders Honored for Their Legacies Supporting Students

PORTLAND, Ore. — Believe in Black children. Draw inspiration and strength from your ancestors, elders and community. Build the school system students deserve. And don’t let anyone dim their light.

These were the messages from visionary Black educators honored this summer by Oregon Community Foundation. Some honorees led sweeping institutional change. Others built community organizations from the ground up. And many worked within the system to inspire and educate generations of Oregon students.

Honoring a Legacy of Service

The event “Honoring Our Legacy, Investing in the Future” marked Juneteenth and recognized 13 educators for contributions spanning more than 50 years. It was hosted by OCF’s Black Student Success Initiative.

“My grandmother’s mother was born into slavery. So this is not a theory for me,” said Ron Herndon, honored for his advocacy for Portland children and nationally recognized early childhood education leadership. “We have to build upon the strength that has been given to us through our ancestors.”

Herndon recommended that anyone working with Black students familiarize themselves with the works of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington and Dr. Carter G. Woodson.

With those educators and authors in mind, Herndon co‑founded the Black Education Center and led the Portland chapter of the Black United Front, which helped end harmful student‑busing practices in Portland Public Schools in 1979 and influenced the selection of the district’s first Black superintendent, Dr. Matthew Prophet, in 1982. He later became director of Albina Head Start and president of the National Head Start Association.

“Honoring these leaders shows where we’ve been, how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go,” said Marcy Bradley, chief community engagement and equity officer for OCF. “Their work improved education for Black children and for all Oregon students.”

Stories of Courage and Commitment

The evening featured tributes from leaders inspired by those honored, including Joe McFerrin, president and CEO of Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center and Kali Thorne‑Ladd, CEO of Children’s Institute and co‑founder of KairosPDX. Marsha Williams, also a co‑founder of KairosPDX, served as emcee.

During a panel moderated by OCF President and CEO Lisa Mensah, Herndon and fellow honoree Dr. Harriet Adair shared personal reflections.

Adair recalled that her own mother was barred from teaching in Portland Public Schools. While her family and community believed in her, the system often did not.

When Adair was a high school senior her counselor expressed surprise that she intended to attend college after she’d been offered a scholarship to Bryn Mawr College, adding that Adair lacked the math classes to attend. Adair said she vowed never be the adult who kills a child’s dream.

Adair became a middle school teacher then principal of King Elementary School in a historically Black Northeast Portland neighborhood. She later earned a doctorate and served as assistant superintendent of PPS. Her former high school, once named for slave‑owning President James Madison, is now named for Leodis V. McDaniel, a Black principal who once led it.

Innovators Who Opened Doors

Another honoree reflected on how her grandfather inspired her.

“If my grandfather could get an education when it was against the law then I could learn to do anything,” said Renee Anderson, who battled racism to become a mathematics teacher in the 1960s and founded and led Oregon MESA for 40 years. The organization offers science, technology, engineering and math education and mentoring to students of color, girls and non‑binary students, low‑income students and those who are the first in their families to attend college.

“Now we call it STEM education but Renee Anderson did this long before it had a name,” Bradley said.

Advancing Equity in Education

Honorees included Dr. Darrell Millner, professor emeritus and former chair of Portland State University’s Black Studies Department, and Lolenzo Poe, who launched Multnomah County’s Schools Uniting Neighborhood program and co‑chaired the Portland School Board.

As chief equity and diversity officer for PPS, Poe developed the district’s Racial Educational Equity Plan. The initiative helped raise Black student graduation rates.

“Lolenzo has been a giant force for equity in Portland and Multnomah County,” Thorne‑Ladd said, calling Poe “the Black godfather of Portland’s electoral and political scene.”

Solutions Rooted in Community

Many of those honored were instrumental in advocating for the Oregon Legislature's landmark investments in Black student success. They pushed for policies requiring community voice in how funds are spent and urged OCF to get involved.

Since 2019 OCF has invested more than $6 million in the Black Student Success Initiative and a network of 25 Black‑led, Black‑serving organizations that provide direction to funders on best practices from early childhood through post‑secondary.

“When you let the community that knows the challenge create the solutions what you get are practices that work for all children. Best practices spread out from one group of children to the next,” Bradley said.

Looking Forward, Looking Back

For Bradley, the event was as much about looking forward as looking back. Black student achievement continues to lag other groups in Oregon.

“Improving student achievement it’s a tough nut to crack,” she said. “There’s not just one place for educators to learn how to do it. The people we honored are bold and brilliant educators. We can all learn from them and draw courage for the challenging work that lies ahead.”

See a full list of the honorees and their biographies below.

Honoree Biographies

Ms. Barbara Ward

Believer. Cultivator. Guide.

“Belief doesn’t just happen. It comes from understanding who you are and that you have unlimited potential to change this world, just by being your unique self.”

Ms. Barbara Ward understands the power of belief. Serving as De La Salle North Catholic School’s counselor for 16 years, she believed in the future of thousands of young people who walked through her door. Guiding them on a journey into the rest of their lives, Ms. Ward is known by countless students as someone who not only knew they were destined for great things, but helped them discover it for themselves.

Born in 1952, Ms. Ward learned how to cultivate her own belief in herself at an early age, and in a time when every door to success was firmly shut. Facing the daily realities of oppressive systems that had no place for her, Ms. Ward would not be dissuaded, and she created her own. Her love of education not only flourished, but later became infectious, and she would spend the next decades of her career pouring into generations of students, illuminating their path to college and beyond. Thousands of North and Northeast Portland students credit Ms. Ward for opening up their futures and showing them that the world was waiting for the unique contribution only they could bring.

• Retired College Counselor, De La Salle North Catholic School

Ms. Cynthia Richardson

Champion. Path-maker. Mobilizer.

“No matter where you are, you go in, know who you are, and stand for what's right.”

The first African American high school principal of Salem-Keizer school district, Cynthia Richardson spent the last 44 years opening and walking through doors that had been closed for too long. And she taught her students that they could do the same.

Serving as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, district Director of Student Equity, Access, and Advancement, Vice Chair of the state Board of Education, and currently, the Chair of the Salem-Keizer School Board, Ms. Richardson has inspired thousands of young people to discover and live in their unique identities. Building deep and lasting relationships with students and families over the years, and nurturing their personal and academic success, Cynthia’s impact on her community and beyond will continue for generations to come.

• Principal, Salem-Keizer School District
• School Board Chair, Salem-Keizer Public Schools
• Director of Student Equity, Access, and Advancement, Salem-Keizer Public Schools

Dr. Darrell Millner

Truth-teller. Activist. Future-builder.

“We can’t change what happened in history ... the only thing we can change is what happens now."

As Professor Emeritus and former Department Chair of Black Studies of Portland State University, Dr. Darrell Millner is a widely recognized expert and preeminent scholar of the early 19th-century western movement of African-Americans, specializing in the Oregon and California trail experiences.

With a doctorate in education, Dr. Millner spent the last 50 years awakening students to the complex and largely unrecognized truth of the racist exclusionary laws of early Oregon, the richness of Afro-American Literature and Black cinema, and much more. Uplifting diverse histories in his scholarly work, Dr. Millner's equally profound contributions as Director of Multicultural Education for the Portland Public Schools have impacted thousands of young Oregonians. Dr. Millner's legacy points us all to the deep truths of history, and that when we acknowledge them, we have the power to revolutionize our future.

• Professor Emeritus, Former Department Chair of Black Studies, Portland State University
• Director of Multicultural Education of Portland Public Schools

Dr. Ernest Hartzog

Activist. Pioneer. Transformer.

“Learn the value of forgiveness, of love, and of brotherhood, as we work in the trenches to bring about equality in our nation.”

In 1969, following a massive ten-day student walkout, Dr. Ernest Hartzog was named San Diego’s first African-American high school Principal. Rooted deeply in the civil rights movement and with over 40 years in public and private education, ranging from Michigan and Pennsylvania to Washington D.C. and Oregon, Dr. Ernest Hartzog left an indelible mark across our nation’s educational landscape.

As he trailblazed the journey for equal rights in Oregon, including the desegregation of our state’s schools, Dr. Hartzog’s vision to widen avenues for those coming after him led to him founding the Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators and served as President of the National Alliance of Black School Educators. Today, as part owner of MJOD Consulting, a leadership and organizational development organization, Dr. Hartzog continues to invest his wisdom and leadership in his community.

• Adjunct professor at California Western University, San Diego and Portland State University
• Founder, Building Blocks to Success, Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators
• President of the National Alliance of Black School Educators
• Consultant at the Center for Studies of The Person, in La Jolla, Calif.
• Consultant for the National Training Laboratory for Applied Behavioral Sciences (NTL), in Washington D.C.
• Member of the Advisory board of the “I Have a Dream” Foundation and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Mr. George Russell

Advocate. Powerhouse. Wayfinder.

“With the right mindset, the right belief system, and the willpower, we can find a way to do what’s best for our kids.”

Named Oregon’s Superintendent of the Year in 2005, George Russell served the Eugene 4J School District for over a decade, but his presence and influence in the educational system extend far and wide. Contributing to the Danforth Foundation’s Forum for the American School Superintendent and Harvard University’s Superintendent Leadership program, Mr. Russell has been recognized for his ability to mobilize great minds and action on behalf of this country’s young people.

His belief in the innate possibilities of all children has always driven his vision for and definition of success. As former President of the NAACP’s Education Committee and Executive Board Member with Blacks in Government, Mr. Russell’s influence in education and civic service has created multiple pathways for, and uplifted the dreams of, thousands of children and families and entire communities across Oregon.

• Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 First Citizen Award Winner
• Member of Oregon State Board of Education, Children’s Institute Board, Looking Glass Community Services Board and United Way of Lane County’s Advisory Board
• 2017 United Way Alton F. Baker Award winner
• NAACP board member and Chair of its Education Committee
• Executive board member of Blacks in Government
• 2005 Oregon’s Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Harriet Adair

Firebrand. Activator. Trailblazer.

“With the right kind of energy and level of support to students, they’ll do all sorts of phenomenal things.”

The self-proclaimed daughter of a “door-opener,” Dr. Harriet Adair confidently strode into Portland Public Schools in 1970 as a middle school teacher. Serving a district that at one point barred her own mother from teaching because of her race, Dr. Adair never doubted that she belonged in every room she entered. She spent the next 47 years making sure every child she met knew they belonged too. Moving to the rank of Principal and finally to Assistant Superintendent of the district’s Office of Early Learners, Schools and Student Supports, Dr. Adair’s imprint on the lives of children, from preschool to high-school graduation is unmistakable.

As her family’s sixth generation with a master’s degree, Dr. Adair earned her doctorate from Brigham Young University, and in turn, wove this legacy into mentoring the next generations of teachers and leaders of color. Awarded the President’s Award from the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, Dr. Adair will go down in history as someone who changed the landscape of education — and the future of thousands of Oregon youth.

• Principal and Assistant Superintendent, Portland Public Schools
• 2014 President’s Award from the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators
• Member of Oregon Governor’s Early Learning Council

Mrs. Joyce Braden Harris

Groundbreaker. Revolutionary. Leader.

“Culturally responsive education means using history and culture as bridges to children’s learning — making sure that you enter into their world.”

In 1969, Joyce Braden Harris came to Reed College on a full academic ride as one of only 17 African American students — and she never looked back. Recognized for her groundbreaking work in the national civil rights movement and education, Harris co-founded the Black Education Center, which provided free summer education to African American children in Portland. In 1974, the center became a full-time private school.

Awarded the Woman of Excellence in Education Award, among many others, Harris’s Baseline Essay on African-American Traditions in Language Arts has been recognized and adopted by hundreds of school districts across the country. Her years of teaching, activism and consultancy within the Portland Public Schools district and beyond have revolutionized curricula and ensured generations of children receive the equitable education they deserve.

• Co-founder, Black Education Center
• Member of Albina Ministerial Alliance Coalition for Justice and Police Reform
• Woman of Excellence in Education Award winner

Ms. Linda Jean Harris

Visionary. Dedicated Principal. Coach.

Linda Jean Harris is a retired educator who served for 33 years with Portland Public Schools, including as Assistant Superintendent. She holds degrees in Language Arts, Psychology, and School Administration, and earned her Superintendent’s Certification from Lewis & Clark College.

Following her PPS career, Linda spent 13 years at Self-Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) Academy as principal and administrative coach. Under her leadership, Woodlawn School earned state and national recognition, including the Title I Program of Merit for Math and a five-year national grant for High Performing Learning Communities. At SEI Academy, she helped the school receive the National Center for Urban School Transformation Award and the National Title I Distinguished School Award.

A firm believer in instructional leadership, Linda champions the belief that all students can learn at high levels.

Mr. Lolenzo Poe

Culture-shifter. Organizer. Justice-seeker.

“In our focus on educational equity, you cannot waver. If you commit resources, we can ultimately close the gap.”

Born and raised in North Portland, Mr. Poe’s pursuit of justice and equal access to education has marked a decades-long service in communities across the state. Earning his Bachelor’s degree and then Master’s of Public Administration at Oregon State University, Poe spent the next 32 years at Multnomah County, first directing the Department of Community & Family Services, and later as director of the Department of School & Community Partnerships. A founder of the acclaimed Schools Uniting Neighborhoods program, Mr. Poe’s influence and impact extend across communities throughout the state.

As the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Chief Equity and Diversity Officer and Director of Partnership Development for Portland Public Schools, Mr. Poe was instrumental in developing and driving the district's Racial Equity Plan, which resulted in astonishing achievements. In his own words, a “product of a community that took care of and loved its own,” Mr. Poe’s life and service have left a lasting and unwavering reflection of this love in action.

• Chief Equity and Diversity Officer and Director of Partnership Development, Portland Public Schools
• Director of Strategic Partnerships, Portland Public Schools
• Director, Department of Community & Family Services
• Director, Multnomah County Department of Community & Family Services
• Director of the Department of School & Community Partnerships, Multnomah County
• Co-chair, Urban League of Portland Board of Directors
• Founder, Oregon Schools Uniting Neighborhoods program

Mr. Ray Leary

Overcomer. Empowerer. Legacy-maker.

“By embracing the unknown, seeking relationships and building connections, you can create a momentum so great, you cannot be denied.”

Mr. Leary’s multifaceted leadership in the city of Portland has had a sprawling and sustained impact on its educational landscape as well as economic and civic development. A graduate of Jefferson High School in the 1970’s, and co-captain of one of the first ever all-Black Oregon State Championship winning teams, Mr. Leary blazed an early path of pioneering places, initiatives and accomplishments most had only dreamed of. As Director of Development of the Urban League of Portland, and the first African American commissioner on Metro’s Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission, Leary’s advocacy has always been rooted in his unwavering belief in the power of resilience, mentorship and empowering youth.

Co-Director of Self Enhancement, Inc., a nationally acclaimed youth empowerment program with a decades-long presence and impact in Portland public schools, Mr. Leary has brought forth his own deeply personal experience of persevering against all odds to create a future for all Portland children where dreams have the power to turn into legacies of change.

• Co-director of Self Enhancement, Inc.
• Director of Development of the Urban League of Portland
• Commissioner, Metro Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission

Mrs. Renee Anderson

Creator. Advocate. Firebrand.

“If my grandfather could get an education when it was against the law, then I could learn to do anything.”

Mrs. Renee Anderson’s journey to Portland came by way of San Francisco, where, as a young girl in the early 1960s, she was forced to fight through blatant racism and daily obstacles to pursue her dream of teaching mathematics. Not only did she achieve this dream, teaching at Berkeley and later as Director of the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program at San Francisco State University, she made it her goal to do the same for thousands of young people coming after her.

In 1985, Anderson was recruited to launch the MESA Program for Portland Public Schools. She built the program from the ground up, and the results of her investment and commitment to equity in STEM over the last 40 years are incalculable. Today, her role on the Board of Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators, and as Co-Chair of the African American/Black Student Success Advisory Group for the Oregon Department of Education, Anderson’s deep belief in the endless possibilities of Oregon’s youth knows no bounds.

• Director, Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program at San Francisco State University
• Founder, Portland Public Schools MESA Program
• Board member, Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators
• Outreach Director, Saturday Academy
• Co-Chair, African American/Black Student Success Advisory Group, Oregon Department of Education
• Program Coordinator, Black Student Success Network

Mr. Ron Herndon

Provoker. Uplifter. Reformer.

“Whatever I have been a part of in my life has been because of the influences of adults who pushed us towards excellence in education.”

Mr. Ron Herndon came to Reed College in 1968 on a Rockefeller scholarship and discovered entrenched racist and discriminatory systems as deep as he’d ever encountered. He and his colleagues spent their tenure at Reed involved in constant activism, and it was here that he co-founded the widely acclaimed Black Educational Center. In 1975, Herndon was named director of the Albina Ministerial Alliance Head Start Program, and later, organized the Portland chapter of the Black United Front to reform and eventually abolish harmful busing practices in Portland.

Instrumental in the hiring of the city’s first Black school superintendent, Herndon established himself as a leader in Portland’s educational system, but his advocacy for equality and justice can be seen across sectors of society. A recipient of the Gladys McCoy Award for “outstanding lifetime volunteer service dedicated to improving the [Multnomah] county community,” Mr. Herndon’s dogged determination to uplift community power has made, and continues to make, a lasting difference.

• Co-Founder, Black Educational Center
• Director, Albina Ministerial Alliance Head Start Program
• President, National Head Start Association
• Founder, Portland chapter of Black United Front
• President, National Head Start Association
• Gladys McCoy Award winner

Mr. Tony Hopson Sr.

Agitator. Pursuer. Radical.

“Because our young people were taught to see themselves as leaders, today they are in leadership positions themselves, in Portland and beyond.”

When Tony Hopson Sr. started a summer camp for Black students in Northeast Portland 44 years ago, he could never have imagined the organization it has become, serving approximately 17,000 Portland youth every year, and changing the trajectory of a generation of Portland families’ futures. Today, Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) is known for its wide-reaching presence in Portland’s public schools, providing opportunities and mentoring students to succeed in academics, leadership and life through college and beyond. A graduate of Jefferson High School and member of the historic 1972 basketball state championship team that faced insurmountable odds, Hopson’s personal and professional fight for justice began early in life and has never stopped.

Hopson not only fought back the closure of Jefferson High School in 2010 but, through the work of SEI, achieved staggering results by moving the graduation rate from 54% to well over 93%. Though retiring as the organization’s CEO in 2024, Hopson’s commitment to empowering youth and holding Portland’s leaders accountable to unconditional and equal educational opportunities has no end date.

• Founder, Self Enhancement, Inc.

About Oregon Community Foundation

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 million in grants and scholarships in every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.
 

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Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 20 grants totaling $300,000 for historic properties and archaeology projects. Six of the grants were awarded in the Diamonds in the Rough category. This grant funds façade enhancements that restore the historic character of the property. The other 14 grants were in the Preserving Oregon category for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and for archaeology projects.

Funded projects:

• Façade restoration grants in Burns, Lebanon, Malin, Portland, Roseburg, and Salem.
• One archaeology project:
  • Southern Oregon University for a study to develop a plastic identification tool.
• Preservation of 13 historic properties:
  • Kraus House, Aurora Colony Historical Society
  • Antelope School, Antelope
  • Marshfield Cemetery, Coos Bay
  • Madras Army Airfield North Hangar, Madras
  • City of Talent Town Hall, Talent
  • Train Depot, Wasco
  • Columbia County Courthouse, St. Helens
  • Fogelbo House, Portland
  • Bush House, Salem
  • Petersen Farm House, Deschutes County
  • Tillamook Air Museum, Tillamook
  • EM&M Building, Enterprise
  • Weissenfels Blacksmith Shop, Mt.Angel

These grants are approved by the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation, a nine-member group that reviews nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The members are professionally recognized in the fields of history, architecture, archaeology and other related disciplines.

For more information about the grant program, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

Portland, OR — The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) is excited to announce its inaugural KTP (Keeping the Promise) Summer Soirée, a family-friendly open house event on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at The Aerie at Eagle Landing in Happy Valley.

The event celebrates 100 years of Lions service inspired by Helen Keller’s historic 1925 address to the Lions International Convention. In her call to action, she urged Lions to become “Knights of the Blind in my crusade against darkness.” This century-long commitment remains the heart of OLSHF’s mission, ensuring all Oregonians have access to essential vision and hearing care.

The KTP Summer Soirée will offer an informal, welcoming environment designed to introduce friends, family, and community members to OLSHF’s mission. Attendees can expect: Drinks and small bites, Mini golf and family-friendly games, Interactive program tables showcasing OLSHF’s impact, and Networking and celebrations of dedicated volunteers and supporters.

This summer's event also highlights a major milestone: OLSHF’s 2 millionth school vision screening. Since 1994, the School Vision Screening (SVS) program has grown into the largest of its kind in the nation, screening nearly 200,000 Oregon students annually and helping uncover vision issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

“More than a party, this event is a celebration of a century of service and the community partnerships that make our mission possible,” said Kate Mayne, Marketing & Events Manager. “We invite everyone to join us, meet our team, and see firsthand how we’re keeping the promise to Helen Keller.”

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: The Aerie at Eagle Landing, Happy Valley, OR
Tickets: On sale through July 24 at olshf.org/ktp-summer-soiree
Transportation: Lyft discount codes available upon request; free parking on site.

For media inquiries or more information:
Kate Mayne
Marketing & Events Manager
Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation
Email: kate@olshf.org
Website: olshf.org
Follow us on social media: @olshf

Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Underway

July 6 2025

On July, 6, 2025 at approximately 4:22pm officers were dispatched to a shooting disturbance at 21900 SW Langer Farms Pkwy in Sherwood.

An Officer-Involved Shooting took place and is being investigated by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Team.

The suspect is in custody and there is no threat to the public.

The District Attorney’s Office assigns the primary investigating agency, and all further investigative inquires should be directed to the Major Crimes Team.

Updated to add the time of the crash. 

COOS COUNTY, Ore. 5 July 2025 – On Friday, July 4, 2025, at approximately 1:06 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a four-vehicle fatal crash in Coos County near Lakeside.

The preliminary investigation indicated a beige Kia Optima, operated by Manual Samuel Starr (38) of Coos Bay, was traveling northbound when it crossed the centerline for unknown reasons. The Kia sideswiped a southbound black Toyota Corolla, operated by Kent McQuillen (61) of Florence, before colliding head-on with a black Dodge Ram, operated by Jose Maria Rodriguez Garcia (55) of Coos Bay. A southbound silver Subaru Outback, operated by Lori Priest (61) of Lake Stevens, Washington, was unable to avoid the crash and also collided head-on with the Kia.  

The operator of the Kia (Starr) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Kia’s rear passenger, Shatara Rosemarie Holmes (39) of Coos Bay, was also pronounced deceased at the scene. A seven-month-old female infant, the operator and passenger’s child, did not appear to be injured, but was transported to a local hospital.

The operator of the Dodge Ram (Rodriguez Garcia) was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The front passenger, Nicole Virginia Rodriguez (44) of Coos Bay, was transported to a local hospital by air ambulance with serious injuries. Passenger Jose Rodriguez Chase Jr. (20) of Coos Bay, a three-year-old male passenger, and a 14-year-old female passenger had reported minor injuries.   

The operator of the Subaru (Priest) had reported minor injuries. Passenger Nanette Myra Priest (55) of Lake Stevens (WA) and a 10-year-old passenger were not injured.

The operator of the Toyota (McQuillen) was not injured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Hauser Fire Department, North Bay Fire Department, Lower Umpqua Ambulance, Bay Cities Ambulance, Coos County Medical Examiner, North Bend Chapel, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

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

MORROW COUNTY, Ore. 5 July 2025 – On Thursday, July 3, 2025, at approximately 10:28 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash in Morrow County near Boardman.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Honda Odyssey, operated by Timothy W. Nelson (50), unknown address, was traveling eastbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 162 when it left the roadway and struck the end of a guardrail.

The Honda operator (Nelson) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Boardman Police Department, Boardman Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

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

On July 4^th, 2025 at approximately 2:44pm, a 9-1-1 caller reported seeing what appeared to be a person floating face-down in Lake River, just north of the Ridgefield Marina. Ridgefield Police responded along with Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue and confirmed a single adult male was face-down in the water with no apparent signs of life. 

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and the body was recovered from the water by Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue. No signs of foul play or trauma were observed at the scene. Firefighter-Paramedics pronounced the male deceased at that time. 

An apparently abandoned sailboat was located anchored in Lake River a few hundred yards north of the body. Items were located on the vessel which investigators believe are associated with the deceased subject.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit was dispatched to address the vessel.
 

Detectives from the Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit are conducting a death investigation.
 

The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and official identification of the decedent will be made by the Clark County Medical Examiner. 

July 4, 2025

Case #   25CR3555    

Thursday, July 3, 2025 a Multnomah County Grand Jury indicted Timothy Lee Hudson on the following charges:

Murder in the Second Degree

Attempted Murder in the First Degree

Felony Strangulation

Unauthorized Use of a Weapon

Animal Abuse

The murder charge is connected to the death of 57 year old Richard Lee Bowers on Hayden Island.

The Attempted Murder and Strangulation charge is connected to an attack on the girlfriend of Mr. Bowers.

The animal abuse charge is connected to abuse of the dog with Mr. Bowers and his girlfriend.

Timothy Hudson will be arraigned on the indictment July 8th in JC 3 at 9:30am. 

All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in court.

#MCDA#

Tickets to today's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular at Oaks Park are now SOLD OUT! Only those with online tickets will be admitted.

We are so happy to have so many friends headed our way today for the celebration! Thanks so much to our amazing community for keeping this longstanding tradition going!

Lebanon Fire District Receives Priceless Donation from Local Business

LEBANON, Ore. – In a powerful show of community partnership, ENTEK—an advanced materials company founded and headquartered in Lebanon, Oregon—has stepped up to support the Lebanon Fire District in a big way.

The Fire District will be sending a 2007 Pierce fire engine to Fire Trucks Unlimited, located in Henderson, Nevada, where it will undergo a complete refurbishment. The work will include a full rebuild of the engine, transmission, and pump, along with new paint and upholstery to restore both the interior and exterior. With the cost of new fire engines increasing by 17–21% annually since 2020, budgeting for replacements has become increasingly difficult. Refurbishing the engine will extend its service life at roughly one-third the cost of purchasing a new unit.

The collaboration began with a family conversation between Battalion Chief Blaine Suing of the Lebanon Fire District and his father, Marty Suing, ENTEK’s Director of Fabrication. When Blaine mentioned that the District needed to transport the truck to Henderson, Marty saw an opportunity to help.

“When my son told me they were planning to drive it down themselves, I remembered ENTEK has a manufacturing facility in Henderson,” Marty explained. “I brought the idea to our owner, Larry Keith, and he didn’t hesitate—he immediately saw it as a chance to give back.”

What would have been a costly and logistically challenging trip was transformed into a generous act of local support.

“This is a wonderful example of a public-private partnership and helps us be fiscally responsible to our taxpayers,” said Lebanon Fire District Fire Chief Joseph Rodondi. “Getting that vehicle to Henderson would have been a significant expense for the District. ENTEK’s support saves us thousands of dollars—resources we can now dedicate elsewhere.”

“This fire truck will serve communities for years to come thanks to this refurbishment,” added Chief Rodondi. “And that wouldn’t be possible without the support of hometown partners like ENTEK.”

At approximately 7:19 AM, the Lebanon Fire District responded to a reported structure fire in the 1600 block of 2nd Street. A total of 19 personnel responded to the scene.

Crews arrived quickly and were able to bring the fire under control in a short amount of time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

An investigation determined the cause of the fire to be a faulty toaster.

On Thursday, July 3rd at 9:23 PM, Lebanon Fire District (LFD) responded to a water rescue in the 31000 block of 1st Street in Waterloo. A disoriented individual was reported on the river after dark. LFD and Linn County Sheriff’s Office initiated a joint search, locating the victim approximately 15 minutes later near the upper end of the park.

The individual was safely assisted to an ambulance and transported to a hospital for evaluation. Seven LFD units and 17 personnel were involved in the response, with the Albany Fire Department covering medic services for the city during the incident.

LFD reminds the public of the importance of wearing personal flotation devices and informing others of your river plans, including departure and estimated arrival times.

At 11:52 on 07-03-2025, Vancouver Fire was dispatched to the report of a house fire at 1819 SE 146th Ct in Vancouver, WA.  The initial arriving fire engine reported dark smoke coming from a window on the second floor approximately 5 minutes after being dispatched.   The fire was extinguished within minutes and contained to one room in the house.  No people were home at the time of the incident, and a single cat was rescued.  Due to a battery being compromised in the fire, the Vancouver Fire Regional Hazmat Team was dispatched to deal with the cells on scene.  The Hazmat Team used Tyvek suits to limit firefighter exposure to the toxic gases emitted by batteries and discharged/cooled the cells using a brine solution to prevent any possible thermal runaway. The Vancouver Fire Marshals office was on scene to investigate.

The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet for their Regular Business Meeting on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. 

The Board and key staff will attend in-person at CSD's District Office - 18135 SE Brooklyn St., Portland, OR  97236. The public and guests will join virtually via the Zoom app.

To join the meeting, please click on the link below

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83779654449?pwd=AeorvNA5k8DDrz4f8J-5Af8G1qNkLg.TIm2XpRb8O2KXdru
Passcode:321388

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

Webinar ID: 837 7965 4449
Passcode: 321388

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.

SALEM, Ore. — To help protect nearby private property, the City will begin work July 7 to stabilize embankments of Shelton Ditch between Ford Street SE and 25^th Street SE.

Work will begin on the south embankment of Shelton Ditch between Ford Street SE and 23rd Street SE, which will close the Ford Street SE Bridge over Shelton Ditch starting July 7. Vehicle traffic will be detoured during the closure from Ford Street SE to 25th Street SE.

This work is expected to be completed by the end of August, at which time the bridge will be reopened.

Workers will then move to 24^th Street SE to stabilize the north embankment of Shelton Ditch. During that time, the end of 24^th Street SE will be closed, allowing for local traffic only.

These work areas were identified as priorities in an earlier study of Shelton Ditch that looked at erosion and other conditions that affect the stability of land along the waterway. Landscaping of the two areas will be completed with the project.

The project is funded through stormwater Utility Rates.

Drivers and pedestrians should use caution, expect some delays and follow traffic control signage.

Please continue to monitor the Current Road Conditions Map on the City of Salem website to receive up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem: https://public-construction-salem.hub.arcgis.com/

For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net.

Milwaukie, OR - On 7/3/25 at approximately 12:55 AM, Milwaukie Police were called to the 3100 block of SE Lake Rd. on report of 4-5 ”loud booms” believed to sound like gunshots.  Officers arrived in the area shortly after and located several firearm ammunition casings in the street. No victims or damaged property was located at the time of the event.

The investigation is ongoing, anyone with information about this event is asked to email Milwaukie Police entleyg@milwaukieoregon.gov" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134); background: transparent;">bentleyg@milwaukieoregon.gov(link sends e-mail) or call the tip line at 503-786-7425, MiPD case #25-3929. There is no further information at this time. 

Officers respond to "loud booms" in the Lake Road neighborhood, locate several ammunition casings. | City of Milwaukie Oregon Official Website

Portland’s Favorite 4th of July Tradition is Back—Oaks Park's Fireworks Spectacular!

Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with one of Portland’s most cherished summer traditions—the Oaks Park Fireworks Spectacular! For decades, families from all over the region have flocked to the historic amusement park for a front-row seat to this dazzling display, and this year promises to be a delightful day filled with fun!

Don’t wait—historically, this event sells out! Secure your tickets now at oakspark.com/july4 before they’re gone. Remember, tickets are available online only—there will be no sales at the gate.

Bring your blankets, pack a picnic, and claim your perfect riverside spot—The Oaks’ scenic picnic grounds are open on a first-come, first-served basis, and small, personal BBQs are welcome to help you grill up some holiday fun. (Just leave the fireworks and outside alcohol at home!)

Tickets are just $38.50 for guests ages 3 and up, and include unlimited, all-day ride bracelets for Oaks Park’s classic attractions! Kids 2 and under get in free.

Don’t miss the food, fun, thrills—and, of course, the grand finale fireworks lighting up the Portland sky!

Suspect Indicted for Criminal Mistreatment Charges following a Two-Year Investigation

July 3, 2025

In May of 2023, Sherwood officers responded to a residence regarding a death investigation. Officers located Charles Atkinson Sr deceased inside the residence, showing signs of extended neglect and decomposition. Mr. Atkinson Sr had been residing in the home under the care of his son, Charles Atkinson II. Due to the suspicious circumstances that officers observed on scene that day, investigators began a comprehensive investigation involving multiple search warrants for medical and financial records. Investigators uncovered evidence indicating that Mr. Atkinson II, while acting as his father’s primary caretaker during a period of advanced dementia, converted tens of thousands of dollars from his father’s bank accounts for personal use, while failing to provide adequate care for his father.

On June 17, 2025, the case was presented to a Washington County Grand Jury, and they indicted Mr. Atkinson II on the following charges:

• Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree (2 Counts)
• Theft in the First Degree (4 Counts)

Following the indictment, a Washington County Circuit Court Judge issued a Secret Indictment Arrest Warrant. On June 20, 2025, Mr. Atkinson II was arrested by the Sherwood Police Department without incident and lodged at the Washington County Jail.

The Sherwood Police Department would like to thank Adult Protective Services and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this case.

Beginning August 1, 2025, the Newport Police Department will immobilize vehicles that have long-overdue or multiple unpaid parking citations, in accordance with the Newport Municipal Code (chapter 6.50.015). Immobilization includes the use of a parking boot on the vehicle, one of the final steps in the process of collecting unpaid parking fines, used after other efforts have been exhausted.

Individuals with outstanding parking citations are encouraged to pay all fines and fees before the immobilization program begins. Fines may be paid in person at Newport City Hall, located at 169 SW Coast Highway, or online at NewportOregon.gov.

According to the municipal code, an enforcement officer may place a boot on the vehicle without prior notice to the registered owner if the vehicle has one unpaid parking citation that is outstanding for more than 45 days, or four or more unpaid parking violations are registered to the vehicle. If a vehicle is immobilized or impounded, the vehicle will be released to the registered owner once all outstanding fines and fees are fully paid.

The City of Newport sends two notices to those with an unpaid citation. If the city does not receive a response following the second notice, the citation is then sent to collections.

Currently, 377 parking citations are overdue to the City of Newport. In the past year, 43% of citations were paid prior to any sent notices or collection efforts, 19% of citations were sent notices, 7.5% paid outstanding parking fines after notices were sent, 7% were sent to collections, and less than 1% paid outstanding fines after being sent to collections.

Newport community members and visitors are encouraged to comply with the restrictions placed on parking, which allow equal access to all parking areas.  For individuals that receive a parking citation, they are encouraged to pay the fine before collections efforts begin to avoid extra penalties and fees.

To view the Newport Municipal Code, visit https://www.newportoregon.gov/dept/adm/documents/NewportMunicipalCode.pdf

DATE: Monday, July 7, 2025

TIME: 3pm

LOCATION: Zoom Only (link on HSD Website Calendar)

Salem, Ore. – Since Monday, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southern and Eastern Oregon Area firefighters have responded to over 100 new fire starts, both lightning and human-caused, and anticipate more to come during the holiday weekend. Through the agency’s aggressive initial attack tactics, most of the fires have been contained to an average of about half an acre.

In the Southern Oregon Area (all ODF-protected land from around Eugene down to the California border west of the Cascades), ODF firefighters and resources have responded to 10 lightning-caused fires and 43 human-caused fires since Monday. 

In the Eastern Oregon Area (all ODF-protected land east of the Cascades), ODF firefighters and resources from the Klamath-Lake, Central Oregon, and Northeast Oregon Districts have responded to over 65 new fire starts, most of which were caused by lightning. Alongside the lightning, firefighters in this area have faced the added difficulty of dry and windy conditions, making the fires more difficult to catch and suppress.

On top of their initial attack efforts, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District responded to and supported the extended attack operations for the Grizzly Flat fire (624 acres) and the Larch Creek Fire (92 acres). Both fire’s forward progression has been stopped. In addition, the Klamath-Lake District went into extended attack and suppressed the Bowers Bridge Fire (40 acres).

Fire managers anticipate these numbers will double over the weekend due to human activities like fireworks, which are prohibited in state forests and on ODF-protected land.

With the recent lightning in both areas, it’s important for Oregonians to help prevent wildfire by checking local restrictions before bringing fire hazards onto the landscape and actively practicing wildfire prevention while they recreate.

We can’t prevent lightning-caused fires, but by preventing human-caused fires we can help reduce the strain on Oregon’s firefighters and other resources. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is installing a large stormwater filter vault to treat runoff from approximately five acres of impervious surfaces along Northwest 99th Street, Northwest 9th Avenue, and the surrounding area. Three stormwater filter catch basins will also be installed. Construction will begin in July.

Travelers can expect some delays on Northwest 99th Street during construction, but all travel lanes will remain open. Drivers are reminded to slow down, pay attention and be patient in work zones.

Updates will be posted on the project webpage at clark.wa.gov/public-works/northwest-99th-street-water-quality-retrofit-northwest-11th-avenue-cougar-creek.  

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.

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

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

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

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

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The Gervais School District #1 School Board, Gervais, Oregon, will convene in a Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. at the District Office Conference via ZOOM on Thursday, July 10, 2025.  The agenda for the Regular Session meeting includes, but is not limited to, the following business:

Reports:

Action Items:

• Elect 2025-2026 Board Chair
• Elect 2025-2026 Board Vice-Chair
• Certification of Elections-Marion County
• Correction of Regular Meeting Calendar for 2025-2026          

Discussion Items:    

• Bond Update
• 2025-2026 Strategic Plan Update
• Discuss Board Training Plan for August Meeting
• Joint Meeting with Gervais City Council and Gervais School District

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87874480410?pwd=eYh8JH0c0ZdunlD9MX2udil0VNmrWP.1

Passcode:537937

Phone one-tap:

+12532050468,,87874480410#,,,,537937# US +12532158782,,87874480410#,,,,537937# US (Tacoma)

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Webinar ID: 878 7448 0410

Passcode: 537937

International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbZBkjtvUZ

In an ongoing effort to improve services for Oregonians, the Department of Corrections (DOC) has modernized its public records request process by implementing new software to streamline access and communication.

Effective July 7, 2025, DOC will launch Granicus GovQA, a cloud-based platform designed to efficiently manage and process public records requests. Public records requests can be submitted through the DOC website:  Department of Corrections : Public Record Requests : Research and Information Requests : State of Oregon.

As the volume and complexity of requests have grown, DOC adopted GovQA to provide a secure, centralized, and highly customizable solution. The new system enhances transparency and improves tracking and communication—leading to better customer service.

Through the new public records portal, requesters can:

• Create a secure user profile.
• Submit and track requests online.
• Communicate directly with DOC staff to clarify or refine requests, helping to reduce delays and improve accuracy.
• Retrieve responsive records directly from the GovQA portal.

For DOC staff, the system standardizes workflows, increasing internal efficiency and consistency in handling requests.

Granicus GovQA is the largest provider of cloud-based services for government compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It supports numerous state and local governments across the country, including other agencies within Oregon.

DOC employs 4,600 staff members at 12 institutions, two community corrections offices, and several centralized support facilities throughout the state. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of over 12,000 adults sentenced to more than 12 months of incarceration, and direct or indirect supervision of 24,000 offenders on felony supervision in the community. DOC is recognized nationally among correctional agencies for providing adults in custody with the cognitive, education, and job skills needed to become productive citizens when they transition back to their communities.

####

The Fourth of July is one of Hillsboro’s busiest times of year for 9-1-1 calls. While our Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Department is ready to respond to emergencies over the holiday weekend, you can do your part to help make the celebrations safe and fun for everyone.

Fireworks, although a beloved tradition, can pose serious risks when not used properly, injuring people (many of whom are children) and easily starting fires.

To help reduce the risk of fire and injury in our community:

• Consider including fireworks in your July Fourth celebration by attending a public display.
• Keep your fireworks legal. Fireworks that fly through the air, explode, or act uncontrolled are illegal in Oregon.
• Keep your fireworks safe. Stay away from people, pets, and buildings when lighting fireworks. Keep a fire extinguisher or charged hose nearby and soak used fireworks overnight in water before discarding them in the trash.

Remember:

• Only call 9-1-1 if there is an injury, active fire, or other immediate threat to safety or health. 
• DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report the use of illegal fireworks. Fireworks violations and noise complaints can be reported to non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111.

More information on fireworks safety is also available in Spanish and American Sign Language.

• Video: When to call 911 – American Sign Language (https://youtu.be/WxDgIiT6LLs)
• Video: Prevent fireworks injuries – American Sign Language (https://youtu.be/RwTSZBafoz4)
• Video: Fireworks alternatives to celebrate – American Sign Language (https://youtu.be/2VKTTqmwvbg)

From everyone at Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, we wish you a safe and happy Independence Day.

_____________________

En español

Disfruta del 4 de julio de forma segura y divertida

El 4 de julio es una de las fechas del año con más llamadas al 9-1-1 en Hillsboro, y aunque nuestro Departamento de Bomberos y Rescate de Hillsboro está preparado para responder a cualquier emergencia durante el fin de semana festivo, tú también puedes contribuir a que las celebraciones sean seguras y divertidas para todos. 

Los fuegos artificiales, aunque son una tradición muy popular, pueden presentar graves riesgos si no se utilizan correctamente, ya que pueden causar lesiones a las personas (muchas de ellas niños) y provocar incendios con facilidad. 

Para ayudar a reducir el riesgo de incendios y lesiones en nuestra comunidad:

• Piensa en incluir los fuegos artificiales en tu celebración del 4 de julio asistiendo a un espectáculo público.
• Utiliza fuegos artificiales legales. Los fuegos artificiales que vuelan por el aire, explotan o se disparan de forma incontrolada son ilegales en Oregón.
• Mantén tus fuegos artificiales en un lugar seguro. Mantente alejado de las personas, las mascotas y los edificios cuando enciendas fuegos artificiales. Ten a mano un extintor o una manguera cargada y moja los fuegos artificiales usados durante la noche antes de tirarlos a la basura.

Recuerda:

• Solo llama al 9-1-1 si hay heridos, un incendio activo u otra amenaza inmediata a la seguridad o la salud.

NO llames al 9-1-1 para reportar el uso de fuegos artificiales ilegales. Las infracciones relacionadas con los fuegos artificiales y las quejas sobre el ruido pueden denunciarse al servicio de emergencias no urgentes en el 503-629-0111.

También hay más información sobre la seguridad con los fuegos artificiales en español y en lengua de signos americana.

• Vídeo: Cuándo llamar al 911 - Lengua de signos americana (https://youtu.be/WxDgIiT6LLs)
• Vídeo: Cómo prevenir las lesiones causadas por los fuegos artificiales - Lenguaje de signos americano (https://youtu.be/RwTSZBafoz4)
• Vídeo: Alternativas a los fuegos artificiales para celebrar - Lenguaje de signos americano (https://youtu.be/2VKTTqmwvbg)

De parte de todo el personal de Bomberos y Rescate de Hillsboro, te deseamos un feliz y seguro Día de la Independencia.

###

July 3, 2025

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon WIC updates food list to boost nutrition, expand choice

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is updating its food package today for participants to enhance nutrition and expand choice for families statewide.

The updated WIC food package reflects the latest nutrition science and aligns with healthy dietary patterns recognized around the world. This marks the third update to WIC foods in the program’s 50-year history of promoting family and child health.

The last update to the WIC foods was in 2009 and introduced improvements such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The new update builds on that progress by expanding access to healthy foods for families across Oregon.

“The changes bring increased flexibility, variety and choice, allowing families to honor cultural traditions, enjoy shared meals and have healthy and whole food options,” said Tiare Sanna M.S., RDN, Oregon WIC director. “There are even better supports now for special dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan and allergen-free options.”

• Hear Perla Castillo, RD, nutrition consultant at Oregon WIC, discuss the updated food list in videos available in English and Spanish.

Enhancements to the WIC Food Package include:

• More fruits and vegetables, expanded to include fresh-cut herbs.
• A wider variety of protein and plant-based options, including fish options for all kids and adults; more cheese varieties, including sliced, string and shredded; new yogurt brands with reduced added sugar; new plant-based milks; and new nut and seed butters.
• Expanded whole-grain bread choices such as 100% whole wheat buns, bagels, pita and naan. Plus, new gluten-free, whole-grain bread options. WIC now offers a dozen whole grains including quinoa, teff, corn masa flour, and barley to name a few.

See the WIC food package changes website for more details.

In response to WIC’s nutrition standards, food manufacturers have improved the nutritional content of products available to all consumers.

Sanna explained that when WIC increases choices and options for WIC participants, it improves choices and access for the whole community.

“When grocery stores improve access to more nutritious food options for WIC participants, it has a positive ripple effect on the entire community,” Sanna said. “For the stores, that means more customers.”

Sanna added that WIC conducts a price and availability survey throughout Oregon to ensure participants in every community across the state have similar access to food.

Starting today, July 1, Oregon WIC participants can shop for foods on the updated list using their benefit card at any of the 426 WIC-authorized grocery stores across Oregon.

About WIC

The Oregon WIC Program improves nutrition security for families by providing healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and connections to community resources for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding individuals, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC serves families in all 36 Oregon counties through more than 100 clinics

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Beginning Monday, July 7, expect road closures on SW Main Street between SW 3rd and SW 4th Avenues. Construction to prepare for the return of the Thompson Elk statue will close SW Main Street from Lownsdale Square to Chapman Square. Closures will last through winter.

Plan ahead for the road closure:

• Westbound traffic from the Hawthorne Bridge will follow traffic signs and flaggers around the closure area.
• Detour routes will change as work progresses.
• Use caution and follow all instructions when passing through the area.
• Stay alert and be prepared for traffic to suddenly slow or stop.  

The Water Bureau is proud to repair the historic Thompson Elk Fountain and return the iconic statue to its original location on SW Main Street. The elk statue has been a site of political expression since the city’s early marches for women’s suffrage, most recently serving as a backdrop for protests against racial inequities in 2020. The elk continues to bring the environment to the foreground as a symbol of the city’s lost wildlife.

The Regional Arts and Culture Council removed the bronze elk statue from its perch and salvaged the remaining undamaged stonework in July 2020, after fires set in its base posed a risk of toppling the structure. 

Construction activities will:

• Restore, rehabilitate, and reinstall the fountain in its original location
• Comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
• Increase the seismic stability of the Thompson Elk statue
• Retrofit the fountain with a recirculating water system

Learn more about the Water Bureau’s efforts to restore the fountain here.

Sign up for project updates here.  

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 great 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, and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, and the Portland Water Bureau, maintaining over $60 billion in assets, a $2 billion annual budget, and 2,500 employees. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

On July 2^nd, 2025, 60-year-old Steven J. Brady of Otis, was arrested by Lincoln City Police Detectives for crimes related to an overdose death that occurred in Otis in early 2025. After investigation into this matter by Lincoln City Detectives, the case was brought before a Lincoln County Grand Jury where Brady was subsequently indicted for Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Criminally Negligent Homicide, and related drug offenses. Searches for Brady spanned over two weeks and multiple counties before Brady was located in Lincoln City shortly after returning to the area.

Brady was well known to the Lincoln City Police Department for two separate search warrants that were executed in March of 2025 at his residence, 336 N Deer Valley Road in Otis OR, related to Brady’s delivery of illegal narcotics throughout northern Lincoln County.

During the initial search warrant operation substantial quantities of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine were recovered along with scales and packaging material used for the sale of narcotics. Brady was subsequently charged with Unlawful Delivery of Fentanyl, Unlawful Possession of Fentanyl, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. A second search warrant operation was conducted when information was received that Brady was continuing his drug trafficking operation. This search led to the discovery of additional substantial quantities of Fentanyl, along with scales and packaging materials. Between both search warrant operations, nearly $10,000 in cash was seized.

During the second search warrant operation, 32-year-old Dylan Wright of Otis, was charged for Possession of Methamphetamine. 38-year-old Casey Overturf, of Lincoln City, was charged for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Fentanyl. Brady was charged for Unlawful Delivery of Fentanyl, Unlawful Possession of Fentanyl, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine.

Through these investigations, the Lincoln City Police Department Narcotics Detective has worked to address the ongoing distribution of illicit drugs in unincorporated Lincoln County which are directly related to both violent and non-violent crime affecting City residents. We commend his efforts to protect our broader community.

Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Out of respect for the Decedent and their family on this case, their name is not being released at this time.

Portland, OR — The America 250 Oregon Commission invites community members to get involved in the state semiquincentennial commemoration, in anticipation of the official observance on July 4, 2026.

Created by Oregon Senate Bill 1531 and chaired by OHS’s executive director Kerry Tymchuk, the America 250 Oregon Commission’s mission is “to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial.”

“America’s 250th anniversary offers an opportunity to celebrate our successes, honestly reckon with our setbacks, and inspire all of us to participate in and shape the ongoing American experiment,” said Tymchuk.

Learn more about how you can get involved in this once-in-a-lifetime commemoration.

America 250 Oregon Community Calendar

The America 250 Oregon Commission invites individuals, organizations, and communities across the state to participate in our state’s official 250th commemoration by hosting events that reflect the diversity, creativity, and history of Oregon. Whether you’re planning a lecture, festival, exhibition, performance, community conversation, or something entirely unique — the commission wants to hear from you!

To be featured on the America 250 Oregon community calendar, your event must align with at least one of the commission guideposts — the foundational values guiding our semiquincentennial commemoration effort in Oregon.

Fill out the Event Submission Form if you would like your event included on the America 250 Oregon community calendar. All submissions will be reviewed and could take up to 3 weeks for response. Please submit a separate form for each program, project, or event you plan to host. Approved events will receive the “America 250 Oregon Official Event” logo for inclusion on promotional materials.

America 250 Oregon Traveling Exhibitions

The America 250 Oregon Commission is currently offering two traveling exhibitions that are available to rent at no cost!

The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries.

The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state. 

Both exhibitions are also available to view for free online here.

Get Involved

If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact egon.250@ohs.org">oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.

Salem, OR – The Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) commissioned a third-party vendor, Baker Tilly Advisory Group, to conduct an independent audit of the Oregon Motor Voter (OMV) program at the direction of Governor Tina Kotek and SOS last fall. The independent audit was one of many accountability measures initiated in response to the data entry errors discovered in OMV.

The audit found that the steps taken by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and SOS to close the gaps in the OMV program were largely effective. ODOT and SOS are acting on additional recommendations from the audit to further support the program.

"I take any error that undermines Oregonians’ confidence in their election system incredibly seriously," Governor Tina Kotek said. "From the moment the errors were caught, I committed to ongoing accountability and continual improvement of the Oregon Motor Voter program. This report underscores the strength of that work."

“This independent audit is one of many things we are doing to lock down and root out errors in the Motor Voter system and earn back Oregonians’ trust. My team is already acting on these recommendations, and I’m glad to hear that what we’ve done so far is effective. We are committed to running fair, secure, accessible elections here in Oregon,” said Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read.

The audit assessed the effectiveness, accuracy and security of the OMV program, focusing on compliance, internal controls and data integrity. The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) division of the ODOT and SOS elections division actively participated in the audit.

The audit concluded that new processes and internal controls at DMV and SOS improved areas where errors were previously identified, although some gaps remain and additional improvements could be made. Those additional improvements are focused on reviewing OMV related rules, manuals and trainings; creating formal processes for tracking and evaluating errors in the system; and conducting more regular oversight of data and error logs.

The findings and recommendations from the audit are intended to enhance the integrity, compliance and operational efficiency of the OMV program, earning public trust and assuring access to a fundamental right through the automatic voter registration process.

For additional information on this audit, visit ODOT Motor Voter Program Audit website.

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Fireworks Amnesty Program, Task Force Patrols, and Reporting Tools in Place to Protect Community

As the 4^th of July approaches, the City of Happy Valley is reminding residents to prioritize safety and community well-being. With the 4th of July celebration set to bring families together for fun and fireworks, the City has implemented specific safety measures to prevent fire danger, protect vulnerable community members, and preserve the natural beauty of our parks and open spaces.

Residents who have illegal fireworks are encouraged to take advantage of the Fireworks Amnesty Program, which allows for anonymous, no-questions-asked drop-offs at the Happy Valley Police Department at 12915 SE King Rd. Happy Valley through today July 3, 2025. The goal is to reduce the presence and use of dangerous and unlawful fireworks before the holiday begins. 

The city has specifically trained officers as part of our Fireworks Task Force that will be patrolling neighborhoods throughout Happy Valley during the holiday weekend. These officers are focused on identifying and addressing illegal fireworks activity. Use or possession of illegal fireworks will result in an automatic $1,000 fine and/or face criminal charges.

The City’s 4th of July safety initiatives are about more than enforcing rules—they’re about protecting what matters most:

• Preserving our open spaces and reducing the risk of wildfires
• Protecting pets, who often experience distress from loud noises
• Supporting veterans and others affected by PTSD
• Maintaining peace of mind for families and individuals sensitive to fireworks
• Keeping emergency services available for true life-threatening situations

There are two ways that residents can help keep Happy Valley safe and report the use of illegal fireworks through two simple options:

1. Submit a Concern online at https://hv.city/report-a-concern
2. Call the Non-Emergency Line at (503) 655-8211
3. For more information on the fireworks amnesty program, fireworks task force or our safety initiatives, please call Steve Campbell, City of Happy Valley Director of Public Safety: (971) 563-4641.

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This release provides updated information in the investigation related to a body recovered from the Columbia River on May 30, 2025. Cause and manner of death and how injury occurred have been updated; this information was pending at the time of the previous media release.

This individual was found on 05/30/2025 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Fred, Franky Chris   Age: 18 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Manner of death:  Accident

Cause of death:  Drowning

Other significant conditions: Ethanol use

Place of injury: Flushing channel between Vancouver Lake and Columbia River

How injury occurred: Drowned in flushing channel/lake

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.

Media release issue date: 07/03/25 (previous media release date: 06/16/2025)

The City of Battle Ground is excited to announce that Pacific Northwest-based visual artist William Sykes will donate his talents to create a new public art piece at the Battle Ground Skate & Bike Park at Fairgrounds Park.  This collaborative effort reflects both the City’s commitment to enhancing public spaces and Sykes’ passion for creating meaningful, community-centered artwork.

“I’m honored to give back to a community that has meant so much to me,” said Will. “This piece is about creating a unique artistic element that the community can be proud of, but which can also serve as a graffiti deterrent that keeps the park an enjoyable space for everyone.  I’m thrilled to partner with the City to bring this vision to life.”

The artwork will feature “Tiger Pride,” a grouping of tigers surrounded by lightning that symbolizes power and unity, and which offers a vibrant depiction of our local high school mascot that many people in our community have a personal connection with.

The project is planned to begin July 7^th and is expected to take approximately 10 working days to complete, weather permitting.

“It is our hope that this mural will be the first of many public art projects that celebrate Battle Ground’s unique spirit and history,” said Rob Ferrier, Deputy Manager.  “Through projects like this, we aim to showcase local artists as well as our pride in this community while reflecting the shared values outlined in our City’s Vision – building a vibrant, welcoming, and connected Battle Ground for all.”

The community is encouraged to visit the Battle Ground Skate & Bike Park to see the new piece in progress.

From Idea to Approval

As a frequent visitor to the Battle Ground Skate & Bike Park, Will noticed several areas within the park that had patched paint where graffiti had been covered up.  Seeing the opportunity to turn a challenge into something positive, he contacted the City to offer his talents to create a lasting work of art for the community.

In late December 2024, Will reached out to city staff to ask what the process would be for an artist to create a mural in a City of Battle Ground Park.  Excited by Will’s enthusiasm to get involved in the community, City staff invited Will to the Parks and Community Engagement (PACE) Advisory Board meeting in February to pitch his idea for a mural at the skate and bike park. 

Together, Will, the PACE Board, and staff refined the mural design, and on May 5^th the Battle Ground Skate & Bike Park mural was presented to the City Council, where it received unanimous approval.  

About the Artist

Will Sykes, a recent graduate of Central Washington University where he studied computer science and studio art, has deep ties to Battle Ground.

He describes his artistic style as bridging fine art and graffiti and finds inspiration in bold, high-contrast color palettes prevalent in street art.  Working primarily on instinct when creating, he relies on discipline and technique when bringing a piece to life aiming to inspire others through bold visual storytelling. 

Although Will never aspired to pursue art professionally, his family recognized his talents and were his constant, and biggest, supporters.  Through their support and his passion for art, Will continued to create and in January 2025 he contributed pieces for his first gallery exhibition.

Will shared, “I see art the same way I see skateboarding – it is a lifelong endeavor; an endless pursuit of mastery and curiosity that keeps me going.”

When asked what advice he would offer aspiring artists Will stated, “Don’t stop.  Every time you create, push yourself out of your comfort zone – that’s where growth happens.”

To see more of Will’s work and to follow his creative journey, visit his portfolio at https://stylenuevo.com or on Instagram at @nuevo.wdb.

Throughout the month of July, the Newberg-Dundee Police Department will conduct enhanced speed enforcement patrols in our area.  Grants made available by Oregon Impact and the Oregon Department of Transportation allow for increased staffing to address specific traffic issues during the year.  Traffic complaints, especially speeding, continue to be one of the leading calls for service our agency receives.

Just before 4 a.m. today, multiple callers to 911 reported that a home in the 13600 block of Skyline Boulevard was engulphed in flames.

The first arriving crew encountered heavy flames coming out of the entire home, a downed powerline blocking the road, and fire spreading to nearby vegetation.

Firefighters initiated an attack on the fire coming from the home while subsequent crews addressed the small brush fire that ran approximately 100 feet from the residence. The incident commander upgraded the incident to a second alarm to bring additional resources to the scene.

Water tenders worked to shuttle water to support fire suppression efforts and navigated tight conditions for maneuvering heavy apparatus. Skyline Boulevard was closed for several hours.

No injuries were reported. A fire investigator is at the scene — the cause remains under investigation.

TVF&R was assisted on scene by Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, American Medical Response, and Portland General Electric.

TVF&R approves the use of all images included with this release for the purpose of news dissemination.

HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR HOUSE NUMBER

Having visible house numbers to identify your address is important for guests, mail delivery, and of course, emergency personnel. It is much harder for emergency responders to find your home if your house number is not clearly displayed. Depending on the lighting and placement, your house numbers may not be visible from the street, especially at night. A poorly placed number can cost precious time in an emergency. Consider the following guidelines to help increase visibility as you display your house number.

On Your House

1. The number should be posted so that it is visible from both directions of street travel.
2. Trees, bushes, and other debris should not block visibility from the road.
3. Numbers should be placed above eye level, near the front door and well-lit at night.
4. Avoid placing numbers away from the front door such as above garage doors.

On Your Mailbox

1. Remember to mark both sides and the front of your mailbox. Do not use your mailbox as the only means of identification for your house. Numbers on the mailbox door may be great for your mail carrier, but they can be difficult to be seen by drivers during an emergency.
2. The numbers on the mailbox need to be highly visible. Remember to use high-contrast stickers or paint when adding your numbers to the mailbox. White numbers on a black mailbox are a great choice for visibility. Shiny silver numbers on a black mailbox are NOT very visible.
3. Another high-visibility option is to mount a sign above or below the mailbox. Again, use contrasting colors such as white on black.
4. If your mailbox is not in front of your house or near your driveway, emergency responders cannot use this to locate you. To help emergency responders locate your house faster, place your house number on your house or on a signpost in your yard.

Address Signs

1. The bigger, the better. The numbers should be at least four inches tall if displayed on a house or sign. Use boldface type that is wide.
2. Address signs should be placed about two feet from the driveway in the direction of the house.
3. Pick a color that will contrast with the background. If your house is a dark color, the address sign should be light so that the number stands out and can be viewed from the street. For example, a black number is perfect on a white house. A white number will also show clearly on a brick house.
4. Ensure the address sign is well-lit, especially at night. 
5. Use caution with brass or bronze numbers as they are difficult to see on many backgrounds.

Following these guidelines can save valuable time in the event of an emergency by allowing emergency responders to find your home faster. Help us help you!

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

Oregon has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to extend the 10 day time period allowed to request replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits that was lost or destroyed due to the Rowena Fire (June 11, 2025) in Wasco County and the Alder Springs Fire (June 16, 2025) in Deschutes and Jefferson counties.

New deadline for SNAP replacement benefits

Households in the approved counties below now have until the following dates to report food losses and request replacement benefits:

• July 11, 2025, for impacted residents of Wasco County
• July 16, 2025, for impacted residents of Deschutes and Jefferson Counties

What about other counties?

For individuals who live in a county not listed above, the standard 10 day rule remains in effect. Replacement requests must be made within 10 days of the incident, and verification may be required.

How to request SNAP replacement benefits:

Individuals who experienced food losses due to the fires can submit a request for replacement benefits using one of the following methods:

• By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY)
• In person: Visit a local office (find locations at: Oregon.gov)
• By Mail: (Requests must be received by the deadline)
• ONE Customer Service Center PO Box 14015 Salem, OR 97309
• By email: Send requests to egon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov">Oregon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Online: Submit requests via the ONE online portal

The information necessary to make a request is available in the form 347D: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/de0349d.pdf

When does the waiver end?

The waiver remains in effect until:

• July 11, 2025, for Wasco County
• July 16, 2025, for Deschutes and Jefferson Counties

After these dates, the standard 10-day reporting rule will apply.

About the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides monthly food benefits to help low-income households buy healthy food. If you qualify, the SNAP program allows individuals and families pay for groceries at authorized stores, learn about nutrition and get job training and support. For more information or to request SNAP replacement benefits, contact your local office or visit the Oregon SNAP benefit website or call 800-699-9075.

UPDATE: Corrected to state the Mercedes van was traveling westbound. 

LAKE COUNTY, Ore. – July 2, 2025 – On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at approximately 3:49 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash in Lake County near Lakeview.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Mercedes Sprinter van, operated by Daniel Klinkert (48) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was traveling westbound on Highway 140 near milepost 1 when it entered the intersection with a southbound commercial motor vehicle towing double trailers. The southbound red Kenworth commercial motor vehicle, operated by Nicholas Cardoza (61) of Lakeview, swerved to avoid a collision with the van, left the roadway, and rolled over.

The operator of the Kenworth (Cardoza) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Mercedes van (Klinkert) was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The crash remains under investigation.  

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lakeview EMS, Lakeview Fire Department, and Thomas Creek-Westside Fire Department.
 

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

CC Rider Seeks New Members for Transit Advisory Committee

ST. HELENS, Ore. July 3, 2025 — Columbia County Rider (CC Rider) is looking for two new members to serve on its Transit Advisory Committee (TAC), a group that helps guide public transit service in our communities.

TAC members provide valuable input on proposed transportation projects, funding priorities, and the unique needs of local riders—including veterans, seniors, commuters, students, and people with disabilities. This is a great opportunity to make a real impact by helping shape accessible, efficient, and inclusive transportation across Columbia County.

To qualify, applicants must live or work in Columbia County and have a general knowledge of public transportation needs in the area. The committee reflects the diversity of our region, with members representing seniors, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, employers, and service providers. The application is available online at: https://columbiacounty.info/CCRboard.

Can’t join the committee but still want to stay informed? Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public. Anyone interested is welcome to attend—either in person or virtually.

Meeting Information:

The committee meets monthly, on the third Tuesday, at the Columbia County Transit Center in St. Helens. You may also join virtually via Microsoft Teams: https://tinyurl.com/5fyu95zh.

Meeting ID: 267 012 334 333 4               Passcode: bR3Di2yR

For questions or more information, email: iderinfo@columbiacountyor.gov">ccriderinfo@columbiacountyor.gov.

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About CC Rider

CC Rider is Columbia County’s public transit service, providing fixed-route and dial-a-ride service for local residents. The program connects communities within the county and the surrounding region to employment, education, healthcare, and essential services. Learn more at https://nwconnector.org.

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at approximately 12:50 pm, Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a missing person near the 2000 block of SW Scenic Drive in Portland. The caller reported that a 75-year-old man left home on foot at about 12:30 pm and was believed to be endangered.

The man did not have a cell phone, but was wearing a Project Lifesaver bracelet.

Responding deputies contacted the Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team (SAR) for assistance. SAR coordinated with three Sheriff’s Office K9 teams, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue K9 team, and the Sheriff's Office drone team to search for the missing man.

Using the signal picked up by the Project Lifesaver receiver, deputies located the man with the help of Corporal Akin and K9 Puddles. The man had fallen into a ravine of dense foliage and needed help getting out.

Medical personnel from American Medical Response (AMR) assisted SAR in safely rescuing the man, who was taken to an area hospital for care.

Project Lifesaver is a community-based, public safety, nonprofit organization that provides law enforcement, fire/rescue, and caregivers with a program designed to protect and, when necessary, quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering.

Project Lifesaver is a component of the Sheriff’s Office Elders Safe Program. 

July 2, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA urges parents, caregivers to avoid recalled baby food

PORTLAND, Ore.—Following reports of lead poisoning cases in two counties, Oregon Health Authority is urging parents and caregivers to avoid using a baby food that has been recalled by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Two cases of elevated blood lead levels in babies were detected in Oregon. During interviews with the families, investigators determined the children consumed the flavor affected by the recall.

The cases followed a recall alert in March of more than 25,000 packages of a baby food called Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale, Thyme Vegetable Puree. The product was sold in 4-ounce containers. No other flavor of the product has been subject to recall.

Good & Gather is a Target store brand, and the product was sold nationwide at the company’s stores. The FDA has since labeled the recall a Class II event, which means that use of or exposure to this product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” but the probability of serious health impacts is low. 

While the FDA recall is considered “terminated,” the product has a best use date of December 2025, so there may be families with the product still in their homes.

Lead is of special concern for babies, toddlers and children because even small amounts of lead may affect behavior, cognitive development and academic achievement, according to American Academy of Pediatrics.

“While lead is toxic for all people regardless of age, small children are especially at risk because they’re still growing and developing,” said Ryan Barker, OHA’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program coordinator. “Continued exposure over time can permanently damage their central nervous system, which may result in long-term health problems, such as learning disorders, impaired speech and brain damage.”

• Hear Barker discuss the effects of child lead poisoning in this video.

Signs of lead poisoning are not always easy to see and can be mistaken for other illnesses. Without a blood test, lead poisoning may go undiagnosed, especially since affected children often don’t look or act sick.

Possible signs of lead exposure and symptoms in children include:  

• Tiredness or loss of energy.
• Hyperactivity.
• Reduced attention span.
• Irritability or crankiness.
• Poor appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Constipation.
• Aches or pains in stomach.

More information on blood testing and lead can be found on the following pages:

• CDC’s Testing Children for Lead Poisoning
• Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units' Recommendations on Management of Childhood Lead Exposure
• Oregon Health Authority’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Oregon health care providers and laboratories are required by law to report certain diseases and conditions, including elevated and non-elevated lead test results, to local health departments or OHA.

Last year Oregon had 361 lead poisoning cases in children, with 237 affecting children younger than 6.  The most common cases are due to ingesting paint and paint dust containing lead, but exposures from traditional cosmetics, glazed pottery, and informally imported spices have been identified.

For more information, visit OHA’s lead poisoning in Oregon page, and visit the CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program page.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Hugo Gomez-Soto, 50, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Portland, made his first appearance in federal court today after being charged for distributing fentanyl that was linked to the fatal overdose of a Portland man.

According to court documents, in January 2024, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) Narcotics and Organized Crime (NOC) Unit began investigating a suspected fentanyl overdose of an adult male victim in Southwest Portland. Investigators identified Gomez-Soto as the individual who allegedly sold fentanyl to the victim and, on January 25, 2024, he was arrested on state charges. At the time of his arrest, Gomez-Soto was in possession of both fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.

On June 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Gomez-Soto with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Gomez-Soto made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a four-day jury trial scheduled to begin on September 9, 2025.

If convicted, Gomez-Soto faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and PPB’s NOC Unit. It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

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July 2, 2025

Media contacts: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8843, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Nye Beach health advisory issued July 2

High bacteria levels prompt OHA recommendation to avoid water contact

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing a public health advisory today for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Nye Beach in Lincoln County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including:

• Stormwater runoff
• Sewer overflows
• Failing septic systems
• Animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife

Even if there is no advisory in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted.

While this advisory is in effect at Nye Beach, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.

For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

EUGENE, Ore.—A suspected child abuser is facing federal charges today for enticing and sexually abusing a minor in Oregon and Washington.

Leonias Juber Ramos-Garcia, 25, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Culver, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

According to court documents, in 2024, Ramos-Garcia met the minor at a business in Jefferson County, Oregon. In February 2025, undeterred by the minor’s age, Ramos-Garcia gave the minor a note which contained cash and professed his affection for the minor.

In March 2025, Ramos-Garcia is alleged to have engaged in sexually explicit communication with the minor and, despite the victim’s reluctance, Ramos-Garcia persuaded the minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct at a hotel in Central Oregon. In April 2025, Ramos-Garcia traveled from Oregon to Washington and took the victim to a second hotel where he again sexually abused the minor.

Ramos-Garcia was arrested Tuesday in Culver, Oregon, and made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Madras Police Department. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Crowd tells U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz “It’s not too late to change your vote!”

BAKER CITY, Ore. — Nearly 100 Eastern Oregon residents braved 100-degree temperatures to rally in downtown Baker City today, demanding that U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz vote no on the budget reconciliation bill that passed the Senate earlier this week. The legislation would slash $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP, terminating health coverage for tens of thousands in Bentz’s district and cutting food assistance for working families, children, and seniors.

Oregon Nurses Association President Tamie Cline, a registered nurse from Hermiston and president of the Oregon Nurses Association, said the bill threatens coverage for as many as 60,000 Eastern Oregon residents who rely on the Oregon Health Plan, Oregon’s Medicaid program. Cline said the proposal would devastate rural health care systems and put lives at risk in communities like Baker City that have already lost maternity care services.

“This is not about politics, this isn’t about what political party you support. This is about Eastern Oregon,” Cline said. “It’s about whether families here can see a doctor, afford their prescriptions, and get the care they need, when they need it.”

Cline was joined by speakers from the Oregon Food Bank, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, SEIU, Indivisible, and local residents who rely on the safety net programs now under threat.

“SNAP puts food on the table for one in six families in Baker County,” said Alex Aghdaei of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. “This bill would slash benefits, terminate food assistance for over 100,000 Oregonians, and push more kids and seniors into hunger. Cutting SNAP doesn’t lower food costs — it just makes people go without. Bentz needs to vote no.”

Lindsay Grosvenor of the Oregon Food Bank’s Southeast Oregon region emphasized the stakes for rural communities. “In places like Ontario and Burns, there’s no backup plan if SNAP gets gutted,” said Grosvenor. “Food pantries are already stretched to the limit. Families are doing everything they can to make ends meet. This bill punishes people for being poor. And it will hurt rural Oregon the most.”

Public opinion strongly reflects the concerns raised by rallygoers. According to the latest KFF Health Tracking Poll, 83 percent of Americans view Medicaid favorably, and support for the proposed cuts drops by more than 20 points when people learn they would increase the uninsured rate and reduce hospital funding. And 7 in 10 say they are concerned that families will have trouble affording food as a result of the bill.

Cheryl Campbell, a homecare worker from LaGrande, said that cuts to Medicaid could impact other programs that Oregonians rely on. “One thing people don’t realize is that many programs that make a big difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities receive two-thirds of their funding from Medicaid dollars,” she said.

Despite widespread opposition from providers, patients, and public health experts, Bentz has continued to support the legislation — voting for it once already. Advocates warned that his next vote could come as early as this week.

“This is the moment,” Cline said in her closing remarks. “Eastern Oregon has always looked out for its own, and we’re proving it again today. We need to flood Bentz’s office with calls. We need to tell our stories. And we need to remind him who he works for.”

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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: July 2, 2025

CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net

One pedestrian stuck, killed in northeast Salem

Salem, Ore. — Salem police responded to the intersection of Pine St NE and Brooks Av NE at approximately 7:26 a.m. today, on the call of a single vehicle collision involving a pedestrian.

A Dodge Ram pickup, driven by Patrick Neufeld, 38, of Salem, was headed eastbound on Pine St NE when it collided with a pedestrian, Nina Elsom, 71, of Salem, who was attempting to cross the street. Despite live saving measures being attempted, Elsom was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Neufeld remained at the location and cooperated with investigators. Pine St NE was closed between Portland Rd NE and Cherry Ave NE for approximately two and a half hours, while officers conducted the investigation.

No arrests have been made or citations issued. The collision investigation is ongoing and as such, no other details are available for release.

The incident is Salem’s fifth fatal traffic collision this year, resulting in five fatalities.

                                                                                                                                 # # #

OREGON CITY – Join the Clackamas Community College Environmental Learning Center for a series of presentations that explore wetlands, wildlife, and both current and historical human-wildlife interactions provided by professionals and industry experts.

Wildlife Wonders will take place Thursdays, July 17-Aug. 28, noon-1 p.m., at the Environmental Learning Center on the Oregon City campus, 19600 Molalla Ave. A suggested donation of $10 will help cover the costs. Registration is encouraged, but guests can drop in at 11:45 a.m. to secure a spot.

July 17 | Five insects and their impacts on human history

History has been influenced many times and in many ways by insects. Retired entomologist Rob Wiedenmann tells some of the tales from the book "The Silken Thread," which he co-authored with Ray Fisher. 

July 24 | Restoring Oregon’s coastal balance: Bringing sea otters back

Join Chanel Hason, director of outreach and community relations for Elakha Alliance, for an engaging presentation about the organization’s efforts to restore sea otters to the Oregon coast. Discover how these charismatic marine mammals are vital to the health of coastal ecosystems, the history behind their disappearance and the collaborative work being done to bring them back. Learn how to support this critical conservation mission and help make a lasting impact on Oregon’s marine environment.

July 31 | New Carissa oil spill response and natural resource protection and restoration

Join Preston Sleeger, retired regional environmental officer for the U.S. Department of the Interior (Pacific Northwest Region), to learn about the response to the grounding of the New Carissa freighter and subsequent oil spill on the coast near Coos Bay in February 1999. Hear about the efforts made to protect natural resources and their eventual restoration.

Aug. 7 | Portland urban coyote project

Coyotes are intelligent and adaptive animals that have expanded their range across North America over the last 200 years. Coyotes can survive and thrive in a wide variety of habitats — including our own backyards. Join this presentation to learn how The Portland Urban Coyote Project studies human and coyote interaction in the Portland metropolitan area.

Aug. 14 | Wild mushrooms: Forage, identify and prepare

Oregon Mycological Society is an educational and scientific organization. Its mission is to study, collect and identify fungi, educate members and the public in fungi identification, and promote health and safety in the gathering and consumption of fungi. Review the basics of mushroom identification as well as foraging and cooking safety.  

Aug. 21 | The wonders of bird migration

Join Bird Alliance of Oregon biologist Candace Larson and explore the what, why, when and how of bird migration and what to do to help them on their migratory travels.

Aug. 28 | Undersea volcanoes

An underwater volcano in the Pacific Northwest is expected to erupt sometime this year for the first time in 11 years. The volcano, Axial Seamount, lies about a mile below the ocean's surface, roughly 300 miles from the coast of Astoria. Join Clackamas Community College geology instructor AK Kotash to learn more about the world of undersea volcanoes.

Register at https://bit.ly/wildlife-wonders-series. For more information, contact michelle.scholz@clackamas.edu. Learn more about programs offered at the Environmental Learning Center at www.clackamas.edu/elc. 

About the Environmental Learning Center

The Environmental Learning Center has a rich history as an educational resource for Clackamas Community College, regional schools, industry and the community. Located on the former site of a Smucker's processing plant, the center was created to demonstrate what people could do to reclaim industrial sites, address stormwater issues and restore wildlife habitats in urban areas. Each year thousands of people visit to explore the 5-acre site and learn about watershed health. The site serves as an important stormwater facility for the college campus and provides critical wetland habitat for resident and migratory birds, such as the great blue heron, wood duck and merganser.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Stuart Ross Anderson, died the morning of July 2, 2025. Anderson was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Anderson entered DOC custody on June 22, 2004, from Deschutes County with an earliest release date of January 4, 2040. Anderson was 72 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.

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July 2, 2025

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA encourages everyone to Rethink the Drink as summer campaign launches to address excessive alcohol use

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is launching a summer Rethink the Drink campaign this week to encourage people in Oregon to consider their alcohol use.

The state’s Excessive Alcohol Use Prevention Program is urging people to come together to prevent the harms of excessive alcohol use and make communities safer. People may see or hear advertisements, including on TV, radio, online and social media.

Independent evaluation data from Rethink the Drink’s recent campaigns show 92% of Oregonians agree excessive drinking causes community harm, and 66% believe alcohol should have less presence in their communities. Those exposed to the Rethink the Drink campaign were significantly more likely to have conversations about their drinking. The full evaluation report is available online.

Increase in sales, increase in harms

More than 2,500 people in Oregon die from alcohol-related causes every year. During summer months, the state sees liquor sales increase, which means there is more alcohol in communities and people may be drinking more.

“Whether you’re at home, attending an event or outside at a gathering, it can feel like many of our favorite summer activities encourage drinking,” says Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at OHA. “With an increase in summer drinking, we see an increase in the harms as well.”

Jeanne adds that the immediate harms include motor vehicle crashes, boating injuries, drownings and heat deaths. “On top of these, alcohol contributes to cancer, heart disease, poor mental health, and many other health harms all year long,” he says.

• Hear Dr. Tom Jeanne discuss excessive alcohol use and ways to prevent it during summer in this video: https://youtu.be/24kQwi3XPpg.

Luis Pimentel, alcohol and drug prevention coordinator at Lane County Public Health, says, “We appreciate Rethink the Drink and this round of summer messaging reminding people to have conversations about alcohol.”

“We have so much interest in safe drinking messages from our partners in law enforcement, transportation and those who plan summer events, that we truly value Rethink the Drink’s presence in our community,” Pimentel adds.

Tips for a safe summer season:

• Plan ahead: Arrange for a designated driver and use public transportation or ride-share services.
• Host responsibly: Offer non-alcoholic beverages for summer events you’re planning.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat food while you’re drinking.
• Drink less: Consider swapping every other drink with water or a non-alcoholic beverage, or watering down a drink with more ice or low-sugar mixer.
• Decide your alcohol limit for the week: If you want to reduce your drinking, think about what triggers you to drink too much and create a plan to handle urges.
• Count: Track your drinking using a mobile app or other tools. Find resources at rethinkthedrink.com/resources
• Have conversations: Take time to pause, learn about the harms caused by excessive drinking, and talk with your loved ones about the way alcohol is prevalent in our lives and communities. Join the conversation at rethinkthedrink.com

Rethink the Drink, an OHA initiative, aims to build healthier communities by decreasing excessive drinking and the harm it causes to individuals, families, and communities. Rethink the Drink raises awareness of the effects of excessive alcohol use across Oregon. It aims to start conversations about alcohol’s role in our own lives and communities. Rethink the Drink is committed to OHA’s larger goal to end health inequities in our state by 2030.

Resource Links:

• OHA’s Rethink the Drink tools and resources
• ODOT’s Transportation Safety Impaired Driving Program
• Summer Safety Driving Tips
• Tips to Boat Safe and Sober

If you or someone you care about is suffering from alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder, free confidential resources and support are available online or by calling or 1-800-923-4357.

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Without proper protection, the sun can cause serious damage to the health of Oregonians. Oregon has a high rate of melanoma—ranking 16^th in the country as of 2021.

The good news is a broad-spectrum sunscreen helps guard against the effects of the sun’s harmful UV rays. But how does sunscreen actually work? SAIF’s new video looks at how sunscreen, sunburns, and the sun’s rays work. It’s part of a new series looking at the science behind safety.

The video can be viewed at saif.com/ScienceofSafety.

“Unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is a major risk factor for skin cancer,” says Wendy Boughton, SAIF occupational safety and health nurse consultant. “That’s why cancer and other skin concerns often show up on places such as forearms, face, neck, and tops of ears that are exposed to the sun on a daily basis and not typically covered by clothing.”  

Here are some tips on protecting your skin every day:  

• Sunscreen needs to be applied to dry skin 15 minutes before you go outside. 
• It needs to be broad protection (against UVA and UVB rays), SPF30 or higher, and water-resistant. 
• Make sure you use enough. The general guideline is one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) for the exposed parts of your body. A nickel-sized dollop is typically adequate for the face. 
• Remember to apply to the top of head, back of neck, tops of feet, and ears. 
• Sunscreens with higher SPF protection don’t mean you can stay in the sun longer or need to reapply it less frequently. 
• Don’t use sunscreen past its expiration date or for longer than three years. To save it from going to waste, apply it every day. 
• Lips need protection, too, so use lip balm with an SPF rating. 
• Also wear sun-protective clothing, including a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. 

For more information about sun protection, visit saif.com/SunSafety.

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, we’ve been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.

Last April, the Marine Board authorized agency staff to convene a rule advisory committee (RAC) to gather information concerning motorboat operations on the Siletz River. The RAC is having its first meeting on July 10 from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Marine Studies Building, Room 176, located at 2030 SE Marine Sciences Drive, in Newport.

For background, the Marine Board received a petition from the Confederated Tribe of the Siletz Indians to prohibit motorized watercraft upstream of Jack Morgan Park in February 2025. Jet-propelled boats have been prohibited from operating in this area since 1987.

Agency staff will use the RAC to gather information related to the petition through the summer and fall and will present draft rules to the Board during its January 2026 quarterly meeting. If the Board approves the draft rules, a public comment period will follow and will include a hearing in the Siletz community. The Board could consider adopting rules by April 2026.

To learn more about the approximate timeline of the rulemaking process, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Rulemaking-and-Public-Notices.aspx.

To view the agenda and meeting materials, including the public meeting link, visit: https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx. 

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Salem, Ore. – In support of Oregon’s wildland firefighters on National Wildland Firefighter Day, Governor Tina Kotek has issued a proclamation declaring July 2, 2025, Wildland Firefighter Day in the state of Oregon.

“In a state with such prevalent wildfire, we are so thankful to the firefighters, dispatchers and support personnel who work long hours, day after day, protecting our communities and natural resources. And we remember those that have fallen in the line of service,” Michael Curran, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Protection Division Chief, said.  

The Oregon Department of Forestry would like to thank the thousands of local, state, tribal, federal, and contract firefighters, along with all the dispatchers, map creators, IT specialists, equipment operators, radio technicians, prevention specialists, and everyone else who has a role in Oregon’s wildfire response.

Wildland Firefighter Day occurs every year during the Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance (June 30-July 6). The Week of Remembrance was established in 2014 and is bookended by the dates of two significant tragedies in the wildland firefighter community: Yarnell Hill fire in Arizona on June 30, 2013, and the South Canyon fire in Colorado on July 6, 1994. On the Yarnell Hill fire, 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots were killed when a weather shift intensified the fire and cut off the firefighters’ escape route. On the South Canyon fire, 14 wildland firefighters were killed on Storm King Mountain when they were entrapped by spot fires. This week honors those lost in the line of duty while also focusing on improving wildland firefighter safety to mitigate risk as best we can in an inherently dangerous career field. 

Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         Date: July 2, 2025

Contact: Kandi Young, Public Information Officer   
kandi.young@puc.oregon.gov, (503) 551-5290 cell phone

PUC SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON PACIFICORP’S CPCN APPLICATION
FOR A TRANSMISSION PROJECT
Application approval impacts securing of land along the proposed transmission line

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is hosting two events to provide opportunities for the public to comment on PacifiCorp’s application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN). PacifiCorp’s request is part of its proposed construction of a transmission line that would connect the Lone Pine and Whetstone substations in Jackson County, known as the Lone Pine to Whetstone Project.

PacifiCorp has asked the PUC to issue a CPCN for this project. If granted, PacifiCorp would use this certificate in court proceedings where it seeks to condemn an interest in land along the transmission line’s path. The certificate would demonstrate to the court that the transmission line is a public use and necessary for public convenience. View Docket PCN 8 for more information and a map of the proposed transmission line on the next page.

Ways to Comment

Interested members of the public may participate and provide comments on PacifiCorp’s CPCN application in various ways. Individuals may attend an in-person or virtual event listed below to provide verbal comments to the Commissioners and the Administrative Law Judge presiding over this case. Individuals may also submit comments by email, online form, phone, or mail.

Comment in person – Medford, Oregon 

When:          Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 6 p.m.

This meeting will remain open until at least 7 p.m. If at 7 p.m. there are still members of the public waiting to comment, the meeting may continue to allow as many people to comment as time permits.

Where:        Hilton Garden Inn, 1000 Welcome Way, Medford, OR 97504

Comment via Zoom or phone

When:          Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 6 p.m.

This meeting will remain open until at least 7 p.m. If at 7 p.m. there are still members of the public waiting to comment, the meeting may continue to allow as many people to comment as time permits.

Access the Zoom link and phone-in details at: https://bit.ly/4kAaYJv

Other ways to comment

Please submit comments by July 24, 2025, in one of the following formats:

• Public Comment Form online
• email licComments@puc.oregon.gov">PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov  
• Call 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 (all relay calls accepted)
• Mail comments to: Oregon Public Utility Commission, Attn: AHD – PCN 8, PO Box 1088, Salem OR 97308-1088
   

Stay Informed

To stay informed throughout this process, individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents. Submit requests by email to ings@puc.oregon.gov">puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or by calling 503-378-6678. Please specify docket PCN 8 in the request.

PORTLAND, Ore. (July 2, 2025) ~ As families gear up for long summer days and the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, Kaiser Permanente Northwest offers expert advice to help parents keep kids safe while they enjoy the season. From sunburns to swimming safety, hydration to helmets, there are many simple steps families can take to avoid common summer health hazards -- and have more fun in the process.

“Summer is a time when kids should be out playing, exploring, and making memories,” said Dr. Denike. “But it’s also a time when we see more injuries and preventable health problems. The good news is, there’s a lot parents can do to keep kids safe -- simple precautions like using sunscreen, making sure they stay hydrated, and always keeping an eye on them near water.”

While summer is a time of fun, it can also be a time of food insecurity for many families. With school cafeterias closed, children who rely on free or reduced lunch programs may struggle to get enough nutritious food. The Summer EBT program (known as “SUN Bucks” in many states) provides $120 per eligible school-aged child to help families buy groceries during the summer months.

“Proper nutrition is essential for a child’s development, physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said Dr. Denike. “We want families to know that help is available, and encourage them to explore programs like Summer EBT." Families can check eligibility and apply for Summer EBT at www.summerebt.org.

Interviews available:

Lisa Denike, MD, pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Wednesday, July 2 from 3-5 p.m. en.a.vitt@kp.org" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: blue;" title="mailto:karen.a.vitt@kp.org">Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Denike is prepared to discuss summer health and safety tips every parent should know:

• Sun safety (proper sunscreen use, protective clothing, timing outdoor activities)
• Heat-related illness prevention and hydration tips
• Water safety, including supervision, life jackets, and swimming lessons
• Fireworks and Fourth of July precautions
• Bike safety and helmet use
• Preventing bug bites and tick-related illness
• The importance of routine nutrition during summer and the role of programs like Summer EBT

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 

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in the ongoing search for Robert "Bob" Sarkkinen, a 64-year-old man who went missing more than seven years ago.

Bob was last seen on May 13, 2018, in the Battle Ground, Washington area. He is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, approximately 160 pounds, with grey hair and brown eyes. His family is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads directly to Bob’s whereabouts.

Detectives do not suspect foul play in Bob’s disappearance. He was known to wander or leave home for extended periods, a habit that has made locating him more difficult. Still, the Sheriff’s Office and Sarkkinen’s loved ones are committed to finding answers.

The case remains open and active under Case Number 18004480. Investigators urge anyone who may have seen Bob or may know anything about his movements in or after May 2018 to come forward.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit Tip Line at (564) 397-2036.

Media Availability

The Sarkkinen family has expressed a willingness to speak with the media. Reporters or outlets interested in arranging an interview should contact the Public Information Officer (PIO) to coordinate.

July 2, 2025-REDMOND, OR- Redmond Fire & Rescue, the City of Redmond & Redmond Police Department officials are concerned about potential fireworks-related fires and personal injuries as the Fourth of July draws near.

One of the most common fireworks-related fires that Redmond Fire & Rescue crews respond to involves "spent" fireworks placed in grocery sack that rekindle and spread to fences, decks, and even homes.

The best and safest plan is to attend a professional fireworks display and eliminate the risk altogether. Instead of lighting your own legal fireworks, view the professional show launched from the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.

Residents can drop off unwanted fireworks (illegal or legal) at any Redmond Fire & Rescue fire station for disposal.

If you’re intent is to use fireworks, keep it legal.

Oregon law bans fireworks that fly, explode, or move across the ground more than six feet or up in the air more than 12 inches. This includes popular items like bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, and M80s.

Residents should purchase all fireworks at a licensed Oregon fireworks stand. Fireworks purchased by mail order or in the state of Washington or at Native American reservations are illegal in our state.

Many firework-related fires are caused by careless use or improper disposal of legal fireworks. Even legal fireworks are dangerous and have caused injuries and burns to users, especially unsupervised children. This includes sparklers. They can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees; wood burns at 575 degrees, while glass melts at 900 degrees (National Fire Protection Association).

Redmond Fire & Rescue advises you to celebrate safely this year by following these safety tips:

• Only adults should light or handle fireworks. Supervise children at all times.
• Store fireworks, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Use fireworks outdoors on a paved surface, away from buildings, vehicles, and vegetation.
• Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars, or buildings.
• Never pick up or try to re-light a "dud."
• Never alter fireworks or make your own.

• Have a hose nearby in case of fire and place “spent” fireworks in a metal bucket with water and completly soak the spent fireworks.

Under Oregon law, the Fire Marshal’s Office and law enforcement can seize illegal fireworks and issue criminal citations with fines up to $500 per violation and a sentence of up to 6 months in jail. Individuals can be held civilly liable for damages resulting from improper use of any fireworks — legal or illegal.  Individuals using fireworks can also commit other criminal offenses, including reckless burning, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and more, which can have large fines and jail/prison time. Use of illegal fireworks within Redmond City limits may result in a fine of $1,500, repeat offenders may receive a fine up to $6,000.

Oregon law also makes parents liable for damage caused by their children and allows fire departments to charge for the cost of suppressing fires caused by fireworks. Additionally, the use of illegal fireworks constitutes criminal activity, and your insurance policy may not cover you if you engage in a criminal act that results in damage.

Please do not call 911 to report fireworks use. It is very important the 911 system be kept for reporting emergencies, active fires, and serious medical problems. Firework concerns may be reported via email to reportfireworks@redmondoregon.gov or by calling the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911.

Date: Wed, July 23, 2025

Time: 7 pm

Location: Alberta Rose Theatre

Tickets: $15-$45

Event Website: scienceontaporwa.org/events/alberta_july_23_doctors_by_nature/

The astonishing story of how animals use medicine and what it can teach us about healing ourselves.

Ages before the dawn of modern medicine, wild animals were harnessing the power of nature’s pharmacy to heal themselves. Animals of all kinds—from ants to apes, from bees to bears, and from cats to caterpillars—use various forms of medicine to treat their own ailments and those of their relatives.

Meet apes that swallow leaves to dislodge worms, sparrows that use cigarette butts to repel parasites, and bees that incorporate sticky resin into their hives to combat pathogens. De Roode asks whether these astonishing behaviors are learned or innate and explains why, now more than ever, we need to apply the lessons from medicating animals—it can pave the way for healthier livestock, more sustainable habitats for wild pollinators, and a host of other benefits.

Doctors by Nature explores how scientists are turning to the medical knowledge of the animal kingdom to improve agriculture, create better lives for our pets, and develop new pharmaceutical drugs.

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Science on Tap is a science lecture series where you can sit back, drink a pint, and enjoy learning. Listen to experts talk about the science in your neighborhood and around the world. You don't have to be a science geek to have fun--all you need is a thirst for knowledge! For more information on this event or about Science on Tap, visit Science on Tap OR WA.