SALEM, Ore. – On Saturday evening, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized their Blue Incident Management Team and three structural task forces to the Highland Fire in Crook County south of Prineville. One task force was sent earlier on Saturday through Immediate Response.

The wind-driven Highland Fire sparked on Saturday afternoon, and levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuations are in place for those living near the fire.

The Immediate Response task force arrived Saturday evening, and the incident management team and two additional task forces will arrive on Sunday morning before being briefed to begin work protecting structures. 

“Fire conditions are affecting much of the state with little relief in the forecast,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “We are asking all Oregonians to be aware of the conditions and do everything they can to prevent sparking a wildfire.”

A conflagration was invoked by Governor Kotek on Saturday evening, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize structural protection resources.

Follow the Crook County Sheriff’s Office for the latest evacuation information. See the evacuation map here.

This is the fifth time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked in 2025.

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal  
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

UPDATE: July 12, 2025

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

Fourth suspect in custody

A fourth suspect has been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation into an incident of gunfire that erupted the evening of June 30 in the parking lot of a south Salem fast food eatery.

A 17-year-old boy was taken into custody without incident on July 11 at approximately 10:00 p.m. at an apartment in the 5900 block of Park CT SE. A loaded handgun was also seized. The boy was transported and lodged at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center on the following charges:

• Attempted assault, first degree
• Unlawful use of a weapon
• Reckless endangering
• Unlawful possession of a firearm

The incident remains an ongoing investigation, and all media inquiries concerning the case must be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

# # #

Originally published July 1, 2025

Three arrested after shots fired in south Salem

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police arrested two adults and one juvenile on the evening of June 30 related to a disturbance ending in shots being fired in the parking lot of McDonald’s 5090 Commercial St SE.

At approximately 10:24 p.m. officers were dispatched to the call of a disturbance. As officers were arriving, vehicles connected to the incident were attempting to flee the scene. Officers stopped one vehicle, contacted three occupants, and ultimately seized a 9mm handgun. Multiple spent shell casings located at the scene were collected as evidence.

Arrested were Rubi Zambrano, 20, Dakoda Clark-Adkins, 18, and a 15-year-old male, all from Salem, on various charges related to the incident. Zambrano and Clark-Adkins were lodged at the Marion County Correctional Facility and will be arraigned today at 2:30pm at the Marion County Court Annex 4000 Aumsville Hwy SE. The juvenile was released to a parent.

While no injuries to persons or significant damage to property was immediately reported, people in the area may have witnessed the incident or have damage to property. Anyone with information is asked to call 503-588-6123 option 1 to make a report.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Families celebrate 25 years of inclusive fishing at Merwin Day of Fishing

Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife invite kids with disabilities to Merwin Fish Hatchery near Woodland, Wash.

You can find the media kit here.

Video interview subjects' names: 

Marcy Broadway, parent

Todd Dinehart, Vice President of Business Optimization, Pacific Power

Diana Knous, Principal Accounts Manager, Pacific Power 

Jesse Cody, Fish Hatchery Specialist, Merwin Hatchery, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 

Woodland, Wash. (July 12, 2025)— Today, Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife partnered to host the 25^th annual Merwin Day of Fishing for Kids with Disabilities. The event drew a record turnout of over 300 children, who enjoyed a unique opportunity to experience the joy of fishing in a supportive and inclusive environment.   

Children spent the day fishing in ponds stocked with thousands of fish, specially raised for this event. Volunteer coaches helped them catch up to five fish, which were cleaned and put on ice while families enjoyed a barbecue. At the end of the day, kids took home the brand-new fishing rods and tackle that they used to catch their fish.  

For 25 years, Pacific Power has proudly sponsored this event with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The company provides volunteers and essential support for the event held at the hatchery near Merwin Dam, a vital source of hydroelectric power for customers in the region. Pacific Power employees, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and several recreational fishing organizations generously contributed their time and expertise to ensure each child had a memorable experience.   

"It's amazing to see the smiles on their faces as these kids fish in our hatchery ponds. We’re happy to provide them with a fun and inclusive outdoor experience,” said Jesse Cody, Fish Hatchery Specialist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Events like this help us put our agency’s mission into action by exemplifying accountability, service, professionalism, integrity, respect and empathy."   

“Each year, this event reminds us how powerful a simple day of fishing can be for kids and families,” said Britton Ransford, communications specialist, Southwest region with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. “We’re grateful for the continued support of Pacific Power, WDFW hatchery staff, and the volunteers who make this meaningful event possible.”  

"For many of the children participating today, this is their first experience reeling in a fish," said Ryan Flynn, president of Pacific Power. "It’s rewarding to watch them leave with smiles and a cooler full of impressive catches.”   

The event unites young patients from Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital, Kaiser Kids and other facilities, including those managing conditions such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy and cancer.   

"Today was all about creating memories for families by showing them the magic and inclusivity that outdoor experiences can bring," said Diana Knous, principal accounts manager for Pacific Power, who volunteered at the event. “Year after year, this is my favorite event to dedicate my time to.”   

The event is a special occasion, especially for the families of these children who get to watch their children connect with the outdoors.  

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About Pacific Power

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

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Sahara Feldmiller.

Sahara, age 16, is a child who went missing from Oregon City on July 6. She was found on July 11.

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

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At 7:07 p.m. on Friday, July 11, numerous callers to 911 reported seeing fire in a ditch near Southwest 124^th Avenue and SW Tonquin Road outside Sherwood. Initial reports described the fire as approximately “the size of a car”.

The first firefighters arrived within five minutes of being dispatched and, due to the wind and dry fuels, found the fire had extended to cover a hill next to the ditch, continuing to spread uphill. The call was upgraded to bring additional units to the scene. Fire crews deployed hose lines up the steep terrain in such a rapid and progressive manner that it allowed firefighters to get to the front of the fire before it could damage nearby power poles.

Firefighters also noted a growing spot fire that threatened nearby structures, so the call was upgraded again to bring additional personnel and resources to the scene. Crews worked quickly to provide structural protection, and the spot fire was contained without need for evacuation.

In total, an estimated three acres burned, with an additional acre to include the spot fire. TVF&R fire investigators are working to determine the cause. We wish to thank our partners at Lake Oswego Fire and Aurora Fire District for assisting on the fire; Sherwood Police and Washington County Sheriff’s Office for providing traffic control; and American Medical Response for standby support at the scene.

Just after 6:45 PM, Portland Fire was dispatched to the NW Industrial Area on reports of a Commercial Building fire.   Responding crews noted a heavy black header (large column of smoke), while enroute.  Initial dispatch information noted several callers reported this fire.

The first arriving engine confirmed a large fire that appeared to be trash, possibly tires, and surrounding grass, brush and blackberries.  It did not appear that any structures were involved, and further investigation confirmed that no structures were involved but with the heavy fire and wind there was threat to some nearby buildings. 

This turned out to be a fire at an abandoned commercial property with thick vegetation and evidence of transient camps.  A second alarm was called due to the size of the scene and gusty winds blowing fire brands and starting spot fires.  Truck companies were used to check roofs of nearby large commercial buildings and to apply large amounts of water from aerial master streams.

Crews will be on-scene for a while to be sure all hot spots are extinguished and the deep-seated brush fire is fully extinguished.  Portland Fire and Rescue would like to extend a special thank you to Portland Police Bureau Air 1 for their assistance with providing valuable information to crews about the fire direction of travel and spot fire locations.

Suspect Arrested in AM 4-Alarm Fire

After much investigation one of the residents of the apartment building by the PPB-PFR Fire Investigations Unit, Shaun Szwarz, DOB 04/23/85, has been arrested on:

• 6 counts Arson 1
• 6 counts Reckless Endangering
• 6 counts Criminal Mischief 1

Two victims from the apartment building are still in the hospital with serious injuries to include 2^nd and 3^rd degree burns, inhalation injuries, fractured vertebrate, and ankle.  Several residents of the apartment complex had to be rescued by PF&R, and at least four residents jumped from upper floor windows to escape the fire.   

The investigation is still very active and any witnesses to the fire or other victims that have not spoken to Portland Fire & Rescue Investigators or PPB, please contact Det. Meredith Hopper edith.hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov">Meredith.hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov

The combined PPB-PFR Fire Investigations Unit would like to thank the Oregon State Police Accelerant Detection K9 Team who provided invaluable assistance in this case.

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On July 11th, 2025, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office requested assistance with an ongoing investigation at a crash scene along Highway 18 near milepost 11. Grand Ronde Tribal Police were on scene as the vehicle involved had been reported stolen the previous day in their jurisdiction. Oregon State Police and Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office were also involved in this investigation.

One suspect was apprehended on scene hours prior, however investigators were concerned by blood evidence found on scene and a trail of blood leading to the wood line nearby. Officers suspected a second suspect had been involved in the vehicle theft and subsequent crash, and were concerned for his wellbeing. The Lincoln City Police Department was contacted to assist locating the injured suspect and K9 Nix was deployed. With K9 Nix’s assistance the second suspect, 48-year-old Brian Peoples of Gladstone Oregon, was apprehended nearby with serious injuries. Peoples was transported via ambulance for emergent medical care and remained in custody. After medical care was provided, Peoples was released, and will be lodged into the Tillamook County Jail.

During the investigation, evidence of multiple felony property crimes was uncovered including crimes within Lincoln City in the hours preceding the crash. This teamwork by multiple agencies highlights how law enforcement officers work across multiple jurisdictions in pursuit of justice.

Good Job K9 Nix!

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Sahara Feldmiller, age 16, a child in foster care who went missing from Oregon City on July 6. Sahara is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Sahara and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.

Sahara was last seen under the 205 Bridge at Marine Drive and is known to frequent Sandy, Oregon and Mt. Hood Area.

Name: Sahara Feldmiller  
Pronouns: she/her
Date of birth: October 16, 2008
Height: 5-foot-2
Weight: 98 pounds
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Dark Blonde

Law Enforcement Agency Case #25-014218
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2055501 

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Billy Henry, Founder & CEO – bhenry@nwaba.org

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes
805 Broadway Street, Ste 750 • Vancouver, Washington 98660
Local Phone: 1-360-448.7254 Toll Free: 1-800-880-9837
http://www.nwaba.org
media@nwaba.org

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes Celebrates 10 Years of Camp Spark

 
Landmark anniversary marks a decade of empowering blind and visually impaired youth across the Pacific Northwest

Vancouver, Washington—July 11, 2025—Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is thrilled to announce the return of our Camp Spark program to Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon for the 10^th Year. This summer camp session is dedicated to Oregon youth who are blind or visually impaired. Over the last decade, Camp Spark has seen remarkable growth, increasing from 18 campers in 2016 to 30+ campers this year.

The week-long camp is tailored to meet the unique needs of each camper, offering adapted sports and activities such as tandem biking, swimming, and goalball. Campers are paired with counselors to ensure they are actively learning and developing new skills. Camp Spark emphasizes social interaction and community, providing campers with opportunities to engage with their peers in exciting and innovative ways in a residential camp setting. This session of Camp Spark ends on Friday, July 18, 2025.

“Camp Spark ignites possibility,” said Billy Henry, NWABA Founder, President & CEO. “Over the past decade, we’ve watched campers discover independence, forge lifelong friendships, and return home ready to lead in their schools and communities. Reaching this 10-year milestone underscores how transformative Camp has been for the youth and families we serve.”

Camp Spark at a Glance

• Who: Oregon youth ages 8–15 with visual impairments
• When: July 13–18, 2025
• Where: Linfield University, McMinnville, OR
• Activities: Tandem biking, swimming, track & field, goalball, and more—each adapted for every camper’s ability
• Cost to Families: Free, thanks to generous donors and partners

Campers are paired one-to-one with trained counselors and receive individualized instruction in sports, orientation & mobility, and daily living skills. Beyond athletics, the program cultivates leadership, confidence, and advocacy—skills that extend far beyond the playing field.

Join the Celebration—Fuel the Next Decade

Camp Spark is funded through the generosity of individuals, foundations, state grants, and corporate partners. To keep camp free for families and expand its reach, NWABA seeks additional support:

Donate online: www.nwaba.org/donate

Mail a gift: Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, 805 Broadway Street, Ste. 750, Vancouver, WA 98660

To make a gift or for more information, contact Billy Henry at bhenry@nwaba.org or 360-448-7254.

About NWABA: 
The mission of Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. A group of students who were visually impaired formed the association in 2007 to ensure that people who are blind were participating in sports and physical activity. Today, NWABA is a rapidly expanding 501(c)(3) charitable organization that delivers more than 6,000 program and service interactions annually to children, youth, adults and military veterans with visual impairments tailored programming which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, promotes independence, creates an inclusive community of supporters, and builds the skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life including school and employment.

For information: http://www.nwaba.org  or

Contact: Billy Henry, Founder & CEO, henry@nwaba.org">bhenry@nwaba.org

Phone:  1-360-448-7254

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You're invited to join the Rowena Wildfire Debris Management Task Force for a media tour highlighting household hazardous waste removal of the debris cleanup effort. This is an opportunity to learn more about the coordinated recovery work underway, ask questions of subject matter experts, and gather photos and footage for public awareness.

Location: Mayer State Park, 5865 Rowena River Rd, Rowena, OR 97058
Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.

Who will be available for media interviews:

• Stephanie Krell, Public Information Officer, Debris Management Task Force

• Charles Kennedy, State On-Scene Coordinator, Debris Management Task Force

• Sheriff Lane Magill, Deputy Incident Commander, Debris Management Task Force

Closed-toe shoes are required and long pants are recommended. Please bring personal protective equipment, including high-vis vests, safety glasses and N95 masks, as their availability will be limited on-site.

? Registration is required to participate. Please register by 5 p.m., Monday, July 14, 2025.

For more information or special accommodation requests, please contact Stephanie Krell, Public Information Officer, pio@co.wasco.or.us or by phone (541) 993-8173

On July 11, 2025, Lincoln County Circuit Court Presiding Judge, Sheryl Bachart, sentenced Tucker Todd (47-year-old) to 100 months in the Department of Corrections for raping a 43-year-old woman who had fallen asleep at Don Davis Park the afternoon of July 3, 2024, while visiting Newport for the holiday weekend.

On June 27, 2025, after a three-day trial, a 12-person jury found Todd guilty of Rape in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, specifically finding that the victim was unable to consent due to her mental incapacitation and physical helplessness. At trial, evidence demonstrated that Todd, an unhoused individual based out of Corvallis, had taken a bus to Newport, and was camping at Don Davis Park when he found the victim unconscious on the grassy area. At sentencing, the victim stated “Any amount that could be added onto [his sentence] would be a great comfort, slowing his return to the streets. The fact that he showed no compunction in raping me in broad daylight in a public place speaks volumes. He just doesn't care. Maybe prison will change him, but I doubt it. I worry about the next time that he finds some other helpless female and what he might do to her.”  

Prior to being sentenced, Todd stated that he could not remember the events of the day in question due to alcohol intoxication and did not agree with the verdict but apologized to the victim for what happened to her. Judge Bachart sentenced Todd to a total of 100 months in the Department of Corrections pursuant to Oregon Ballot Measure 11, which requires mandatory minimum sentences for specific violent crimes including Rape in the First Degree. Todd will not be eligible for any reduction in sentence and will also be required to register as a sex offender upon release from custody. Todd has prior convictions out of Missouri for assault in the third degree, sexual misconduct in the third degree, and failure to register as a sex offender.

This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jenna Wallace.

Busy Morning for Portland Fire & Rescue

Fourth Alarm Apartment Fire with a modified single family home fire quickly to follow

Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched out to a multi occupancy fire at just before 6 AM earlier today. Reports from the dispatch center indicated heavy fire present with occupants of the apartment complex jumping from windows to safety. This fire was reported to be in the Hazelwood Neighborhood along Burnside near 104^th Avenue. Dispatch updates as crews were enroute include “I have a caller on the line saying fire at their door” with others saying, “people are jumping from the second story windows” and “I have a caller seeing and smelling smoke from below and hearing lots of shouting”.

Portland Fire & Rescue Station 7, located approximately 25 blocks away, arrived to have heavy fire showing on a three-story apartment complex located at the north end of a parking lot approximately 150’ back from the street with people out at the street obviously injured. PPB Officers were already on scene clearing members of the community out of the working area for PF&R members to successfully focus on the work of rescue and suppression. Additionally, early communication from PPB Officers to crew members on scene directed firefighters to possible locations of rescue.

Engine 7 pulled into the parking area located behind a smaller structure at the street and pulled in as close as possible given the heavy fire present and filled the parking lot. Members of the crew began working toward establishing a water supply with E19 having triple ported a fire hydrant and connecting 2 hoses to provide the required amount of water needed to begin to suppress and cool the flames. A Triple Port set up allows for an additional hose line to be attached to hydrant to provide more water if needed. In this case the additional hose was not needed but a heads up move on the part of the water supply team to be forward thinking and prepare for the incident to get worse before it gets better.

Truck 7 quickly threw ladders to elevated windows with fire pushing out below them to affect rescue of occupants on the third level while also investigating the entire building to report information to the arriving Battalion Chief. As the rescues were occurring, members of Engine 7 grabbed large bore nozzle hose lines and began to apply water of the front of the complex, putting water into as many openings as possible, cooling and exitinguishing flames to provide safety for those remaining in the structure.

After establishing a water supply the members of Engine 19 were assigned to medical branch and began addressing the injured residents out at the street. There were two patients in need of medical attention at this time but the possibility of many more injuries led to command ordering 2 independent strike teams of ambulances totaling 10 AMR ambulances on scene or enroute to this emergency. One of the victims had jumped from an elevated position, injuring with a possible break of the ankle, along with partial thickness burns to the upper leg. The second occupant to be addressed medically early in the incident was reported to have smaller contact singe burns on their arm.

Once the initial reduction of flames occurred and early rescues were performed, many hoses were stretched to the structure and crews went interior to address the fire within the building. This building has 3 levels and 12 occupancies with the front 6 having much fire activity throughout. Burned wooden stairs led to clever use of ladders to be laid over the top of the burned treads from one landing to the next to successfully ascend from the ground level to the 3^rd floor with hose lines.

As interior fire suppression activities happened, Truck 2 with new recruits supervised by their training specialists made rescue of 6 occupants trapped in elevated apartments. This real world “on the job training” opportunity will provide these newest members a great foundation of experience to build from throughout their careers.

As rescues and suppression efforts moved forward, dispatchers communicated to command there was a family trapped in their apartment located in an area unaffected by fire, but they were unable to safely exit to the street due to fire present in other areas of the building. Crews made contact, had them shelter in place briefly and then escorted them to the street, a safe distance from the structure. This speaks to the critical assistance on incidents like this from our public safety partners at the dispatch center along with the importance of sheltering in a safe place, if possible, behind closed doors but not hiding.

As crews were working toward suppression and rescue, the command officer elevated this incident to a 4^th alarm assignment to ensure there was a large enough body of firefighters on scene to address the emergency. This draws close to 80 members from PF&R along with Gresham Fire to the scene leaving a large hole within the city. The PF&R Liaison Officer made the decision to move engines and trucks from areas of the city unaffected by this fire to move up into areas on the east side to ensure that all other emergencies that may occur during the time of this active fire would have a responder close by. Crews from downtown were placed out east, crews from SW were moved closer in, and crews from the north end were also brought into different stations to provide proper coverage of the city allowing us to manage the risk as best possible. There was also a crew from Lake Oswego Fire that moved up into a station in deep SW Portland to provide coverage.

The cause of this fire is still under investigation with the PF&R-PPB Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) having detained an individual for questioning. Any updates on the process of the investigation will be sent out as they come in. If you have any information regarding this fire, please contact 503-823-FIRE (3473).

There were 2 individuals injured in this fire. Along with the 8 humans rescued, PF&R also rescued 1 cat and 4 dogs. There will be at a minimum of 15 individuals displaced because of this fire with a possibility of an additional 16 because of structural damage and safe access to apartments. Red Cross has arrived on scene as is taking a lead on assisting occupants with relocation.

PF&R would like to thank all our partners in this incident as each was instrumental in providing us the assistance needed to safely address this fire. PPB aiding early on in helping in rescue and providing us a safe working area, Gresham Fire for their mutual aid response to the scene and Lake Oswego Fire in moving up into Portland to provide coverage, AMR for their assistance in medical triage and making transport as well as having 10 ambulances moving to the scene if needed along with Red Cross aiding in the relocation of occupants. Lastly it is important to mention the assistance from TriMet as they stopped the MaxLine trains running directly in front of this location as there were hose lines laying across the tracks from a secondary fire hydrant used and crews in and around the tracks working.

As crews were returning to their station to clean up from this early morning fire, another residential fire was reported in NE Portland in the Cully Neighborhood. Crews from Station 28 arrived to find a modified single-family home that now was divided up into 4 different occupancies with residents out in front with dark brown smoke pushing out under pressure and flames seen on the back side of the home.

A water supply was established and crews went to work suppressing the flames and extinguishing this fire. Crews that were moved up from downtown responded to this fire and performed work illustrating the importance of the Liaison Officer moving crews around to provide appropriate coverage in our response area.

Crews searched the structure, located all occupants, confirmed no one remaining in the interior and extinguished the fire quickly. No injuries were reported of resident or responder.

This fire was contained to one of the units in the back with a possibility of a front unit experiencing some damage as crews were investigating the attic space above for possible fire spread. This fire is under investigation and the cause is unknown. There will be 2 occupants displaced with the addition of another if the damage to the interior deemed unsafe for occupancy.

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On July 10, 2025, Linn County Search and Rescue (SAR) teams located the body of David Winter in the Snow Peak Area after the third continuous day of searching. David was located at the bottom of a 300-foot cliff where SAR personnel were able to retrieve him using a rope system. No foul play is suspected.

Our thoughts are with Mr. Winter’s family during this difficult time. We deeply appreciate the public’s support and the tireless efforts of all the SAR teams, K-9 units, partner agencies, and volunteers who helped in the search.

The following agencies were integral in this operation:
Linn County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue
Lane County Search and Rescue
Albany Police Department
Benton County Sheriff’s Office – Mary’s Peak Search and Rescue
Benton County Sheriff’s Office – Corvallis Mountain Rescue
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue
Region 3 K9 Search Dogs
Oregon Army National Guard

CORVALLIS, Ore. – A new life jacket loaner station is now available for public use at Irish Bend Park, located northeast of Monroe in Benton County, Oregon, along the Willamette River. This safety initiative was made possible through a partnership between the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Natural Areas & Parks, and funding support from the Benton Community Foundation.

Life jacket loaner stations like this one are part of a broader effort to improve water safety across Oregon. Stations are located at various parks along the Willamette River and other public waterways through collaborations with the Oregon State Marine Board, Nautical Safety Foundation, local agencies, and nonprofit organizations. In Benton County, stations are located at Michael’s Landing, Crystal Lake Sports Park, and Hyak Park.

Life jackets are required by law for boaters on public waterways and save lives. The loaner program allows community members to borrow a life jacket free of charge and return it after use, helping ensure everyone stays safe while enjoying the water.

Community support keeps this program going. If you would like to contribute, donations of new or gently used life jackets—or monetary donations—are welcome. Checks can be made out to “The Sheriff’s Foundation” (please note “life jackets” in the memo line) and are tax-deductible. Donations can be mailed to, or dropped off at:

Benton County Sheriff’s Office
180 NW 5th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Together, we can keep our waterways safer for everyone.

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No- and low-cost energy efficiency resources can help customers save money

Portland, Ore. (July 11, 2025) — With warmer summer temperatures forecasted for this weekend and forecasts calling for above normal temperatures next week, customers may be looking to stay cool and keep energy costs low.

Ways to help keep your home cool

• Open windows during cooler nights and mornings and use a fan to draw in that cool air (remember to make sure open windows are safe for children and pets).
• When it gets to about 75 to 80 degrees out, close windows, doors and window coverings to keep cool air in. Use your fans to circulate air.
• Run appliances such as ovens, stovetops, dishwashers and clothes dryers at night or in the early morning.
• Close curtains on sun-facing windows or use awnings during the day and when running AC units.

Check your thermostat

• Set central air thermostats to 76 degrees, rather than 70 degrees.
• Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat to help you save season after season.

Weatherize your home

• Keep the heat out by making sure ducts are sealed or insulated. Use weather-stripping or caulking around doors, windows, pipes, and cracks.
• PGE offers free Weatherization Assistance (even for renters) for those whose income qualifies. If you’re a DIY-er, Community Energy Project has free workshops and other weatherization resources.

Sign-up for programs that help you save energy and money

• Peak Time Rebates reward customers for shifting energy use during peak times – when electricity demand and prices are highest.
• When you’re enrolled in the Smart Thermostat program, your thermostat automatically adjusts a few degrees to shift your electricity use away from peak times.
• Do less between 5-9 p.m. and save with Time of Day – our unique option that offers you lower energy prices for using less energy during high demand hours.

The PGE Customer Dashboard can help

• PGE customers can sign in to their online account or create one to access their account dashboard where they can take steps to maximize energy savings, gain insight into their bill, and get personalized recommendations for energy-shifting programs.
• Set up text or email notifications to get weekly estimated bill amounts

For more ways to use energy more efficiently and participate in energy-saving programs, visit our website.

About Portland General Electric Company

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is an integrated energy company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to nearly 950,000 customers serving an area of 1.9 million Oregonians. Since 1889, Portland General Electric (PGE) has been powering social progress, delivering safe, affordable, reliable and increasingly clean electricity while working to transform energy systems to meet evolving customer needs. PGE customers have set the standard for prioritizing clean energy with the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the country. PGE was ranked the No. 1 utility in the 2024 Forrester U.S. Customer Experience Index and is committed to reducing emissions from its retail power supply by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. In 2024, PGE employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $5.5 million and volunteered nearly 23,000 hours to more than 480 nonprofit organizations. For more information visit www.PortlandGeneral.com/news

The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on July 15, 2025.  

This meeting will be held virtually through Zoom.
https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/84264916825?pwd=Og3ZQs3Enav0ucSweOaprByeIOboYG.1
Passcode:127399

On Thursday, July 10, at approximately 7:19 p.m., deputies were dispatched to reports of a motor vehicle crash involving a bicyclist near the 2000 block of Delaney Road SE in Salem.

When deputies arrived, they located the involved vehicle, a white Hyundai Accent, and the bicyclist, who had sustained life-threatening injuries. The bicyclist, identified as 46-year-old Jeremy Wanak of Salem, was transported to Salem Hospital, where he later died as a result of his injuries.

The driver of the Hyundai was identified as 28-year-old Damon Johnson of Salem. Following the initial investigation, Johnson was arrested and lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:

• Manslaughter in the Second Degree
• Reckless Driving
• Reckless Endangering
• Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII)

Mr. Johnson is scheduled for arraignment today, July 11, at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Court Annex.

The roadway was closed for nearly six hours while the Marion County CRASH Team conducted a thorough investigation.

Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Jeremy Wanak during this incredibly difficult time.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Marion County CRASH Team, Keizer Police Department, METCOM, WVCC, Marion County Public Works, and Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplaincy Services for their assistance and support during this incident.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted its advisory at Vancouver Lake. Water samples collected from the lake show water quality has improved over the last two weeks and toxin levels are no longer elevated.

The warning signs posted at the lake are being removed. While the toxin levels are no longer elevated, harmful algae are still present in the lake. As long as algae are present, toxin levels could increase as conditions at the lake change.

Public Health encourages people swimming and recreating in Vancouver Lake to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. Pets should not drink or have contact with water in areas of floating scum.

The warning advisory at Lacamas Lake remains in placed due to elevated toxin levels from harmful algae. The Lacamas Lake warning advisory has been in place since June 4.

Public Health will continue to monitor the lakes and, while blooms are present, take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Advisories will be updated as conditions change. Additional information about harmful algal blooms and current advisories are available on the Public Health website.

On July 1, 2025, Albany Police responded to a report of a missing person.  Albany resident, David Winter, age 63, was reported to have left his residence in his vehicle without explanation and had not returned.

On the evening of July 7, 2025, Linn County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle located on Bureau of Land Management land near Snow Peak. The reporting party stated that he had found a vehicle on a secluded logging road and believed it might be associated with a missing person case reported to the Albany Police Department.

Deputies responded and confirmed the vehicle belongs to David Winter.  Winter was not with the vehicle when the deputies arrived, and his current whereabouts are unknown.  The vehicle has since been returned to the family.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team was activated and has been tirelessly conducting a search operation around the vehicle for the last two days.  This is a heavily wooded area, making search efforts difficult.  The Linn County SAR team has been assisted by SAR teams from the Lane and Benton County Sheriff’s Offices, Region 3 K9 search units, and the U.S. Army National Guard, which is assisting with aerial searches via helicopter. Unfortunately, Mr. Winter was not located.

Anyone with information about David’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Albany Police Department at 541-917-7680 and reference case number 25-03775.

Albany Police would like to thank the Linn County Sherrif’s Office, the devoted SAR teams, K-9 units and the U.S. Army National Guard for their help in this investigation.

                                                                                                                                        #  #  #

Prineville, Ore. – Effective July 11, 2025 at 12:01am, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be 3 in MH-1 and IFPL 2 in MH-4, which applies to operations east of Hwy 35 within the Oregon Department of Forestry’s – The Dalles fire protection. Due to a rise in temperatures, and windy conditions, the fine fuels in the district are significantly dry and susceptible to ignition.

Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks throughout the fire season. For more information on IFPL restrictions and public use restrictions, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents to not become complacent in wildfire prevention. The fewer human-caused fires we have, the less the district’s resources are strained. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org  

For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/.

PORTLAND MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS PRISON FOR KILLING ONE PERSON AND TRYING TO KILL TWO OTHERS

Case # 23CR11504

Portland, OR- Multnomah County District Circuit Court Judge Andrew Lavin sentenced Brandon Nicholas Gilpin to 25 years in prison on Jul 9, 2025.

Gilpin pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree with a Firearm and two counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm.

The Multnomah County District Attorneys Office would like to thank Portland Police Bureau, especially Detective Billy Winters, for their work investigating this case.

The DA’s Office would also like to thank Nang Dunn for her caring and compassionate work to help the victims through this case.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Devin Franklin prosecuted the case for the state.

After the sentencing she said, “This case involved shocking amounts of violence and criminal behavior over a short time. The defendant caused a tidal wave of fear and grief that I am certain is still being felt to this day. He killed one person and tried to kill two more. I hope this sentence allows the people affected by these crimes to continue to try and heal.”

THE FACTS:

Around 1pm on February 11, 2023 offices were dispatched to the intersection of NE First Avenue and NE Hancock Street in Portland on reports of a shooting. When they arrived they found Torn Saephan dead in the roadway. Investigators learned that Mr. Saephan was houseless. He had been hanging around the area earlier that day and at one point, he interacted with two women who lived in a tent nearby. The women did not know Mr. Saephan so they asked him to leave. Mr. Saephan then went and sat on a retaining wall across the street. A male and a female soon arrived in a Cadillac with no plates and, shortly thereafter, the male brandished a firearm, confronted Mr. Saephan, and threatened to shoot him if he didn't leave the area entirely. Mr. Saephan stood up when the male came within a few feet of him. The male then fired a single shot, hitting Mr. Saephan. The two women who had interacted with Mr. Saephan witnessed the shooting. The male immediately left the scene with the female he had arrived with. Investigators later identified the male as Brandon Gilpin. Two nights later, Mr. Gilpin returned to the scene of the shooting where the two witnesses were still living. He pointed a firearm at them and demanded to know what they had told police about the incident. He was also holding an airhorn and, based on his statements to the witnesses, Mr. Gilpin was preparing to shoot them while simultaneously activating the airhorn to drown out the sound of the shots. Miraculously, the airhorn broke when Mr. Gilpin attempted to activate it. The pause allowed witnesses time to flee the area unharmed.

                                       #MCDA#

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

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

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve June 25, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Cody Ching, DPSST No. 66366; Gresham Police Department

    Presented by Cindy Park

4. Manuel Montoya, DPSST No. 66246; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility

    Presented by Cindy Park

5. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only

    Presented by Cindy Park

6. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – August 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

PF&R extinguish 3 intentionally set fires – suspect in custody

At 11:16 AM Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a possible vegetation fire on the border of the Overlook and Arbor Lodge Neighborhoods along the bluff area that overlooks Swan Island and the Willamette River. This bluff area is filled with natural vegetation of tall dry grasses and large well-established trees.

Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 24 arrived at multiple grass and vegetation fires and was able to observe a suspect coming from the immediate area of one of the fires. As they watched the suspect flee and contacted PPB officers to search for the fire setter. The engine officer requested for PPB to respond to the scene in hopes of apprehending the suspect and provided the dispatch center with a good description of the suspect.

Engine 24 was quick in cooling and extinguishing the flames present in each unique location and prevented what could have been a large fire that ran the entire distance of the bluff as this area is currently filled with much fuel composed of these tall dry grasses and other vegetation. Along with the available fuels, the warmer weather and breezy conditions compound the fire dangers. The quick actions were certain to have prevented what would have been a larger fire that would have required many more resources.

PPB Officers responded to the area in question and using the description provided by the fire crews, was able to detain the suspect. The PF&R Fire Investigation Unit responded and took over the investigation.  The suspect, 41-year-old Joel Eipwon, was arrested on three counts of Arson in the First Degree. 

This bluff area has been designated protected property with a high fire danger and injury potential due to the well-known unhoused population, the permanent homes that sit at the top of the ridge, and the high use recreational trails throughout. This property designation allows the FIU to assign a charge of Arson 1 in each of these fires. The image attached clearly shows the area with all three fire locations noted. You can see the industrual complex of Swan Island downslope, the many high use recreational trails, the varied vegetation (from a time when the area was still "green"), and the residential neighborhood at the top of the slope. Had PF&R crews been unable to stop this fire quickly, the impact of the area could have been quite significant.

Any witnesses to these fires please contact Det. Meredith Hopper edith.hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov">Meredith.hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to remind those in the community that in the conditions we are currently experiencing, with warmer weather, winds, and abundant dry fuels, any use of open flame can lead to a catastrophic emergency. Although these fires may not fall under the same guidelines used when establishing the burn ban, it is a good reminder that any open flame use can lead to an undesired outcome. Please be cautious when discarding any smoking materials, properly cool and dispose of BBQ briquettes, and ensure that all travel trailer safety chains clear the roadway. One small spark or undesired hot spot can lead to a large preventable incident.

###

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it's vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There's an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials' and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners.

Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Salem, OR – The State Library Board will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, 47106 Wildhorse Blvd, Pendleton, Oregon and online.  This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Susan Westin at susan.westin@slo.oregon.gov. See the agenda below.

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

STATE LIBRARY BOARD MEETING

July 25, 2025

Tamástslikt Cultural Institute

Pendleton, OR

Anne-Marie Deitering, Chair

Agenda

9:00 a.m.         Approval of the Minutes – April 23 Meeting                                      Deitering

9:05                 Public Comment                                                                            

9:10                 Reports of the Board Chair and Members                                         Deitering

9:45                 Report of the State Librarian                                                              Cornelisen

10:00               Budget Report                                                                                     Cornelisen

10:15               Quarterly Strategic Plan Report                                                          Cornelisen

10:20               Quarterly Statistics                                                                             Cornelisen

10:30               Break                                                                                                  

10:45               LSTA FY25 Budget                                                                               Nielsen

11:05               Minimum Conditions                                                                          Nielsen

11:25               Customer Service Reports                                                                  Nielsen, M. Robinson,

& Bruton        

11:55               Q&A                                                                                                    Deitering

Noon                Adjournment                                                                                       Deitering

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

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

ROSEBURG, Ore., July 10, 2025 — Umpqua Community College (UCC) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), members of the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE), have announced a new collaboration, establishing a direct-entry pathway to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The initiative focuses on preparing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) to help address urgent health care clinician shortages in rural Oregon.

Through this streamlined, more cost-effective pathway, students can begin their education at UCC and seamlessly transition to doctoral-level studies through OHSU. Coursework is completed online while clinical learning takes place locally, creating a pathway for licensed, independent practitioners educated to serve within Douglas County.

“This collaboration builds on the OCNE model, removes common barriers like relocation and the associated costs, allowing students to stay local while earning advanced nursing degrees,” said Danielle Haskett, chief academic officer for UCC. “By training future providers who are already rooted in the region, we’re strengthening health care delivery and building a more sustainable workforce for our region.”

Clinician shortages, geographic location and an aging population impact access to care, especially rural communities, and this new pathway aims to help address this challenge. Nurse practitioners, with their nursing and advanced clinical training, are licensed to provide essential primary care services for general medicine and psychiatric care, including diagnosis, treatment, preventive and continuous care treatment plans.

The program expands UCC’s portfolio of health care education options and creates a pathway for students to receive hands-on training on UCC’s campus using the latest advanced training technologies. Students will complete the online baccalaureate in nursing and then be admitted to the PMHNP Distance Program, which is primarily online, with the flexibility to attend a few in-person lab components at an OHSU campus.

“We are excited to collaborate with UCC on this forward-thinking initiative,” said OHSU Executive Vice President and Provost Marie Chisholm-Burns, Pharm.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., FCCP, FASHP, FAST, FNAP, FACHE. “This collaboration reflects OHSU’s commitment to increasing access to high-quality, advanced nursing education across Oregon. By reaching students where they live and enabling them to complete meaningful clinical experiences in their home communities, we are helping grow a local, resilient health care workforce prepared to meet the diverse needs of rural populations.”

About Oregon Health & Science University
Oregon Health & Science University is Oregon's academic health center and is nationally distinguished as a research university dedicated solely to advancing health sciences. This singular purpose allows us to focus on discoveries that prevent and cure disease, on education that prepares physicians, dentists, nurses and other health professionals for the evolving health care environment, and on patient care that incorporates the latest advances. We are one of Oregon’s largest employers, operating top-ranked adult and children’s hospitals, and secure competitive research funding of more than $584 million. As a public organization, we also provide services for the most vulnerable Oregonians and outreach to improve health in communities across the state.

About Umpqua Community College
Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities. For more information, please visit us online at www.umpqua.edu
 

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018 

MEDIA ADVISORY

Celebrating 25 years of inclusive fishing at Merwin Day of Fishing for Kids With Disabilities

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

•Traffic Stops

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

•Restoring the Peace

•Premise Checks

•Welfare Checks

•Flagged Down by Citizen

Lincoln County, OR — The Lincoln County Fire Defense Board has mobilized a specialized wildfire Task Force to assist in battling the Elk Fire, currently burning in Klamath County. The deployment was made at the request of the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) as part of the state’s coordinated wildfire response under the Emergency Conflagration Act.

The Task Force 26 departed Lincoln County late Wednesday afternoon, July 9, expected to arrive at staging by 9:00 PM tonight and, includes personnel and equipment from the following agencies:

• Depoe Bay Fire District

• North Lincoln Fire & Rescue

• Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue

• East Lincoln County Fire & Rescue • Siletz Valley Fire District

• Clackamas County Fire District

The Elk Fire, sparked by dry lightning earlier this week, has burned thousands of acres in southern Oregon, prompting multiple evacuation notices and drawing a significant response from state and local fire agencies. Firefighters are working around the clock to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.

The Task Force includes a strike team of engines, command personnel, and support staff, with an initial deployment period of up to 14 days, subject to fire conditions and resource needs.

This mobilization is part of Oregon’s Mutual Aid System, which ensures timely support between counties and regions during large-scale incidents.

[Rowena, Ore.] – As residents return to areas impacted by the Rowena Fire, safety remains a top priority. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Wasco County strongly recommend property owners not perform cleanup themselves, because of the serious toxic hazard threats posed by burned homes and outbuildings. 
 

Doing your own cleanup without proper protection puts your health at risk. Burned materials are hazardous and require more than gloves and a mask to protect your health. Buildings constructed before 2004 are likely to contain asbestos, which is carcinogenic.

If residents do decide to do their own clean-up rather than hiring a qualified contractor, they should wear appropriate personal protective equipment. 

Before entering your property:

• Wear sturdy shoes, eye goggles, heavy-duty work gloves and an N95 mask when inspecting damage.
• Watch for hazards such as unstable structures, ash pits, smoldering debris and electrical hazards including downed power lines.
• Take photos of damage for insurance and recovery documentation.

Avoid bringing ash from outside to the inside:

• Don’t let children play on or near any ash. Wash off toys before children play with them.
• Wash fruits and vegetables from your garden thoroughly before you eat them. Read the OHA Healthy Gardening fact sheet for more tips.
• Remove shoes before you enter your home or use “sticky mats” in entries and doorways to remove dust and ash from your shoes.
• Keep pets out of areas where there is any ash. Bathe them when exposed to ash.
• Wash off any ash right away if it gets on your body or clothing.

Keep indoor spaces clean from ash. Minimize other pollutants:

• Protect your home from outside air, this includes proper seals for windows and doors. Home weatherization assistance may be available for people with low income.
• Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or non-ozone producing electrostatic precipitator (ESP) filter in your central air system to filter air throughout your home. There are also DYI air filter tutorials.
• Make sure any air purifier you buy has an airflow rate of at least two to three times the size of the room.
• EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home
• California Air Resources Board-certified air filtration devices

See Oregon Health Authority’s Long-Term Wildfire Recovery Healthy Home Advice Fact Sheet for more detailed information.

Smoke may linger even after flames are out. To protect yourself and your family:

• Limit time outdoors and keep windows and doors closed.
• Use air purifiers indoors if available.
• If you have heart or lung conditions, consult your doctor about potential impacts and monitor symptoms closely.
• Visit Oregon Smoke Blog for local air quality conditions and tips.

Additional Cleanup Resources:

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is providing technical assistance and coordinating with subject matter experts to support safe debris management. Guidance on proper cleanup procedures and disposal of fire debris can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/deq
 

Local recovery and safety resources are also available through Wasco County Emergency Management Long-term Recovery page.
 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Wasco County Citizen Alert for the latest updates on recovery, road access, and support services.
 

For more information on state-led wildfire recovery and preparedness efforts, visit:
 wildfire.oregon.gov

Salem, OR – 07/10/2025 – Families enrolling children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Oregon can now choose between the Standard English Book Collection and the new Bilingual English/Spanish Book Collection. They can also select their preferred language for communication during the enrollment process.

In June, families already enrolled in the Imagination Library received an email announcing the new Bilingual English/Spanish book collection option, along with instructions on how to make the switch. Books from the new collection are expected to begin arriving in mailboxes in August.

“Regardless of the language a child knows, the joy of reading should be available for every young learner,” Governor Kotek said. “The expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library with a bilingual book collection throws the door open to that opportunity much wider. This will help improve our literacy outcomes and make sure every Oregon student, regardless of where they live or where they come from, has the opportunity to develop a love of reading before they ever step into a classroom."

The introduction of the Bilingual Collection has been eagerly anticipated since the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library launched in May of 2024. Thanks to funding from the State of Oregon, through the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), and 57 community organizations around the state, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is free for all families with children from birth to age five and available in all counties in Oregon.

“Literacy is not confined to a single language—it is nurtured through the languages children speak at home, the stories they hear, and the books they read with their families,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, DELC Director. “By offering culturally responsive and bilingual books, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program honors the richness of every child’s linguistic and cultural identity. The addition of a Spanish language book option means more families will have access to stories in the language that connects generations. I’m thrilled knowing that for those who choose this option, bilingual books will soon arrive in their mailbox—opening doors to literacy, learning, and a lifelong love of reading.”

Introducing books to children at an early age not only sets the stage to foster a love of reading, it also prepares them to be successful in school and life. The new bilingual collection will enable the Imagination Library to connect with more children and families across the state, significantly broadening the positive literacy impacts for young Oregonians by helping more children build personal libraries than ever before.

“Every child should grow up with stories that reflect their language, culture, and identity. Multilingual kids have a superpower that we should nurture and celebrate,” emphasized Representative Ben Bowman, Chief Sponsor of the legislation that made the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library in Oregon a reality. “This new bilingual collection shows our state’s commitment to making sure every child has the tools to learn, grow, and thrive.”

The Bilingual Collection was first piloted in California in 2023 and rolled-out to five more states in 2024. Oregon is excited to be among the 16 states added in 2025. States that now have access to the Bilingual Collection include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia. For a full list of the 2025 bilingual book collection visit imaginationlibrary.com/usa/book-list.

The Imagination Library of Oregon is free to families. Children can be registered as early as birth to receive new, high-quality, age-appropriate books addressed to them in the mail each month until their fifth birthday. To learn more or to enroll your child, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/oregon. For the latest Oregon specific content, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 280 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community and State Partners. The Imagination Library mails more than 3 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five - at no cost to families. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More, Be More.

The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.

As temperatures rise and the risk of heat illness in the workplace increases, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) reminds employers to follow requirements designed to help protect workers from the hazards of extreme heat. The division offers free resources to help employers comply with requirements.
 

Under Oregon’s heat illness prevention rule, employers must implement protective measures, including  adequate water, rest, shade, acclimatization (gradual adaptation to working in the heat), communication and training, and emergency plans. The rule applies to workplaces whenever an employee is working and the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. More provisions apply when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
 

“Employers need to take the dangers of high heat seriously by planning ahead, engaging their employees about the hazards, and following the heat rule’s provisions,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA.
 

The heat illness prevention requirements apply across industries and where employers provide housing as a condition of employment. Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace and the right to raise concerns free of retaliation. Under the law, employers must maintain safe and healthy working conditions.
 

Oregon OSHA urges employers to refresh their knowledge of the requirements:

• Key requirements for general workplaces – English/Spanish 
• Key requirements for employer-provided housing – English/Spanish

All heat illness prevention resources are available on Oregon OSHA's A-to-Z topic index page. They include a video training in English and Spanish that satisfies certain training elements of the heat rule.
 

Oregon OSHA also offers:
 

Consultation services – provides free and confidential help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training. The services involve no fault, no citations, and no penalties.

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Field offices
• Online
• Email: consult.web@dcbs.oregon.gov

Technical staff – helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Online
• Email: tech.web@dcbs.oregon.gov

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA as a division, maintains the Multicultural Communications Program that provides outreach to communities with limited English proficiency. That outreach encompasses information about on-the-job safety and health.
 

The Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers provides help with understanding workplace safety and health rights, and workers’ compensation rights.

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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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BODO HEILIGER ELECTED TO NWAIS BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Election Highlights International School of Portland’s Leadership in Academics,
Community Engagement, and Global Citizenship

International School of Portland

Portland, OR July 9, 2025: The International School of Portland (ISP) is proud to announce that Head of School Bodo Heiliger has been elected to the Board of Governors for the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS).

NWAIS is a network of more than 100 independent schools across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. As a member of the Board of Governors, Mr. Heiliger will help support the future of independent education in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, and Utah.

During the election, NWAIS leaders praised the school’s unique academic program, including its full language immersion and International Baccalaureate (IB) approach. They also highlighted ISP’s deep connection to the Portland community and its focus on helping students grow as global citizens.

“The NWAIS board emphasizes geographic representation, and Bodo’s emergence as a leader and unifier among Portland and Oregon heads made him a natural choice. We also value his positive, often innovative outlook,” said Mark Crotty, NWAIS Executive Director.

Mr. Heiliger has been Head of School at ISP since 2019 and has over 20 years of experience in international education. He has been an active workshop leader for the International Baccalaureate Organization for over 14 years. His leadership in language and cultural immersion, inquiry-based learning, and international-mindedness will be a valuable addition to the NWAIS board.  “I’m honored to join this group of educators who care so much about students, teachers, and school communities,” said Mr. Heiliger. “This is a chance to learn from other schools while also sharing the work we’re doing here at International School of Portland.”

The NWAIS Board of Governors works to support school leaders, strengthen academic programs, and encourage collaboration between schools. Mr. Heiliger’s election helps ensure that a variety of voices - including those from language immersion and globally-focused schools - are part of those conversations.

About the International School of Portland

Since 1990, the International School of Portland has offered full language and cultural immersion in a warm, loving environment that encourages curiosity and kindness. One of only

two schools in the United States to provide three full language immersion programs under one roof, the International School of Portland is also home to the longest-running Chinese

immersion program in the Pacific Northwest. It is also the only program in the country to offer full Japanese language immersion. It was the first school in the Pacific Northwest to adopt the

renowned International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

The International School of Portland’s world-renowned professional faculty and staff - hailing from more than 17 countries - lovingly engage the school’s nearly 400 students in academics, PE and the arts. With its multilingual and cultural environment, the International School of Portland’s campus is a global microcosm, helping shape children who are open-minded, confident, empathetic and inclusive - traits that encourage them to take responsible action within and beyond our school community. intlschool.org

About the Northwest Association of Independent Schools 

The Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) is a nonprofit membership organization that serves over 110 independent schools across Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. As a leading accrediting agency, NWAIS supports schools through a rigorous process that promotes continuous improvement, ethical governance, and educational excellence. In addition to accreditation, NWAIS offers robust professional development, leadership support, and consulting services to empower educators and strengthen school communities.

A member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and accredited by the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA), NWAIS is recognized nationally for its commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging. The association champions mission-driven education, inspiring schools to nurture academically prepared, socially responsible, and globally engaged students. Through its collaborative network and comprehensive resources, NWAIS plays a vital role in advancing the impact and innovation of independent schools across the Northwest. www.nwais.org.

Beloved Educator. Trailblazing Leader. Champion for Students and Public Education.

Kelso, WA – With deep sorrow and profound respect, the Kelso community and the broader Washington education family mourn the loss of Dr. Gay V. Selby, a legendary educator, barrier-breaking leader, and relentless advocate for students and public education. Dr. Selby passed away peacefully from cardiac arrest on July 7, 2025, at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview. She was 83.

Across a remarkable 50-year career, Dr. Selby transformed the landscape of education in Washington state, dedicating her life to learning, leadership, and service. She served as superintendent of Kelso School District from 1984 to 1994—becoming the first woman to lead a first-class school district in Washington—and was named the state’s Superintendent of the Year in 1992. Her legacy in Kelso is enduring, rooted in high expectations, student-first values, and community connection.

Dr. Selby’s groundbreaking path began as the first female athletic director during her tenure at Kamiakin High School in Kennewick. She went on to become the first female principal at Pullman High School, and later served as Assistant Superintendent in Spokane Public Schools, where she led instruction and guided the rebuilding of 38 schools.

After her retirement from K-12 leadership, she embarked on a second career at Washington State University Vancouver, where she served for 25 years as a professor of educational leadership. There, she built a premier principal certification program and mentored over 300 future leaders—many of whom now serve in school districts across the state. She also taught in the statewide superintendent certification program, shaping Washington’s next generation of district leaders.

A proud and lifelong Cougar, Dr. Selby played an instrumental role in establishing WSU Vancouver—serving on the campus site selection committee, helping hire its second chancellor, and chairing the WSU Vancouver Advisory Council. In recognition of her extraordinary service and leadership, WSU named a portion of the Dengerink Administration Building the “Selby Tower” in 2024—a rare and lasting tribute. She was also honored with the WSU Foundation’s Faculty/Staff Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.

Dr. Selby was a tenacious public servant. Appointed by three governors, she served on the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board. Locally, she held leadership roles on the PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Board for over a decade and as President of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, where she earned lifetime membership. She was named Kelso’s Citizen of the Year in 1992 and received numerous statewide honors, including the Barbara Mertens Legacy Award, the WIAA Pioneer Award, and the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Service Award.

Her love for Washington State University and Cougar athletics was unwavering—holding football season tickets since 1976 and requiring her students to learn the Cougar fight song as a rite of passage.

Dr. Selby’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Washington State University Vancouver, in the Dengerink Administration Building—beneath the Selby Tower. A reception will follow, and all are welcome to attend.

Gay V. Selby
December 19, 1941 – July 7, 2025

May her legacy forever echo through the lives she touched, the leaders she formed, and the institutions she strengthened.

We are forever grateful.

SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is creating a rulemaking advisory committee to discuss possible changes to sound and equipment standards to All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use on public lands in Oregon.

House Bill 2232 was signed on March 19, 2025 and became effective upon passage. The bill transfers rulemaking responsibility for ATV safety equipment and noise emissions from Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

State parks has temporarily adopted ODOT and DEQ’s rules for 180 days under ORS 183.335(5)(a). OPRD is in the process of reviewing the previous rules and developing permanent rules.

The current rules on noise emissions vary by type of vehicle. Requests have been made for a reduced sound limit in Oregon.

Many states use 96 dBA (decibels measured using the A-weighting scale) tested at 20 inches from the exhaust at a 45-degree angle at half RPM (revolutions per minute).

The proposed changes would update definitions for ATVs and look at other safety equipment standards. The committee will meet online 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2025 to review and discuss the proposed rule changes. The meetings are open to the public and can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams

The meeting agenda will include discussions to review sound levels and flag requirements to be consistent with other states. Committee members, appointed by OPRD, include individuals from around the state who are members of the off-road community, law enforcement, land managers and impacted neighbors.

After the committee reviews the proposed changes and staff make updates based on feedback and recommendations, the proposed rule will be open for public comment in August 2025. More information about this rulemaking is available on the OPRD website:  https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Ian Caldwell, at least three days in advance of a meeting at ian.caldwell@oprd.oregon.gov

The deceased driver has been identified as Alvaro Martinez Cal, 18, of Hillsboro. His family has been notified of his death and asks for privacy at this time.

The medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death, but speed is believed to be a factor.

If anyone has information regarding this traffic crash and has not yet spoken to investigators, please contact the Sheriff’s Office through non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 and reference case number 50-25-9510.

The roadway is back open. 

One Deceased in Single Vehicle Traffic Crash on Farmington Road

On Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 2:37 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a traffic crash near the 23000 block of SW Farmington Road.

Deputies discovered that a single vehicle had left the roadway, hitting a tree, and the sole occupant was found to be deceased.

The Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) is responding to investigate, and the medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

The identity of the driver is not being released at this time.

The roadway will be closed between SW Jacktown Road and SW Clark Hill Road during the investigation. Please use an alternate route. 

Hood River, OR — [July 2025]

The Eye Openers Lions Club is thrilled to announce they will be serving both breakfast and lunch at the highly anticipated WAAAM Traffic Jam, hosted by the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) on Saturday, September 6, 2025 in Hood River, Oregon.

This beloved annual event brings together vintage car enthusiasts, aviation lovers, families, and the entire community for a full day of fun surrounded by classic vehicles and antique aircraft. Guests can admire an amazing array of restored cars, take museum tours, enjoy rides in antique planes, and soak up live music, raffles, and much more. For full event details, visit: https://waaamuseum.org/events/traffic-jam.

Hearty Meals for a Great Cause

The Eye Openers Lions Club is proud to serve hearty, satisfying meals to keep visitors energized throughout the day, while supporting local charitable work focused on sight and hearing programs.

Breakfast (Served in the Morning):

• Pancakes

• Sausage

• Scrambled Eggs

• Choice of Drink (coffee, juice, or water)

Start your day right with a warm, filling breakfast as you check in, set up your show car, or prepare to stroll among the rows of classic beauties.

Lunch (Available Midday):

• Hamburgers or Hot Dogs

  • Served with all the trimmings (lettuce, tomato, onions, condiments, etc.)

• Chips

• Drink

Perfect for families, car clubs, and visitors spending the whole day at the show, our lunch menu offers classic summer flavors with generous portions and friendly service.

Supporting Community Service

Proceeds from meals will help the Eye Openers Lions Club continue its mission of supporting sight and hearing programs in our community. Every pancake flipped and burger grilled helps fund vital screenings, treatments, and accessibility initiatives for Oregonians in need.

About WAAAM Traffic Jam

The WAAAM Traffic Jam is the Pacific Northwest’s premier antique auto and airplane show, held annually at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon. Featuring dozens of vintage cars and historic aircraft, it offers enthusiasts and families a unique, hands-on look at transportation history. Admission includes access to WAAAM’s extensive museum collection.

• Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025

• Location: WAAAM, 1600 Air Museum Road, Hood River, OR

• Learn More: waaamuseum.org/events/traffic-jam

Join us for good food, good fun, and a great cause at this year’s Traffic Jam! Follow @olshf on Facebook and Instagram for updates! 

Note to media: The victim’s adult daughter is willing to do an interview about this case. Contact Stephen Mayer to make arrangements.

HILLSBORO, Ore- The Washington County District Attorney’s Office has applied for and been awarded $14,000 from the Oregon Cold Case Investigators Association (OCCIA) to reexamine a 1994 cold case homicide. This funding will be used to conduct forensic testing as this office seeks to deliver justice for the victim and her loved ones.

On February 16, 1994, 85-year-old Veta Hardebeck was found deceased outside her home on a rural farm in Gaston, Oregon. Ms. Hardebeck lived alone and was initially believed to have died from a medical condition or accident. However, an autopsy later revealed she was the victim of a homicide. Despite extensive work on this case, it remains unsolved.

This inaugural OCCIA/Brother’s Car Collection Cold Case Grant is administered by OCCIA in partnership with the Brother’s Car Collection. The goal of this funding is to support local cold case investigative efforts on cases where funding has been a barrier to additional investigation.  This funding will allow investigators to submit multiple items to a private lab for advanced DNA testing and analysis.

“Providing justice on unsolved murders is a priority,” said Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton. “No matter how much time has passed, we want victims and perpetrators to know that we will continue to work to solve these cases. We are very grateful for the support from the Brother’s Car Collection and OCCIA to help make this happen.”

In 2020, this office secured federal funding to launch the Cold Case Unit, which has been working to investigate and prosecute violent crime cold cases that involve identified DNA associated with a possible suspect. This team determined 14 homicides were eligible for review, including the 1988 unsolved murder of Deborah Atrops. After fresh investigative work, the victim’s estranged husband, Robert Atrops, was indicted for and convicted of her murder. Senior Deputy District Attorney Allison Brown led this prosecution and also manages the Cold Case Unit. SDDA Brown says this funding will give investigators the resources they need to apply today’s technology to a 31-year-old case.

“We are grateful to the Brother’s Car Collection and OCCIA for this award. Forensic testing capabilities have dramatically changed in the last 30 years, and we are hopeful this funding will provide new leads into Veta’s murder.” 

Those with information about this, or any other cold case in Washington County, should contact law enforcement. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can submit a confidential tip.

Fourth-grade students in Washougal took their science and math lessons beyond the classroom walls through an innovative birdhouse building project. This initiative not only teaches students about local bird species and their habitats but also provides a unique opportunity for cross-grade collaboration within the Washougal School District.

The project kicked off with science lessons focused on local birds. Students learned to identify different species found in Washougal and honed their observation skills during "bird watch walks" around their school campuses. They meticulously recorded their findings in journals, sketching birds and noting distinct features for later identification. Research into the nesting habits of local birds, including American Robins, Pacific Wrens, and Rufous Hummingbirds, helped students understand the specific housing needs of various species and where birdhouses would be most effective.

Simultaneously, math lessons provided the foundational skills for the building phase. Students delved into measurements of length, calculating area and perimeter, and explored how different birdhouse structures cater to diverse bird species. This integrated approach ensured students understood the practical application of their mathematical knowledge.

Columbia River Gorge Elementary School Teacher Samantha Howard wrote the lesson plans used to guide the project, providing both background information about birds and the connections learning standards for math and science lessons.  

Howard said, “Students are eager to connect their learning to real-life experiences with birds. They frequently notice birds on the way to school or during recess and are excited to share what they’ve seen. Their enthusiasm sparks a level of curiosity and questioning that goes beyond what the science and math standards alone can cover.”

Thanks to a generous grant from the Washougal Schools Foundation, this classroom learning seamlessly transitioned into a hands-on building project. Utilizing pre-cut materials, students constructed birdhouses designed to support nesting birds in the community. The project fostered district-wide collaboration: Washougal High School Woods Technology classes created the birdhouse kits, while middle school students from Canyon Creek and Jemtegaard Middle Schools provided direct support to Cape Horn-Skye and Columbia River Gorge Elementary students, mentoring the younger students through the construction process.

Superintendent Aaron Hansen, who wrote the grant for this project, said, “We are incredibly grateful to the Washougal Schools Foundation for their generous grant, which was instrumental in bringing this fantastic birdhouse project to life. It's truly inspiring to see our students not only apply their science and math skills in a tangible way, but also to have meaningful collaboration with older students and community volunteers. This project is a wonderful example of how students can apply classroom learning to real-world projects that support our Washougal community.”

With the grant covering materials and tools, every fourth grader was able to take home the birdhouse they created. The learning continues as students will use their birdhouses to monitor and journal about the birds that nest in their new creations, further extending their scientific observations into the community.

Hansen added, “The success of the birdhouse project was made even more meaningful thanks to the incredible support of volunteers from across our community. Current staff members, Camas-Washougal Rotarians, and Read Northwest volunteers all played a key role in guiding and encouraging students as they built their birdhouses. Their presence not only provided valuable assistance, but also modeled the spirit of service and collaboration that is evident in the Washougal community. We are grateful for their time, energy, and commitment to supporting student learning in such a tangible and lasting way.”

This collaborative project exemplifies the Washougal School District's commitment to providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect academic concepts to real-world applications.

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has signed a formal agreement with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians that will provide a framework for collaboration and increased resources dedicated to supporting the Tribe’s veterans in accessing their earned federal and state veterans’ benefits.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed Friday, June 27, by ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels and Tribal Council Chairman Delores Pigsley, with Tribal government leaders and representatives, Tribal veterans and ODVA staff gathered to commemorate the historic partnership. The formal signing was hosted at ODVA’s headquarters in Salem.

The agreement will pave the way for the establishment of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians’ first Tribal Veterans Service Officer (TVSO), which will be jointly funded by ODVA and the Tribe to serve Siletz veterans and their families.

“Oregon’s Tribal veterans have long served with honor and distinction, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the care and recognition they have earned,” said Dr. Daniels. “By partnering with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, we are committing to a future where Siletz veterans are served in a way that honors their stories, their service, and their sovereign identity. We’re proud to walk alongside the Tribe in building something that will truly make a difference in the lives of their veterans and families.”

“I am excited for the future of our honored Tribal veterans and the opportunity this brings to them,” said Chairman Pigsley. “Not only to support them but to help advocate for them. This memorandum with the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is more than a collaboration or a partnership. It’s a commitment to honoring and empowering those who have served our nation. Their deep-rooted connection to the veteran community and unwavering dedication to their well-being make them a trusted and invaluable partner.”

This Memorandum of Understanding is ODVA’s sixth with Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes, including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and, most recently, the Coquille Indian Tribe in May.

Oregon’s statewide network of County and Tribal Veteran Service Offices are collaborative partnerships between the state and counties, or Tribal governments and deliver free local access to veteran benefits for veterans and their families.

Tribal Veteran Service Officers (TVSOs) are trained by ODVA and then accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs through a series of regular trainings facilitated by both agencies. TVSOs provide a wide variety of benefits and services to veterans and their family members, including the development and submission of claims to the federal VA for earned veteran benefits.

To learn more about veteran benefits, resources and services near you, or to schedule a session with your local Veteran Service Officer, visit the website of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs at www.oregon.gov/odva/Services/Pages/Tribal-Veteran-Services.aspx.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

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SUMMER CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

Summer brings warmer weather, longer days, outdoor activities and, unfortunately, an increase in theft and burglaries. There are some ways you can help prevent these crimes in your communities.

• Keep vehicles locked with the windows up at all times, even when parked at home. Remove all valuables including purses, cell phones, laptop computers, gym bags, briefcases etc.

• Avoid Home Improvement scams. Beware of anyone offering to perform an unscheduled home repair or asking to gain entry into your home. Ask for identification, contact the company they say they work for to verify employment and ask for authorization for them to be at your property. Never agree to pay for home improvement services until the work has been completed. Don’t sign home improvement contracts without reading the entire contract carefully and discussing anything that isn’t clear with the company and trusted family members or friends.

• Keep doors closed and locked. This includes garages, sheds and patio doors. Burglaries from open garages, sheds and residences are more prevalent in summer months and often occur while the homeowner is outside in the backyard.

• Unattended bicycles should always be locked to something sturdy. Remember when you stop to rest, eat, or use restroom facilities, to take a few moments to secure your bicycle.

• Vacation plans? Have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up your mail. Set inside lights on a timer. Set your home alarm. Use a home security camera so you can check in while you are away. Have a neighbor keep an eye on your house and make sure to leave a contact phone number for them to reach you in case of an emergency.

Taking some simple steps now and throughout the summer months can reduce the risk of crime in your neighborhood.

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

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Last Friday, President Donald Trump signed the federal budget reconciliation bill—H.R. 1— into law. H.R. 1 extends tax cuts that were set to expire at the end of 2025, reduces federal food assistance, cuts funding for state Medicaid programs, and institutes policies that are likely to reduce Medicaid coverage.

The legislation’s deep cuts and profound structural changes to Medicaid will drive new conversations about the future of Oregon’s health care system. In the coming days, weeks, and months, we must move forward together to shape a health care landscape in this state that will be dramatically different from the one we know today. 

It is likely that you or someone you know is on Medicaid. One in three Oregonians has Medicaid (called the Oregon Health Plan) as their health insurance. If you aren’t one of those Oregonians, you might think the health care provisions in this bill won’t affect you. But Medicaid policy and budget choices matter to us all, because the health care system is propped up on a shaky foundation that blends private payments with government funding. When Medicaid falters, the structure begins to shake, risking the collapse of the entire system. 

Oregon is particularly vulnerable. For years, Oregon has intentionally maximized federal dollars to help fund the Medicaid program and expand insurance coverage. Now, with federal funding slashed, our health care system—already burdened by prescriptive and burdensome regulations, rising expenses, and payment that has not kept up with the cost of care—is at serious risk.

Oregon's health care system cannot absorb the cuts in H.R. 1 without significant disruption, and the results may be painful: service cuts, hospital and facility closures, longer wait times, and reduced access to insurance. As a state, we have hard choices to make. Now is the time for leadership. 

Some observations: 

• State Medicaid policy matters, but never more now than today. State policy and budget choices may mean the difference between having providers and hospitals in communities or not having them.
• It’s time to go back to basics. With declining resources, we must focus our resources on the most important services. But what health care services are the most important? And how do we make those decisions?  
• Regulatory relief is a necessity, and innovation is key. The state and federal regulatory environment is a barrier to innovation and cost containment. The decisions ahead will require us to revisit the dollars we are spending that do not impact patient care.   
• Providers are going to have to do hard things to survive. It’s painful in any community when a service closes, but if hospitals don’t reduce services, they may not be around at all. That is the reality many of our communities and their hospitals face. 
• In this environment, we must find structural cost savings. The multi-payer U.S. health care system results in significant resources spent on administrative costs. This includes the administrative cost of insurance, pharmacy benefit managers, and others that don’t directly deliver care. With fewer resources, we need to direct as much of the health care dollar toward patient care as possible. This may mean revisiting some of the assumptions we’ve made about our current system, necessitating a new vision for health care and the political will to execute on that vision. 

The decisions we face are wrenching. But health care stakeholders and policymakers now have an obligation to come together to navigate this new world. That will mean shared commitment and shared sacrifice. But perhaps, in this moment, we can redesign our broken system and find a better path forward. 

Last Friday, President Donald Trump signed the federal budget reconciliation bill—H.R. 1— into law. H.R. 1 extends tax cuts that were set to expire at the end of 2025, reduces federal food assistance, cuts funding for state Medicaid programs, and institutes policies that are likely to reduce Medicaid coverage.

The legislation’s deep cuts and profound structural changes to Medicaid will drive new conversations about the future of Oregon’s health care system. In the coming days, weeks, and months, we must move forward together to shape a health care landscape in this state that will be dramatically different from the one we know today. 

It is likely that you or someone you know is on Medicaid. One in three Oregonians has Medicaid (called the Oregon Health Plan) as their health insurance. If you aren’t one of those Oregonians, you might think the health care provisions in this bill won’t affect you. But Medicaid policy and budget choices matter to us all, because the health care system is propped up on a shaky foundation that blends private payments with government funding. When Medicaid falters, the structure begins to shake, risking the collapse of the entire system. 

Oregon is particularly vulnerable. For years, Oregon has intentionally maximized federal dollars to help fund the Medicaid program and expand insurance coverage. Now, with federal funding slashed, our health care system—already burdened by prescriptive and burdensome regulations, rising expenses, and payment that has not kept up with the cost of care—is at serious risk.

Oregon's health care system cannot absorb the cuts in H.R. 1 without significant disruption, and the results may be painful: service cuts, hospital and facility closures, longer wait times, and reduced access to insurance. As a state, we have hard choices to make. Now is the time for leadership. 

Some observations: 

• State Medicaid policy matters, but never more now than today. State policy and budget choices may mean the difference between having providers and hospitals in communities or not having them.
• It’s time to go back to basics. With declining resources, we must focus our resources on the most important services. But what health care services are the most important? And how do we make those decisions?  
• Regulatory relief is a necessity, and innovation is key. The state and federal regulatory environment is a barrier to innovation and cost containment. The decisions ahead will require us to revisit the dollars we are spending that do not impact patient care.   
• Providers are going to have to do hard things to survive. It’s painful in any community when a service closes, but if hospitals don’t reduce services, they may not be around at all. That is the reality many of our communities and their hospitals face. 
• In this environment, we must find structural cost savings. The multi-payer U.S. health care system results in significant resources spent on administrative costs. This includes the administrative cost of insurance, pharmacy benefit managers, and others that don’t directly deliver care. With fewer resources, we need to direct as much of the health care dollar toward patient care as possible. This may mean revisiting some of the assumptions we’ve made about our current system, necessitating a new vision for health care and the political will to execute on that vision. 

The decisions we face are wrenching. But health care stakeholders and policymakers now have an obligation to come together to navigate this new world. That will mean shared commitment and shared sacrifice. But perhaps, in this moment, we can redesign our broken system and find a better path forward. 

The Oregon Military Museum will host a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of the museum’s grand re-opening, July 11, at 9:30 a.m., on Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided following the ceremony.

“We are here to honor service members and to educate the public about their service,” said Kathleen Sligar, director and curator for the Oregon Military Museum. “I am so excited to see the looks on people’s faces, I think they’re going to be blown away when they walk into this space.

The exhibit galleries will be open until 12:30 p.m. for a first look at the museum’s four new exhibits:

•             We Are Oregon – Explore the people, technology, and actions that define Oregon’s military legacy on the local, national, and global stage

•             Small Arms, Big Impact – A curated collection of nearly 200 American, enemy, and ally small arms from the 1600s into the 21st century

•             History in Art – Discover artwork by and about the US Armed Forces, their provenance, and the contextual knowledge found within

•             Hall of Valor – A commemoration of the thirteen Medal of Honor recipients accredited to Oregon

The Oregon Military Museum has been closed for renovations since 2009 and will officially be open to the public Saturday, July 12.

Starting Wednesday, July 16, the museum will be open year-round, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Historic Park will also be open Fridays and Saturdays through September.

The Oregon Military Museum honors, shares, and preserves Oregon’s military heritage and legacy, including the Oregon National Guard, the state’s early militias, and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Thursday, July 10, 2025 

BEND, OR — As the sun goes down, creatures begin to stir. Moths begin their nightly pollination journey. Owls glide silently through the trees on the hunt for prey. Stars blink to life as bats dip and dive for insects. On Wednesday, July 16, the High Desert Museum invites visitors to celebrate the transition from day to night in the family-friendly event, Welcome the Night. 

From 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, go on a twilight adventure with community partners, Museum experts and local naturalists to learn about insects and bats, meet an owl and much more. The evening program encourages visitors to explore, experience and celebrate the creatures, both small and large, that thrive in the dark.

As visitors arrive, they are handed an adventure card and map that will navigate them through 17 stations located around the Museum. Visitors can get a stamp at each location before turning the card in for a chance at a raffle prize.

Inside the Museum, visitors begin their journey at the station of their choice. At the Winged Things Crafts station, kids can make moth or bat headbands before heading outside to the Meadow to play a Bat & Moth game. The Twilight Art Station invites visitors young and old to create stenciled twilight art using scratch paper. A local face painter leads a station where visitors can get their faces painted with the twilight creature of their choice.  

In the Desertarium, retired entomologist Dr. Jerry Freilich will share with visitors a vast collection of insects and the opportunity to see them magnified.  

When it’s time for a bite to eat, the Rimrock Café will be transformed into the Crepuscular Café, featuring food for purchase by Luckey’s Woodsman. A no-host bar will feature alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

Just outside the Desertarium, at the Red Light Green Light station, volunteers and Museum staff help visitors transition their flashlights and headlamps into night-friendly lights. The adventure continues outdoors as visitors explore the Museum trails.

At Cheney Pond, experts from the U.S. Forest Service will lead a Bat Detectives station that delves into the mystery of bats and their role in the High Desert ecosystem. Learn why bats dip and dive over water and get a closer look at how bat telemetry helps researchers track the movements and behavior of bats.

Nearby, representatives from Pollinator Pathway Bend will take visitors into the world of nighttime pollinators, such as moths, at the Pollination Station. Discover why moths are often attracted to light sources, artificial or natural, which cause them to become disoriented.

“Nocturnal wildlife thrive in a dark habitat free from light pollution,” said Donald M. Kerr Curator of Natural History Hayley Brazier, Ph.D. “Conserving dark skies is critical for nocturnal and crepuscular wildlife who depend on a dark nighttime habitat to survive.” 

As soon as the light dims and the sun hides behind the ponderosas, experts from Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory will open the telescopes. At this station, you can learn about the planets and galaxy as you gaze up into the twilight waiting for that first star to blink to life. DarkSky Oregon continues with a closer look at how light pollution affects not only our view of the stars but also the health and wellbeing of nocturnal wildlife.

Two owl encounters will take place at the E. L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. During the 15-minute encounters, visitors will learn from Museum wildlife staff how an owl hunts in the daytime and at night, using its large eyes and keen sense of hearing to surprise prey.  

Another stop on the adventure is the Forest at Night exhibition. Located within the Changing Forest pavilion, visitors will encounter animated representations of the High Desert’s nocturnal inhabitants on a large screen. Discover how animals with reflective eyes utilize moonlight to navigate and hunt. Gaze up at an interactive star map and explore the constellations that guide migratory birds. Learn more about the exhibition at highdesertmuseum.org/forest-at-night.  

Tickets for Welcome the Night are $10 for adults and children ages 3 and older, with a 20% discount for members. Children 2 and younger are free. Visitors are encouraged to bring headlamps or flashlights as the outdoor trails are unlit.  

Learn more about and get tickets for Welcome the Night at highdesertmuseum.org/welcome-the-night-2025. 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: 

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

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Salem, OR— With the halfway point of the income tax filing extension period approaching, the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to remind taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their 2024 tax return to do so as soon as they can.

“July 15 may be just the halfway point of the extension period, but for most people who haven’t yet filed their tax year 2024 return there’s no reason not to file now,” said Department of Revenue Director David Gerstenfeld.

Some people may not have filed because they didn’t have money to pay what they owe, but an extension to file is not an extension to pay any tax owed. Those who didn’t file and haven’t paid are only racking up additional late payment penalties and interest by waiting.

“Even if they can’t pay the full amount they owe, they should pay what they can as soon as they can to help lower penalties and interest,” the director said. “For those who can’t pay all they owe, filing a return offers them the opportunity to set up a payment plan with the state.”

Besides not being able to pay, people file for an extension for all kinds of reasons. Some are waiting on additional information or documents. Others are experiencing hardship in the days before the deadline and have to direct their attention elsewhere. Some people just put it off or forget.

“Whatever the reason, as soon as they have what they need, they should file,” Gerstenfeld said.

For some taxpayers, filing can mean receiving a refund.

Several free filing options and in-person tax assistance options remain available during the summer months.

One of those options is Direct File Oregon. More than 13,000 Oregon taxpayers filed their state returns with Direct File Oregon this year. Nearly 4,700 of those filers connected to Direct File Oregon after first filing their federal returns through IRS Direct File, which is still available through the end of the filing season.

So far in 2025, the department has processed more than 2.05 million of an expected 2.2 million returns. That leaves approximately 150,000 Oregon taxpayers who still need to file their tax year 2024 returns.

“Some tax situations are complex and require extra time—even months—to prepare, but most aren’t,” he said. “Filing as soon as you can makes good sense. It can save money and provide some peace of mind.”

Taxpayers with questions can call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), the department accepts all relay calls.
 

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) will meet in Grand Ronde at the Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center, and via online meeting on July 24 at 9:00 a.m. The agenda includes discussion of the National Register of Historic Places and a presentation on the 2024 historic cemeteries grant projects. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Meeting information is on the agenda or you can follow this link to register for online access information.

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

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0609 or erly.Spivey@oprd.oregon.gov">Kimberly.Spivey@oprd.oregon.gov at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

On Wednesday, July 9, at approximately 1:50 p.m., deputies received several 911 calls reporting a brush fire near Gath Road and Barcelona Road, just off Turner Road. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The fire quickly spread through a field and reached a nearby building. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) was notified at 1:51 p.m. and responded to assist with road closures as the fire grew. Turner Road at Gath Road and Gath Road at Witzel Road were both shut down. The roads remain closed, and emergency personnel will remain on scene until it is safe to leave.

Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation notices were issued to nearby properties. As of 6:55 p.m. this evening, fire personnel are still on scene mopping up the fire. The Level 3 evacuation remains in effect from Turner Road to Rising Iris Lane and from Turner Road to Barcelona Drive. The Level 2 evacuation notice has been lifted.

One firefighter was injured during the response; their condition is unknown at this time.

We would like to thank Emery & Sons Construction for their assistance in managing the brush and fire line. We also extend our gratitude to the Salem Fire Department, Salem Police Department, Oregon State Police, Marion County Fire District, Turner Fire District, and other supporting agencies for their swift and coordinated response. Special thanks as well to WVCC and METCOM for their support.

Clackamas Community College President runs 1,500+ miles to spotlight student needs

Salem, Ore.,July 9, 2025 — Clackamas Community College President Dr. Tim Cook is making an extraordinary journey this summer—running more than 1,500 miles to all 17 of Oregon’s community colleges to raise awareness of the challenges students face in meeting their basic needs. Chemeketa Community College is proud to be one of the stops along his route, with Dr. Cook expected to arrive on Monday, July 21.

The community is warmly invited to join Chemeketa students, staff, and supporters in giving Dr. Cook a spirited welcome to campus. Attendees are encouraged to bring homemade signs, wear school colors, and line up to cheer him in as he finishes his run into Chemeketa. This is a rare opportunity to celebrate community colleges and the vital role they play in serving over 200,000 students across the state.

“We want to show Dr. Cook the heart and energy of Chemeketa,” said Marie Hulett, spokesperson for the college. “Whether you’re a community member, an alum, or just someone inspired by this mission—we’d love to have you join us.”

Those interested in running the final mile with Dr. Cook are encouraged to reach out to Marie Hulett at marie.hulett@chemeketa.edu for more details.

Dr. Cook’s Run for Oregon Community College Students (ROCCS) campaign aims to raise funds and awareness for the essential needs of students, such as housing, food, transportation, and child care. Donations to support the effort can be made at:
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/55950/donations/new?tc=39966

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

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

Salem, OR – Jul 9, 2025 – Cherriots is proud to announce that it received zero findings in two major oversight reviews recently completed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). These results reflect Cherriots ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and delivering high-quality public transportation to the Mid-Willamette Valley.

The FTA Triennial Review, which occurs every three years, assesses how agencies receiving Urbanized Area Formula Program funds manage grants and comply with federal requirements in up to 23 critical areas. For Cherriots, that included areas such as financial management, procurement, maintenance, civil rights compliance, ADA accessibility, safety, and others. The independent review team found Cherriots to have no deficiencies in any area of its operations.

According to the FTA, only about 20 percent of agencies nationwide receive zero findings during a Triennial Review, making the results Cherriots received particularly notable.

The ODOT Compliance Review, which focuses on agency compliance with both federal and state transportation program requirements, also resulted in a clean report. Areas reviewed included the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF), Special Transportation Fund (STF), financial management, ADA compliance, and oversight of grant subrecipients. Cherriots received no findings or corrective actions from ODOT’s review. Notably, Cherriots also had zero deficiencies in ODOT’s 2021 review.

“These outstanding results are a direct reflection of the professionalism and diligence of our staff,” said Allan Pollock, General Manager of Cherriots. “Earning zero findings in both reviews is a significant accomplishment for Cherriots and demonstrates our strong internal processes and commitment to serving the public with transparency and excellence.”

Oversight reviews ensure that public transportation agencies manage taxpayer dollars responsibly, maintain compliance with complex regulations, and provide safe, equitable, and effective service. Strong performance in these reviews also helps agencies remain eligible for future federal and state funding opportunities.

About Cherriots

Established in 1979, Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) is a special district covering 76 square miles in the Mid-Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Locally known as Cherriots, the district provides vital service to more than 450,000 residents in Marion and Polk counties. SAMTD maintains a total of 126 transit vehicles across its various services and provides approximately 3.3 million passenger trips annually.

For more information, visit www.cherriots.org.

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to the decedent recovered from Lake River on July 4, 2025.

This individual was found on 07/04/2025 in Ridgefield, WA.

The name of the decedent: Price, Richard Alan   Age: 57 years

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

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Pending

Manner of death:  Pending

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 Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Media release issue date: 07/09/2025

Today, a Marion County Jury convicted Maury Wayne Pearson, 6/28/1956, of one count of Sodomy in the First Degree after a three-day jury trial.  Marion County Circuit Court Judge Audrey Broyles presided over the case, and the case was prosecuted by Marion County Deputy District Attorneys Meghan Kamps and Matthew Estrada. 

The next date is a status conference on 7/14/2025 at 8:30 for parties to pick a sentencing date.

Due to the victim being under the age of 12 and the offender over the age of 18 at the time of the offense, Sodomy in the First Degree carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.  Due to the pending sentencing date no further information will be released at this time.

SALEM, Ore. - This legislative session, the Oregon legislature and Gov. Tina Kotek continue to show their support for the Oregon Military Department through ongoing efforts to provide benefits to help strengthen the Oregon Army National Guard.

Two specific initiatives for recruiting and retention support went into effect on July 1, 2025. The first is a $5,000 bonus for a three-year extension for Guard members who have completed their initial enlistment and have not completed 17 years of service. The second is the Enlistment Enhancement Program. This is an agency-funded program where current Guard members and retirees can receive $2,000 payments for any recruitment leads that result in an enlistment into the Oregon Army National Guard. 

In addition to these benefits, the Oregon National Guard offers State Tuition Assistance, which provides tuition assistance for serving Guard members enrolled in an eligible Oregon postsecondary institution and now offers instate tuition rates to Oregon Guard members who live out of state.

“The Oregon National Guard is on track to increase strength by 2% by the end of the fiscal year, but were still more than 1,200 members short of reaching full strength,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, Director of Public Affairs for the Oregon Military Department.

The Oregon National Guard is authorized to have approximately 8,100 service members, consisting of 2,300 Air and 5,800 Army National Guard members.

“These initiatives assist with the Adjutant General’s goal to make the Oregon National Guard the Service of Choice for Oregonians,” Bomar said.

 The approved legislative actions for the Oregon Military Department this session were met with nearly unanimous bipartisan support.  Some of those highlights include:

1. SB 807 – One-time General Fund of $2.5 million towards Retention Bonus Program:
   1. Allows the Adjutant General to pay a bonus to a member of the Oregon National Guard who re-enlists or extends their service
       
2. SB 798 – In-state tuition rates apply to Oregon National Guard service members who live out of the state of Oregon.
    
3. SB 808 – Provides hiring and promotion preference in public employment for current and former Oregon National Guard members
    
   1. Adds 5 points to current and former state service members’ scores during interviews and 10 points for disabled veterans
       
   2. Provides equity for Oregon National Guard members who did not meet the previous statutory definitions to receive the preference
       
4. SB 5505 & SB 5506 – Authorization for three Capital Construction Projects for the Oregon National Guard
   1. Southern Oregon Field Maintenance Shop – $6.6 million
       
   2. Klamath Falls Readiness Center - $2.0 million
       
   3. Albany Armory Service Life Extension Project - $7 million
       
5. SB 5533 – Solution to a long-term funding issue for OMD IT Division and the Portland Air National Guard (PANG) base
    

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Released File Images of Oregon National Guard Soldiers and Airmen:

220520-Z-ZJ128-1003: Spc. Whitney Badders on rappel during the 821 Troop Command Battalion, Oregon National Guard team-building event, rappelling at the local Fire Department in Salem, Ore., on May 20, 2022. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

200816-Z-NJ272-0003: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team paddle an inflatable boat during training on August 16, 2020, at Cullaby Lake, near Warrenton, Oregon. Members of the unit completed tasks which included a swim test, paddling and maneuvering, and broaching recovery drills during their two-week annual training. (National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

231127-Z-NV612-2003: Oregon Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hernandez, 173rd Fighter Wing aircrew flight equipment, fits a mask to Maj. Gen. Clark Quinn, 19th Air Force commander, in preparation for Quinn's flight in an F-15D at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Oct. 27, 2023. Quinn spent two days at Kingsley Field meeting with Airmen and observing their F-15C training mission first-hand. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar)

200506-Z-CH590-0128: Oregon Army National Guard Soldier assigned to BRAVO 1-168 Aviation gives the ‘thumbs up’ as she helps prepare a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at the Pendleton Army Aviation Support Facility, May 6, 2020. Approximately 60 members of the unit are traveling to Fort Hood, Texas, as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

200914-Z-LM216-0424: Oregon Army National Guard Citizen-Soldiers support the Oregon Department of Forestry with wild land firefighting efforts at the Two Four Two fire, Chiloquin, Ore., Sept. 14. Approximately 1000 Oregon Guard members are supporting overall firefighting efforts with both aviation and ground crews, in addition to supporting county liaison teams and Oregon State Police with both traffic control points and fatality search and rescue operations. (Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Holden, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

230604-Z-GP610-0208: Oregon Air National Guard Tech Sgt. Ron Mercer, Staff Sgt. Sam Ziegler, and Senior Airman Bailey Buck, all 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft armament Airmen, participate in a weapons loading competition, June 4, 2023, Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. (Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Sean Campbell)

240723-Z-UZ129-5529: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jonathan Osborne from the Task Force Guardian rotation led by 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team with the Oregon National Guard assaults the objective in a force-on-force exercise during Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotation 24-09, Fort Johnson, La., July 23, 2024. The JRTC's goal is to create realistic environments that help prepare units for complex operations. (Oregon National Guard photo by Sgt. Emily Simonson, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

240725-Z-NV612-1069: Oregon Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Ashley Vela, 173rd Fighter Wing weapons oad crew chief, monitors as Staff Sgts. Quinten Green and Samantha Kloss, 173rd Fighter Wing weapons, load live 20mm bullets into an F-15C Eagle at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon, July 25, 2024. Additional precautions must be taken when loading live ammunition into the aircraft, making this training essential to ensuring that weapons Airmen are prepared and mission-ready. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar)

180803-Z-ZJ128-0002: Oregon Army National Guard 2nd Squad, Squad Leader Sgt. McFerrin from 1st Platoon, B Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry directs an assault on an enemy position, during the platoon’s Movement to Contact lane, part of the training of the Oregon Army National Guard’s, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC), Aug. 3, 2018 in Camp Roberts, California. (U.S. Army Photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, 41st IBCT Public Affairs)

240225-Z-SP755-1002: Oregon Air National Guard Senior Airman Perry Johnston, an avionics technician with the 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, closes a hatch on an F-15C aircraft at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore., on February 25, 2024. As a traditional guardsman, Johnston works as an ensemble skater for "Disney On Ice" when he's not maintaining electrical systems inside the F-15Cs and EXs. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Steph Sawyer)

250315-Z-CH590-4173: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers and Airmen take part in the Mogadishu Challenge event at the urban training village at Camp Rilea, near Warrenton, Oregon, on March 15, 2025, during the Army Best Warrior Competition from March 13-15, 2025. The full range of events assessed the warriors' physical fitness, land navigation skills, marksmanship, and other battlefield scenarios. These included a physical fitness test, rifle qualification, a 3-gun competition, an obstacle course, and a ruck march. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

250314-Z-CH590-3076: Oregon Army National Guard Spc. Justin Slothower, assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, takes on the Obstacle Course during the Army Best Warrior Competition on March 14, 2025. Slothower won the Soldier tier competition, completing a full range of events that assessed the warriors' physical fitness, land navigation skills, marksmanship, and other battlefield scenarios. These included a physical fitness test, rifle qualification, a 3-gun competition, an obstacle course, and a ruck march from March 13-15, 2025. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

230221-Z-NJ272-0010: Oregon Army National Guard Capt. Kyle Roe, a troop commander with 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, skis the first of four legs of the men's relay competition at the Chief of the National Guard Bureau's Biathlon Nationals at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vermont, Feb. 21, 2023. Soldiers from more than 26 states and territories participated in the annual competition, which began in 1975. (National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department)

210517-Z-SP755-1027: Oregon Air National Guard Senior Airman Paul Julum, 142nd Civil Engineer Squadron, prepares the foundation for the construction of cabins to be utilized by the Girl Scouts at Camp Paumalu in Haleiwa, Hawaii, as part of an Innovation Readiness Training (IRT) mission, May 17, 2021. IRT Civil Engineer squadrons will be constructing new cabins, demolishing old structures, and beautifying Camp Paumalu from May through August 2021. Innovative Readiness Training builds mutually beneficial civil-military partnerships between US communities and the Department of Defense, providing high-quality, mission-essential training for Active, Guard, and Reserve support personnel and units. According to the recent easing of mask restrictions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, IRT personnel are allowed to be unmasked when working outdoors. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Steph Sawyer)

190515-Z-LM216-0940: Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Blaze Bault, a crew chief with G Co. 1-189 AVN, Oregon Army National Guard, pauses during training at Exercise Maple. Maple Resolve 19-01 is located in Wainwright, AB, Canada. Maple Resolve is an annual brigade-level validation exercise for the Canadian Army's High Readiness Brigade and is designed to foster partnership among allied forces. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Holden, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

July 9, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge due to the microcystin above recreational use values for human exposure. The lake is in Klamath County.

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

Due to the high level of microcystin and uncertainty about accumulation of toxins in fish, consuming fish caught at Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is not recommended at this time.

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

Drinking water

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

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

Children and pets

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

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

Symptoms

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

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

Fishing

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

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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PORTLAND, Ore. —As Oregon continues to experience persistent hot and dry conditions typical of midsummer, both community prevention efforts and swift responses from wildland firefighters are playing a crucial role in keeping large fires at bay. This season, fewer large wildfires have been reported compared to previous years, a positive trend that fire officials attribute to increased public awareness and the dedication of Initial Attack resources.

This summer, the Bureau of Land Management, along with other agency’s wildfire prevention strategies, are delivering real results. Community vigilance has been instrumental in preventing human-caused wildfires. People recreating, traveling, and working outdoors have stepped up by adhering to fire safety practices, following burn bans, and observing campfire restrictions and equipment guidelines. This collective responsibility is making a real difference in minimizing risk across the state.

Equally significant has been the outstanding performance of Initial Attack resources and technology. These critical first responders—including district firefighters, smokejumpers, and aviation crews—have remained on high alert and have responded rapidly to emerging fire starts. Their ability to contain fires during the first few hours of ignition is making all the difference.  These firefighters are using fire detection cameras to alert them to new fires across Oregon and Washington, giving them every advantage they can to detect, respond and suppress the wildfires at the smallest size possible.

“Initial Attack firefighters have been putting out a ton of fires before they get big. A lightning storm last week was causing 60–70 fires a day, and Initial Attack caught them all,” said Richard Parrish, Assistant Fire Management Officer. However, fire season is far from over and the lightning that occurred over the past couple of days did result some large fires and the BLM continues to support our partners with these fires. With many weeks of hot, dry weather still ahead, fire officials urge the public not to let their guard down. Continued attentiveness and adherence to fire safety guidelines remain essential.

Everyone can help reduce fire risk by taking simple but effective precautions:

• Stay updated on and comply with local fire restrictions.
• Never leave campfires unattended and extinguish them completely.
• Avoid driving or parking on dry vegetation, which can ignite fires.
• Ensure that trailer chains are secured and do not drag on the roadway.
• Operate outdoor equipment during the cooler parts of the day to reduce spark risk.

-BLM-

The BLM manages roughly 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL FUND BOARD

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a regular meeting on July 24, 2025, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting that begins at 9:00 am. at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. PSMFB Chair and Vice-Chair Nominations

   Presented by Marie Atwood

3. Approve April 24, 2025, Meeting Minutes

4. Budget Update

   Presented by Marie Atwood

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

    Presented by Marie Atwood

6. Next meeting – October 23, 2025, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

MALHEUR COUNTY, Ore. 9 July 2025 – On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at approximately 12:31 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash in Malheur County near Harper.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a blue Kenworth commercial motor vehicle, operated by Alberto Ruiz Gomez (33) of Hermiston, was traveling eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 220 when it left the roadway onto the eastbound shoulder for an unknown reason. The operator overcorrected, causing the semi to flip over.
 

The operator (Gomez) was declared deceased at the scene.
 

The highway was impacted for approximately 1.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.
 

OSP was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office 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.

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Meeting Minutes

Approve the April 24, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Fire Policy Committee

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – Chris Heppel, Chair

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Jennifer Cameron, Chair

d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Chris Barnhart, DPSST No. 42754; DOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on May 13, 2025.

B. Phillip Barrier, DPSST No. 60490; Lane County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on May 13, 2025.

C. Randy Clark, DPSST No. 23388; Central Point Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 22, 2025.

D. James Damon, DPSST No. 44535; DOC/South Fork Forest Camp – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on May 13, 2025.

E. Almedina Javor, DPSST No. 61328; Columbia River Inter-Tribal Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 22, 2025.

F. Jeffrey Kienlen, DPSST No. 30358; The Dalles Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 22, 2025.

G. Alan Lynn, DPSST No. 31664; Albany Police Department – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 22, 2025.

H. Kent van der Kamp, DPSST No. 44640; Deschutes County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 22, 2025.

I. Committee Appointments

Telecommunications Policy Committee

• • Dave Piercy – Oregon State Police, Appointment to the TPC, 1st term effective July 24, 2025.
  • Rosa Antoine – Association of Public Safety Communications Officers, 2nd term effective October 26, 2025.
  • Gary Bell – Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, 2nd term effective October 28, 2025.

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Dan Lenzen, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote).

A. Committee Appointments

Private Security/Investigators Policy Committee

• • Edward Flaa – Alarm Monitor Representative, Appointment to the PSIPC, 1st term effective July 27, 2025.
  • Scott Creager – Private Business or Governmental Entity Representative, Re-appointment to the PSIPC, 2nd term effective October 26, 2025.

B. Workgroups and Rulemaking Advisory Committees

DPSST recommends the Board approve three separate Workgroups to review and develop recommendations related to the standards and administrative rules for the following private security provider and entity topics:

• • HB 2183 – to review and recommend rules establishing a procedure for recognition of prior law enforcement experience toward completion of the training required for private security professional certification
  • Armed Training – to review and recommend armed training curriculum revisions and supporting rule changes
  • Private Security Entity Licensing – to review the rules adopted in 2024 for the private security entity license (post-implementation review of the new program)

6. Legislative Update – Jennifer Howald

7. Agency Updates – Agency Director, Phil Castle

9. Next Meeting Date: October 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

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

•Traffic Stops

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

•Restoring the Peace

•Premise Checks

•Welfare Checks

•Flagged Down by Citizen

July 9, 2025

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

OHA lifts Nye Beach health advisory

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with ocean water at Nye Beach, in Lincoln County.

The health authority issued the advisory July 2, after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

Results from follow-up tests taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the ocean water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk.

Officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

Since 2003, state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria.

Oregon state agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  — Vancouver Clinic has started pre-construction work on a new project in east Clark County where Vancouver and Camas meet. The physician owned medical practice which has been caring for people in Southwest Washington for 89 years, is building a new, three-story, 45,327-square-foot medical facility. The facility will sit directly south of the existing clinic location which opened in 2020 as the first commercial development in the Columbia Palisades area located along 192nd Avenue near SR 14. 

“Southwest Washington continues to grow rapidly, and we are growing with it,” said Vancouver Clinic Chief Executive Officer Mark Mantei. “This expansion ensures that our community has access to the expert care it needs—more doctors, more exam rooms, and more services, right where people live."

The Camas 2 project will significantly expand access to both primary and specialty care. Planned services include:

• Family Medicine and Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• OB/GYN
• ENT/Audiology
• Allergy
• Imaging
• Musculoskeletal specialties include Orthopedics, Pain Management, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, and Sports Medicine

The initial groundwork to prepare for construction begins this month, in partnership with Andersen Construction and ZGF Architects. The project will be completed in 2027.   “This project is about more than bricks and mortar,” said Chief Operating Officer Rebecca Birenbaum, “It’s about meeting the needs of our growing community and continuing our long tradition of compassionate, high-quality care.”

Commercial health insurance payments increasing, vary widely 

Salem, OR – The Oregon Secretary of State (SOS) has released an audit of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and its State Procurement Services (SPS). DAS SPS is the central procurement authority for most executive branch agencies and provides services across state and local government.

The audit identified the need for DAS to dedicate resources to a comprehensive compliance program and to provide enhanced customer service to support state agencies with their procurement, contracting and training needs. While the state’s eprocurement platform, OregonBuys, is meeting many of its goals, the audit also identified the need for improvements to OregonBuys’ functionality to improve the ability to analyze state spending.

"State contracting has been difficult to navigate for too long. Both businesses and government agree: it's time for a change. Governor Kotek has tasked me with overhauling this overly complex system. We must make contracting accessible and responsive for all Oregonians, ensuring it works for both government and businesses," said DAS Director Betsy Imholt.

Oregon state agencies rely heavily on procurement and contracting to acquire essential goods and services. These activities come with significant risks and require effective processes and oversight to ensure efficiency, security and equity. DAS SPS oversees public procurement and contracting for the state and holds primary authority over most state purchasing and contracting processes.

DAS agrees with all eight audit recommendations and is committed to making improvements to enhance procurement and contracting processes. 

Neighbors for a Better Crossing Calls for a Current Seismic Study for $7.5 B Interstate Bridge Project

[Oregon and Washinton] – Neighbors for a Better Crossing (NFBC) is urging immediate transparency and a comprehensive, up-to-date seismic study of the current Interstate 5 bridges before any further work proceeds on the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program’s proposed $7.5 billion megaproject.

IBR’s Fear-Based Messaging Lacks Verified Engineering Data

The IBR program continues to rely on a dramatic video—produced by its marketing team—depicting the current I-5 bridges collapsing into the Columbia River during a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.

“For the past four years, IBR has used this video to instill fear in the public and elected officials to promote construction of a new bridge,” according to retired engineer Bob Ortblad.

However, a Public Disclosure Request filed by Ortblad revealed no current engineering analysis supports the video’s narrative. He concluded the imagery is based on outdated or nonexistent studies.

No New Seismic Studies Released Despite Federal Seismic Grant

In 2022, IBR received a $1 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration to study the bridge’s seismic and geotechnical conditions, including Hayden Island. Despite this, neither the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) nor the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has released any current bridge-specific seismic assessments.  This lack of transparency makes IBR’s repeated claims of the bridge’s imminent collapse misleading at best—and propagandistic at worst.

Existing Bridge May Be More Resilient Than Acknowledged

Historical evaluations—including a 2009 ODOT report and a 2007 WSDOT assessment—cited risks related to timber-pile foundations and the bridge’s age. However, Ortblad points to compelling evidence that suggests otherwise: the current bridge’s 90- to 120-foot-long, tightly spaced wooden piles compact soil more than 50 feet below projected liquefaction zones, making them act as a “fail-safe against liquefaction damage.” A Japanese engineering study supports this principle.

In contrast, the IBR’s proposed design uses only six drilled shafts per pier, set in uncompacted soil, and features twin trusses that are twice as long, twice as wide, 50 feet taller, and five times heavier than the current structure. The construction process is expected to require five years of intense drilling, causing significant harm to Columbia River fish and marine ecosystems.

Retrofitting the Existing Bridge Proven Feasible and Far Less Costly

A 2006 Columbia River Crossing study brought together a panel of bridge and geotechnical engineers to assess seismic vulnerabilities and retrofit options for the existing Interstate bridges. When asked whether retrofitting was feasible, the panel responded clearly: “Yes, it is technically feasible to retrofit the existing bridges to the current seismic safety standards.”

The panel outlined concepts for strengthening or replacing vulnerable bridge components and estimated the cost between $88 million and $190 million. This raises serious questions about the necessity of a $7.5 billion replacement project—especially in the absence of updated engineering data.

Despite this, the IBR program proposes demolishing the existing bridges, which currently carry six lanes of traffic, to build a new structure with only three lanes of traffic and one auxiliary lane in each direction. 

In contrast, preserving the current bridges for pedestrian and bike traffic, and constructing an Immersed Tube Tunnel (ITT) could provide 10 to 14 total freeway and local access lanes, along with pedestrian and bicycle pathways—offering greater capacity, connectivity, and safety at a lower cost.

“Taxing and tolling citizens without updated seismic evidence is unjustified—especially when an Immersed Tube Tunnel is a proven, cost-effective, and more resilient option,” said Gary Clark of Neighbors for a Better Crossing. “We need proof, not assumptions.”

Request for Structural and Seismic Data Denied

Despite widespread IBR claims portraying the existing Interstate Bridges as structurally compromised and seismically vulnerable, little verifiable data has been released to support those statements. The bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is entitled to special protections—heightening the need for transparency.

NFBC submitted Public Disclosure Requests to WSDOT and ODOT seeking bridge elevation drawings, dimensional renderings, and side-view illustrations from the Hayden Island perspective. Both requests were denied, despite IBR’s claims to be accessible and transparent with the public. 

NFBC has escalated the matter by filing two separate Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, requesting information from the IBR program. One request seeks detailed elevation drawings with dimensions, and renderings. The other specifically requests all materials related to the existing bridge’s structural and seismic condition, as well as the development of public messaging strategies related to those topics. Both FOIFA requests are currently pending.

Public Disclosure Undermines IBR Narrative

Bob Ortblad also filed his own Public Disclosure Request and received the 1,622-page I-5 Columbia River Crossing Design Ground Motions Report. Upon review, he found it only models the seismic behavior of the proposed new bridge—and entirely omits any assessment of the existing bridge’s seismic performance.

“My suspicion that the IBR earthquake video lacked supporting engineering analysis was confirmed by my public disclosure request,” Ortblad stated.

Safety Risks with IBR Construction Diversion and Design

Ortblad further warns that the IBR’s construction plan would reduce six lanes of traffic to just four for three years, likely increasing congestion, collisions, and emergency response times. The final design includes a 3% to 4% grade—the steepest of any interstate bridge in the country—and a sharp, steep S-curve on the north-facing Vancouver approach. Ortblad warns that these features could pose serious hazards in conditions such as wind, rain, fog, and black ice

“Where is the data-driven safety analysis of deaths and injuries for this three-year diversion and the final high bridge?” Ortblad asks.

ITT Alternative Dismissed Without Fair Study

By contrast, an Immersed Tube Tunnel (ITT) would save billions of dollars, reduce construction time, enhance seismic resilience, better accommodate future growth, and preserve valuable historic and community assets.

However, IBR disqualified this alternative using flawed excavation and dredging calculations. When challenged, IBR later admitted that their calculations were incorrect in an email to Ortblad.  IBR blamed third party software saying, “Duplication occurred in the model where some excavation quantities were counted more than once. While this error does result in a change in the quantity of excavation material, it does not change the decision,” IBR officials told Ortblad.

There are at least 13 immersed tube tunnels in the United States and nearly 200 worldwide. Notable examples include the Fraser Tunnel in Vancouver, BC and the I-95 tunnel under Baltimore Harbor.Demonstrating the proven success of this technology in complex, urban, and environmentally sensitive settings

IBR’s Ongoing Omissions Undermine Public Trust

The IBR’s failure to disclose updated seismic studies and its dismissal of viable alternatives call into question the integrity of its environmental review process. NFBC believes a full reassessment is essential before construction begins in 2026–2027.

The Oregon Legislators failure to pass a transportation funding bill further underscores the need to reassess more efficient and cost-effective bridge alternatives.

Key NFBC Requests

• Release an updated, independent seismic assessment of the current bridge before construction approval.
• Halt preliminary engineering and the use of fear-based public messaging.
• Conduct a third-party feasibility study of the Immersed Tube Tunnel alternative tailored to the region.
• Ensure the IBR’s environmental review reflects public-facing, evidence-based data.

About Neighbors for a Better Crossing

Neighbors for a Better Crossing is a grassroots organization of residents, business owners, and retired engineers advocating for safe, affordable, and evidence-based solutions for the Interstate Bridge crossing—prioritizing the needs and voices of the communities it serves.

SALEM, Ore. – Adult emerald ash borers (EAB) start emerging in Oregon in early June. However, the majority emerge this month (July). The size of a penny, adults are hard to spot and usually are only found in traps. If you think you’ve seen one, the Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon Department of Agriculture ask that you first make sure it’s not a common lookalike bug.

“You can find a good description and photos comparing EAB to other common insects in Oregon that are also green in color at OregonEAB.com,” said ODF EAB Specialist Kat Bethea. “If you can capture the insect in a jar or other container that’s ideal, but at least try and take a clear, close-up photo. This helps us identify the insect in question much more easily.”

Bethea said people suspecting they’ve found EAB should report it over the phone to 1-866-INVADER or online at https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/reports/create. Attaching a clear photo is important. Bethea said people who know they have an ash tree and notice a decline should report it the same way.

“Any ash tree can be infested, including native Oregon ash as well as non-native street, park and yard trees. Signs of infestation include thinning and yellowing leaves, bark splitting, D-shaped holes in the tree bark, and basal shoots,” said Bethea.

About EAB

A small, metallic-green beetle native to eastern Asia, EAB was first found in the U.S. in Michigan in 2002. It has since killed tens of millions of ash trees across the eastern United States, with death rates of 99 percent or higher.

ODF EAB Specialist Matt Mills said EAB’s larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing canopy dieback and, ultimately, tree death.

“The half-inch beetle is often challenging to detect, especially in newly infested trees. That’s why ODF, in collaboration with the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, made sticky purple traps available to select landowners, primarily in the Willamette Valley. Those traps contain a lure and are checked every couple of weeks during the summer when adult EAB are flying.”

Mills said EAB is currently known to be in Washington County in the Forest Grove and Cornelius areas and a short distance into northern Yamhill County. It has also been found along Butte Creek between Marion and Clackamas counties, as well as in Woodburn, Mt. Angel and the Yoder area.

“You can find whether you’re in an EAB-infested area or close to one by checking an online map we’ve created. It shows the four counties where firewood from hardwood trees cannot be removed. That quarantine also covers any part of ash, olive or white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus),” said Mills.

For people who want to protect their ash trees before they become infested, there is an effective insecticide that can be injected at the base of the tree’s trunk, said Mills.

“It gets taken up into the tree canopy and is quite effective at protecting the tree from both adults and larvae.”

Mills said treatments must be done every two or three years by a licensed pesticide applicator.

“That’s why we recommend only treating high-value trees in good condition,” he said.” Ash trees planted in the wrong place to reach their mature size, such as under powerlines, should be removed as time and funds permit and replaced with species that aren’t susceptible to EAB.” 

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On Friday, July 11, 2025, Sergeant Eamon O’Reilly will greet our community members wishing to congratulate K9 Radar on his retirement.

The community event will be held at the Public Safety Training Center (PSTC), 600 SW Walnut Street, Hillsboro, between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The media will have an opportunity for interviews with Sgt. O’Reilly between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm.

Please contact the public information officer to RSVP. 

SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board voted unanimously today to appoint Kaitlin Lovell as Director of the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL). Lovell will begin her four-year term in early August 2025.

Lovell brings more than two decades of experience in environmental policy, restoration, and natural resource law. Since 2007, she has led habitat protection and restoration initiatives for the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, where her work has focused on environmental regulation, permitting, land use, and innovative financing strategies for large-scale environmental projects. She also played a key role in developing a publicly owned mitigation bank in Portland.

Earlier in her career, Lovell served as salmon policy coordinator and counsel for Trout Unlimited. She helped shape science-based state and federal policies and contributed to Oregon’s first recovery plans for salmon and steelhead populations in the Oregon Coast, Lower Columbia, and Willamette regions. She also worked as assistant university counsel at Cornell University.

Lovell holds a J.D. from Cornell Law School with a concentration in public law and a B.S. in environmental science from Bucknell University. She has served on several DSL advisory bodies, including the Elliott State Research Forest Board of Directors and a committee reviewing Oregon’s wetland and waterway permitting rules.

Lovell will begin her tenure by visiting communities across Oregon to hear directly from the people and partners DSL serves. As director, she plans to deepen the agency’s understanding of local needs and opportunities while strengthening relationships with Tribal Nations, local governments, and community partners and groups.

“The work of the Department of State Lands matters to every corner of Oregon,” Lovell said. “I'm committed to listening, learning, and building trust across the state so we can steward Oregon’s lands and waters together.”

“Kaitlin is a proven leader who understands how much healthy lands and waters contribute to a thriving Oregon,” Governor Tina Kotek said, chair of the State Land Board. “Her long commitment to public service makes her well prepared to lead DSL at a time when stewardship and long-term sustainability must guide our work. I know she will work hard to ensure DSL’s programs and services reflect the needs and values of all Oregonians.”

By Oregon law, the State Land Board appoints the DSL director to a four-year term. The director leads the agency in managing lands to benefit schools, protects waterways and wetlands, and oversees South Slough Reserve and the Elliott State Research Forest.

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

Until Lovell begins her role in August, Deputy Director Bill Ryan will serve as interim director.

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

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Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed Incident Management Team 1 (IMT 1) to the Klamath-Lake District to manage the Elk Fire in the Bly Mountain area. This is the second ODF IMT deployment in the last 24 hours.

After multiple days of lightning strikes in the area, the firefighters in the Klamath-Lake District have been working nonstop. In support of the district, ODF IMT 1 will take over the Elk Fire so that local resources may focus on extinguishing new ignitions and smaller fires in the district.

“Our firefighters have been all hands on deck after 10 straight days of lightning, which has stretched our local resources thin,” ODF Klamath-Lake District Forester Teresa Williams said. “With the help of ODF IMT 1, we’ll be able to regroup, reassign resources and continue protecting our communities from wildfire.”

The fire is currently estimated to be over 1,000 acres. ODF IMT 1 will in brief at 5 p.m. tonight and take command of the fire at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning. The Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized a local task force yesterday to protect nearby structures and those resources demobilized that evening. For up to date evacuation information, follow the Klamath County Sheriff's Office or visit the following official site: https://protect.genasys.com/search.

“The professionalism, expertise and adaptability of our IMTs mean that we can answer the call within 24 hours to help our fellow Oregonians and their communities through any emergency,” said ODF’s Protection Division Chief Michael Curran.

As firefighters continue to work to suppress natural-caused fires, reduce the strain on firefighters by preventing new human-caused fires. Follow local regulations currently in place: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

SALEM, Oregon—The Local Government Grant Program Advisory Committee will hold public meetings to review grant applications 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 29, 30 and 31.  

The meetings will be held at the Best Western Plus, Mill Creek Inn, 3125 Ryan Dr. SE, Salem, OR 97301.  The meetings can also be viewed via Zoom.

Applicants to the Local Government Grant Program (LGGP) will present their proposed projects for acquiring, planning, developing and rehabilitating outdoor recreation facilities. The committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The list will be forwarded to the Oregon State

Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval.

A schedule listing applicants and their specific presentation times is posted on the Local Government Grant Program web page at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-lggp.aspx#2 . A link to view the Zoom meeting will also be posted at the site.

The LGGP Advisory Committee consists of ten members who represent cities, counties, park and recreation districts, port districts, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state. 

The LGGP was established in 1999 to direct a portion of state lottery revenue to award grants to eligible applicants for outdoor park and recreation projects. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). 

For more information about the LGGP, visit oprdgrants.org.

Thank you, Happy Valley!

Thanks to the cooperation, responsibility, and community spirit of our residents, the City of Happy Valley is proud to share the success of this year’s Fireworks Amnesty Program. In the days leading up to the Fourth of July, individuals turned in thousands of dollars’ worth of illegal fireworks—enough to fill two oversized trash bins-at the Community Policing Center.

This no-questions-asked initiative provided residents a safe and anonymous way to do the right thing, helping prevent dangerous fireworks from being used in our neighborhoods. It’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together for the good of all.

“This is the 15th year of Happy Valley’s Fireworks Amnesty Program, and each year we’ve seen our community step up,” said Steve Campbell, Public Safety Director for the City of Happy Valley. “This year was especially impressive-one of our largest turn-ins to date. We’re grateful to our residents for choosing safety, compassion, and responsibility.”

Launched in 2010, the Fireworks Amnesty Program is part of a larger public safety strategy that has positioned Happy Valley as a statewide leader in fireworks education, enforcement, and harm reduction. With more than a decade of consistent outreach and action, the City continues to demonstrate how local government and residents can work together to protect people, property, and pets.

As part of our commitment to education, the City also offers a Fireworks Diversion Class to individuals cited for illegal firework use. This course provides an opportunity to reduce the fine while gaining valuable insight into the broader impacts of fireworks misuse. The class is taught by a team of local professionals including a Fire Prevention Officer, a Police Officer, an educator from the Oregon Burn Center, a veterinarian, and a military veteran. Each brings a unique perspective, speaking to the real-life harm illegal fireworks cause-from burn injuries and fire damage to trauma experienced by pets and veterans with PTSD.

The City’s goal is to reduce the risk of wildfires, lessen the distress fireworks can cause to individuals with mental health challenges, and minimize the anxiety loud explosions cause for our pets. We know that creating a safe, livable, and inclusive community takes effort from everyone-and this year, you delivered.

This effort is part of a broader citywide safety initiative that also included patrols by specially trained Fireworks Task Force Officers over the holiday weekend. Use or possession of illegal fireworks in Happy Valley carries a $1,000 fine and could result in criminal charges.

To those who participated in the amnesty program: thank you for making the responsible choice and putting community safety first. Your actions made a difference.

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed Incident Management Team 3 (IMT 3) to the ODF Southwest Oregon District to assist district personnel following last night’s lightning.

Over the last 24 hours the ODF Southwest Oregon District has confirmed over 72 known fires across Jackson and Josephine counties and been actively engaged across the board, straining all resources in the district.  ODF IMT 3 will support the district by relieving the local resources and allowing them to focus on suppressing smaller fires and initial attack on new fires.

“Our firefighters have been working around the clock to keep these fires as small as we can, but resources are becoming limited, especially with other incidents across Oregon and the country competing for the same emergency response professionals,” ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester Dan Quinones said. “Bringing in ODF IMT 3 will allow us to regain our strength locally, handing some of these fires off to firefighters who hold the same drive to take them off the map as quickly as possible. Protecting our communities and putting out fires remain our top priorities.”

ODF resources continue to work with federal partners at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as well as local and county structural fire departments. This teamwork is a direct reflection of the complete and coordinated fire response system in southern Oregon.

The team will in brief at 12 p.m., July 9, and take command of the complex at 6 p.m.

High fire danger is currently in effect on ODF-protected land in Jackson and Josephine counties. As firefighters work to extinguish these natural fire starts, help prevent new human-caused fires from sparking by following all regulations currently in place: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/.

For current fire information, please follow ODF Southwest Oregon’s Facebook page.

The City of Salem has changed its scheduled July 14 City Council meeting to virtual only.

Air conditioning problems at Loucks Auditorium in Salem Public Library, where the meeting was scheduled to be held, prompted the change.
 

The decision was made for the health and safety of the Salem community with forecasted temperatures next Monday expected to be in the upper 80s to 90s.
 

The meeting can be viewed in real time on the City of Salem YouTube channel. Comcast Cable subscribers can watch on CC:Media Channel 21.
 

The public can submit comments on agenda items by 5 p.m. July 14 at ecorder@cityofsalem.net">cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net

Public testimony may be provided during the meeting via Zoom. Remote attendees must pre-register between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on July 14 using this link: https://www.cityofsalem.net/comment-at-council

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The first time they performed together, in the 1943 motion picture “To Have and Have Not,” Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall sizzled. Their chemistry continued onscreen and off. Re-Imagined Radio pays tribute to the two Hollywood legends in a two-part series running in July and August.

For the first episode, in July, Re-Imagined Radio samples from the Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of “To Have and Have Not,” which was their first collaborative radio performance. Its success set the stage for their action-adventure radio series “Bold Venture,” which is the focus of Re-Imagined Radio’s August episode.

“Part I: To Have and Have Not” premieres at 1 p.m. July 21, and “Part II: Bold Venture,” premieres at 1 p.m. Aug. 18. The premiere episodes are broadcast over KXRW-FM (99.9), Vancouver, and KXRY-FM (91.1 and 107.1), Portland. Subsequent broadcasts and streams will be provided by local, regional and international broadcast partners.

Humphrey Bogart was already a Hollywood icon when “To Have and Have Not” was filmed. Bacall, 25 years his junior, was a young model starring in her first motion picture, and her sultry performance won her instant acclaim. Bogart and Bacall starred together in three more films as well as on radio and television. “The on-screen romantic sparks between Bogart and Bacall led to an off-screen affair, and marriage in 1945 that lasted until Bogart's death in 1957,” said John Barber, producer and host of Re-Imagined Radio, and faculty member in Washington State University Vancouver’s Digital Technology and Culture program.

“To Have and Have Not” originated in two short stories by Ernest Hemingway. It is set in 1940 Martinique, where Bogart and Bacall become involved in efforts to help the French resistance. Their radio series, “Bold Venture,” is set in Havana. Bogart plays the owner of a hotel that attracts treasure hunters and revolutionaries, and Bacall portrays a femme fatale under his guardianship.

Re-Imagined Radio premieres episodes on the third Monday of the month on community radio stations KXRW-FM and KXRY-FM. Each episode is streamed globally and is then available as a podcast and on YouTube. Previous episodes are also released on YouTube each month. Information and listening opportunities are available at reimaginedradio.fm, where all episodes are archived.

The website also features “Re-Imagined Radio EXTRA,” additional content between regular monthly episodes, presenting sound-based storytelling from different places and in different genres.

Community Partners

Re-Imagined Radio draws on community voice actors, Foley artists, musicians, sound artists and engineers. Partners include KXRW-FM, KXRY-FM, the Electronic Literature Lab at WSU Vancouver, Marc Rose of Fuse Audio Design, Rylan Eisenhauer and Holly Slocum Design, with Evan Leyden.

About Re-Imagined Radio

Barber created the program in 2013 to explore sound-based storytelling. “We select, produce and perform classic and contemporary stories across a spectrum of genres, from dramas to comedies, from oral to aural histories, from documentaries to fictions, from soundscapes to sonic journeys, from radio to sound art, using a variety of media, including performances, radio broadcasts, streaming, podcasts and social media, especially YouTube,” Barber said. 

About WSU Vancouver

As one of six campuses of the WSU system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations. 

WSU Vancouver is located on the homelands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Peoples of the Lower Columbia Valley. We acknowledge their presence here. WSU Vancouver expresses its respect towards these original and current caretakers of the region. We pledge that these relationships will be built on mutual trust and respect.

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SALEM, OR — The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of George B. Lopez as the new Director of the Office of Tribal Affairs, effective July 7, 2025.
 

Lopez joins ODHS with extensive experience in tribal governance and community leadership. Most recently, he served as General Manager for the Klamath Tribes, where he led key administrative and community-based programs, managed a multimillion-dollar budget, and played a leading role in advancing tribal sovereignty and partnerships across education, public safety, and infrastructure development.
 

“This role is essential to ODHS’s continued collaboration with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes,” said ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “George brings a deep commitment to Tribal communities and a strong track record of advocacy across Oregon. His experience will be a tremendous asset as we strengthen our government-to-government relationships. We’re excited to welcome him to the team and confident he’ll help advance our mission in meaningful ways.”
 

The appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process and will ensure continuity in leadership and support for tribal engagement.
 

"I'm excited to take on this role and work with the Nine Tribes of Oregon, ODHS staff and leadership, and our partners at all levels," said George B. Lopez, incoming Director of the ODHS Office of Tribal Affairs. "I’m committed to building strong relationships and supporting efforts that make a real difference for Tribal children, families and elders across the state."
 

ODHS also extends its sincere thanks to Sherril Kuhns, who served as interim director. Her dedication to tribal affairs and leadership during this transition have made a lasting impact on the agency’s work with Tribal Nations.
 

For more information about the Office of Tribal Affairs and ODHS’s government-to-government work, visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs.

Media Contact:
ODHS Communications Office
ODHS-Media@odhs.oregon.gov
(503) 945-5600

Previously released information from the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office

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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.

Updated Information from Newberg-Dundee Police Department

The Newberg-Dundee Police Department have been assigned the lead investigating agency by the Yamhill County District Attorney’s Office. This incident is being investigated with the assistance of the Yamhill County Major Crimes Team. The preliminary information we have gathered in this investigation is that a Yamhill County Sheriff’s Deputy who responded to the disturbance encountered a suspect who had stabbed two victims and was brandishing a knife. The suspect was shot by the Yamhill County Deputy. The stabbing suspect is deceased. Life Flight was activated and transported one victim to an area hospital. The second victim was taken by ambulance to an area hospital. The names of the people involved in the incident will not be released at this time. Nothing further will be released at this time. 

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.

# # #

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.

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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.

                                                                                                                                            # # #

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