Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County judge delivered a guilty verdict for Robert Arthur Plympton, 60, for the 1980 murder of Barbara Tucker near Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham.
Incident
Close to 7:00 p.m. on January 15, 1980, Barbara Tucker, a student at Mt. Hood Community College, was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and beaten to death near a campus parking lot by Robert Plympton. On the morning of January 16, 1980, students arriving for class at Mt. Hood Community College discovered the body of Ms. Tucker in a wooded area between Kane Rd and a school parking lot. In 2000, vaginal swabs taken during Ms. Tucker’s autopsy were sent to the Oregon State Police (OSP) Crime Lab for analysis. The Crime Lab developed a DNA profile from the swabs.
In 2021, a genealogist with Parabon Nanolabs identified Robert Plympton as a likely contributor to the unknown DNA profile developed in 2000. Detectives with the Gresham Police Department found Plympton living in Troutdale and began conducting surveillance. When they saw Plympton spit a piece of chewing gum onto the ground, detectives collected the gum and submitted it to the OSP Crime Lab. The lab determined the DNA profile developed from the chewing gum matched the DNA profile developed from Ms. Tucker's vaginal swabs. On June 8, 2021, Plympton was taken into custody and lodged at the Multnomah County Detention Center.
Bench Trial
Chief Deputy District Attorney Kirsten Snowden and Senior Deputy District Attorney Todd Jackson represented the state at trial, which took place in front of Judge Amy Baggio from February 26 to March 15, 2024. Judge Baggio delivered her verdict on March 15 finding Plympton guilty of one count of Murder in the First Degree, and four counts of different theories of Murder in the Second Degree.
Sentencing has been scheduled for June 21 in front of Judge Baggio. Plympton remains in custody in Multnomah County.
The DA’s Office wishes to thank the Gresham Police Department detectives and the forensic experts at the OSP Crime Lab and Parabon Labs whose work was instrumental in bringing long-awaited justice to Ms. Tucker’s family and friends.
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On Friday, March 15, 2024, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies received a call from a female community member about a suspicious encounter she had with 55-year-old Jimmy Jen Liu. The woman reported that she responded to an ad on Craiglist looking for a housekeeper and ultimately went to Liu’s home in Aloha.
Not long after she arrived, Liu subjected the woman to unwanted contact by grabbing her bare feet and rubbing them on his face. The woman left the home and called police. During the investigation, deputies discovered that there was another woman who reported similar behavior by Liu in February 2024. This person was also responding to an advertisement seeking a housekeeper.
Liu was arrested at his home and booked into the Washington County Jail for harassment and sexual abuse in the third degree. Liu was arraigned on Monday, March 18, 2024, and the additional charges of attempted sexual abuse in the third degree and attempted harassment were added.
Investigators have discovered that Liu has an expansive presence on social media. Liu has shared content seeking a housekeeper since as early as 2017. Liu also has advertised math tutoring services to children.
Deputies believe that there may be additional victims of Liu’s. If you have any information about Liu, please contact non-emergency at 503-629-0111.
PORTLAND, Ore.—A former federal correctional officer in Oregon was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband into a federal prison in exchange for money.
Nickolas Carlos Herrera, 34, of McMinnville, Oregon, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.
“Corruption by any public official or law enforcement officer is unacceptable. Mr. Herrera dishonored both himself and the law he swore to uphold, as well as the justice system he represents, by allowing a free flow of criminal activity in and out of the prison,” said Aubree M. Schwartz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “Today’s sentence should send a strong message to all who abuse their positions for personal gain: we will not accept corruption in any form, or at any level.”
“By smuggling drugs, a cell phone, and other contraband into FCI Sheridan, Herrera exchanged the safety and security of the entire institution for his own selfish gain. Today’s sentencing shows that correctional officers who accept bribes and bring contraband into federal prisons will be held accountable for their crimes,” said Zachary Shroyer, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Western Region.
According to court documents, from April 2015 until he was placed on administrative leave in December 2019, Herrera was employed as a correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan, Oregon, a medium security federal prison. Herrera used his position to introduce contraband into the facility for the benefit of select inmates, including Donte Hunt, 40, of Portland, who at the time was in custody pending trial on federal drug, gun, and money laundering charges. In the spring of 2019, Herrera started bringing contraband items such as food, clothing, and cigarettes into the facility, which he gave to Hunt.
Later, Herrera brought Hunt marijuana; Suboxone, a Schedule III narcotic; Yeezy brand designer sneakers; and a cell phone. Herrera obtained the items from Elizabeth McIntosh, 34, a non-incarcerated associate of Hunt’s. On at least one occasion, Herrera allowed Hunt to use a staff phone at the prison to call McIntosh to arrange the delivery of contraband to Herrera. Herrera met McIntosh on multiple occasions to obtain items for Hunt and accepted payment from her on Hunt’s behalf.
On September 24, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Herrera, Hunt, and McIntosh with conspiracy and bribing a public official. Herrera and Hunt were also charged with providing contraband in prison.
On May 19, 2022, Herrera pleaded guilty to conspiracy, providing contraband in prison, and accepting a bribe as a public official.
On December 18, 2023, Hunt pleaded guilty to conspiracy and bribing a public official. He was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison to be served concurrently with a 300-month sentence previously imposed from his underlying criminal case.
On November 29, 2023, McIntosh pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information charging her with misprision of felony and, on February 13, 2023, she was sentenced to one year of probation.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Portland Police Bureau, and IRS-Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Ethan Knight and Katherine Rykken, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
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Today, Multnomah County Circuit Court Michael Greenlick sentenced Brett Edward Pruett, 62, to three consecutive true life prison sentences without the possibility of parole. Today’s sentencing follows an October 6th verdict where a 12-person jury found Pruett guilty for the murder of three people.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Kevin Demer, Senior Deputy District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, and Deputy District Attorney Keegan Matosich represented the state in this case. They offered the following statement, “We are pleased that this sentence brings justice to the families of Mr. Hughes III, Ms. Cobb, and Mr. Murphy. While their loved ones can never be brought back, the families can have some peace knowing that the person who took their lives will be behind bars for the rest of his life. Our hope is that the families can now move more meaningfully forward in the healing process.”
The resolution of this case is thanks in part to many contributors. The DA’s Office wishes to thank the PPB detectives for their investigation, the victim advocates who worked with the families, and particularly the three victims’ families for their resilience throughout the case.
Pruett is currently in custody in Multnomah County and will be transported to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.
#MCDA#
Original Message (10/6/2023)
Jury Finds Brett Pruett Guilty in 2020 Triple Murder Case
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County jury delivered a guilty verdict for Brett Edward Pruett, 61, for the 2020 murder of three people in northeast Portland.
The trial took place in front of Judge Michael Greenlick from September 11 to October 6, with Senior Deputy District Attorney Kevin Demer, Senior Deputy District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, and Deputy District Attorney Keegan Matosich as prosecutors. The 12-person jury delivered the verdict today, finding Pruett guilty of:
On July 17, 2020, Portland Police located three deceased victims in the 2500 block of Northeast 122nd Avenue in Portland. An investigation revealed that Pruett intentionally killed Elmer Edwin Hughes III and Tashia Heather Cobb outside, and that he then killed Lawrence Wayne Murphy inside the residence. Portland Police located and arrested Pruett on July 18, 2020.
In addition, on July 14, 2020, Pruett used a dangerous weapon to knowingly cause physical injury to an adult female prior to the triple homicide.
Pruett is currently in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Greenlick on January 8, 2024.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office thanks the Portland Police Bureau for their assistance with this case.
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Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced today that a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge sentenced Adrian Austin Cummins, 26, to 18 years in prison for a September 2023 stabbing on a MAX light rail train in Southeast Portland.
Deputy District Attorneys Julian Samuels and Charlie Weiss represented the state in this case, which resulted in a negotiated plea agreement with the defendant and his counsel. Cummins pled guilty this afternoon and was sentenced by Judge Christopher Marshall as follows:
Additionally, Cummins will serve three years of post-prison supervision.
Cummins is currently in custody in Multnomah County and will be transported to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.
The DA’s Office wishes to thank a number of partners for their help in this case – the PPB detectives and officers from the Central Neighborhood Response Team who responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation, the emergency medical responders who rendered lifesaving aid to the victims, and the doctors and staff at OHSU who treated the young man who nearly lost his life. The DA’s Office is pleased with the swift resolution of this case, and the closure it will bring to the victims and their families.
#MCDA#
Original Message (9/8/2023)
Grand Jury Indicts Adrian Cummins on Attempted Murder, Other Charges for Stabbing Two Juveniles on Light Rail
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a grand jury indicted Adrian Austin Cummins, 25, on 12 charges from Saturday’s stabbing incident on a MAX light rail train in southeast Portland:
Upon review of the evidence provided by law enforcement, Deputy District Attorneys Julian Samuels and Charlie Weiss presented the case to the Grand Jury, which returned a true bill of indictment today. Cummins is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on September 13, 2023.
Following Cummins’ arrest on September 2, 2023, MCDA filed a motion with the court seeking preventative detention – a means of denying any release during the pendency of the case. Prosecutors presented arguments to Judge Steffan Alexander yesterday, and the judge granted the motion. This means Cummins will not be released until resolution of his case.
The DA’s Office thanks the Portland Police Bureau for their assistance so far in this case.
A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime. Cummins is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Read the full update and learn more about each project:
Portland secures $7.1 million in federal funding to advance priority projects
City of Portland projects will receive $7.1 million from a federal funding package signed into law this month by President Biden – fueling everything from affordable housing to traffic safety to body-worn cameras for police.
Over the past year, the Office of Government Relations worked across city bureaus to develop priorities, secure support from Oregon’s congressional delegation and advance requests through the legislative process. Thanks to the efforts of U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici, several of the City’s requests were included in the final legislation.
“I’m grateful that Portland’s priority projects received support from our congressional delegation,” Mayor Ted Wheeler said. “National investment will accelerate our progress in addressing the issues that matter most to Portlanders.”
The package, which avoided a partial shutdown of the federal government, funds numerous agencies through September. It also supports congressionally directed projects requested by local communities, commonly called earmarks. Here’s what’s on tap for Portland.
Portland Bureau of Transportation
New signals and safety features will be installed at two crash-prone intersections along Southeast 112th Avenue – part of the Vision Zero program, the City and communitywide effort to end traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Portland. Improvements at the intersections with Division Street and Holgate Boulevard will include new signal phases to separate vehicle traffic from people biking and walking, higher visibility crosswalks and upgraded street lighting that meets PBOT safety standards.
Portland Housing Bureau
A new building with 149 affordable apartments will serve communities of color who live, work and worship in the Hillsdale area of Southwest Portland. Developed by Innovative Housing, Inc., the Barbur Apartments will focus on immigrant and refugee communities – particularly Muslim and East and North African households. The City’s largest mosque is located nearby, along with many Muslim religious and service organizations.
Portland Police Bureau
This year, Portland will roll out body-worn cameras for all police officers to record their interactions with community members. The program is ramping up following a pilot last year, which tested the technology. Portland is the last large U.S. city to require body-worn cameras, which have become standard in policing.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with Bureau of Environmental Services
A major fish passage barrier will be replaced along Tryon Creek, where it flows under Highway 43 to the Willamette River. A larger culvert will restore access to 2.7 miles of high-quality spawning and rearing habitat in the Tryon Creek watershed – making way for threatened native fish, including coho and Chinook salmon.
Portland Parks & Recreation
Portland parks are getting lit. Congressional funding will expand and expedite the removal of outdated lighting and replace it with new LED lights that are more efficient, longer lasting and better for the environment (and neighbors!). New Park lighting spans Portland, from Montavilla to Sellwood to Irvington.
Read the full update and learn more about each project:
Portland secures $7.1 million in federal funding to advance priority projects
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s annual Giving Day, Howl from the Heart, held on March 5, saw great engagement.. With 696 donors giving to nearly 60 funds, Giving Day raised $208,406 as of Friday, March 15. These funds will support scholarships, campus clubs, student organizations, academic programs, and athletics.
Gifts were received from 26 states and Washington, D.C. on Giving Day. The top three funds to receive gifts were the Fund for WOU, Volleyball, and Men’s Soccer, with a combined total of 273 gifts.
Western also launched its first-ever Giving Day service project at Heron Pointe Senior Living Center in Monmouth. Students spent the afternoon of Giving Day socializing and playing games with the residents.
“This year’s Giving Day once again proved the commitment and dedication to student success from our generous donors,” says Dave Beasley, director of annual giving at the WOU Foundation. “We are immensely grateful for each gift we received, and we are excited about the bright future such gifts will make possible at Western.”
Falling on the first Tuesday in March, Western’s annual day of giving has encouraged alumni, friends, parents, faculty, and staff to support areas of need across campus that positively impact students. Since 2016, donors have contributed more than $1.5 million on Giving Day to benefit the Western community.
Learn more about supporting Western and its students.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon's oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Together we succeed.
https://wou.edu/2024/03/18/western-oregon-university-celebrates-successful-giving-day/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
Pacific Power launches fleet make-ready pilot program to help transition to sustainable transportation
Tailor-made incentives and technical assistance offered for charging infrastructure to support fleet electric vehicles
PORTLAND, Ore. (Mar 18, 2024) — Pacific Power is offering the "fleet make-ready” pilot program to help non-residential customers across Oregon transition to cost-saving clean transportation.
The program is designed to connect local communities with the benefits of electric vehicles. It provides financial support and technical assistance to enable non-residential customers to transition their fleets to electric vehicles. Find more details here: PacificPower.net/Fleet
Pacific Power non-residential customers with a fleet of at least two EVs (owned, purchased or leased) within the pilot period can receive advisory services and tailor-made incentives to support the design and construction costs associated with behind-the-meter EV charging infrastructure. Eligible participants can receive incentives covering project design, engineering, permitting and construction costs for their electrical infrastructure and the installation of electric vehicle service equipment (not including actual chargers). The program also offers technical assistance through an on-site feasibility analysis and customized technical fleet advice to help evaluate available options and costs.
Check your eligibility to apply: PacificPower.net/Fleet
“Pacific Power will continue to work toward attaining a sustainable future for the state. We’re committed to supporting our diverse communities in Oregon by providing programs and options for customers to plug in to the benefits of clean transportation while reducing their environmental footprints and contributing to improved air quality,” said Kate Hawley, electric transportation senior product manager for Pacific Power. “Through this program, we aim to minimize the barriers and offer easier and affordable ways to make the switch to electric vehicles.”
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About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 8000,000 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 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.
What: Street Sweeper “C-SweeP0” unveiling
When: Thursday, March 28 at 3:30 pm
Where: Oregon City Public Works 13895 Fir St., Oregon City, OR 97045
Last year the City of Oregon City held a “Name the Street Sweeper” contest to mark National Public Works Week. After receiving hundreds of suggestions from local children, the top five names were shown to the public, and residents had the chance to vote for their favorite on the City’s Facebook page. The winning entry was “C-SweeP0” by Kennedy Gibb, 7.
Supply chain issues delayed the arrival of the sweeper for several months, but it will be ready to hit the road after the unveiling March 28.
The sweeper will be unveiled, acknowledgements will be made to those who helped bring the sweeper to life, photos will be taken with Kennedy, local officials and a few surprise guests, and Kennedy will be the first one to go for a ride in C-SweeP0.
March 18, 2024
Salem – The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) is hosting a conference May 9-10 for employers, insurers, attorneys, medical providers, union representatives, safety and human resource managers, and vocational assistance providers to gain knowledge, engage in professional networking, and refresh their skills about the workers’ compensation system. Anyone with a professional interest in the workers’ compensation system will benefit from this event.
The 21st Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront, 909 N. Hayden Island Drive.
Conference topics include claim filing and dispute resolution to return-to-work programs and mental health in the workplace.
WCD, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, is hosting the conference with the International Workers’ Compensation Foundation.
On Friday, May 10, the conference will feature a keynote panel discussion with Sydney Montanaro, a worker attorney with Thomas, Coon, Newton, & Frost; and Lauren Oda, an employer and insurer attorney with SBH Legal.
The panel, moderated by WCD Resolution Section Manager Kirsten Schrock, will explore common situations in workers’ compensation and provide the speakers’ own unique outlook. Each panelist will share their views based on the experience of representing their clients, offering different perspectives, as well as areas of common interest.
The conference, which includes breakfast, lunch, and exhibits, offers many workplace safety and health topics. They include:
The Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference also features a special networking event at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, at the host hotel. The event invites attendees to meet workers’ compensation professionals in the region. Light refreshments will be served.
Registration for the two-day event is $325 until April 1. After April 1, the cost of registration increases to $400. Register at https://workcompevent.com/oregon/oregon-workers-compensation-conference-2024. For more information about WCD conferences, go online, send an email to .l.hlad@dcbs.oregon.gov">jennifer.l.hlad@dcbs.oregon.gov, or call 971-719-6023.
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#OregonWCD
The Workers’ Compensation Division, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, administers and regulates the state's workers’ compensation laws and rules. For more information, go to wcd.oregon.gov.
The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dcbs.oregon.gov.
Portland, Ore. (March 19, 2024) – With the arrival of spring this Tuesday, Portland has already seen heightened pollen counts that signal an early allergy season. Climate change is playing a role in lengthening allergy seasons and intensifying pollen levels, creating increasing challenges for allergy sufferers. Dr. Mark Chan, Allergy and Immunology Specialist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, offers advice on how to prepare for the early allergy season in Oregon and understand its potential health implications.
“The early onset of allergy season in Portland raises concerns for those prone to seasonal allergies,” said Dr. Chan. “Itchy, watery eyes; itchy, runny nose and sneezing are the most common and uncomfortable symptoms, but there are preventive measures you can take to manage allergies more effectively. Simple things like closing your windows, changing your clothes when you come in from outdoors, and even just showering and washing your hands can help a lot.”
It’s also important to know how to differentiate between allergy symptoms and signs of illness, like COVID-19, RSV, the flu or a common cold, as many of the symptoms overlap. “Respiratory illnesses and seasonal allergies are getting harder to differentiate,” said Dr. Chan. “For example, runny nose and sore throat are common with the COVID-19 and with allergies. But there are several symptoms more closely associated with respiratory illness that you can watch for.”
In addition to offering clues on determining if you have allergies, COVID or a common cold, Dr. Chan says there are measures you can take to help reduce your spring allergy symptoms, such as closing your windows, changing your clothes when you come in from outdoors, and - pro tip - wearing your mask, which will help prevent allergies and reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 at the same time.
Interviews available
Mark Chan, MD, Allergy and Immunology Specialist with Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Ore., is available for Zoom interviews with media from 11:15 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, March 19. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org">Karen Vitt to schedule.
Dr. Chan is prepared to discuss:
• Why Portland is seeing an early allergy season
• How to reduce your spring allergies and minimize health risks
• Which symptoms are common, and which are more worrisome
• Symptoms of allergies vs. respiratory illness and clues to tell the difference
• When you should speak to your health care provider.
ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
What: This event celebrates the historic, ceremonial transfer of ownership of the Queen of Angels Monastery in Mt. Angel, Oregon (the historic home of the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel) to Catholic Community Services (CCS) of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast. This transfer of ownership will preserve the monastery's rich heritage and bolster community service programs founded by the sisters and now operated by CCS.
Please note: Attendance is by invitation only, and event details are not for publication prior to the event. Media representatives are invited to attend.
When: Wed. March 20, 2024 - 2:00-4:00 pm
Where: Queen of Angels Monastery, 840 S Main St, Mt Angel, OR 97362
Who: The Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel and Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast (CCS)
Format: Prayer Service in the Monastery Chapel followed by a reception and listening session
Visuals/Photo op:
Interview Opportunities:
About the Benedictine Sisters and the Queen of Angels Monastery
The Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel are a Catholic religious community which was established in Oregon in 1882. Queen of Angels Monastery, the Sisters' historic home, dates to 1887. The Sisters' major ministries are hospitality, prayer, service to the local community, and Shalom at the Monastery, a retreat and spiritual renewal center. At present, the Benedictine Sisters have 19 professed members (nuns) and 80 oblates (non-professed members).
About Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley
Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast (CCS) is a non-profit, faith-based organization. Founded in Salem in 1938, today, CCS offers 11 programs across 10 Oregon counties and serves more than 5,000 people each year. They operate with fidelity to the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which call them to work for the common good and to serve their neighbors who are the poorest and most vulnerable. CCS envisions a caring, resilient community full of hope and connection where all people flourish.
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Background:
On Dec. 27 , 2023, the Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel and Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast (CCS) today announced the official closing of the sale of Queen of Angels Monastery in Mt. Angel to CCS. The monastery, built in 1888, has been the home of the Benedictine Sisters as well as their central offices from which they undertook an
impressive number of endeavors for the greater good, including the Shalom at the Monastery retreat ministry, the Benedictine Nursing Center next door, and St. Joseph Shelter/Mission Benedict across the street. (https://www.benedictine-srs.org/our-history)
The Sisters, who have moved to the Providence Benedictine Nursing Center's Orchard House next door, will continue to have offices in the monastery and will help guide and sustain St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict, ministries which they founded in 1988. The Sisters transferred day-to-day operations of these ministries to CCS in 2017.
A formal transfer ceremony is planned for March 20, 2024, during which CCS, the Benedictine Sisters and guests will come together to pray, celebrate and share hopes and dreams for the future of the monastery.
"The Benedictine Sisters have owned the historic monastery and grounds of Queen of Angels Monastery since 1887 when they purchased the property from Mount Angel Abbey. The sisters have shared their monastic buildings and grounds in ministry to countless guests, students, oblates, retreatants, family, and friends. Now the Benedictine Sisters entrust the mission and use of it to Catholic Community Services," said Sister Jane Hibbard, Pastoral Administrator of the Benedictine Sisters. "The sisters look forward to seeing what develops and also promise to pray daily for what will emerge for the future use of the buildings and property. They are deeply grateful for the partnership with and commitment of CCS to the people of Mount Angel, Marion County, and beyond, as well as to the many people who continue to support the Benedictine Sisters."
"We are honored and humbled by the confidence the Sisters have placed in us, and we look forward to our continued partnership to sustain the ministries they founded and to preserve the monastery as a place of hope and healing," said CCS Chief Executive Officer Josh Graves.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2024
Media Contact:
Communications@employ.oregon.gov
WHO: Karen Madden Humelbaugh, Paid Leave Oregon director; Lindsi Leahy, Unemployment Insurance director; David Gerstenfeld, Oregon Employment Department director
WHEN: Wednesday, 1 p.m., March 20, 2024
WHAT: The Oregon Employment Department is hosting a video-conference media briefing to share data from the Paid Leave Oregon program and updates on the rollout of Unemployment Insurance benefits in Frances Online.
WHERE: Via Zoom video conference: Members of the media must RSVP by emailing Communications@employ.oregon.gov by noon on Wednesday, March 20. We will provide video conference login information to all reporters who RSVP. RSVPs must indicate if the reporter wants to ask a question of the presenters.
After the briefing concludes, we will email the link to the video recording to reporters who RSVP’d.
OTHER: The Oregon Employment Department updates its agency dashboard each week. Visit oregon.gov/employ/NewsAndMedia for our latest news releases, video and audio clips, and the latest data for Unemployment Insurance, WorkSource Oregon, and Paid Leave Oregon.
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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.
El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.
NORTH PORTLAND, Ore. – Media are invited to Portland Community College’s Maritime Welding Class of 2024 Completion Ceremony. The students will receive certificates for their completion to celebrate with their families and friends. The ceremony is much more than honoring the end of their training, as it is the beginning of their careers and entering a manufacturing industry in dire need of fresh workers.
Event Details:
Date – Thursday, March 21
Time – 10-11:30 a.m.
Location – Room 136, Swan Island Trades Center, (6400 N. Cutter Circle, Portland, OR 97217)
Event Highlights:
About PCC’s Maritime Center of Excellence: The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) recently announced the designation of 32 Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education with PCC designated as demonstrably successful in maritime workforce training and education and thereby, a COE, one of 50 maritime training locations across 17 states and Guam. The designation recognizes and promotes support to post-secondary maritime training programs that prepare students for careers in the maritime industry.
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 50,000 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/
First Responders were kept busy during this warm holiday weekend. Firefighters responded to a number of incidents, some of the more significant were:
-Early yesterday morning crews went to a 2nd alarm apartment fire that displaced people in five apartment units. No injuries were associated with this fire, but as the fire was brought under control a shooting in the area forced fire commanders to release one engine and crew from the fire to respond to the shooting. The victims of the shooting reportedly suffered injuries that didn't appear to be life-threatening.
-Yesterday a separate fire burned interior contents in a home when a burning candle reportedly came into contact with curtains and bedding. While the fire was extinguished quickly, one person suffered 1st and possibly 2nd degree burns.
-A medical event in Forest Park necessitated a rescue by crews using ATV's and 4-wheel drive fire vehicles to bring the victim out. The victim is expected to recover.
These events are in addition to the always numerous smaller fires, vehicle crashes, medical and other emergencies that responders deal with daily.
This weekend served as a primer for responders and should be a reminder for the public that as things slowly heat up there are things that you can do to help us to keep you safe, here are a few:
Window Safety: Remember as weather warms a breeze can be nice, but those big open windows can pose a fall hazard for children. Keep climbable furniture well away from windows and keep windows closed and locked if small children are present. Remember screens keep bugs out, not people in. If you have auxiliary locks on your windows please ensure that they can be easily removed in the event that your family needs to escape a fire. Here are some tips from the National Safety Council:
https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/child-safety/window-safety-week
Hiking: If you’re going out to enjoy Forest Park or any of our other beautiful PNW natural areas please plan ahead with safety in mind. Let people know where you’re going and when you’ll return. Take your cell phone, even though you hopefully won’t use it, in an emergency it can allow responders to locate you more quickly. Lastly pack emergency equipment, what you need will depend on where you’re going. Here are some additional tips from our partners at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue:
https://www.mcso.us/divisions/law-enforcement/search-rescue#ten-essentials-for-hiking
Backyard Barbeques and Fire Pits: We hope you’ll make safety the biggest consideration when burning outdoors. Only burn in specially designed and approved containers; these may be BBQ grills or fire pits with metal lids and or spark containing screens. While that fire pit might be a fun way to keep the party going, your neighbors may be elderly or have small children and they might not enjoy the smoke that’s blowing into their windows, consider limiting the time that you burn. Lastly, make sure to properly dispose of ashes in a metal container and store it well away from anything that could burn.
At 4:05 pm on Sunday, March 17 2024, Bend Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 61474 Edro Place. Initial reports were of a possible garage fire that was spreading quickly and may involve an additional structure. On arrival, both 61474 and 61466 Edro Place were involved in fire. Additional resources were called to the scene and the fires were knocked down quickly. Both residences were substantially damaged, with minor damage also to a vehicle parked in the driveway of 61466 Edro Place. Operations continued for an extended period of time due to a gas leak from the meter of 61474 Edro Place. The meter was destrayed by the fire and Cascade Natural Gas had to excavate in order to shut off the gas to the residence. Damage is estimated at $300,000. Both homes are not livable, but occupants of both residences declined Red Cross assistance.
Upon investigation, it was determined that the occupant of 61474 Edro Place had disposed of coals from a backyard fire pit into a plastic recycle bin that was outside the home, along the south exterior wall between the two houses. The ashes ignited the contents of the recycle bin and spread to the exterior of the home. The fire spread up the exterior of both homes, located approximately 15 feet apart, and into the attic space of both homes.
Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community that any ashes or coals need to be disposed of properly. Place them into a metal container, fill with water, and allow them to soak at a minimum overnight prior to disposal. The metal bucket should be placed on a non-combustible surface such as dirt or concrete, never left inside the house or placed on wood decking. For more home fire safety information, visit our website at www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue.
Join us for a 45-minute train ride featuring the Easter bunny! Historic passenger cars pulled by a diesel locomotive offer comfortable seating and spectacular views of the city, river and wildlife. Kids of all ages will enjoy an Easter scavenger hunt and other fun activities. And the Easter bunny will be onboard to greet everyone!
Snacks and adult & kid friendly beverages will be available for purchase.
Saturday, March 30 @ 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm. Adults $20, Kids 3-12 $15; 2 and Under Ride Free on Lap
For tickets and more info, visit www.orhf.org/saturday-train-rides/
AMBOY, WASHINGTON - North Clark Historical Museum will host the 18th Quilt Show located at 21416 NE 399th St., Amboy, WA 98601.
Saturday, March 23rd 10:00 am -- 4:00 pm
Sunday, March 24th 12:00 pm -- 4:00 pm
Featured this year will be COG (Crazy Ole Gals) & John. Their theme is “Our Journeys Through the Years.” The group members are Rosanne & John Hatfield, Alvera Gaskins, and Riza Russum. They are members of the Clark County Quilters Guild and formed COG three years ago. They meet every Friday via Zoom and twice a month in person during the summer.
COG will have over 80 quilts on display and will share new techniques they’ve learned while working with textiles. The group also sews for “Project Linus.” Project Linus provides handmade blankets to children 0-18 in the United States who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.
The Museum raffle quilt, "Winter Magic,” will be on display, and tickets will be available to purchase. The queen size quilt was made by the Chelatchie Quilters of Chelatchie Prairie, WA. The proceeds from the raffle benefit the Museum's Capital Improvement Fund.
No Admission Fee. Donations are Welcome. Wheelchair accessible.
For more information, contact North Clark Historical Museum at 360-247-5800 or museumnch88@gmail.com
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The North Clark Historical Museum was founded in 1988 and is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The doors were opened in June of 2000. Mission Statement: To preserve North Clark County’s natural and cultural history through collections and exhibits, and to sponsor educational programs and research opportunities for the enrichment of the public.
Portland Fire responded to reports of a fire in a dumpster between two buildings right after midnight at 1923 NE Schuyler St. Crews arrived to find a 2 story apartment building flanking either side of the dumpster with approximately a dozen units in either building. The fire was able to travel up the siding and into the attic space of both buildings. Crews made quick work of extinguishing the fire by performing agressive work on the roof and getting hose lines in place. By cutting multiple holes in the roof they were able to keep fire damage to only a few units, and saved many. There were no injuries to any occupants, however many will be displaced due to the incident as there at least five uninhabitable units. Red Cross is working with these individuals. Fire investigators are on scene to determine the cause of the fire.
As this incident was happening and crews were still working to put out hotspots, a shooting happened nearby in the area of NE 15th and NE Broadway. Portland Fire had crews in staging waiting to work on the fire if they were needed but were able to release Engine 14 to render medical aid to the shooting victim. The individual was transported to the hospital with injuries.
A hiker reported missing after not returning from a hike was found deceased near Horsetail Falls Trailhead.
On Friday, March 15, 2024 at around 10:00 p.m., Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to a call from a person reporting that their friend, a 61-year-old woman, had not returned from a planned solo hike at Oneonta Falls. The caller reported that they had located the hiker’s car in the parking lot at Horsetail Falls Trailhead.
MCSO Green Hornets, a team of deputies trained for hasty deployment to the trails of the west Columbia River Gorge, responded and searched for the missing hiker throughout the night. They were assisted by Gresham Police Department who used Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones) to help search the vast area. The hiker did not have her cell phone with her, making it impossible to find her location through cell tower pings.
The next morning, Saturday, March 16, 2024, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) began a daylight search mission. They were aided by multiple neighboring agencies. By 10:00 a.m., there were more than fifty personnel on the ground searching. Search efforts included the use of tracking dogs and drones.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., the missing hiker was found at the bottom of a cliff near Horsetail Falls Trailhead. E Old Historic Columbia Highway was closed, briefly, in both directions so that the deceased hiker’s remains could be safely recovered. The medical examiner’s office responded and took custody of the hiker’s remains and will determine the official cause of death. The name of the deceased hiker is being withheld until next of kin notifications are completed.
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the following agencies who assisted in the search and recovery efforts: MCSOSAR, Gresham Police Department, Clackamas County Search & Rescue, Mt. Wave Search & Rescue, Hood River Crag Rats and Oregon Department of Transportation.
Milwaukie, OR- Milwaukie Police Chief Luke Strait will be retiring from the Milwaukie Police Department on April 5th. Chief Strait has been with the City of Milwaukie for 29 years and in Public Safety and Law Enforcement for 30.
Chief Strait was hired to the City of Milwaukie’s Police Department in 1995 as a Police Officer assigned to patrol. He was promoted to general assignment detective where he also worked detached with the metro gang task force and was a member of the Clackamas County interagency SWAT. He was promoted to Patrol Sergeant, then Patrol Captain and finally to Chief.
Chief Strait started his tenure as MiPD’s agency head five years ago navigating many changes at the department and in the industry. His efforts included a community engagement police policy and contract review, reinstating second motorcycle traffic enforcement position, representing the Clackamas county police chiefs on the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC). He was the former co-chair with Judge Gilmartin on the CCA Clackamas community alliance to address addiction and overdose and developed new employee community engagement program, pairing community members with new police officers discuss hopes and fears.
Chief Strat initiated Police involvement with DEI and instituted regular bias training with fair and impartial policing which involved community feedback and listening sessions. Chief Strait oversaw many projects to increase police transparency including the implementation of body worn cameras. He was instrumental in the hiring of a behavioral health specialist and building partnerships with LoveOne, Central City Concern, 4D recovery and others designed at supporting unhoused and other vulnerable populations. Chief Strait worked more definitively to support MiPD’s involvement in interagency missions in Human Trafficking, Theft and Traffic Safety in Milwaukie and throughout Clackamas County.
The City of Milwaukie concluded an internal/external recruitment process and announced Milwaukie Police Captain Ryan Burdick will be promoted to Chief of Police on April 9th. Ryan was hired by MPD in 2002, previously served active duty in the US Army, served in National Guard, has a BA in Accounting from Western Oregon and is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville.
“I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had all the opportunities and experiences I've had, and I've shared them with an amazing group of people. It feels surreal to stop doing something that has thoroughly challenged me and consumed my life since I was 24 years old. I know it's in great hands with the city and the PD. This profession is supposed to be challenging, engaging, and rewarding, as well as slightly terrifying and almost impossible at times. It has been all those things. I feel very blessed as I begin to close out this chapter and start the next. I know I will miss the challenges, the camaraderie, and the relationships of my coworkers with MiPD, the city and community members.” -Chief Strait
https://www.milwaukieoregon.gov/police/chief-luke-strait-retiring-april-2024
Vancouver, Wash. – On March 12, 2024, at about 9: 25 p.m., Vancouver Police responded to a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian collision in the area of NE 134th Ave and NE Fourth Plain Blvd. that had been witnessed by a C-Tran bus driver who stated that a male had been crossing the street, not in a marked crosswalk, and was struck by a vehicle. While emergency personnel were searching the area, a deceased male with significant trauma was located in a culvert on the north side of the road.
While emergency personnel were processing the scene, a male drove up and stated that he had been driving westbound in the right lane on NE Fourth Plain Blvd approaching NE 131st Avenue earlier and struck something with his vehicle. He stopped, looked around and didn’t see anything so drove away. He told investigators that he thought he had hit an animal. The driver was cooperative and there were no signs of impairment. The Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit is continuing the investigation and confirmation of the identity of the deceased male is pending.
On March 15, 2024, at about 10:26 p.m., the driver of a Dodge truck was going westbound on E 15th St. towards Main St. The driver of the truck had a green signal. A male driving his Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on Main St approaching E 15th St. failed to stop for the red traffic signal and crashed into the driver’s side of the truck. The motorcycle driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The force of the collision was so violent it caused the Dodge truck to spin 180 degrees. Witnesses to the crash estimated the motorcycle was traveling 70 to 80 miles per hour prior to the crash. The speed limit on Main Street is 20 mph. The driver of the truck was cooperative and there were no signs of impairment. The Vancouver Police Traffic Unit is continuing the investigation.
These collisions are the 3rd and 4th fatality collisions investigated by the VPD Traffic Unit so far in 2024.
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3/16/24 – Lincoln County, Oregon
We are looking for individuals with strong character, motivation, and integrity to join our Sheriff’s Office team. With multiple positions open, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a hiring event on Saturday, April 27, 2024. This event is a great opportunity to get a better idea of the rewarding careers our team has to offer.
Deputy applicants ages 21 years and older are invited to complete the written and physical testing requirements for free. Participants in this event experience a significantly expedited application process. In addition to completing required tests for free, participants also have the opportunity to meet our team, ask questions, receive more information on perks and benefits, and enjoy free lunch and snacks. All participants need to bring ID and deputy applicants need to bring athletic clothes and shoes.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to complete an application before the event. To submit an application, visit www.co.lincoln.or.us/748/Join-the-Team. Join us at this hiring event to jumpstart your successful career in Law Enforcement.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm
10:30am - 11:00am Check in and Meet and Greet
11:00am – 1:00pm Written Exam (tests for applicants interested in deputy positions)
1:00pm – 1:30pm Networking (and time to change clothes for physical testing)
1:30pm – 4:00pm Physical Test and Lunch (physical testing for applicants interested in deputy positions.
Testing takes less than 30 minutes per participant.)
Location: Search and Rescue Building, 830 NE 7th St., Newport
What to Bring:
Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. For questions or to register, contact Jess Palma at 541-265-0652 or jpalma@co.lincoln.or.us
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March 15, 2024
PORTLAND, Oregon – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released a list of cases impacted by the public defense crisis. The list includes felony cases dismissed by the JC3 court as a result of the crisis.
In November, DA Mike Schmidt called the public defense crisis– defined by a lack of public defenders to provide counsel to defendants– an urgent threat to public safety. Individuals charged with a crime have a constitutional right to defense counsel. Victims have a right to justice. Absent counsel, criminal prosecutions cannot lawfully move forward, and throughout the counsel shortage, cases issued by the office have been routinely dismissed over prosecutors’ objections.
DA Schmidt also declared that MCDA would publish cases dismissed due to the crisis each week to increase transparency and advance the public’s understanding of the scope of the crisis. Here is a breakdown of the types of felonies getting dismissed.
There were 10 cases dismissed by the court as a result of the public defense crisis between 3/8/24 and 3/14/24:
23-CR-59926
23-CR-18742
22-CR-00021
22-CR-28343
22-CR-22449
23-CR-45724
23-CR-27493
23-CR-32234
22-CR-10696
22-CR-56314
#MCDA#
Vancouver, Wash. – City of Vancouver Volunteer and Urban Forestry programs added seven trees to the Volunteer Grove at Centerpointe Park (N.E. Fourth Plain Boulevard at Pacific Way). The Volunteer Grove recognizes civically minded residents and groups who donate their time to the City of Vancouver. Now in its seventh year, the Volunteer Grove tree planting was accompanied by an award ceremony to celebrate the honorees on March 9.
“Each year we plant trees to symbolize the commitment of our volunteers,” said Hailey Heath, volunteer coordinator for the City of Vancouver. “The Volunteer Grove reminds us of the legacy created by these residents who choose to donate their time to strengthen their community. Planting trees has never been more essential, and we are grateful for these volunteers whose dedication to our community has now inspired the planting of more trees that will be enjoyed for decades and beyond.”
The 2024 honorees and nominators are:
Nominations for the Volunteer Grove are accepted year-round and submitted on behalf of individuals, organizations and businesses that have made a significant and positive impact in the Vancouver community.
Learn more at www.cityofvancouver.us/volunteergrove.
Vancouver, Wash. – City of Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and the Vancouver City Council will host the 2024 State of the City and Council Community Forum at 6 p.m. Monday, March 18. Mayor McEnerny-Ogle’s speech will cover Vancouver's key accomplishments in 2023 and what the City will focus on in the future as the community continues to grow and change.
Guests are invited to stay after the speech to meet, in person, with City Councilors at the first Council Community Forum of the year.
What: 2024 State of the City and Council Community Forum
The event will be accompanied by the release of the City's annual report, which includes additional details on City budgets and accomplishments during 2023.
Who: Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will present a brief State of the City address, highlighting some of the key accomplishments of 2023 and looking ahead to what’s next for Vancouver. The mayor’s remarks will be followed by the first quarterly Council Community Forum of the year.
When: 6 p.m. Monday, March 18. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
The State of the City address will be streamed live–and available for on-demand viewing–on Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) channel 23 and HD 323 and the City’s Facebook.
Where: Firstenburg Community Center Community Room, 700 N.E 136th Ave., Vancouver. Media may park in the free lot at Firstenburg Community Center but should be aware that seating and space at the venue will be limited.
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Picketing Begins March 18 and 20
WHAT: Over 3,000 Providence caregivers working in six hospitals and multiple outpatient clinics from Medford to Newberg, and Hood River to the Portland Metro; will hold a series of informational pickets in the coming weeks to protest declining standards of care. The pickets will culminate with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants and other healthcare workers holding a rally for change in mid-May. Frontline caregivers are bargaining twelve open contracts with Providence.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents more than 5,000 caregivers throughout Providence Health System including registered nurses (RNs) at each of its eight Oregon hospitals and homecare workers of every job classification. ONA has also recently added hundreds more physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, and nurses across Providence's Oregon clinics. Together health care workers are joining forces to demand Providence's corporate executives—who oversee a $27 billion operation—address minimal standards that are eroding the quality of health services for patients.
WHEN/WHERE:
Monday, March 18, 2024 from 5-7:30 p.m.
Providence Newberg Medical Center, 1001 Providence Dr., Newberg, OR
Participants will gather on the sidewalk along Highway 99W outside the hospital.
Nurses and community leaders will speak at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 5-7:30 p.m.
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, 9205 SW Barnes Rd., Portland, OR
Participants will march on the sidewalk along Barnes Road beginning at SW Baltic Ave and heading west.
Nurses, elected officials and community leaders will speak at 5 and 7 p.m.
Details on future pickets will be released closer to the event’s scheduled date.
WHO: Hundreds of ONA-represented caregivers will picket at each location. They will be joined by elected officials, worker advocates and community allies.
WHY: Providence caregivers are uniting throughout Oregon's clinics and hospitals to address health access and quality of care failures. As one of the ten largest health systems in the U.S., Providence's executives prioritize revenue increases and boast annual budgets equivalent to many Fortune 500 companies. The emphasis on growing their $27 billion in annual revenue often comes at the expense of quality care and patient safety. Providence's massive expansion coincides with lean staffing, under-resourcing, poor patient access, and care rationing; creating systemic concerns for caregivers throughout Providence's clinics, hospitals, and home care services.
Beginning March 18, 3,000 caregivers with open contracts across the state will unite for Oregon’s patients and raise standards for every patient and caregiver. ONA members and community allies share the following priorities:
Monday and Wednesday's informational pickets are open to the public. They are outdoor, rain-or-shine events. All participants are encouraged to follow guidance from designated picket captains.
Note: An informational picket is not a strike or work stoppage. It is a demonstration of solidarity to Providence’s administrators and a promise to our community that nurses, elected leaders, and allies are united to raise healthcare standards in Providence and throughout Oregon.
March 15, 2024
Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459,
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has released a supplemental online dashboard that will chronicle the ongoing progress from more than $230 million in behavioral health investments.
The emerging capacity was funded through legislation in 2021, that is projected to create more than 1,000 behavioral health housing units and residential treatment beds by the end of 2025.
OHA distributed these funds to providers over the past two years to bolster behavioral health housing and residential treatment throughout the state.
This dashboard spotlights the two recent major behavioral health housing funding streams.
It is an offshoot of the Behavioral Housing and Treatment dashboard that was unveiled last November.
When completed, the projects will increase the state’s behavioral health housing capacity by about 20 percent.
The dashboard will track two separate funding streams:
Residential treatment beds are licensed by the state and are round the clock services and supports for people with chronic behavioral health challenges. Behavioral health housing units are not licensed by the state and serve as transitional settings from people experiencing homelessness to stable housing.
The new supplemental dashboard details spending by funding source and by county, along with timelines, projected outcomes and populations being served.
The earlier dashboard includes the full portfolio of behavioral housing investments. Those include the investments highlighted in the new dashboard, along with new funding sources such as Measure 110, and historical investments.
Timelines for such projects can typically take years to complete because of the complexities of acquiring sites, building expenses and other construction-related factors. The calculations include development costs such as purchasing real estate, facility renovations, not operating revenues.
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The Board on Public Safety Standards & Training (BPSST) and established Policy Committees have open vacancies looking to be filled. The current vacancies are as follows:
BPSST: All Board applications must be submitted through Workday.com
Policy Committees: All Policy Committee applications are due by March 15, 2024.
Telecommunications Policy Committee:
Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:
Corrections Policy Committee:
Police Policy Committee:
To inquire about a vacancy, please visit Department of Public Safety Standards & Training : Board on Public Safety Standards & Training and Policy Committees : Boards and Committees : State of Oregon.
If interested in applying for a Policy Committee position, please complete and submit the Policy Committee Interest Form found under the ‘Board and Committee Resources’ section of the website listed above.
If interested in applying for a BPSST position, please complete the online application at Workday Board and Commission Opportunities. (Please note that an account may need to be created if not already in Workday)
For further information regarding the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training or its respective Policy Committees, please contact Samantha Kossa - samantha.kossa@dpsst.oregon.gov
Thank you,
DPSST Board & Committees Staff
News Release Corvallis Police Department 180 NW 5th Street Corvallis, OR97330 541-766-6924 |
3/15/2024 2:40 PM
UPDATE 03/15/2024
Jerry Bruce Mitchell was arraigned in Benton County Circuit Court today, March 15th, on the following charges:
Murder in the 1st Degree ORS 163.107
Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree ORS 164.405, Two Counts
Unlawful Use of a Weapon ORS 166.220, Two Counts
Possession of Weapons by Certain Felons ORS 166.270
Mitchell entered a not guilty plea and was denied bail by the judge. He will remain in custody at the Benton County Jail.
END OF UPDATE
3/11/2024 10:59 am
Media Contact:
Lt. Ben Harvey, Corvallis Police Department
(541) 766-6556 / cpdpio@corvallisoregon.gov
UPDATE 03/11/24
Corvallis Police Investigating Fatal Shooting on NW Highland Dr.
On Saturday, March 9th, at approximately 7:21pm, the Corvallis Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at 1927 NW Highland Dr. Officers arrived and found 34-year-old Vonetta Johnson of Corvallis deceased on the kitchen floor, succumbing to an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Alongside her lay her sister, 24-year-old Ciara Page of Eugene, who sustained serious injuries to her shoulder and head from an apparent gunshot wound. Ciara Page was rushed to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center and continues to be in stable, albeit serious condition. Vonetta Johnson’s two minor children were in the residence at the time but unharmed.
During transit to the hospital, officers were able to gather crucial information from Ciara Page, identifying the suspect as Vonetta Johnson’s boyfriend, 53-year-old Jerry Bruce Mitchell Sr. of Long Beach, California. Leveraging several technologies, officers successfully tracked Jerry Mitchell Sr. traveling south near Medford at approximately 10:48 p.m. Subsequently, a temporary warrant was issued, leading to his location and arrest by the California Highway Patrol in a white Ford SUV following a 45-minute pursuit that at times exceeded 100 miles per hour. Mitchell Sr. was apprehended shortly after midnight and has been lodged at the Siskiyou County Jail pending extradition arrangements. An arrest warrant for Jerry Mitchell Sr. has been filed with the Benton County Circuit Court for the following charges.
Murder in the 1st Degree ORS 163.107, Two Counts
Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree ORS 164.405
Unlawful Use of a Weapon ORS 166.220, Two Counts
Possession of Weapons by Certain Felons ORS 166.270
This case remains open and under active investigation by the Corvallis Police Department in collaboration with partner agencies to include the Albany Police Department, Benton County Sherriff’s Office, the Benton County District Attorney’s Office, and several agencies in Northern California. Currently, no further information is available. Additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Law enforcement agencies from across Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties are working together on a high-visibility enforcement mission from Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17, 2024.
This joint effort aims to enhance road safety and reduce fatal and serious injury crashes during St. Patrick’s Day weekend by emphasizing the enforcement priorities known as the "Fatal 5”: Speed, Occupant Safety, Lane Usage, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving.
The mission will see the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office collaborating closely with partner agencies to deploy deputies, officers and troopers on roadways, highways and streets within the tri-county area. Increased patrols will be conducted to detect and deter violations related to the “Fatal 5” priorities. The goal is to create safer road conditions and prevent tragedies caused by reckless or impaired driving behaviors.
Data analysis reveals that a significant number of traffic crashes resulting in fatalities or serious injuries are attributable to violations of these key road safety factors. By intensifying enforcement efforts targeting these behaviors, law enforcement aims to raise awareness, enforce compliance with traffic laws, and ultimately save lives.
The following agencies are participating in this mission:
Watch promotional video here.
The Lake Oswego School District (LOSD) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant from Portland General Electric (PGE) to implement electric school buses in its transportation fleet.
This transformative initiative is made possible through a grant totaling up to $1,135,832, designated for purchasing four type-C electric school buses. The grant also includes up to $150,000 to establish essential charging infrastructure and qualified chargers at the district's forthcoming transportation facility, currently under construction. The district aims to fully operationalize these electric buses and accompanying infrastructure for the 2024-2025 school year.
Under this arrangement, LOSD will own the electric buses and contract their operation and maintenance to its transportation service provider, Student Transportation of America.
This groundbreaking project is feasible through the collaboration of various entities, including the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) Oregon Clean Fuels program, funded by the PGE Electric School Bus Fund.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, superintendent of LOSD, expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, “We are honored to receive this grant, which allows us to fulfill a promise to use electric buses in serving our students. Our commitment to integrating electric buses into our transportation service at its new location aligns with our district’s dedication to teaching and practicing sustainability, a value shared by our community and school district. We thank our transportation partner, Student Transportation of America, for the invaluable assistance in securing this grant and express gratitude to PGE for spearheading this program and allowing us to embrace this sustainable mode of transportation.”
About Lake Oswego School District
Lake Oswego School District (LOSD) is Oregon's premier large K-12 comprehensive public school district, setting the standard for educational excellence. For decades, LOSD has consistently ranked as the top school district in Oregon and has garnered recognition among the nation's finest. With a dedicated learning community encompassing approximately 6,800 students and their families, LOSD boasts a committed team of over 850 educators and staff members across 11 schools. Situated ten miles south of Portland, Oregon, LOSD's suburban setting in Lake Oswego is renowned for its natural beauty, strong sense of community and a longstanding tradition of exceptional schools.
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EVERGREEN VIRTUAL ACADEMY
NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARCH 19, 2024, 6:30PM
Evergreen Virtual Academy Board Members are
Hereby notified that a Regular Session of the Board
Will be held via Zoom Webinar at
https://evergreenvirtual-org.zoom.us/j/86346138790
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592
(Springfield, Ore.) — PeaceHealth is facing serious allegations about its failure to properly care for local home health and hospice patients during its recent nurses’ strike. Between Feb. 10 - 24, home health and hospice patients and health care workers have reported that:
These unsettling reports of compromised patient care have raised significant concerns about PeaceHealth’s priorities and its ability to care for patients without union nurses. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is calling upon PeaceHealth and health care regulatory agencies to investigate reports of substandard patient care and hold PeaceHealth accountable.
Local nurses delayed their original strike dates after PeaceHealth appeared unprepared to care for patients. Nurses chose to give PeaceHealth 10 additional days before a strike began to transfer patients to other home care agencies or join nurses at the bargaining table and reach a fair agreement to prevent a strike.
PeaceHealth executives refused to transfer patients and canceled their mediation session with nurses–which could have prevented a strike. PeaceHealth executives had repeatedly assured patients, their families and our community that there would be no disruption to care during the strike. They failed to keep that promise.
Nurses cited their concern for patients and PeaceHealth’s failures to adequately prepare to care for them at the time they chose to delay the strike, saying:
“Our community’s health and safety is nurses’ no. 1 priority. Frankly, we have no confidence in PeaceHealth executives’ ability to provide safe care for patients by Feb. 1. To best support local patients and their families, we’ve made the difficult decision to change our strike dates to Feb. 10 - 24,” said Jo Turner, an ONA member and hospice nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services. “This also gives PeaceHealth’s multimillionaire executives another opportunity to meet with us and prevent a strike. Nurses remain ready and willing to meet them anywhere, anytime. But we’re not holding our breath.”
The more than 90 registered nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).
Local nurses and PeaceHealth executives have had two mediation sessions since the limited duration strike ended. Nurses made significant movement in the first session March 6 in hopes of getting movement from PeaceHealth. Unfortunately, PeaceHealth executives did not significantly improve their proposals to reach a fair deal on March 15. There is a future mediation session scheduled for March 20.
PeaceHealth’s corporate executives in Washington have spent the last year low-balling home care nurses in contract negotiations—offering lower pay than PeaceHealth Sacred Heart hospital nurses at Riverbend and lower than nurses at other home care agencies. PeaceHealth’s disrespect towards nurses and their patients has driven nearly a quarter of nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services to leave. Another one-third of nurses plan to leave if PeaceHealth continues shortchanging patients and providers. Fewer nurses means home-bound patients and their families suffer from care delays, receive fewer treatments and ring up costly hospital readmissions bills.
Nurses began negotiating with PeaceHealth executives in February 2023 and have been working on an expired contract since April 2023.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of 18,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.
Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill the position of a community representative from the county’s fifth district on the volunteer Community Action Advisory Board.
The term begins immediately and ends Dec. 31, 2026. Incumbents have the opportunity for re-appointment to two additional three-year terms.
The fifteen-member board makes recommendations about local government funding for basic needs, self-sufficiency, and housing programs. Members also advocate for services supporting low-income communities, families and persons at local, state and federal levels.
Clark County is looking to diversify the board composition and encourages people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply, especially people of color and from historically oppressed or under-resourced communities.
Interested residents must submit an application and résumé to Abby Molloy, Clark County Community Services, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or by.molloy@clark.wa.gov">abby.molloy@clark.wa.gov.
Application information can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/caab-community-action-advisory-board or by calling Abby Molloy at 564.397.7832.
Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, April 5.
The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on March 19, 2024. The Board will be considering a Supplemental Budget. At the end of the Regular Session meeting, the Board will move to Executive Session under (ORS 192.660(2)(i)) -To review and evaluate the employment-related performance of the chief executive officer, employee or staff member who does not request an open hearing.
This meeting will be held virtually through Zoom.
https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/88237058617?pwd=LLuVc5lDM3z1aapi6pt8quGcRqjwNK.1
Passcode: 951728
RELEASE DATE: Mar. 15, 2023
CONTACT PERSON: On-duty PIO
CASE NUMBER: 24-10407
Gresham, Ore.— Gresham Police patrol officers, along with assisting Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, responded to an injury shooting and made an arrest in the case. Officers and assisting deputies responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting had occurred in the 3100 block of NE Cleveland Ave., on Thursday, shortly before 6:30 p.m.
An uninvolved motorist, who was waiting at a red light at Stark and Cleveland at the time of the shooting, was struck by gunfire. The motorist had 3 young children in the car at the time he was shot. Once he fled the intersection, the gunshot victim had an adult passenger transport him to a nearby hospital. He was ultimately transferred to an area trauma hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
After securing the scene and detaining the shooter, officers interviewed witnesses and collected evidence to determine what had occurred. Officers learned that the suspect, Kelvin Pea, 31, of Gresham, shot a stolen firearm at a vehicle occupied by two people with whom he had an ongoing dispute. The intended victims flagged down officers after fleeing the scene for their safety. Officers observed that they were unharmed but their vehicle had been struck by gunfire.
Before 11:00 p.m., Pea was lodged at Multnomah County Detention Center on suspicion of the following crimes:
Attempted Murder (2 Counts)
Assault II
Felon in Possession of Firearm
Recklessly Endangering Another Person (4 Counts)
Theft I - Firearm
If you have additional information about this case, you are asked to call the Gresham Police Tip Line at 503-618-2719. Gresham Police Department partners with Crimestoppers of Oregon and anyone with information can also submit it through their website at http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com or by using their mobile app.
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Teachers from Bend and Beaverton nominated for the national award which “recognizes the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students.”
Portland, OR — The Oregon Historical Society is pleased to announce that two Oregon educators, Patrick O’Brien and John Santella, have been nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award for their work with students on Oregon History Day (OHD), an affiliate of the National History Day® (NHD) program.
History Day is a student-directed learning program that reaches more than half a million students each year. Creating projects inspired by an annual theme, young historians in grades 6–12 choose topics to explore, conduct historical research, practice critical thinking skills, and analyze primary and secondary sources while considering diverse viewpoints.
Patrick O’Brien, the grades 7/8 Individuals and Societies teacher at Seven Peaks School in Bend, Oregon, was nominated in the Junior (middle school) category for the way he has made History Day a cornerstone of the school’s curriculum. Since relocating to Bend from Switzerland in 2018, O’Brien has supported many students at both the state and national contest levels. His influence at Seven Peaks School stands out due to the opportunities he has cultivated for students to share their work both within their school and throughout their community; back-to-school nights and orientation sessions for prospective families have become spaces where students’ History Day achievements are highlighted and celebrated. Having had such a positive experience participating in the program, many alumni return to guide current students through the process, serving as judges or leading discussions about History Day.
John Santella, a social studies teacher at Westview High School in Beaverton, Oregon, has been nominated for the award in the Senior (high school) division. Having first participated in History Day during the 2019–2020 school year when the contest had to shift to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Santella found the program to be a successful tool to engage students even within a distance-learning setting. During the next two years, Santella and his colleagues promoted the program throughout their school, leading Westview to become one of the largest Oregon History Day participants in the state. When in-person competition returned in 2023, 30 Westview students presented their projects at the Oregon History Day contest at Willamette University; almost half of those students continued on to compete in the National Contest near Washington, D.C.
“The nominees for the Behring Award have shown a dedication to teaching that goes beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Cathy Gorn, National History Day Executive Director. “These educators are leading examples for their peers and invaluable resources for their students. I congratulate Mr. O’Brien and Mr. Santella on their well-deserved nominations.”
History Day’s unique approach to learning history carries many benefits for students. Rather than simply reading a textbook or memorizing dates, students can use multiple disciplines to learn about history, further developing strong research skills. With the option to choose their own topic of interest and present their work as either a paper, documentary, exhibit, website, or performance, students use creative expression to interpret primary and secondary sources, implement effective research strategies, and develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
The national winner, who will receive a $10,000 award, will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians, and announced on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at the National History Day® National Contest Awards Ceremony in College Park, Maryland. Nominees’ work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that engage students in history and help them make exciting discoveries about the past. The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students.
About the Oregon Historical Society
For 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all.We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.
Since 2007, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, have annually sponsored a local matching grant for emergency preparedness, disaster response and disaster recovery for qualifying entities.
To provide matching funds to qualifying local entities to purchase emergency supplies or equipment (e.g., disaster food items, water purification equipment, bedding, cots, sanitation, first-aid supplies, warning radios or other devices, and similar supplies or equipment) intended for disaster response or recovery efforts.
Lincoln County has made available individual grants up to $2,500 per qualifying entity, up to $36,000, for fiscal year 2023-2024. Grants will be awarded to approved projects on a first-come / first-served basis. These are one-to-one (1:1) matching grants.
An email announcement (PDF) of the grant opening will be forwarded by the County Emergency Manager to the qualifying entities agency leadership.
Applicants need to provide:
The application will remain open until all funds are awarded for this fiscal year or until May 15, 2024, whichever is sooner.
Grant Coordinator: County Emergency Manager, Samantha Buckley, uckley@co.lincoln.or.us">sbuckley@co.lincoln.or.us 541-265-4199
VALE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the proposed Grassy Mountain Gold Mine Project near Vale in Malheur County to inform the scope of analysis for the environmental impact statement. The most helpful comments include potential local concerns and opportunities, identification of potential alternatives and issues to be analyzed, and possible measures to minimize or avoid adverse environmental impacts relevant to the proposed action.
Calico Resources USA Corp. proposes to develop an underground mine with a dedicated chemical processing mill and associated storage. If approved, the project would cover about 470 acres of public lands and about 19 acres of private lands. The development and production at the mine would take place over a 10-year period and be followed by four years of reclamation.
The BLM is hosting public meetings to discuss the project in Jordan Valley and Ontario, Oregon. BLM will announce the public meeting dates and on the BLM National NEPA Register, including a virtual option for the Ontario meeting. Please contact Larisa Bogardus at 541-219-6863 for the meeting link to attend virtually.
A notice will publish in the Federal Register on Monday, March 17, and begin a 30-day scoping period scheduled to close April 17, 2024. The public can submit comments through the BLM National NEPA Register (preferred), emailed to blm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov or delivered to: Attn: Grassy Mountain Gold Mine Project c/o Malheur Field Office, 100 Oregon St., Vale, OR 97918.
-BLM-
The BLM manages more than 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.
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a grand jury indicted Jesse James Harold, 33, on two charges for a January 2024 fatal stabbing in the Old Town neighborhood:
On January 12, 2024 at 8:05 a.m., PPB officers from Central Precinct responded to a report of a man who appeared to be suffering from stab wounds on Northwest Naito Parkway near Northwest Everett Street. When officers arrived they located a victim with serious injuries. Private security officers were already on scene and applied trauma first aid. Emergency medical services arrived and took over patient care. The victim, who was later identified as 32-year-old Deante Dean Watts, was transported to the hospital by ambulance; despite lifesaving efforts, Watts died at the hospital. The medical examiner determined he died of homicide by stabbing. PPB later identified Harold as the suspect.
Upon review of the evidence provided by law enforcement, Senior Deputy DA Kevin Demer presented the case to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on March 14.
Harold is currently in custody in Multnomah County. He also faces weapons, burglary, and other charges in two other pending cases in Multnomah County.
A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime. Harold is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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UPDATE 3/15/24: The suspect in yesterday’s armed robbery at a gas station convenience store has been safely arrested.
At 12:45 AM this morning (March 15th), a patrol officer found the car involved in the robbery, a Chrysler 300, parked in a parking lot in the 13000 block of SW 68th Parkway. Additional officers and detectives arrived, along with a Beaverton Police K-9 team. A short time later, the suspect got in the car and was blocked in. He complied with officers and was safely arrested. He's been identified as Robert Mitchell, age 28.
Investigators also recovered a stolen gun (photo attached) and cash. Mr. Mitchell was taken to the Washington County Jail on charges of first-degree robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree theft and second-degree theft.
(ORIGINAL 3/14/24): Tigard Police detectives are investigating an armed robbery that happened earlier today.
At 12:40 PM this afternoon (March 14th), day shift officers responded to the Shell gas station at 11465 SW Pacific Highway. The clerk reported that a man came into the convenience store armed with a gun and told the clerk to hand over money. He got away with an undisclosed amount of money and left in a car. Nobody was hurt.
The suspect is described as a black man with a larger build and gold teeth. The car is described as a light-colored Chrysler 300.
If you have any information that can help, please contact Detective Mace at 503-718-1800 or Kaci.Mace@tigard-or.gov. You can remain anonymous.
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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Council Chair Gary Medvigy will present the 2024 State of the County address in a video to be released on Wednesday, March 27. The video will be available beginning at 9 am on the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov. Clark Vancouver TV will begin airing the video later that day at 7 pm on channel 23/323 and www.CVTV.org.
In his speech, Chair Medvigy will discuss local topics of interest in Clark County and what’s happening in the various county departments. Topics will include the county’s new Jail Services Department and Public Defense Office, how the county is addressing homelessness in the community, the county’s Comprehensive Plan update and more.
“There’s a lot happening at Clark County, and the address will cover just a small portion of the vast day-to-day county projects,” said Medvigy. “I look forward to sharing what we are working on and how residents can stay informed and get involved.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marie Hulett, ie.hulett@chemeketa.edu">marie.hulett@chemeketa.edu, 503.399.2530
Chemeketa Community College to Host Annual Salem-Keizer Career Connections Event
Career Connections Event Prepares High School Students to Enter the Workforce
Salem, Ore., March 13, 2024 — Chemeketa Community College, in collaboration with Salem-Keizer Public Schools and Willamette Workforce Partnership, is pleased to announce the hosting of the annual Salem-Keizer Career Connections event on April 2, 2024, at the Building 7 Gym on the Chemeketa Salem campus from 8 am to 3 pm.
The Career Connections event is a mock interview initiative tailored for high school students, designed to provide a practical and immersive experience in preparation for their future careers. The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between education and the workforce by fostering meaningful interactions between high school students and dedicated volunteer interviewers.
“Career Connections is an amazing opportunity for Salem-Keizer high school students to network with potential employers, practice job readiness skills, and build their confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce,” says James McNicholas, Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator at Chemeketa.
Chemeketa's commitment to education and community engagement aligns with the objectives of Salem-Keizer Public Schools and the Willamette Workforce Partnership. The event serves as a platform for high school students to hone essential job search and communication skills through simulated job interviews. The Career Connections event is anticipated to host a turnout of 800 high school students and 200 volunteer interviewers.
Chemeketa encourages members of the community, educators, and local businesses to support this initiative, contributing to the professional development and preparedness of the next-generation workforce. From Willamette Workforce Partnership, Kathy Moore can be contacted for additional information. Email: kmoore@willwp.org
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For more than 50 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 multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 30,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).
Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.
For its sustained efforts to bring together students with and without disabilities, Prairie High School has been named a National Banner Unified Champion School by Special Olympics. Schools with this designation have demonstrated a commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community. Approximately 800 schools across the country have been designated National Banner Unified Champion Schools. Prairie is one of just two schools in Southwest Washington to hold the designation currently.
At the end of this month, Prairie will hold a school-wide celebration. Media are invited to a special presentation of the banner during a school assembly featuring members of the school’s Unified Sports and Club.
When: Friday, March 29, 2024
Time: Arrive at 1:15 p.m. The assembly begins at 1:35 p.m., and the banner celebration will take place at the start of the event.
Location: Prairie High School, 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver, WA 98662. The assembly will take place in the main gym. All visitors must check into the front office upon arrival and receive a visitor’s pass.
Please confirm your participation by emailing communication@battlegroundps.org.
To promote an inclusive environment, Prairie offers Unified basketball and soccer, where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates. Unified sports are recognized along with other sports during school events and activities and in school communication. Unified athletes compete in district, regional and state tournaments, and are celebrated for their accomplishments.
The school also has a Unified club that participates in events along with Prairie's Associated Student Body leaders. Last year club members created more than 600 kindness cards and handed them out during the school year to staff, students and volunteers. The club also promotes inclusion during the school’s Inspire Week, an event designed to uplift others.
“We’ve worked hard for this recognition,” said Donna Eskelson-Smith, the school’s Unified Sports coordinator. “The banner shows how much Prairie High School values inclusion.”
Vancouver, Wash. – Effective April 1, the Parks and Lands division of Clark County Public Works is temporarily closing Bratton Canyon park. The closure will allow for comprehensive assessment activities. The information from the assessment will be used to develop a long-range plan for the property. The park will be reopened as soon as possible once the assessment is complete and the park is determined safe for public use.
The property is located at 39310 NW Ninth Ave. in Woodland. The former campground was transferred to the county from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources in 2011. Clark County has been operating the park as a day-use facility since the transfer.
More information about the park can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/bratton-canyon.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.
Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.
Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Community Foundation has named former public radio journalist and nonprofit executive director Colin Fogarty as its Director of Communications. This is a new role at OCF, created to elevate the stories of the foundation’s partners and collaborators and the positive work they are doing in every community of Oregon.
“The work and impact of this 50-year-old foundation is growing significantly,” said Stephanie Swanson, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. “We are so fortunate to have someone like Colin who deeply understands the power of storytelling to deliver a call to attention, bring people together, and push to improve this state we love and call home,” she added.
Fogarty joins a team of 10 professionals on the marketing, communications and research team at OCF, helping Oregonians to better understand pressing needs across the state, and join efforts to make big and lasting improvements in communities across the state.
Fogarty spent two decades as a public radio reporter and editor. At OPB News, he covered the Oregon legislature in Salem and big issues facing the state, such as Oregon’s landmark Death with Dignity Act and its chronic meth epidemic. His stories were heard throughout the Northwest and on NPR. Later he became regional editor for public radio’s Northwest News Network, where he managed a team of reporters covering the issues and state legislatures in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Along the way, Colin kept returning to the theme of history and its role in our everyday lives. He produced stories on the Columbia River’s Indigenous cultures and the silencing of Celilo Falls in 1957.
In 2014, he became Executive Director of Confluence, a community-supported nonprofit and OCF grant recipient, with the mission to connect people to the history, living cultures and ecology of the Columbia River system through Indigenous voices. Confluence works through public art landscapes, education programs, public gatherings, media and publications in collaboration with northwest Tribes and the celebrated artist Maya Lin.
Now at OCF, Fogarty has once again traded one form of storytelling for another, with the aim of highlighting stories of nonprofit and community leaders serving Oregonians in every corner of the state.
“In all my roles, my priority was always to elevate the voices of people who have been historically kept out of the public dialogue and the history books,” Fogarty says. “At OCF, we have the opportunity to lift up the voices of the people who inspire and teach us, and who are having a real impact in small communities and large, rural and urban, and everywhere in between.”
About Oregon Community Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) was founded in 1973 with a big mission: to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF works to strengthen communities in every county in Oregon through research, grantmaking and scholarships. In 2023, OCF distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit oregoncf.org.
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Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring of source water. The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. In the 50 liters sampled each day from March 10 to March 13, one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in each of the samples collected on March 11 and March 12. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the samples collected on March 10 or March 13. Prior to this detection, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run Watershed intake on February 28, 2024.
The Bull Run watershed is Portland’s primary source of drinking water. The Portland Water Bureau does not currently treat for Cryptosporidium, but is required to do so under drinking water regulations. Portland is working to install filtration by September 30, 2027 under a compliance schedule with the Oregon Health Authority. In the meantime, Portland Water Bureau is implementing interim measures such as watershed protection and additional monitoring to protect public health. Consultation with public health officials has concluded that at this time, customers do not need to take any additional precautions.
Exposure to Cryptosporidium can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain. People with healthy immune systems recover without medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead to serious or life-threatening illness. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS, those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system, and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.
The Environmental Protection Agency advises that customers who are immunocompromised and receive their drinking water from the Bull Run Watershed consult with their healthcare professional about the safety of drinking the tap water. The Portland Water Bureau and Burlington, City of Gresham, City of Sandy, City of Tualatin, Green Valley, GNR, Hideaway Hills, Lake Grove, Lorna Domestic Water, Lusted, Palatine Hill, Pleasant Home, Raleigh, Rockwood, Skyview Acres, Tualatin Valley, Two Rivers, Valley View and West Slope Water Districts receive all or part of their drinking water supply from Bull Run. To learn if your drinking water comes from Bull Run, please contact your local drinking water provider.
The public and the media are encouraged to view all sampling results posted to the City’s website at portland.gov/water/cryptoresults. The bureau will notify the media and public immediately should further test results indicate a risk to public health and precautions are necessary.
Customers with questions regarding water quality can call the Water Quality Line at 503-823-7525.
The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 53 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,200 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day.
MEDFORD, Ore.—In separate criminal cases, three southern Oregon drug traffickers, including the leader of a Klamath Falls, Oregon, drug trafficking organization, were sentenced to federal prison Thursday following investigations by the Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET), announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Juan Jessie Martinez-Gil, 59, a former resident of Reno, Nevada, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release;
Blake Anthony Fulleton, 35, a resident of Klamath Falls, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release; and
Miguel Espana, 31, also of Klamath Falls, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
U.S. v. Martinez-Gil
According to court documents, between August 1, 2019, and September 2, 2021, Martinez-Gil and various associates conspired with one another to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, in the form of counterfeit Oxycodone pills, purchased in Southern California to Southern Oregon. Martinez-Gil and others sold these drugs to distributors in Klamath and Lake counties for further distribution and sale.
On September 2, 2021, Martinez-Gil and several associates were arrested as part of a coordinated law enforcement operation and federal search warrants were executed on five locations and two vehicles connected to the group. Law enforcement located and seized more than seventeen pounds of methamphetamine and several hundred counterfeit Oxycodone pills.
On September 30, 2021, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Martinez-Gil and his associates with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and attempted distribution of methamphetamine.
On November 1, 2023, Martinez-Gil pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
U.S. v. Fulleton
In September 2021, detectives from the Klamath Falls Police Department observed Fulleton, who they knew had multiple active felony warrants, depart a known drug house in Klamath Falls. After fleeing the detectives and crashing his vehicle into a power pole, Fulleton led the officers on a short foot pursuit and was arrested. At the time of his arrest, Fulleton possessed a small quantity of methamphetamine on his person. Detectives searched his vehicle and located a loaded pistol, an additional 480 grams of methamphetamine, a small quantity of heroin, and various drug packaging materials.
On February 3, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Fulleton with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. On December 11, 2023, Fulleton pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm.
U.S. v. Espana
In 2019, Klamath Falls area law enforcement began investigating Espana for drug trafficking and obtained information that he possessed approximately two pounds of methamphetamine in his vehicle. On October 22, 2019, investigators located Espana sitting in the passenger seat of his vehicle parked near a Klamath Falls motel and later stopped his vehicle when it departed the lot. Investigators searched the vehicle and located approximately 717 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, drug ledger, and $758 in cash.
On February 3, 2021, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Espana with one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and, on October 16, 2023, he pleaded guilty to the single charge.
All three cases were investigated by BINET. On Martinez-Gil and Espana, BINET investigators were assisted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). On Fulleton, they were assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Martinez-Gil and Espana were prosecuted by Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Fulleton was prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Brassell, also of the District of Oregon.
BINET is a Klamath Falls area narcotics task force comprised of Oregon State Police, the Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon National Guard.
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Salem, Ore. – It’s time to check your tickets - Oregon’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Raffle numbers have been drawn.
Winning $1 Million Top Prize Number: 082773
Prizes for the St. Patrick’s Day Raffle include:
To check the winning Raffle numbers for all 1,801 prizes, players can use the Lottery’s smart phone app, go to www.oregonlottery.org or visit a participating Oregon Lottery retail location.
The $500 and $100 prize winners can claim their prizes at any Oregon Lottery retail location. In addition, players can claim their prize by mail – visit oregonlottery.org/about/claim-prizes for instructions. The $1 million Raffle prize winner will need to make an appointment with the Oregon Lottery office in Salem or Wilsonville. Please call 503-540-1000 for assistance.
The Raffle offers the best odds of any Oregon Lottery game of winning $1 million – 1 in 250,000. Overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 138.8. The Oregon Lottery’s Raffle game went on sale December 31, 2023 with 250,000 tickets available, and all tickets were sold out by March 8, 2024.
The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to share the 2023 Annual Report with our communities. In 2023, our team continued to rise to meet challenges while striving to genuinely connect our community. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office prioritized continued training and team development, helping to ensure our members had access to the tools they need to successfully serve all our community members. New partnerships and a new patrol program also emerged in 2023. Many of our team members had their hard work was recognized by outside agencies through various awards.
Although it is hard to capture all accomplishments over the last year, our team has tried to summarize major activities and services completed by your Sheriff’s Office. A sneak peak of the report is listed below, and the full report can be found at www.co.lincoln.or.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/266.
Main topics in the report:
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Around 1:30 pm Thursday afternoon the Region 4 technical rescue team responded to Beacon Rock State Park to assist the Skamania County Sheriff's Office and Skamania County EMS to bring an injured rock climber to the ground. 2 rock climbers were using ropes to ascend a defined climbing path on Beacon Rock when an adult male fell approximately 25 feet and landed on a ledge 200 feet off the ground. The rescue team responded from Clark County and when they arrived on scene they developed a methodical plan to reach the injured climber using a complex rope and pulley system. 3 firefighters ascended the 200 foot rock wall to reach the patient. The first was the Vancouver Fire Department tech rescue team coordinator (Capt Chris McBride) who climbed up to establish the rope rescue system. Another was a paramedic FF (FF/PM Mike McHugh) who evaluated the extent of the climbers injuries and found him to be in significant pain due to multiple injuries including a traumatic hip injury. FF/PM McHugh evaluated the climber and treated him for his pain. Another firefighter (FF Mackman) joined them with a “stokes basket” so they could place the climber in the metal basket for extrication to the ground using the rope and pulley system. The rescue took 5 hours and they narrowly beat the oncoming darkness. The climber was taken emergently to the Peace Health Southwest Emergency Department by Skamania County EMS.
Technical rescue team leaders on scene described a difficult and unique situation stating “This was a really tough one. This was a once in a career rescue effort. This is why we spend hundreds of hours training for an event like this. Everyone worked well together and performed professionally and proficiently." A VFD battalion chief on scene who was the previous tech team coordinator stated “That was the hardest tech call of my 30-year career. We were on plan D and E. There were so many variables and our last rescuer came off the rock in the dark.”
The Region 4 tech team consists of firefighters from Fire District 6, Clark County Fire and Rescue and Vancouver Fire Department. The team is available to respond to incidents in Washington state Region 4 including Clark, Skamania, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 24 hours a day.
The Vancouver Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a missing Juvenile. 12-year-old Albert Aliboy walked away from his home and was last seen in the area of 2400blk of Neals Lane. Albert was supposed to be going to a family members house in the area of Plomondon St. in Vancouver. Albert is described as being 5'11", 110 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Albert was last seen wearing a black jacket and black jeans. If you see Albert or have any information on his whereabouts, please call 911.
At around 4 pm this afternoon the Vancouver Fire Department was called to the Hough neighborhood for the smell of natural gas in the area. First arriving firefighters could hear a loud “hissing” sound and could smell the familiar smell of rotten eggs in the area of 1100 W Fourth Plain Blvd indicating a possible gas leak. Units on scene requested additional resources to the scene including a total of 4 fire apparatus, 2 chiefs, police for traffic control and NW natural gas. 2 of the fire apparatus came from our neighbors in Clark County FD 6.
With the additional units on scene, firefighters evacuated the nearby area including multiple adjacent buildings and requested that traffic be diverted away from the scene and around Fourth Plain BLVD. Upon further investigation, firefighters found a vehicle that damaged a gas meter. No injuries were reported. The gas leak was contained and Fourth Plain BLVD was reopened shortly after.
UPDATE: The earlier version of this release did not include location information for those wishing to attend the open house in person at Minnehaha Elementary School. That information has been added.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Parks and Lands division of Clark County Public Works is updating the master plan for Hazel Dell Community Park. Residents are invited to an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 27 to learn more.
In September 2023, Parks and Lands hosted an online survey about the community’s desires for the future of the park, including an undeveloped five-acre parcel to the west of the existing park. Staff and consultants have reviewed the community’s input and created a draft concept for the design of this new portion of the park. The plan update will also include accessibility improvements for the existing 20-acre portion of the park.
At the open house, staff will share the draft concept during a presentation from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Before and after the presentation, residents are invited to review and discuss the plan with staff and provide input. Light refreshments will be provided. The presentation portion of the open house will also be streamed online. To participate in the online portion via Webex, residents can register on the project webpage to receive a one-click link via email to join the meeting. Registration is not required, and information for joining the meeting online will also be posted on the project webpage. The in-person open house will be in the commons of Minnehaha Elementary School, 2800 NE 54th Street. Signage will direct attendees to enter through the school’s north entrance. In addition to the school’s ADA parking spaces, additional spaces will be reserved for attendees with mobility limitations.
Handouts will be available in Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian. Meeting interpretation, additional translation and other accommodations can be requested by contacting Lynde Wallick, project manager, at lynde.wallick@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.5882.
The draft plan, presentation documents and other project information will be posted on the project webpage by March 25. A 30-day comment period about the plan will be open March 25 through April 30. Instructions for submitting comments will be posted on the webpage. A recording of the open house presentation, slides and handouts will be posted to the webpage within seven business days of the open house.
More information about the project, open house events, surveys, public input opportunities and more can be found on the project webpage at clark.wa.gov/public-works/hazel-dell-community-park.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.
Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.
Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.
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Marion County, Oregon. 3/14/2024.
District Attorney Paige Clarkson announced today that two individuals have been sentenced for their roles in the March 9, 2022, drive by shooting death of Eduardo Jovani Garcia. Mr. Garcia was 20 years old at the time of his death.
John Juarez-Juarez, 19 at the time of the incident, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree and Attempted Murder in the First Degree.
Shooter Yahir Cruz-Rosales, barely 18 at the time of the incident, also pled guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison for Manslaughter in the Frist Degree and Attempted Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm. At the time of the shooting, he was on parole from the Oregon Youth Authority for Burglary in the First Degree.
Both cases were resolved via a settlement conference before Marion County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer K. Gardiner. She sentenced the defendants on March 14, 2024.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:30pm on Hayesville Rd NE. The defendants were in a black 2004 BMW when they spotted the victim’s vehicle on Lancaster Drive NE. For over three and a half minutes they pursued the victim through traffic until they were able to pull alongside the victim’s vehicle in the opposite lane of travel on Hayesville Rd, where Cruz-Rosales shot the victim’s car three times. Garcia was struck one time in the chest and the bullet lodged in his spine.
At sentencing, Defendant Juarez-Juarez confirmed that their motivation for the killing was gang related.
Both John Juarez-Juarez and Yahir Cruz-Rosales had previously been victims in shooting incidents. On December 7, 2019, John Juarez-Juarez was shot in the neck as a 16-year-old. He did not cooperate with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the case was never charged. On February 27, 2022, Yahir Cruz-Rosales was in a vehicle that was shot seventeen times on Portland Road NE. That Salem Police investigation was ongoing when this incident occurred.
Investigations of those prior incidents never linked Eduardo Jovani Garcia in any way to those shootings.
Also inside the victim’s vehicle at the time of the shooting was front seat passenger Zachery Retonong, 20. He was not injured. Subsequent to this shooting, Retonong was charged with Murder in the First Degree in Multnomah County for the August 7, 2021, death of Donhavinh Saelee. Ultimately, Retonong pled guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree and other firearm-related offenses. He is currently serving a 270-month prison sentence in the Oregon Department of Corrections for that incident.
Retonong’s convictions created proof challenges for the prosecution in this incident, which was a factor in the negotiated resolution to manslaughter on this case.
“This is another senseless gang-related shooting death,” District Attorney Paige Clarkson stated. “It is worrisome how common this narrative has become for young men in this community. This case, combined with tragic recent events, emphasizes the need to focus on gun violence prevention and community-based intervention of gang violence.”
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s family and loved ones. Especially Eduardo’s daughter, who was yet-to-be born before this tragedy took her father.”
The case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Salem Police Department. The lead Detective was Marion County Sheriff’s Detective Noe Martinez. The District Attorney’s Office would like to recognize his and his fellow detective’s significant work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. Any questions can be directed to PMurphy@co.marion.or.us">BPMurphy@co.marion.or.us or (503) 588-5222.
The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a pedestrian struck by a train on March 12, 2024 in Camas.
This individual died on 03/12/2024 in Camas, WA.
The name of the decedent: Sedlak-Ford Jr., Randle Leon Age: 68 years
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Camas, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Blunt trauma of head
Manner of death: Suicide
How the injury occurred: Struck by train
Place of injury: Next to train tracks
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 Camas Police Department.
Media release issue date: 03/14/2024
RELEASE DATE: Mar. 14, 2023
CONTACT PERSON: On-duty PIO
CASE NUMBER: 24-10106
Gresham, Ore.— Gresham Police is asking for the person suspected of being a victim of a robbery to come forward. Officers responded to a 911 call from a passerby, who reported witnessing an apparent armed pedestrian robbery, in the 18100 block of SE Division St., Tuesday at approximately 7:30 p.m. The witness reported seeing the robbery suspect get into the passenger seat of a white BMW and gave the direction of travel to dispatchers.
Gresham Police Officers were already in the area teaming up with Portland Police Bureau on a Stolen Vehicle Operation (SVO). Officers quickly located a vehicle that matched the description leaving the area and attempted to stop it. The driver of the vehicle attempted to elude officers at a high rate of speed. Officers pursued the vehicle and used spike strips to deflate the tires of the vehicle. The vehicle eventually stopped in the area of NE 162Ave. and NE Glisan St.
The driver, Angel Jimenez-Gonzalez, 18, of Gresham was arrested and lodged at the Multnomah County Detention Center on suspicion of Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, and Reckless Endangering. Police officers recovered evidence that matched the account of the witness. The investigation into the passenger’s involvement in a suspected robbery is ongoing and officers are asking for the victim or anyone with information to come forward.
If you have any information, you are asked to call the Gresham Police Tip Line at 503-618-2719. Gresham Police Department partners with Crimestoppers of Oregon and anyone with information can also submit it through their website at http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com or by using their mobile app.
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Corrected: The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OREGON COAST, Oregon— Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast Saturday, March 23 through Sunday, March 31.
Trained Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot whales and their calves and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily March 23-31. The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast.
The spring event is three days longer than last year and might include better odds of seeing gray whales on their journey home from the calving lagoons in Mexico in light of today’s announcement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NOAA announced the end of an Unusual Mortality Event, a significant die-off of the gray whale population, that had affected the marine mammals since 2019.
“The latest counts indicate that the gray whale population has likely turned the corner and is beginning to recover. It’s a perfect time for people to see them as they swim north with new calves to feed,” said Michael Milstein, public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries.
Researchers counted about 412 calves last year, which was almost double the number from the year before. That helped signal an end to the Unusual Mortality Event and a likely turnaround in numbers as the species begins to rebound.
An estimated 14,500 gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as part of their annual migration back to Alaska.
“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whales are usually closer to shore on their return trip, typically around a mile or so out, and the weather can be better for viewing. But don’t forget your rain gear just in case,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 23-31. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Spring Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch24.
Media Resources: photos available at this link.
Opportunity for community members who have been a patient at PeaceHealth or have a family member who has been a patient
VANCOUVER, Washington – PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is seeking new members for its Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) to participate in monthly sessions and provide feedback around patient experiences and ensure the patient voice is heard.
The Council is an excellent opportunity for community members to get involved in decision-making at PeaceHealth. The goal of PFAC is to make care more accessible and understandable for patients and their families. Members collaborate during monthly meetings and give valuable input into countless projects, including patient education and marketing materials, phone system improvements, and enhanced scheduling processes.
“If you’ve been a patient or had a family member who was a patient, I encourage you to apply,” says Zoie Newman, Human Experience Consultant. “Input we receive from patients and family members is invaluable and helps drive important decisions about our delivery of care.”
Volunteer requirements:
To apply to PFAC, please reach out to Zoie Newman, PeaceHealth Human Experience Consultant, at znewman@peacehealth.org. Learn more about the Council here.
About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, more than 3,000 providers, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.
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UPDATE: The next regular public meeting of the FVRLibraries Board of trustees will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024, 6:00 pm, at Three Creeks Community Library. It will be a hybrid (in-person/online) meeting.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2024
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER REVEALED THE 2024 IRIS AWARD HONOREES AT INSPIRE HER CONFERENCE
The Iris Awards luncheon, a highlight of the Chamber's Inspire HER Conference, brought together over 400 inspiring female professionals to celebrate, and honor the accomplishments of outstanding leaders in the region.
Vancouver, WA - The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) proudly announced the recipients of the 2024 Iris Awards during a memorable luncheon on Thursday, March 7th. Presented by Riverview Bank, this prestigious event honored three exceptional women of achievement whose outstanding leadership, philanthropic endeavors, and commitment to public service have made a lasting impact on our community.
This year's Iris Award recipients were selected from a group of six remarkable finalists, each recognized for their contributions to southwest Washington. In a touching ceremony, the Emcee, Janet Kenefsky, VP of Membership & Operations at the Chamber, presented each finalist with their acknowledgements before inviting the event's award sponsors to announce each winner.
In order of announcement, the 2024 Iris Award honorees are featured below with excerpts from their nominations:
Sponsors of the 2024 Iris Awards included presenting sponsor Riverview Bank and awards sponsors Legacy Health, OnPoint Community Credit Union, and KeyBank.
"Recognizing the outstanding achievements of women in our community is both an honor and a celebration of their profound influence on our region's progress. The Iris Awards serve as an extraordinary platform to spotlight the invaluable contributions and legacy of these visionary women leaders. Their dedication, resilience, and commitment to effecting positive change inspire us all. Witnessing female professionals unite during International Women’s Week to honor, celebrate, and uplift one another's achievements was an unparalleled tribute to their collective strength and influence," said Kenefsky.
The Iris Awards luncheon was a highlight of the very first in-person Inspire HER Conference hosted by the Greater Vancouver Chamber. With over 400 inspiring female professionals in attendance, the event showcased the strength of women from diverse backgrounds coming together to learn, celebrate, and honor each other's remarkable achievements. The conference provided attendees with invaluable insights and tools for professional development, featuring a captivating keynote addressed by transformational speaker Nicole Sherman, enriching breakout sessions led by industry experts, and ample networking opportunities.
Participants also had the chance to connect with local businesses, who showcased their products and services at vendor booths. The evening wrapped up with a "Women and Wine Reception," where attendees savored wines crafted by local female winemakers, accompanied by music performed by a quartet from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
The 2024 Inspire HER Conference was presented by NW Premier – Creative Financial Solutions, and supported by Bag Sponsor, HAPO Community Credit Union; Supporting Sponsor, Johnson Bixby; Welcome Reception Sponsor, LPC West; Refreshment Sponsors, NOVOLEX and University Village; Community Sponsors, NW Natural, OnPoint Community Credit Union, and PacificSource Health Plans, Media Sponsor, The Columbian; Breakout Session Sponsor, Heritage Bank; Lanyard Sponsor, Lifetime Exteriors; Notepad Sponsor, Morel Ink; Pen Sponsor, University Village; Vendor Booths, ARKTANA, Chiro One, Live Nation, Not Too Shabby, Northwest Personal Training, NW Premier – Creative Financial Solutions, Palm Beach Tan, Pins & Needles Aesthetics, Skin by Lovely, Sweet Intention Gift Boutique, Uptown Screen Printing, Vancouver Wellness Studio, Why Racing Events, and YMCA; Moving Sponsor, ANC Movers, and Women and Wine Reception provided by Barnard Griffin, Willful Wine Company, and Evoke Winery.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities and how to get involved in next year’s Inspire HER Conference and Iris Awards, visit Inspire Her Conference.
About the Iris Awards
Wanting to recognize women of achievement in Southwest Washington who exemplified leadership, philanthropy, and community service was the inspiration for the Iris Awards in 1985. For 39 years, the Southwest Washington community has nominated outstanding women for recognition. The Iris Award is held to commemorate National Women’s History Month, to recognize International Women’s Day, and to honor volunteer efforts and community leadership of women in Clark County.
About the Greater Vancouver Chamber
SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.
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Media Assets:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-U-IjOREB36F67bfe4I6a6vqLuNFpsXE?usp=sharing
Official Event Link:
Inspire HER Conference
Iris Award Past Honorees:
https://www.vancouverusa.com/annual-events/past-iris-awards-honorees/
Thursday, March 28 / 6:30 pm
General Oliver Otis Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA 98661
From the earliest days of the Vancouver Barracks, government-sponsored pictures and engravings were created, documenting the history of the installation. In addition to official images, private individuals took pictures of the daily life of soldiers and their families. Come learn about the work of military and civilian photographers, both identified and anonymous, including Laura Lee Otis and That Man Marcell, and see samples of their images. Many of the photographs have not previously been shared publicly.
Historian and archaeologist Major Jeff Davis, (U.S. Army, Retired), will present images from his extensive collection of vintage photographs of Vancouver Barracks, along with biographical information about the photographers. Images will include historic interiors of the Marshall House, street views in the Vancouver Barracks, and soldiers working and relaxing. Presented by the Vancouver Barracks Military Association. https://www.vbma.us/
Please join us! To register for this free program, please email jddavis@rocketmail.com.
SALEM, Ore. – Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed that April 2024 will be Oregon Arbor Month throughout the state. This year’s proclamation recognizes the importance to neighborhoods of urban trees as cities add housing and rapidly densify.
The proclamation states that “Trees play an integral role in fostering healthy communities,” adding that urban development and the preservation of trees demands a careful balance.
Governor Kotek said, “To protect Oregon’s natural and working lands in the face of the worsening climate crisis, we must build a more resilient future that forges connection across our landscapes, for both rural and urban communities alike. Arbor Month is key to this goal, promoting the preservation and planting of trees across Oregon.”
Her proclamation notes the loss of trees in Oregon to wildfire, extreme heat and drought, development pressures and new pests, such as emerald ash borer.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager Scott Altenhoff said, “Replacing those trees will require us to pick up the pace not only of planting but also ensuring nurseries have the capacity to grow the numbers of trees needed and the types of trees that are resilient to climate and resistant to serious pests and diseases. Equally important is growing and diversifying the workforce in urban forestry.”
Altenhoff said there is also growing recognition, as cited in the proclamation, that the benefits of tree canopy have been unevenly distributed in the state.
“Many low-income areas and those with large populations of people of color having fewer large shade trees than more affluent neighborhoods,” said Altenhoff. “Research has shown that having fewer large shade trees in those lower-canopy neighborhoods is strongly associated with increased deaths from heart disease and poor health outcomes. Lack of trees can affect everything from having more low-birthweight babies to increased rates of asthma and mental health issues, not to mention domestic violence and crime.”
Altenhoff said that fortunately Oregon has worked hard to obtain more federal funding for urban forestry. “This year we will begin calling for applications from communities interested in getting grants from some $26 million in federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds we’ve secured from the USDA Forest Service.”
Altenhoff said the federal funds have helped ODF expand its Urban Forestry team from just one manager and one community assistance forester trying to serve over 170 Oregon cities and towns to a team of seven, including a new grants administrator to process applications and monitor compliance with grant requirements.
“We are in a much better position now to help communities increase their canopy, with an emphasis on those historically disadvantaged communities that have the least canopy,” said Altenhoff. “In the wake of the 2020 heat dome and the dozens of resulting deaths from that, the Oregon Legislature has also recognized the need to ensure we have healthy, shade-giving urban forests. Last year legislators provided the first ever state funding dedicated to support urban forestry work, including funding for community assistance forester positions within ODF.
Arbor Month grew out of Arbor Day, a one-day tree-planting campaign in Nebraska in 1872. The event spread nationwide and expanded in many states to a week-long celebration of all-things tree related. In Oregon, a few years ago the non-profit Oregon Community Trees lobbied to expand the time devoted to celebrating trees to the entire month.
“Going to a month-long celebration has enabled us to encompass the growing number of tree planting and other tree-related activities held around the state,” said Oregon Community Trees President Tyler Roth. The organization he heads is an advisory council to ODF on urban forestry matters, and promotes urban forests statewide.
Tyler explained that Oregon is such a big state that early April marks the end of tree planting in the western part of the state. By contrast, in the colder climate of eastern Oregon tree planting may not be advisable until near the end of April.
“Having the entire month to plan activities appropriate to the climate and weather has made great sense,” he said.
OCT supports Arbor Month activities each year with small grants to Oregon communities. Roth said he expects at least half a dozen communities will receive grants later this month to boost their Arbor Month events.
Read the full text of the proclamation.
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At approximately 0417 hours on Thursday March 14, 2024, Lebanon Fire District responded to the report of a structure fire in the area of Dodge St. and Main St.
When initial units arrived on scene, they found a two-story structure with flames coming out of the second story window. Crews were able to make entry into the structure to ensure nobody was inside. Once the crews determined nobody was inside structure, the crews began a defensive attack on the fire due to structural integrity of the building and the multiple additions to the structure. The extinguishment of the fire took about 2 hours.
The Lebanon Fire district responded with 8 apparatus and 14 personnel. Lebanon Fire District was assisted by Albany Fire Department and Sweet Home Fire District with extinguishment of the fire. While Crews from Brownsville Fire Department and Tangent Fire Department were brought in to help protect the Lebanon Fire District while crew were battling the blaze.
The Lebanon Fire District would like to remind residents of the importance of working smoke alarms. For assistance with smoke alarms in your home, contact our Fire & Life Safety Division at (541) 451-1901.
The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for March 27th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., has been cancelled due to lack of agenda items.
The next Applicant Review Committee meeting is scheduled for April 24th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
SHARING THE ROAD: CYCLISTS AND MOTORISTS
Cycling has become more popular as a recreational activity and as alternative transportation. As the weather continues to get nicer and more cycling events come into season, expect to see more bicycles on the road and in shared community spaces. Both cyclists and motorists have responsibility to follow traffic laws and to take additional precautions to keep everyone safe.
Bicycles on streets and highways are considered, by law, a vehicle, and are required to obey the rules of the road. This means they must follow the laws that apply to all vehicles and laws specific to cyclists. Weather, experience, and traffic can impact the safety of sharing the road. Using additional caution and patience can help keep our roads safer for everyone involved.
Motorists should remember these tips:
Cyclists should remember these tips while using streets and highways:
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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PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College's student success programs, Future Connect and PDX Bridge, were awarded The Johnson Charitable Trust (JCT) Award for Excellence in Service and Leadership, which comes with a $250,000, three-year grant that supports service to marginalized students.
“The JCT Award enables us to continue to serve our most underrepresented students, those with significant trauma, former foster youth, and those with educational barriers," said Future Connect Manager Suzanne Hesse. "Through cohort-supported reading and writing courses, PCC sets these students up for success."
JCT Board President Ashley Campion stated that she could not think of “any organization more deserving” as she presented the crystal award to gathered college staff. The award letter noted that "PCC has consistently stood out as extraordinary and who we value as pillars in the community . ... [we] long recognized, in particular, the importance of the Student Success Programs at PCC under your outstanding vision and leadership. These programs continue to exceed expectations and we believe, deserve this recognition."
Through scholarship money, career guidance, and personalized advising, Future Connect helps students build pathways to their futures. PDX Bridge serves students at no cost who have experienced foster care, homelessness, or adjudication to receive the support of a college success coach and to start taking college classes with a community of peers.
“I am overcome and almost without words for the gratitude I feel for this generosity and vote of confidence in the importance of the Future Connect and PDX Bridge Programs that continue to serve these amazing students,” said Director of College Success Programs Josh Laurie. “Thank you to Ashley and The Johnson Charitable Trust for believing in PCC students.”
Future Connect, which is a support program for students who identify as first-generation or low-income, has served nearly 4,000 students since 2011. Program staff help eliminate barriers to college by providing students with on-going support through scholarships, career guidance and personalized advising. PDX Bridge is dependent fully on donations to operate, and partners with local education and service providers to help youth transition to college.
“We are humbled to receive this award and are grateful for The Johnson Charitable Trust's investment in our students' success,” said Christina Kline, PCC Foundation executive director. “Their partnership and commitment has helped change the trajectories of hundreds of students' lives.”
Future Connect expands its Washington County footprint
Future Connect recently received $170,000 from the Oregon Community Foundation whose donor-advised funds will enable the program to hire a success coach for the next three years and expand the student success program to all parts of Washington County.
This will enable PCC to reach those living outside of the cities of Beaverton and Hillsboro and in the rural areas of Banks, North Plains, Verboort and Forest Grove. OCF funds will also provide students with scholarships, emergency funds, and allow them to purchase materials and supplies. Ultimately, this investment will result in Future Connect serving as many as 75-100 students from Washington County per year who previously would not have access to the program.
The students in Future Connect are low-income or are the first in their families to attend college. Since 2014, Future Connect has served over 1,150 Washington County students from the cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton combined.
About the PCC Foundation: The PCC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that enriches lives and strengthens the region through support of education at PCC. The Foundation’s vision is that all students in the region have access to an excellent education at PCC and the support needed to succeed, regardless of their ability to pay. A tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the PCC Foundation mobilizes private support for student scholarships and educational programs. To find out more, call (971) 722-4382 or visit pcc.edu/foundation.
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 50,000 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/
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Spring Break Fruiting Plant Sale and Easter Egg Hunt at Oaks Amusement Park
Portland, OR – March 14, 2024 – Are you looking to add a touch of nature to your limited space? Want to try your hand at growing your own fruit? Look no further! Join us for the Spring Break Fruiting Plant Sale at Oaks Amusement Park on March 30th, and if supplies last, on March 31st!
Hosted by the Portland Fruit Tree Project (PFTP) in collaboration with the Sellwood Moreland Neighborhood Association, this event offers a unique opportunity for individuals to purchase fruiting plants tailored for small and medium spaces.
Attendees will have the chance to explore a variety of fruiting plants, including Columnar Apple Trees, Champagne Currant, Bob Gordon Elderberry, Petite Negra Fig, Red Empress Gogi Berry, Blue Muscat Grape, Dwarf Pomegranate, Paw Paw, Kiwi, and much more!
In addition to the plant sale, participants can enjoy a special offer of 25% off a ride wrist bracelet at Oaks Amusement Park with the purchase of plants.
But the fun doesn't stop there! Families are invited to take part in the Sellwood Moreland Neighborhood Association's annual Kids Easter Egg Hunt, beginning at 11am. Make sure to arrive at 10:45am, as the eggs disappear quickly!
"We're excited to offer this unique blend of fun and education," says a representative from the Portland Fruit Tree Project. "It's an opportunity for people to learn about growing their own fruit, enjoy a day at Oaks Amusement Park, and participate in a beloved community tradition."
The event will take place at Oaks Amusement Park, located at 7805 Southeast Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR, 97202. Don't miss out on this kickoff sale for the Spring Season!
For more information, visit PFTP's website. www.portlandfruit.org
MEDIA RELEASE Western Oregon University Monmouth, OR 97361 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / March 14, 2024
Western Oregon University highlights recent publications and resources
University Marketing and Communications
Maureen Brakke, 503-838-9329
Brittany Kima, 503-838-8163
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University highlights the publications of new works by staff and faculty. From October 2023 to February 2024, 37 works have been published, showcasing the dedication and expertise of the Western community.
In addition to traditional publications, faculty have been actively involved in creating materials through the Open Educational Resources (OER) program. OER are freely available teaching, learning, and research resources that reside in the public domain or have been released under an intellectual property license permitting their free use and re-purposing by others.
Under an open license, OER materials permit everyone to engage in the 5Rs: Retain, Reuse, Revise, Remix, and Redistribute. This allows educators and learners to adapt and customize the materials to suit their needs, fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
The OER program at Western launched in February 2020, and since then, faculty have been actively involved in creating and refining valuable teaching resources. From open textbooks and full courses to modules, syllabi, and lab activities, the OER materials cover a wide range of digital learning resources.
Faculty and staff value strong connections between the university and the community, and sharing knowledge through publications and the OER is one of the many ways Western continues to serve the community.
More information about the OER program
More information about recent staff and faculty publications
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon's oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Together we succeed.
https://wou.edu/2024/03/14/western-oregon-university-highlights-recent-publications-and-resources/
Salem, OR—Oregon taxpayers have already claimed nearly $1.6 billion of the record $5.61 billion surplus revenue kicker tax credit being returned to taxpayers in 2024, the Oregon Department of Revenue announced.
The department also reported that it has received more than 950,000 tax returns thus far this year. Another 1.2 million returns are expected to be filed in 2024 and more than $4 billion in kicker surplus remains to be claimed. The tax filing deadline is April 15.
“More than 1 million taxpayers still need to file and we are urging Oregonians not to wait until the last minute,” said Megan Denison, administrator of the agency’s Personal Tax and Compliance Division. “We also urge anyone who is owed a kicker to file and claim it.”
The kicker—the largest in state history—is being returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2023 state personal income tax returns filed in 2024. The credit is based on tax liability for the 2022 tax year. Taxpayers who have not yet filed a 2022 tax return, should file now so they can claim their kicker credit when they file their 2023 tax return.
Who is eligible?
Taxpayers are eligible to claim the kicker if they filed a 2022 tax return and Oregon state income tax due before credits. Even taxpayers who don't have a filing obligation for 2023, still must file a 2023 tax return to claim their credit. The kicker is based on Oregon income tax paid in 2022, not federal income tax paid.
Who is not eligible?
Taxpayers who have not filed a 2022 Oregon income tax return or did not have income tax due for 2022 are not eligible to receive a kicker. The same is true for filers who didn’t complete the filing process last year because they failed to respond to letters from the department seeking more information.
How is the kicker calculated?
To calculate the amount of their credit, taxpayers can multiply their 2022 tax liability before any credits—line 22 on the 2022 Form OR-40—by 44.28 percent. This percentage is determined and certified by Oregon Office of Economic Analysis. Taxpayers who claimed a credit for tax paid to another state would need to subtract the credit amount from their liability before calculating the credit.
Taxpayers whose 2022 Oregon income tax owed was adjusted by the department when they filed last year, should use the adjusted amount of tax when calculating their kicker.
Taxpayers should not guess at their kicker amount. They can determine the amount of their kicker using the What’s My Kicker? Tool available on Revenue Online. To use the tool, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2022 and 2023.
What form should taxpayers use?
Residency status determines what form taxpayers should use. More information is available on the What form do I use page of the agency’s website.
The 2023 Oregon personal income tax return instructions include detailed information on how to claim the credit on Form OR-40 for full-year Oregon residents, Form OR-40-P for part-year residents, and Form OR-40-N for nonresidents. Composite and fiduciary-income tax return filers are also eligible.
Taxpayers should keep in mind that the state may use all or part of their kicker to pay any state debt they owe, such as tax due for other years, child support, court fines, or school loans.
Taxpayers can donate their kicker with a checkbox on their tax return to the Oregon State School Fund for K-12 public education, but they must donate the entire amount. The donation is permanent and cannot be taken back.
Taxpayers also have the option of donating part or all of their refund to any or all of the 29 charities approved by the Charitable Checkoff Commission. Taxpayers use Form OR-DONATE to designate any amount or all of their refund to donate to charity.
Free tax preparation services are available for both federal and Oregon tax returns. Some software companies offer free software use and e-filing for eligible taxpayers. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services .
For more information, go to the Oregon surplus “kicker” credit page of the Department of Revenue website.
Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments; call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email questions.dor@oregon.gov.
SILVERTON, ORE. (March 14, 2024) Today, Legacy Health announced the completion of the first phase of a $37 million expansion and improvement project for Legacy Silverton Medical Center that will add 21,000 square feet to the existing hospital. The completion of phase I renovations will be marked by the opening of a newly expanded and modernized emergency department and a complete redesign of the hospital entrance and patient drop-off areas, among other improvements.
The Legacy Silverton Medical Center emergency department will expand from twelve to twenty spacious, modernized patient rooms. Silverton Medical Center anticipates seeing patients beginning March 18 in the new larger emergency department, offering a state-of-the-art medical facility for the City of Silverton and improving existing spaces for patients, visitors, and staff.
The new emergency department will offer a full range of capabilities, from a trauma treatment bay to expanded rooms designed to care for trauma and cardiac patients. The emergency department will also provide patient rooms with ample space to accommodate women's services. The new emergency department will include airborne isolation patient rooms and space optimized for natural light with windows that bring soothing views of nature.
"Providing high-quality health care has been our top priority at Legacy Silverton Medical Center for decades," said Joe Yoder, President of Legacy Silverton Medical Center. "The award-winning care our teams provide is why Legacy Silverton Medical Center consistently ranks among the top hospitals in Oregon for patient satisfaction. This construction project positions us well both now and into the future as we look to ensure patients in the mid-Willamette Valley can access world-class health care services close to home."
Silverton Hospital and Legacy Health came together in 2016 with a shared vision and mission of improving access to health care services and a dedication to community health. Legacy Health pledged $58 million in 2016 to focus on three key areas: physician recruitment, equipment upgrades, and a new modernized medical facility.
The completed renovations also include a brand-new hospital entrance with a covered drop-off/pick-up zone that will shield patients and their families from the weather as they enter the facility.
A beautiful new reception lobby includes registration stations, private admitting booths, a newly designed coffee shop, a gift shop, and a volunteer greeter station, creating a tranquil setting for patients, visitors, and staff.
The Silverton Family Birth Center will gain a new family waiting room, providing a calming and comfortable place for expectant families awaiting their new arrival.
A new helicopter landing pad will allow air ambulances to safely land and transport critically ill patients and babies. Patients requiring access to higher-acuity hospitals, such as Legacy Emanuel Medical Center or Randall Children's Hospital in Portland, will be transported from a new helipad located directly across the street from Legacy Silverton Medical Center.
Additionally, the expansion project includes a new "All Faiths Chapel" to welcome patients, families, and staff for moments of personal reflection and prayer.
The expansion of Legacy Silverton Medical Center was made possible in part due to the generous support of corporate and individual community donors and the Silverton Health Foundation Board.
Legacy is working on phase II plans to meet the long-term goal of continuing to serve the community and grow health care services in the area. Phase II will continue this important commitment to invest in the health needs of Silverton and the surrounding communities.
For more information about Legacy Silverton Medical Center, please visit https://www.legacyhealth.org/doctors-and-locations/hospitals/legacy-silverton-medical-center
About Legacy Health
Legacy Health is a locally owned, nonprofit health system driven by our mission to improve the health of those around us. We offer a unique blend of health services—from wellness and urgent care to dedicated children's care and advanced medical centers. We care for patients of all ages when and where they need us across the Portland/Vancouver metro area and mid-Willamette Valley. With an eye toward a healthier community, our partnerships tackle vital issues such as housing and mental health. Legacy strives to help everyone live healthier and better lives, with the vision of being essential to the health of the region. For more information, visit www.legacyhealth.org.
Analysis uses best available science and lessons learned to benefit species and western communities
WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is announcing a draft plan to strengthen greater sage-grouse conservation and management on public lands, informed by the best-available science and input from local, state, federal, and Tribal partners. The draft plan is built on decades of partnership, research, and on-the-ground knowledge and experience in maintaining, protecting and restoring healthy sagebrush habitats.
Greater sage-grouse rely on sagebrush lands for all aspects of their life cycle to meet seasonal needs for food, cover and reproduction. A local population may need up to 40 square miles of intact landscape to stay healthy. Populations once in the millions now number fewer than 800,000, largely due to habitat loss exacerbated by climate change, such as drought, increasing wildfires, and invasive species. Protecting and restoring sagebrush on BLM-managed public lands across the West is critical not just for greater sage-grouse, but also for the health of western communities and other iconic Western species that rely on healthy sagebrush, including mule deer, pronghorn, and the pygmy rabbit. Additionally, these collaboratively developed landscape-level plans will ensure that other multiple uses of BLM sagebrush lands – including clean energy projects – move forward in a manner that limits impacts to sensitive resources and can also help combat climate change—a main driver of greater sage-grouse habitat loss.
“The majesty of the West and its way of life are at stake. Sagebrush lands are places where people work and play, and they are the headwaters for the West’s major rivers,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “Joint efforts to conserve the greater sage-grouse and its habitat led to the largest collaborative conservation effort in our history, and we are building on that work, together with our partners, to ensure the health of these lands and local economies into the future.”
The BLM manages the largest single share of sage-grouse habitat in the United States—nearly 67 million acres of 145 million total acres. The draft plan offers a range of alternatives for sustainable management of these lands. Balancing a consistent management approach across the range while addressing conditions and policies unique to individual states, BLM will be able to work more effectively with state and local managers to protect and improve sagebrush habitats on public lands.
Alternatives in the proposal build on the most successful components of the plans that the BLM adopted in 2015 and updated in 2019. The draft plan incorporates new sage-grouse conservation science and lessons learned, accommodating changing resources conditions while increasing implementation flexibility. The agency considered nearly 1,900 comments gathered during an initial public scoping period and information shared by state, local, federal, and Tribal partners in more than 100 meetings.
The BLM will hold 13 public meetings to answer questions and take further comments on the draft alternatives and analysis. Information on public meetings will be posted in the events column on the main page of the BLM website.
In addition to actions guided by the greater sage-grouse management plans, the BLM is actively restoring and conserving sagebrush habitat across the West through the Biden Administration’s Investing in America agenda. Annually, the BLM invests approximately $35 million of its congressional appropriation in sagebrush ecosystem projects, supplemented by $123 million from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and complemented by investments by state and local governments, Tribes, stakeholder groups, and private landowners.
The draft environmental impact statement and plan amendments will open for public comment on March 15, 2024. The comment period will end on June 13, 2024. More information on how to comment on this draft will be posted at https://www.blm.gov/sagegrouse. A final environmental impact statement is expected this fall, followed by Records of Decision in each state.
-BLM-
The BLM manages more than 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.
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Lawrence Kennedy.
Lawrence, age 14, is a child who went missing from La Grande on March 4. He was found March 13.
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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One man was rushed to the hospital and another was safely arrested after an assault involving a knife in Tigard Tuesday afternoon.
At 4:45 PM on Tuesday, March 12th, officers on the day and swing shifts were dispatched to an assault with a weapon at the intersection of SW Pacific Highway (99W) and SW 72nd Avenue. Witnesses reported two men were fighting and one of them had a knife. Moments later, witnesses reported one of the men was cut with the knife.
Within three minutes of the call being dispatched, a Tigard police officer found the suspect nearby. Additional officers arrived and he was safely arrested. At the same time, officers and medics responded to help the victim, who was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.
The suspect was later identified as Charles Tewee, age 37. He was taken to the Washington County Jail on charges of first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon.
Officers recovered a 12” kitchen knife (8” blade) from the scene, and a photo of the weapon is attached.
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With the warming weather and spring just around the corner, its time to start thinking about creating your home’s defensible space.
The Oregon State Fire Marshals office recently released information about a statewide defensible space incentive program, unfortunately the Bend area was not selected as a recipient. For those outside of Bend, check their website for participating communities. www.oregondefensiblespace.org
But there’s still other ways to get assistance in creating your defensible space throughout Central Oregon. Over the past 25 plus years, FireFree has been a tri-county wide program to help support homeowners and residents remove brush and vegetation from their properties to build defensible space. www.firefree.org
Learn about the steps you can take to reduce the risk of wildfire around your home. Ranging from cleaning up your property to what vegetation to plant and how your home can defend itself with different building construction methods. As an incentive to reducing the vegetation around your home, Project Wildfire and FireFree partner with Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste and Republic Services Recycling to provide FREE yard debris disposal at Knott Landfill and local transfer stations.
Bring in your yard debris and dispose of it for free. Each year 10’s of thousands of yards of material is collected at the sites. All that material collected means less that can catch fire around homes in our communities. There are a few limitations to what can be brought: no dirt, large stumps, or material with rocks in it. All the material is ground up to use as ground over and compost.
Bend Fire Department also provides free home defensible space assessments for anyone living in our response area. We can help you as an individual homeowner or help provide guidance for your HOA or neighborhood on ways to lessen the threat of wildfire in your community. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 541-322-6300.
On March 12, 2024 at 9:27 PM, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 400 block of E. Logsden Rd in Siletz, OR on a report of a male stating his mother was deceased. Deputies arrived in the area and located a deceased elderly female near a motor vehicle who had injuries consistent with homicidal violence. Deputies detained the adult male who made the report.
The Lincoln County Major Crime Team was activated, as well as members from the Oregon State Police Crime Lab. The investigation is currently ongoing with assistance from the Oregon State Police, the Newport Police Department, and the Lincoln City Police Department. There is no ongoing risk to the public. The suspect and victim names are not being release at this time, pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
Anyone with information relating to this incident should contact Sergeant Jason Spano at 541-270-5067 or jspano@co.lincoln.or.us. Reference case number 24S-04261.
On March 12th at 9:55 PM, Judy D. Poe, age 79, was confirmed deceased by deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. Ms. Poe had sustained injuries from blunt force trauma to the head. Robert B. Poe, age 56, was detained by law enforcement near the scene. Robert was subsequently interviewed and arrested for Murder in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. He was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail.
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office would like to thank and acknowledge the attentive residents of Siletz who reported their observations of suspicious circumstances to law enforcement without delay. This investigation is still ongoing however no further media releases are planned at this time.
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March 13, 2024
Media contact: Cassie Call, cassie.call@oha.oregon.gov, 503-351-2416
(Salem, OR) Today, the director of Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA, completed a three-day visit to counties in the Willamette Valley to learn firsthand from local leaders, providers and advocates about the challenges facing people in the area.
In this visit, Dr. Hathi met with local public health and mental health officials, non-profit partners, and healthcare providers from the counties of Benton, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill. This is the third of seven regional visits Dr. Hathi is conducting after stepping into the OHA director role.
“The people I’ve met over the past couple of days – from providers to housing support specialists – have reaffirmed for me that you don’t have to be in a clinic to provide care,” said Dr. Hathi. “Care is community and it’s about how we take care of the whole person that will dictate their well-being and their ability to achieve their full potential.”
Dr. Hathi ended her time in Lebanon (Linn County) with a tour of Colonia Paz, an affordable housing complex. Colonia Paz follows a developmental model of community-built housing, offering multi-bilingual supportive services in the areas of health, education, and employment. OHA’s Community Partner Outreach Program partners with Colonia Paz through the Healthier Oregon Program, which helps individuals and families to navigate health care services and enroll in the Oregon Health Plan.
Dr. Hathi will spend the next several months visiting all major regions in Oregon – spending time with community leaders, health care providers, Tribal leaders, local public health and mental health officials, and non-profit partners about their biggest needs from the state and the state health agency – to ensure those are represented and addressed as she shapes the agency’s next chapter.
[Here is a link] to B-roll footage, an audio file and still pictures from Dr. Hathi's most recent trip.
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The Lincoln City Police have received a number of complaints from citizens receiving a call from someone purporting to be a Lincoln City Police Officer demanding payment regarding an arrest warrant or impending court action. The caller tells the subject they will be arrested unless payment is made, generally through some payment method using gift cards or other payment venue.
Please know the Lincoln City Police Department and other Law Enforcement agencies WILL NEVER call to notify someone they have an arrest warrant and will never ask for any type of payment for a warrant to be removed. These types of calls have become a common scam type call where the scammer is trying to get personal information or is trying to get money sent to them. If you receive a call like this, do not give out any personal information and do not send any funds. You should ask for the person's name and hang up, and then call to notify us on our non-emergency number (541) 994-3636.
The Lincoln City Police Department want to remind everyone to stay vigilant in keeping your personal information secure and to not send any callers any monies unless you have independently verified the situation.
Submitted by: Lieutenant Jeffrey Winn
On March 12, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the March 2024 Employee and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees!
Employee of the Month Donna Allen, View Ridge Middle School
Donna Allen is the epitome of what it means to be a View Ridge Heron. If you ask anyone in our building about Mrs. Allen, they will tell you that she is steadfast, supportive, loving, passionate, and the ultimate teammate. She can have hard conversations in a supportive way and can turn even the toughest day into a bright one. She stepped up in a time of great need to fill a challenging position and has had a tremendous impact on our entire school community. She pours her heart and soul into supporting our families, students, and staff. If you sat outside her office throughout the course of the day, you would see a never-ending stream of kids and staff coming in to get words of encouragement, a snack, to be coached up, to participate in a restorative conversation, or just to have a pep talk around being our best selves. She walks the halls with a beaming smile and never stops being a pillar of consistency. Mrs. Allen’s laughter is infectious and echoes throughout our building. If there is a holiday or something special coming up, Mrs. Allen will leave her words of encouragement in the form of a Bitmoji note with a small treat for each staff member, reminding them just how special they are to our collective View Ridge family.
Whether she’s arriving early in the morning to snag kids for Spud Buddies and picking up coffees for our weekly postcard winners or working late evenings giving tours to new families and putting together homework help groups for students in need, Donna is always putting in the extra efforts that make View Ridge such a special place to work and learn. Donna’s peers often remark how her strong instructional experience paired with her knowledge of how to support kids makes her the perfect fit for our counselor position.
One of Donna’s peers said “people are constantly drawn to Donna when they are in need of support. She is an empathetic listener who is also willing to offer advice, support, self reflection, generate creative ideas, or help problem solve. Her strong work ethic, capacity for compassion, and unwavering desire to help those around her achieve high standards make her excellent at what she does. She is a model and comfort to staff and students alike!”
Mrs. Allen leads with both her heart and her head and View Ridge would not be the same without her. Thank you, Mrs. Allen, for being the amazing person you are!
Emmie Capeloto, Preschool at the Early Learning Center
Emmie is the biggest helper there is. She is always willing to take a friend's hand in line or put something away for a teacher. Her kindness and compassion for others is admirable and it continues to grow the longer she is at the ELC with us. Emmie is an incredible role model to her peers and a ray of sunshine for her teachers. Her teachers say, "Emmie has such a big heart! Selfless, caring, and hardworking are just a few ways to describe what a great student she is. Emmie consistently puts the best interest of others ahead of her own. She’s a friend to all and offers a helping hand to any student or teacher in need. Emmie is a great representation of the Hashbrowns’ three Rs.”
Emmie makes the Early Learning Center a better place because of her love and compassion towards all students and staff and we are excited to see how she changes the world.
Mae Jones, 4th grade at South Ridge Elementary School
Mae Jones impresses staff every day with her focus in class, her work ethic, her resilience when faced with a tough academic challenge, and her determination to learn and do her best work. Mae conducts herself with poise and resilience no matter where she is on campus. Mae is a student who leads by example with patience, kindness, and a willingness to help others. She routinely sees the good in others and goes out of her way to make staff and students smile. She brings love and laughter to those around her, and her laughter is contagious! Mae is always willing to include others whether it be in group projects, classroom activities, or out at recess. Mae isn't afraid of tough conversations around friendship and tries her best to find solutions.
Brooklyn Caldwell, 4th grade at Union Ridge Elementary School
Brooklyn Caldwell embodies the Tater Tot way. She approaches every task with determination and diligence. Known for her resilient and strong work ethic, Brooklyn tackles challenges head-on and never gives up. Beyond her academic achievements, Brooklyn's kindness and compassion shine through daily. Even when tasks are challenging, Brookly puts in the hard work.
Her teacher, Mrs. Kennedy, wrote “Brooklyn is sweet and everyone’s buddy.”
In music class, Brooklyn knows how to be respectful, responsible, and resilient. Ms. Golden shared, “Brooklyn is always on task in music. She is a hard worker who doesn't let mistakes deter her.”
Kai Robinson, 6th grade Sunset Ridge Intermediate School
Kai Robinson is a delight to have in class. His positive attitude and willingness to get involved add so much to the culture of our class and Sunset Ridge Intermediate as a whole. He is a great example of a dedicated learner. He completes his assignments with detail and accuracy and then looks for additional opportunities to learn through extensions and projects. He does his best even when things get difficult. He is kind and includes others. Kai’s work ethic, respectful attitude, and leadership make him an excellent choice for Student of the Month.
Cameron Branch, 7th Grade at View Ridge Middle School
Respectful, Responsible and Resilient are all characteristics that Cameron Branch exemplifies well, and all of his teachers agree that he is a pleasure to have in class. Mr. Tena shared “Cameron is a very polite student, is always looking out for his peers and following classroom expectations. He does a great job of engaging in learning and doing his best work!”
STEM teacher Mr. Hankins wrote “Cameron consistently demonstrates responsibility by managing his assignments efficiently and with creativity. Additionally, his kindness towards his peers stands out. He consistently contributes a positive vibe to the class, akin to a beam of sunlight, and he’s always eager to greet others with a warm hello and a friendly high five.”
Mrs. Stephens, Cameron’s Washington State History teacher adds, “He works hard, even when the going gets tough. His big heart and dedication to learning are amazing to see every day!”
In Science, Mr. Jequinto noted that “Cam is an inquisitive kid and a hard worker. His presence and joy is shared with everyone around him.
Mrs. Hankins wrote that “Cameron is a wonderful art student! He works hard in class and enjoys being creative. He works well with his peers and always has a positive attitude. Cameron always has a smile to share with everyone and his positive attitude is contagious! ”
Keep up the great work, Cameron!
Natalie Evans, 11th grade at Ridgefield High School
There are few students at Ridgefield High School who are willing to take on and lead any task or project with a smile on their face and a selfless dedication, expecting nothing in return. Natalie Evan is this student and so much more! Throughout Natalie’s time at RHS, it has been abundantly clear that she possesses a unique blend of qualities that make her stand out. As a dedicated student enrolled in three AP classes, Natalie consistently demonstrates responsibility, hard work and determination. Additionally, Natalie displays exemplary leadership skills in National Honor Society and DECA and a strong sense of school spirit and passion in ASB.
Equally impressive is Natalie’s baseball resume. Yes, you read that right, baseball! As the first female at Ridgefield High School to play on the school’s baseball team, she is breaking barriers and forging a path for those behind her. Natalie coaches for the Baseball for All program and has played with the 23U Team USA female baseball team. Baseball has taken Natalie all over the world, but her passion is in coaching and mentoring young women to build the sport in their community. Natalie’s ability to persevere and thrive in the face of adversity is due to the unwavering support and consistency provided by her mom, who she describes as her biggest role model.
Natalie exudes a genuine passion for life that is truly infectious. Whether it be in the classroom, on the playing field, or in her interactions with others, Natalie approaches every endeavor with enthusiasm and energy. She is driven by the desire to leave Ridgefield High School better than she found it. This passion not only drives Natalie to excel, but also serves as an inspiration to her peers.
After high school, Natalie hopes to pursue a degree in sports management with the ultimate goal of working for a Major League Baseball team. Natalie is an exceptional student and her impact on our school community has been significant and is sure to be long lasting. Thank you, Natalie, for all you bring to Ridgefield High School. We are so lucky you are a Spudder!
Aileen Castillo, 12th grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy
Aileen Castillo is the poster child for why Wisdom Ridge Academy exists. Aileen had 12.5 credits after completing her junior year of high school. An incoming senior should have 18 credits to be on track to graduate with her cohort classmates. Through a commitment of completing summer school courses, doing credit recovery during the school year, taking and passing the Spanish language competency exam, and enrolling in the CAPS program at RHS, we are very proud to tell the entire world that Aileen is now on track to graduate and will be walking across the stage to get her diploma on June 7, 2024! In essence, Aileen completed two years of school in one summer and one school year.
Aileen's dedication and positive contributions, both academically and through her kindness, make her a standout student. It's particularly commendable that she balances her responsibilities at home, assisting with six younger siblings while remaining focused on her goals. Aileen's ability to embody the values of Wisdom Ridge Academy and the Ridgefield CAPS Program is truly inspiring.
In addition to balancing a more-than-full-course load, Aileen has found time to learn piano, and now plays and sings at her church. She also volunteers her time every Tuesday and Thursday to help out at South Ridge Elementary School, and she hopes to go into elementary education or the medical field after high school. Eileen lists graduating on time and completing her required courses as her greatest accomplishment to date. We are proud of Aileen, who represents other students at WRA who are thriving despite a challenging past, and we are honored to present her as our March Student of the Month.
March 13, 2024
Media Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
Staying home when sick among recommended steps for preventing COVID-19, flu, RSV, other respiratory viruses
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon health officials are endorsing new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance that codifies recent recommendations for limiting the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
Epidemiologists with the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section at OHA’s Public Health Division distributed a statewide Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory to remind clinicians, preparedness staff, laboratories and public health agencies about the new Respiratory Virus Guidance. The CDC launched the guidance March 1.
“This updated guidance represents a milestone in bringing a range of respiratory viruses under a single set of recommendations for preventing transmission in communities, and it aligns with changes made in Oregon in May 2023,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA. “Oregon fully supports this approach for lowering health risks posed by these viruses. While many are ready to move on from any discussion of COVID-19, respiratory viruses are still impacting many of us. If we all take these steps, we can help to keep our loved ones healthy.”
The updated guidance advises people with respiratory symptoms to stay home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, and their symptoms are improving. They also urge people to protect those around them – older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems, with disabilities or who are pregnant – by taking additional precautions for the next five days to curb disease spread, including:
The updated guidance also recommends people stay up to date with immunizations, which are available for COVID-19, influenza and RSV.
The isolation recommendations outlined above are intended for people in most settings across Oregon, but not in health care settings. Recommendations regarding COVID-19 in health care settings are available here.
More information about updated federal guidance is available on a Background for CDC’s Updated Respiratory Virus Guidance page, and on an FAQ page. CDC guidance regarding COVID-19 in health care settings is available here.
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Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Public Works volunteer program is calling for adult volunteers to help with a beach cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, March 16 at Blurock Landing. Blurock Landing, located at 8001 NW Lower River Road in Vancouver, is a park at the confluence of the Vancouver Lake flushing channel and the Columbia River. Snacks and supplies will be provided.
In addition to being a popular spot for summer gatherings, this park has also been the site of illegal dumping and unauthorized camping. Public Works worked with local law enforcement to address these activities, though after several cleanups by staff some litter and debris remains. To prevent the litter from polluting the river, the area must be cleaned up before the beginning of the annual rise in river levels later this spring. When the water rises, the litter could be washed into the river and to beaches and habitats further downstream. After assessing weather conditions and river levels, staff have determined that this weekend is the ideal time for this cleanup to occur.
This event is an adults-only activity (age 18 and older) because of the higher-than-normal potential for hazardous items to be found among the litter. While this restriction is meant to protect the youngest of our community’s volunteers, no volunteer, including adults, are ever asked to handle anything hazardous without the proper personal protective equipment (including gloves, trash picker tools, etc.) or supervision. Staff will handle any items that volunteers feel uncomfortable handling. For additional protection, volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
Registration is required. Information, including registration, is at clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.
Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.
Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.
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SALEM, Ore.—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will host “Yozakura,” night viewing of the Akebono cherry blossoms, March 16 through April 6 in the North Mall at State Capitol State Park.
Parks staff will illuminate the cherry blossoms with Japanese lanterns and lights nightly 6-9 p.m. Visitors may bring blankets, camping chairs or an evening picnic to enjoy under the canopy of the illuminated trees.
The lanterns and lights create a striking and beautiful scene inside the park at night.
The Focal Point Photography Club of Dallas will be in the park March 23 at 7 p.m. to help photographers capture the perfect shot of the illuminated blossoms. SamaZama, a koto and cello duo, will perform in the park March 30 at 7 p.m. The duo will also perform March 16 as part of the Cherry Blossom Day sponsored by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation and the City of Salem.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will livestream the cherry blossoms on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OregonParks beginning March 16 during the day and evening through April 6.
Park staff ask that tree limbs and blossoms are left as is so everyone can view them throughout the bloom. Alcohol is not allowed in State Capitol State Park (without permits) and the park closes at 10 p.m.
For more information on events at the Capitol, call Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 or visit the events page .
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Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), along with Oregon AARP, is hosting a fraud prevention workshop, Scam Jam, on Tuesday, March 26, in Salem. The free event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Roth’s Catering and Event Center, 1130 Wallace Road NW in Salem.
Joining DFR and Oregon AARP at the event will be representatives from the Construction Contractors Board, Federal Trade Commission, Oregon Department of Justice, and the Aging and Disabilities Services division of the Oregon Department of Human Services. No registration is required.
Those attending will hear from experts and learn how to spot scams and gain prevention tips and tools to protect against fraud.
TK Keen, DFR’s administrator, will talk about the division’s investigations into Ponzi schemes while others will present about spotting imposter scams and identity theft, disaster and fraud, and the six signs to identify a scam.
“Our office investigates and takes action against a significant number of investor fraud and senior fraud cases each year, but that is only part of the solution,” Keen said. “Through conversations and education, we can empower Oregonians to recognize the signs of fraud and take steps to protect themselves.”
Breakfast is provided.
If you believe you may have been scammed, DFR has resources to help you. Consumer advocates are available by calling 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or emailing .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. DFR’s website is also a good resource for information or help.
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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and www.dcbs.oregon.gov.
Salem – Mid-Valley Commercial Construction Inc., a locally owned union subcontractor focusing on commercial framing, drywall, taping, acoustical ceilings, and insulation, has achieved a milestone in its ongoing commitment to workplace safety and health: graduation from Oregon OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).
SHARP, primarily set up to help small- and mid-sized businesses, coaches employers on how to effectively manage workplace safety and health. The program encourages Oregon employers to work with their employees to identify and correct hazards and to continuously improve. In turn, companies are recognized for their success in reaching specific benchmarks during the five-year program. An employer may graduate from SHARP after five years of participation.
Mid-Valley Commercial Construction, based in Salem, has completed its SHARP journey, graduating in December 2023. The SHARP evaluation of the Salem-based company included multiple visits by Oregon OSHA consultants to job sites. The company demonstrated a high level of commitment to safety and health training for its workers. It also made excellent use of job hazard analysis, a method of identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards associated with specific jobs. And it consistently maintained a days away, restricted, or transferred (DART) rate well below the industry average.
“It is evident that ongoing commitment to employee safety and health from all levels of the company is expressed with leadership and field personnel,” stated the SHARP evaluation.
Mid-Valley Commercial Construction’s commitment to the program was unwavering. Dennis Cox, the company’s former safety manager, initiated the company’s involvement in SHARP in 2018, according to Mike Brunenkant, safety manager for the company and a certified construction health and safety technician.
Brunenkant said the SHARP evaluations and consultation services helped him “navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID regulations, ensuring that our safety program remained robust.” He added, “Having graduated from SHARP, Mid-Valley anticipates continuing our relationship with Oregon OSHA to prioritize the safety of our employees.”
Jesse Vigil, president and owner of Mid-Valley Commercial Construction, said: “Our team’s safety and health is a top priority. When our employees are safe and healthy, they can perform at their best, contributing to the success of the company.”
The benefits of the SHARP program, which is part of Oregon OSHA’s consultation services, include lower injury and illness rates, decreased workers’ compensation costs, increased employee morale, and lower product losses.
Learn more about SHARP and Oregon OSHA’s free consultation services, which include hazard assessments, recommendations to control and eliminate hazards, written program evaluation, and hands-on training. Consultations involve no fault, no citations, and no penalties. Oregon OSHA consultants in workplace safety, industrial hygiene, and ergonomics can help employers reduce accidents and related costs and develop comprehensive programs to manage safety and health.
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Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.
The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.
On Saturday, March 16 at 11:00 am Kelso School District will hold a dedication ceremony for renaming Lassie Beach softball field to McMahon Field at Lassie Beach. The dedication is in honor of Mike McMahon, long-time fastpitch coach and Hall of Famer. Refreshments will be available after a short ceremony.
A Hilander alum himself, McMahon graduated from Kelso High School in 1968. He was head fastpitch coach from 1994 to 2011 with 330 wins and three state championships. McMahon was inducted into the Washington State Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2010.
Also on Saturday at McMahon Field at Lassie Beach, the Kelso High girls softball team has their home opener at 1:00 pm against Silas High School.
About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.
SALEM, OR – Mid-Valley Eagles Soar, a celebration of Scouting's community impact, will recognize and honor Eagle Scouts from Marion, Polk, and Linn Counties on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Willamette Heritage Center in Salem. The social hour and silent auction starts at 5:30 p.m., with an opening program and dinner at 6 p.m. Mid-Valley Eagles Soar is hosted by the Santiam River District of the Cascade Pacific Council.
This year marks the second annual Mid-Valley Eagles Soar event. In addition to celebrating Mid-Valley's most recent Eagle Scouts class and their accomplishments, this event will raise funds to help extend Scouting to more neighborhoods, school communities and towns in the Willamette Valley. Funds from last year's event helped launch Troop 9051 for girls in Lebanon, Pack 584 in Albany, and Pack 7019 in Salem. Over 20 Eagle Scout projects will be showcased around the room to highlight Scouting's community impact.
Grace Parry and Juliette Lloyd, two of Salem's first female Eagle Scouts, will emcee the event. Other scouts presenting include Marshall Morrison, who overcame a disability to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, and 8-year-old Aurora Logan, who will share how Scouting has provided fun adventures and inspired her to become an Eagle Scout. One Eagle Scout will receive the first-ever Mid-Valley Eagles Soar College Scholarship.
This event will feature silent and oral auction items, all donated by local businesses and community leaders. While the event is free to attend, donations are strongly encouraged. All donations support local Scouting programs and are tax deductible. Those interested in attending can RSVP by registering online at:
https://cpcbsa.org/upcoming-events/eagles-soar/
About Santiam Rivers District: The Santiam District of the Cascade Pacific Council, BSA, serves the Amity, Cascade, Central, Central Linn, Dallas, Dayton, Falls City, Gervais, Greater Albany, Jefferson, Lebanon, McMinnville, Mt. Angel, North Santiam, Perrydale, Salem-Keizer, Scio, Sheridan, Silver Falls, Sweet Home and Willamina school districts.
About Cascade Pacific Council: Cascade Pacific Council of the Boy Scouts of America (CPCBSA) serves approximately 7500 boys and girls in NW Oregon and SW Washington through exceptional programming that gets youth to "go play outdoors." From summer camps to S.T.E.M. workshops, our inclusive programs grow leaders of tomorrow who are connected to nature, family, and community. Designed for families with children ages 5 – 20, our programs encourage family participation in activities, including summer outdoor adventure camps located on the Oregon Coast and Cascade Mountains, year-round experiential learning events, and civic service. Learn more at cpcbsa.org.
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University, in partnership with Uplift Oregon, and additional sponsoring state agencies, introduces the Career Mobility Accounting Program, which is a groundbreaking professional development initiative exclusively for employees working for the State of Oregon. Specifically, it provides professional development opportunities for state employees, allowing them to obtain industry-valued knowledge and skills for Accountant I & II and Tax Auditing positions within the state at no cost.
The program has been purposefully designed to tackle the issue of filling vacant and challenging-to-fill positions by leveraging the existing talent pool within the state. It provides individuals with opportunities to broaden their skills, empowering them to seamlessly align with the requirements of these positions.
“Career Mobility supports the needs of the state workforce and provides no-cost education and guided support for state employees to develop professional skills to advance their careers,” said Whitney Johnson, Career Mobility program manager with Uplift Oregon.
Western has partnered with Uplift Oregon to offer the instruction for the program. The following agencies are sponsoring partners: Service Employees International Union Local 503, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Housing and Community Services, the Department of Consumer and Business Services, the Department of Revenue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
“We are thrilled to extend this professional growth opportunity to our state agency partners while supporting the workforce needs in our region by nurturing much-needed skillsets, continuous development, and success," said Western Oregon University Provost Jose Coll.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be qualified to apply for positions at the state within the accounting and tax fields and are encouraged to fulfill a minimum of two years of continued service. Participants will work with state agency HR associates to bolster their professional materials, explore open positions, and prepare for application and interview processes within their new desired fields of employment at various state agencies with vacancies.
There are approximately 30 participants in the 2024 cohort from a variety of state agencies. For more information about the Career Mobility Program visit the Uplift Oregon Website.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon's oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Together we succeed.
SALEM, Ore.—A grant program administered by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is now taking applications to protect privately-owned forests from development pressure.
“The Forest Legacy Program provides grants to protect private forests either through a conservation easement or outright purchase,” said Christina Helige, ODF’s Forest Legacy Program (FLP) Coordinator.
The nation-wide program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service will get $700 million over ten years from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This is in addition to the regular funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) which last year’s nationwide allocation was $88 million. Each state designates an agency to administer the program and take applications and for Oregon it’s the Department of Forestry.
“There are two important application deadlines,” said Helige. “The first deadline is March 22 for IRA Round 2 projects and the second round for regular LWCF is June 28.”
Like most grant programs, there are many rules and requirements to follow. Two of the most important—and sometimes challenging—is that applications typically require a funding match of 25 percent of the grant amount, and an entity—typically a government one—has to administer and manage the land covered by the application.
“Applications are submitted as a partnership with the private landowner and a nonprofit and/or, local,state, Tribal or other government entity,” said Helige.
One recent example of a successful application was the 2023 Minam River Wildlife Area acquisition in northeast Oregon.
“That project’s key partners were the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Manulife Investment Management Timber and Agriculture Inc. and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Their application received $9.75 million to purchase and conserve a combined 15,573 acres with 10,964 acres funded from the FLP,” said Helige. “ODF administered the application process and helped complete the grant.”
For grant applications and instructions go to the application link: ForestLegacyProgramApplicationInstructions.pdf (oregon.gov)
For questions on grant proposals and applications contact istina.Helige@odf.oregon.gov">Christina.Helige@odf.oregon.gov
March 13, 2024
Call center and local partners will be available to help 2020 Labor Day Disaster survivors with application process
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is going to launch the intake phase of the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP) for survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds on March 25. Phase 1 of HARP will help low- and moderate-income homeowners who still need assistance to repair, rebuild, or replace their homes.
Beginning on March 25, applicants can fill out an Eligibility Questionnaire on the re.oregon.gov website where eligibility requirements are listed. OHCS will notify applicants who are eligible to apply for the first phase of HARP. Those who may not be eligible during this first phase may qualify in later phases if there are still funds available.
“We are excited to announce this first step in the process to get survivors the help they need to fix existing homes or get new ones,” said Alex Campbell, chief external affairs officer of the Disaster Recovery and Resilience Division at OHCS. “We have been working with local partners to make resources available that we hope will make the application process easier for survivors.”
OHCS opened a call center, which is ready to take questions. Applicants can call or text 1-877-510-6800 or 541-250-0938. They can also email t@oregon.org">housingsupport@oregon.org. Additionally, OHCS is partnering with community-based organizations to provide in-person support. A full list of these partners is on the re.oregon.gov website.
Survivors can help make the process as smooth as possible by making sure they have the correct documents on hand when they are invited to apply. No documents are needed to complete the Eligibility Questionnaire.
HARP applicants need the following:
HARP is part of ReOregon, which is funded by a $422 million Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To stay up to date on ReOregon programs in various stages of development, survivors can sign up for email updates and visit re.oregon.gov.
About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)
OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.
13 de marzo de 2024
OHCS iniciará la primera fase del Programa de Asistencia y Reconstrucción para Propietarios de Viviendas el 25 de marzo
Un centro de llamadas y organizaciones locales ayudarán a los sobrevivientes de los incendios del Día del Trabajo del 2020 con el proceso de solicitud
SALEM, Oregon - El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios (OHCS, por sus siglas en inglés) iniciará el 25 de marzo la fase de admisión del Programa de Asistencia y Reconstrucción para Propietarios de Viviendas (HARP, por sus siglas en inglés) para los sobrevivientes de los incendios forestales y vientos huracanados del Día del Trabajo de 2020. La primera fase de este programa ayudará a los propietarios con ingresos bajos y moderados que aún necesiten ayuda para reparar, reconstruir o sustituir sus viviendas.
A partir del 25 de marzo, los solicitantes pueden llenar un cuestionario de elegibilidad en el sitio de internet re.oregon.gov, donde se encuentran los requisitos de elegibilidad. OHCS notificará a los solicitantes que son elegibles para llenar una solicitud para la primera fase de HARP. Aquellos que no sean elegibles durante esta primera fase pueden calificar en fases posteriores si todavía hay fondos disponibles.
"Estamos muy contentos de anunciar este primer paso en el proceso para que los sobrevivientes reciban la ayuda que necesitan para reparar su vivienda existente o conseguir otra nueva", dijo Alex Campbell, director de asuntos exteriores de la División de Manejo y Recuperación de Desastres de OHCS. "Hemos estado trabajando con organizaciones locales para poner a disposición recursos que esperamos faciliten el proceso de solicitud para los sobrevivientes".
OHCS abrió un centro de llamadas, que está listo para tomar preguntas. Los solicitantes pueden llamar o enviar un mensaje de texto al 1-877-510-6800 o al 541-250-0938. También pueden enviar un correo electrónico a t@oregon.org">housingsupport@oregon.org. Además, OHCS se ha asociado con organizaciones comunitarias para proporcionar apoyo en persona. La lista completa de estos socios se encuentra en el sitio de internet re.oregon.gov.
Los sobrevivientes pueden ayudar a que el proceso sea lo más sencillo posible asegurándose de que tienen a mano los documentos correctos cuando se les invite a presentar la solicitud. No se necesitan documentos para rellenar el Cuestionario de Elegibilidad.
Los solicitantes de HARP necesitan lo siguiente:
HARP forma parte de ReOregon, que está financiado por una subvención en bloque para el desarrollo comunitario y la recuperación tras catástrofes de $422 millones que fue otorgada al estado por el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de Estados Unidos (HUD, por sus siglas en inglés). Para mantenerse al día sobre los programas de ReOregon que se encuentran en diversas etapas de desarrollo, los sobrevivientes pueden inscribirse para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico y visitar re.oregon.gov.
Acerca del Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon (OHCS)
OHCS es la agencia de financiación de viviendas de Oregón. La agencia estatal proporciona apoyo financiero y de programas para crear y preservar oportunidades de vivienda a precio asequible y de calidad para los habitantes de Oregón con ingresos bajos y moderados. OHCS administra programas que proporcionan estabilización de la vivienda. OHCS ofrece estos programas principalmente a través de subvenciones, contratos y acuerdos de préstamo con organizaciones locales y proveedores comunitarios. Para obtener más información, visite: oregon.gov/ohcs.
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Lawrence Kennedy, age 14, a child in foster care who went missing from La Grande on March 4. He is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Lawrence and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see him.
Lawrence is suspected to be in Baker City or La Grande.
Name: Lawrence Kennedy
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Oct. 7, 2009
Height: 130 pounds
Weight: 5-foot-10
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Blue
La Grande Police Department Case #LG 24-0197
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2015337
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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OREGON COAST, OR – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Siuslaw National Forest remind visitors that it is plover nesting season on the Oregon coast March 15 to Sept. 15 — visitors can help recovery efforts for the threatened western snowy plover by observing recreation restrictions in designated plover areas.
Sensitive plover nesting areas will be roped off or identified by signs with rules and limits, such as staying on the wet sand, to help protect the small shorebirds and their exposed nests during this crucial period. Recreation restrictions occur in designated plover management areas: stretches of beach along the coastline where plovers nest or might nest. These areas combined make up about 40 miles of Oregon's 362 miles of shoreline.
Seasonal recreation restrictions have helped protect these small birds that nest on open sand. Nests, and especially chicks, are well-camouflaged. During the nesting season, human disturbances can flush adult plovers away from their nests as they attempt to defend their young. Left alone too long, or too often, eggs or chicks can die from exposure, predators or people.
Reminders for recreation on designated plover beaches March 15-Sept. 15:
“We’re making great strides in reversing the decline of this species,” said Cindy Burns, Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist. “But it takes all of us, so we urge people to do their part to understand nesting season rules and to share the beach this spring and summer.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed western snowy plovers as a threatened species in 1993, when officials counted only 45 breeding adults. The numbers of breeding adults have steadily increased since then due to ongoing efforts. Officials counted 433 during the breeding season survey in 2023.
“We appreciate visitors' support in keeping these shorebirds safe in the combined 40 miles of protected area along the coast. We invite visitors to enjoy permitted recreation in those areas or to recreate without seasonal restrictions on the hundreds of miles of beaches not designated as plover nesting areas,” said Laurel Hillmann, ocean shore specialist for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
More information on the snowy plover, including detailed maps of nesting sites, can be found on the Oregon State Parks website (oregon.gov/plovers) and on the Siuslaw National Forest website (https://t.ly/AKPAN). Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area can review Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) maps at its website to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand.
The increase in plover numbers may result in nesting occurring in new or historical nesting sites. For example, visitors to Sand Lake Recreation Area may see small roped off areas near the lake’s inlet to protect active nests, and may encounter plovers on the beach. Beachgoers are encouraged to protect these birds by restricting recreation activities to wet sand areas, avoiding roped off nesting areas, packing all trash out and keeping dogs on leash.
Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).
Habitat loss from invasive plants — as well as human disturbances, including litter and discarded food scraps that attract predators — have contributed to the birds’ decline. The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, saveoregondunes.org, is working with land managers on a restoration strategy and to raise public awareness about the need to restore the dunes ecosystem for western snowy plovers, rare plants and animals and the unique recreation opportunities offered here.
Editors: photos are available at this link.
The DPSST Criminal Justice Moral Fitness Workgroup will meet at 1:00pm on March 20th, 2024, in the 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 Jennifer Howald at 503-551-3258.
Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training will be live streaming all public meetings via YouTube. Meetings will no longer be streamed on Facebook. To view the Workgroup'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. Discretionary Disqualifiers and Processes – Moral Fitness Definitions
Carried over from January 29, 2024
3. Recent Legislation and Current Practices
Carried over from January 29, 2024
4. Ineligibility Periods
5. Deferred Professional Standards Cases and DPSST Jurisdiction
6. Next Workgroup Meeting: TBD
Administrative Announcement
This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law. This meeting is being streamed live on the DPSST YouTube page and will be recorded in the form of minutes. Discussion of issues will only be conducted by workgroup members.
Update 3/13/2024 07:00 AM
On 2/27/2024, Clark County Sheriff's Office Tactical Detective Unit (TDU) Detectives requested additional information from the public related to an investigation involving the theft of multiple trailers.
As a result of their request for additional information, Detectives Brown and Page were able to identify 17 possibly related trailer theft cases that stretched from Woodland, WA, to Salem, OR, and from Astoria, OR, to Bend, OR, totaling at least $181,000 in stolen trailers.
In Clark County, the suspect has been arrested and charged with 5 counts of Trafficking Stolen Property in the First Degree, 4 counts of Theft in the First Degree, 2 counts of Burglary in the Second Degree, 1 count of Forgery, and 1 count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle.
Detectives have been in contact with other agencies outside of our jurisdiction, and additional charges are expected for crimes committed in those jurisdictions.
Please note that the vehicles pictured in the original release are no longer associated with the suspect.
Detectives with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) are investigating a suspect for stealing numerous utility trailers and selling them on social media in the Portland Metro area and Southwest Washington. Initial estimates indicate that he has been actively stealing trailers in our area for over a year and has been selling the stolen trailers.
During the investigation, CCSO Detectives obtained search warrants for several locations, recovering property stolen in multiple theft cases.
Although the suspect has been arrested on several of these trailer thefts, the investigation is still ongoing. Pictures and messages on his cell phone indicate he has sold numerous stolen trailers, and Detectives are working to locate them. The suspect is associated with addresses in Gresham, OR, and Battle Ground, WA. When selling the trailers online, he uses the aliases WebbJJ, Joshua James, and Joshua J. Webb. He has been known to forge titles and other paperwork, using these aliases when selling the trailers.
The suspect is associated with a lifted white 2011 Dodge Ram full-sized pickup truck with blue lighting under the vehicle and front wheel well. He is also associated with a tan full-sized Chevy/GMC SUV, also lifted with black wheels. These vehicles have been used to steal several trailers. Please see the attached pictures of his vehicles.
If you have evidence indicating these vehicles are involved in a trailer theft or if you purchased a trailer from the suspect in this case, please contact CCSO TDU Detectives Brown and Page for additional information.
UPDATE: March 13th, 2024 Lynda has been located safe, thank you for the assistance.
RELEASE DATE: March 12, 2024
CONTACT PERSON: 911 or MiPD Detectives 503-786-7441
CASE NUMBER: 24-1606
Milwaukie, Or.—Milwaukie Police is asking for the public’s assistance with locating a missing 71-year-old woman, Lynda Haskins. Lynda was last seen at her residence in the Linwood Neighborhood of Milwaukie on February 20th. Lynda is deaf, does not drive but does use public transportation. Linda was reported have a 2021 Buick Enclave and its possible she may be with it. Lynda is described as a white female who is 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds. She is described as having brown eyes and gray hair. Unknown clothing description.
Anyone who sees Lynda is asked to call 911 Anyone with information about Lynda's whereabouts is asked to call 503-786-7441 or email simack@milwaukieoregon.gov.
The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a workplace death at Georgia Pacific Mill on March 8, 2024.
This individual died on 03/08/2024 in Camas, WA.
The name of the decedent: Cline, Dakota Austin Age: 32 years
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Hazel Dell, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Blunt trauma of head, neck and torso
Manner of death: Accident
How the injury occurred: Became entangled in industrial machinery
Place of injury: At work
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 Camas Police Department.
Media release issue date: 03/12/2024
Update: Additional Witnesses Sought
Investigators are seeking the identity of two adult women, approximately 18-20 years old, who reported Caughey’s inappropriate behavior to a Target employee.
The women are described as white females; one with long blonde and brown hair in a black shirt and dark-colored pants, and the other with long dark brown hair in a two-tone blue jacket and blue jeans.
If you were witness to or have any information related to this investigation, we encourage you to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 503-846-2590.
On Saturday, March 9, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of suspicious activity at Target, located at 10775 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway.
A Target employee called police when 83-year-old Gary Caughey was seen in a state of self-gratification in view of shoppers. Caughey left the location before police arrived, but an observant employee noted his vehicle’s license plate. Caughey was located at his residence in Portland, where he was arrested on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Caughey was transported to the Washington County jail and booked for felony public indecency.
Investigators strongly believe other community members, including minors, were exposed to Caughey’s inappropriate actions inside the Target location between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on March 9th.
Investigators are looking for several potential witnesses, but have yet to be identified:
If you were witness to or have any information related to this investigation, we encourage you to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 503-846-2590.
County Council hearing scheduled for April 2
Vancouver, Wash. – All comments are welcomed and encouraged regarding the draft Clark County 2024 Annual Action Plan and substantial amendments to the Annual Action Plans for program years (PY) 2022 and 2023. Annual Action Plans detail the programs and activities that will be carried out for funding received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The draft 2024 Annual Action Plan outlines the proposed activities to support the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan using PY2024 entitlement funds and reprogrammed funds. Reprogrammed funds are a combination of unused funds from previous projects and program income from the repayment of loans. The full draft report can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/cdbg-and-home-documents.
The substantial amendments to the 2022 and 2023 Annual Action Plans outline how Clark County proposes to reprogram unused Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
In accordance with Consolidated Plan requirements at 24 CFR Part 91 Subpart B and the county’s Citizen Participation Plan, draft Annual Action Plans and changes to the Annual Action Plan through this Substantial Amendment are advertised to provide opportunity for public comment.
A Public Hearing will be held April 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. before the Clark County Council. Information about how to access this meeting is available at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/council-meeting-information.
Comments about the proposed changes may be submitted by email to ebecca.Royce@clark.wa.gov">Rebecca.Royce@clark.wa.gov or by calling 564.397.7863.
Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, April 12, 2024.
Program Year 2024 proposed activities:
Evergreen Habitat for Humanity Affordable Homeownership Program. Assist 10 homebuyers with subsidies to create affordable mortgages through a land-trust model to ensure properties remain permanently affordable. Requested $300,000; fully funded with PY2024 CDBG entitlement funds.
Proud Ground Homeownership Assistance. Assist three first-time homebuyers purchase a home through a land-trust model to ensure properties remain permanently affordable. Requested $300,000; fully funded with PY2024 CDBG entitlement funds.
Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Latinx Business Assistance. Business technical assistance and individual development account (IDA) match for Latino/a-centric small businesses. Services are bilingual and bicultural. Requested $130,000; fully funded with CDBG reprogrammed funds.
Fourth Plain Forward BIPOC Business Assistance. Business technical assistance and IDA match for BIPOC small businesses. Requested $299,371; fully funded with PY2024 CDBG entitlement funds.
Clark County Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. Assist 20 low-income households with rehabilitation needs to remain safe and stable in their homes in Clark County, outside the city of Vancouver. Receives set amount of funding each year plus program income created by the program. Receiving $346,110; $232,110 through CDBG PY2024 entitlement funds and $114,000 of reprogrammed and program income.
YWCA Clark County Domestic Violence Survivors TBRA program. Tenant-based rental assistance program for survivors of domestic violence using a rapid rehousing services model.
Janus Youth Programs The Nest TBRA program. Tenant-based rental assistance program for youth using a rapid rehousing services model.
Lifeline Connections Recovery TBRA program. Tenant-based rental assistance program for people with behavioral health disorders using a rapid rehousing services model.
Share Affordable Housing & Stability Program TBRA program. Tenant-based rental assistance program for survivors of domestic violence using a rapid rehousing services model.
Vancouver Housing Authority Weaver Creek Commons. Construction of a four-story, 100-unit affordable housing community in Battle Ground for people who are low-income, including units designated for people exiting homelessness and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Requested $300,000; partially funded at $56,982 with $11,982 of PY2024 HOME entitlement funds and $45,000 of reprogrammed HOME ARP funds.
Program Years 2022 and 2023 activities and amounts to be reprogrammed:
Agency Canceled Project. New Heights Clinic rescinded its request for funding to construct a primary care clinic for low-moderate income residents. Returned PY2022 CDBG funding: $600,000.
Agency Canceled Project. The City of Camas has rescinded its request for funding for the NW Benton Street Improvements. Returned PY2023 CDBG funding: $280,000.
New Funding. Battle Ground North Parkway Avenue Sidewalks. Installation of sidewalks along the east side of North Parkway Avenue between North 25th Street and North Onsdorff Boulevard where gaps exist. This will provide a continuous walkway for pedestrians and bicyclists along North Parkway Avenue. Requested $300,000 in PY2024 funding, providing $300,000 in PY2022 CDBG reprogrammed funding.
New Funding. Council for the Homeless Housing Solutions Center Acquisition. Purchase of an existing building for use as a single, centralized access point for the Housing Solutions Center and Administration office. The building is located at 7723 NE Fourth Plain Blvd. Requested $300,000 in PY2024 funding, providing $300,000 in PY2022 CDBG reprogrammed funding.
New Funding. Ridgefield Sargent Street Improvements. Project will include ADA-compliant sidewalks where there are none, replace a fire hydrant, upgrade the main waterline and complete stormwater improvements on Sargent Street from South Third Avenue east and wrapping around the corner heading north on South Main Avenue approximately halfway to Pioneer Street. Requested $200,000 in PY2024 funding, providing $200,000 in PY2023 CDBG reprogrammed funding.
New Funding. Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Business Assistance. Provide business assistance to low-income microenterprise businesses. Requested $78,000 in PY2024 funding, providing $78,000 in PY2023 CDBG reprogrammed funding.
The balance of PY2023 reprogrammed funds is included in the PY2024 awards.
Oregon City’s Economic Development Department announced another new public/private partnership between the City’s workforce development program and a major institution not only in the community, but in the State of Oregon as well: Oregon State University’s Professional and Continuing Education Program (PACE).
Economic Development officials say the agreement between Talent Ready Oregon City and PACE makes customized training and education resources more readily available to residents of Oregon City, as well as to Oregon City’s business community, to help address the ongoing workers’ shortage.
Oregon City will collaborate with the local business community to address workforce shortages by identifying specific skill sets that are in high demand in industries such as health care, horticulture and beer/wine/distilling. On the other hand, OSU’s PACE program offers technical training in multiple disciplines, including food preparation, the production of beer and spirits, health care and forestry products, just to name a few.
“We are very pleased to establish this partnership with Oregon City,” said Patrick Kelley, Director of Professional and Continuing Education, Oregon State University. “With so many changes occurring in the workforce and increased competition for skilled workers, joining Talent Ready represents a great opportunity to make a greater impact in creative ways.”
Talent Ready is a free service for both Oregon City residents and the local business community. It was created to remove many of the obstacles that keep people unemployed or in jobs with limited future opportunities. Talent Ready also helps local businesses provide additional training and find quality, dependable employees at a time when many businesses are facing workforce shortages.
“People often face more roadblocks than just a lack of job skills when trying to secure a job that they desire. These challenges can include mental health, lack of childcare, as well as drug and alcohol addiction, to name a few. Talent Ready Oregon City is an initiative designed to help potential employees and employers overcome the type of obstacles that keep both groups apart,” said Economic Development Manager James Graham. “Employers need good and dependable employees, and many individuals hampered by life’s obstacles need jobs.”
OSU is Oregon’s largest university offering approximately 200-degree programs. Through its PACE program, customized training is provided in fields such as horticulture, dairy foods manufacturing, distillery, technical writing, urban agriculture, permaculture design, among others.
Graham said the partnership between the two will be of tremendous benefit for Oregon City residents. “Many people already know that life journey isn’t a straight line, there are usually a few curves along the way. Talent Ready helps our residents navigate those curves.”
Other community nonprofit partners that Oregon City’s Economic Development Department has joined forces include:
Officials confirm that more announcements will be forthcoming regarding public/private partnerships between Talent Ready and local employers.
If you are an Oregon City resident needing to overcome obstacles keeping you from employment, Talent Ready can help you connect to:
For more information on Talent Ready Oregon City go to the Oregon City Economic Development Department’s website: oregoncitybusiness.com, or call Ann Griffin, Economic Development Coordinator at 503-974-5517 or send an email to iffin@orcity.org">agriffin@orcity.org.
Klamath County, Ore. 11 Mar. 2024- On Monday, March 11, 2024, at 7:50 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-58, near milepost 68, in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Kenworth commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Malkit Singh (28) of Liberty Lake (WA), was traveling eastbound when the trailer slid into the westbound travel lane. A westbound Toyota Tacoma, operated by Michael Edward Davis (57) of Dallas, struck the CMV trailer.
The operator of the Kenworth (Singh) suffered minor injuries.
The operator of the Toyota (M. Davis) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger in the Toyota, Kelly Jo Davis (53) of Dallas, suffered minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
The highway was impacted for approximately 7 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT), led by the Vancouver Police Department, is continuing the investigation of the officer involved shooting that occurred on February 20, 2024, involving deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Results of DNA and firearms analysis are still pending from the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab. There is no new information to be released at this time.
At the completion of the SWIIRT investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging continues the “Prepare in a Year” discussion series. This month’s topic is all about creating your own emergency kit. Experts from CRESA, Clark County’s regional emergency services agency, will discuss the topic and answer questions from the audience.
The meeting will be at 4:30 pm Wednesday, March 20.
Ask yourself, what if you only five minutes to grab whatever supplies you have in your home to help take care of yourself in a disaster, what would you do? Would you spend three of those minutes just trying to think of everything you might need? Another minute thinking of where everything is? Your last minute trying to find something to put things in? Oops, time’s up!
In this session we will learn:
1. The top five priorities of an emergency kit.
2. How to put together a supply of your medical prescriptions.
3. Storage concerns.
4. The types of emergency kits you may need.
5. Building a kit on a budget.
On April 17, the series continues with, “Share our emergency kits.”
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.
EVENT PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2024
Media Advisory: 2024 Legislative Review
WHAT: 2024 Legislative Review
BACKGROUND: Join us for an exclusive opportunity to gain insights into the new legislative changes impacting the growth of businesses in southwest Washington. Hosted by the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC), and Identity Clark County (ICC), this event will feature Washington State senators and representatives from the 17th, 18th, 20th, and 49th Legislative Districts.
Discover key insights as our legislators delve into the outcomes of the recent session in Olympia, addressing both victories and obstacles affecting our region. Gain a comprehensive understanding of their advocacy efforts concerning our top business priorities, including transportation, law enforcement, taxes, public safety, workforce development, and the environment.
The doors will open at 8:45 AM, providing an excellent opportunity for media representatives and over 400 area professionals to network and engage in meaningful discussions with industry leaders and executives over coffee. The event will kick off with remarks from Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, our featured speaker, followed by a panel-style discussion with our local legislators. This format fosters an interactive atmosphere where participants can ask pressing questions and engage directly with policymakers.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 20
WHERE: Hilton Vancouver Washington
TIME: 8:45 am - 10:30 am (Media Check-In: 8:45am)
EVENT LINK: 2024 Legislative Review: Joint Business Priorities
RSVP: To plan appropriately, please let us know if you will be able to attend as a media representative by emailing lsalmonte@vancouverusa.com">lsalmonte@vancouverusa.com.
SUBMIT QUESTIONS: If you would like to submit questions for the Q&A portion of the event, please visit: https://yourchamber.typeform.com/to/Oyy4cxmv.
FEATURED SPEAKER: For detailed information about Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, visit: https://www.ltgov.wa.gov/aboutdenny
About the Greater Vancouver Chamber
SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.
Salem, Oregon - The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the Council’s website.
What: Meeting of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council
When: Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Microsoft Teams (Click here to join the meeting)
Who: State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council
The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council is established by Governor Kotek’s Executive Order 23-26, Establishing a State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council.
The purpose of the Council is to recommend an action plan to guide awareness education, and usage of artificial intelligence in state government that aligns with the State’s policies, goals, and values and supports public servants to deliver customer service more efficiently and effectively. The recommended action plan shall include concrete executive actions, policies, and investments needed to leverage artificial intelligence while honoring transparency, privacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Meetings of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council are open to the public.
Public comment may be made during the meeting. Sign-up for public comment is required as spots are limited. Sign-up closes Friday, March 15 at noon. Written comment will also be accepted. Written comment can be submitted by mail to the Council Support Office, 550 Airport Rd SE Suite C, Salem, OR 97301 or online.
Accommodations can be arranged for persons with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available upon request. Please contact Enterprise Information Services at 503-378-3175 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to request accommodations. Closed captioning is included on the Microsoft Teams meeting.
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State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/eis/Pages/ai-advisory-council.aspx
Executive Order 23-26: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/eo/eo-23-26.pdf
Meeting link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NWMyYWQxMmYtOTY0MC00NmYwLTg5MzEtODZlNGVhZWU3YmVh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7B%22Tid%22%3A%22aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf%22%2C%22Oid%22%3A%22be56eae9-c276-4d4a-8452-2b53b6cc0f6c%22%2C%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3Atrue%2C%22role%22%3A%22a%22%7D&btype=a&role=a
Sign-up for public comment: https://forms.office.com/g/8NPeQbXRrA
Online comments submission: https://forms.office.com/g/5ecMVUWbbi
RELEASE DATE: March 12, 2024
CONTACT PERSON: On Duty PIO
CASE NUMBER: 23-41491
Gresham, Ore.— The Gresham Police Detective Unit has completed the investigation phase of a serial burglary case. In the early morning hours of Oct. 16, 2023, the suspect broke into Bedrooms West and ICandy stores in Gresham. The suspect caused damage while forcing entry into the businesses and stole valuables from inside. On Oct. 24, 2023, Gresham Police released photos of the suspect obtained from surveillance video at these businesses. Through the course of the investigation, detectives determined the suspect also burglarized the following businesses:
Modo Boutique in Portland Oct. 14, 2023
Oregon Foot Clinic in Portland Oct. 18, 2023
UPS Store in Gresham Oct. 30, 2023
Gresham detectives worked with investigators from Portland Police Bureau, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Beaverton Police Department, and the Vancouver Police Department (Wash.) to solve these cases. “Crime knows no boundaries and this investigation is another example of neighboring agencies working together to keep our communities safe,” remarked Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg.
The suspect was already in custody upon the completion of the investigation. The case was referred to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
This week, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that Adam Samuel Johnson, 37, was indicted on 17 charges related to this string of burglaries:
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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison today for murdering a Milwaukie, Oregon man in his home amid a violent robbery spree that spanned several months and targeted at least six local businesses.
Keandre Dshawn LaMarcus Brown, 27, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $29,991 in restitution to multiple victims.
“Gun violence continues to be one of the greatest public safety threats in our community,” said Steven T. Mygrant, Chief of the Narcotics and Criminal Enterprises Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. “Keandre Brown and his accomplices’ string of armed robberies across the Portland area placed many innocent community members at significant risk.”
“Within months of completing a five-year prison sentence for attempted robbery, Keandre Brown went on a three-month crime spree, affecting over 20 victims, and brutally killing one. He used weapons, drugs, and fear to wreak havoc on our streets,” said Aubree M. Schwartz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “Today’s significant sentence removes this dangerous individual from our community and highlights the tenacity of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend criminals like him who threaten public safety.”
“I was among the group of first responders who arrived on the scene of Keandre Brown’s home invasion robbery after his victim called 911 screaming and begging for his life. After gunshots rang out on the line with our dispatchers, we saw firsthand the tragic result of this brutal murder,” said Luke Strait, Chief of the Milwaukie Police Department. “In the years that have followed, investigators from Milwaukie Police, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have worked tirelessly on what would become one of the most exhaustive investigations and prosecutions our region has seen in the last decade. Our criminal justice system has worked diligently and effectively to bring justice for this victim, his family, and the entire Milwaukie community.”
According to court documents, in the summer of 2016, Brown teamed up with an accomplice, Keith Bryon Woody Jr., 31, also of Portland, to engage in a series of armed robberies targeting multiple businesses in and around Portland. On August 2, 2016, the pair entered and robbed Paulsen’s Pharmacy on NE Sandy Boulevard in Portland. Both brandished firearms during the robbery, threatened numerous employees and customers, including by pointing a gun at the pharmacy manager’s head, and made off with controlled substances, cash, and several personal property items including wallets, credit cards, and phones.
Two weeks later, on August 13, 2016, Brown and Woody entered and robbed Fairley’s Pharmacy on NE Sandy Boulevard in Portland. The pair again brandished firearms, ordered employees and customers to the floor at gunpoint and zip-tied them, and proceeded to steal eight pill bottles that together contained approximately 1,600 Oxycodone pills.
Brown’s spree continued on August 31, 2016, when he and two accomplices entered and robbed the Lighthouse Deli on SE César Chávez Boulevard in Portland. Brown and his accomplices brandished firearms, zip-tied an employee, and stole cash as well as several wallets, credit cards, and phones from nearby employees and customers.
On September 5, 2016, after several days of planning, Brown, Woody, and multiple accomplices carried out a home invasion robbery targeting a Milwaukie man they believed possessed large quantities of cocaine and cash. The group forcibly entered the residence through a rear door and confronted the homeowner, who quickly retreated into a bathroom and called 911. Brown and Woody, each armed with semi-automatic firearms, positioned themselves outside the bathroom door where the homeowner had barricaded himself, while their accomplices searched the residence. Brown and Woody then fired their respective handguns multiple times at the bathroom door, penetrating the door and killing the homeowner.
Following the home invasion robbery and murder, Brown, with the assistance of others, carried out two additional armed robberies on a single day. On October 18, 2016, Brown and an accomplice entered and robbed a Plaid Pantry convenience store on NE Sandy Boulevard in Portland. The pair made off with cash, tobacco products, and various personal property items. Later the same day, Brown and an accomplice entered and robbed a Red Roof Inn on NE 82nd Avenue in Portland. The pair zip-tied an employee and threatened her to turn over cash but left empty handed after finding an empty cash register.
Investigators later connected Brown and Woody to an additional armed robbery of a pharmacy in Vancouver, Washington, on August 22, 2016, during which they threatened employees at gunpoint and made off with Oxycodone pills.
On October 20, 2016, U.S. Marshals arrested Brown and Woody traveling together in a vehicle. Both possessed firearms at the time of their arrest. Soon after, Brown was transferred to Clark County, Washington to face trial on charges of first-degree robbery, second-degree assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Brown was convicted on September 11, 2017, and later sentenced to 360 months in Washington State prison.
On November 4, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a multi-count indictment charging Brown, Woody, and several other accomplices for conspiring with one another to interfere with commerce by threats or violence, possessing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence, and causing death through the use of a firearm.
Later, on July 11, 2023, in a separate criminal case, Brown was charged by criminal information with intentionally killing while engaged in drug trafficking. The same day, Brown pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiring with others to interfere with commerce by threats or violence and intentionally killing while engaged in drug trafficking, resolving both of his federal cases.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Milwaukie Police Department with assistance from the Portland Police Bureau, Oregon State Police Crime Lab, Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, and Vancouver Police Department. It was prosecuted by Lewis S. Burkhart and Thomas H. Edmonds, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This prosecution is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Students and families from all schools and districts are invited to attend Battle Ground Public Schools’ upcoming College and Career Fair. This free event is a great opportunity to explore a variety of post-high school options, including two- and four-year colleges and universities, apprenticeship programs, trade schools and the military.
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Battle Ground High School (300 West Main St., Battle Ground, WA)
There will also be a free financial aid workshop from 3-6 p.m. with interpreters available for Russian and Spanish speakers.
No registration is required to attend.
Marion County Fire District No. 1 responded to a 2-alarm Apartment fire around 9:40 this morning at the Amber Park Apartments located in the 200 block of Colt Lane NE. Initial reports stated heavy fire from the second story back exterior of a 2-story complex with the possibility of a child still inside and audible smoke detectors. The first responding engine arrived in under four minutes and immediately went into rescue mode allowing the engine company to enter the fire building without back-up. No occupants were found in any apartment and the fire was under control around 10:20. Unfortunately, a family cat was discovered deceased from the fire. No other injuries were reported.
Marion County Fire District No. 1 was assisted by Salem Fire Department, Keizer Fire District and Marion County Sheriff's Office. The fire is currently under investigation by the District’s Fire Investigation team. Three families were displaced by the fire, and they are currently receiving assistance from Red Cross.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
Pacific Power Foundation announces grants to support Willamette Valley arts and cultural organizations
Funding helps organizations foster creative expression and enrich local culture in their communities
SALEM, Ore. (March 12, 2024) — Local organizations that deliver music, theater, community festivals and connections to local history are essential to their communities. They create beauty, join people together across cultures, generate jobs and nurture the creativity needed to solve complex problems. To support this crucial work, the Pacific Power Foundation is donating more than $110,000 in new grant funding across the three states it serves.
The grants will help fund a variety of projects, including free arts events and education; community celebrations of cultural heritage; multilingual performances for kids; and programs for Indigenous students, rural youth and incarcerated adults.
“Local programs like these are fundamental to the vibrancy and resilience of the communities we serve, and they nourish and inspire all of us,” said Adam Kohler, Pacific Power regional business manager. “We honor and appreciate these vitally important organizations.”
This recent round of grants focused on art and culture is one of the foundation’s four annual grant cycles.
The following five grants, totaling $15,200, were given to local organizations supporting communities in the Willamette Valley.
The Arts Center, Inc. to support “Glint, Glimmer, Glow,” a technology-driven immersive art exhibition powered by renewable energy sources such as wind, water and sunlight.
Generations Theater Company for equipment to operate lighting and sound systems in the company’s new venue.
JPLMuseum.org for the preservation and digitization of historically significant documents, videos and slides from the American space program.
Lincoln Middle School in Cottage Grove to purchase theater curtains and a public address system.
Maxtivity to provide age-appropriate arts programs and cultural experiences for diverse communities, fostering creativity and self-expression in children from kindergarten to grade 12.
About the Pacific Power Foundation:
The Pacific Power Foundation is part of the PacifiCorp Foundation, one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the U.S. The foundation was created by PacifiCorp, an energy company that serves over 2 million customers across a diverse six-state region in the West as Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho) and Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power. Since it started in 1988, the PacifiCorp Foundation has awarded more than $60 million to nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/foundation.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
Pacific Power Foundation announces grants to support Portland area arts and cultural organizations
Funding helps organizations foster creative expression and enrich local culture in their communities
PORTLAND, Ore. (March 12, 2024) — Local organizations that deliver music, theater, community festivals and connections to local history are essential to their communities. They create beauty, join people together across cultures, generate jobs and nurture the creativity needed to solve complex problems. To support this crucial work, the Pacific Power Foundation is donating more than $110,000 in new grant funding across the three states it serves.
The grants will help fund a variety of projects, including free arts events and education; community celebrations of cultural heritage; multilingual performances for kids; and programs for Indigenous students, rural youth and incarcerated adults.
“Local programs like these are fundamental to the vibrancy and resilience of the communities we serve, and they nourish and inspire all of us,” said Bob Gravely, Pacific Power regional business manager. “We honor and appreciate these vitally important organizations.”
This recent round of grants focused on art and culture is one of the foundation’s four annual grant cycles.
The following 14 grants, totaling $14,500, were given to local organizations supporting communities in the Greater Portland area.
Alberta Abbey to support after-school arts educational programs for students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including outreach to schools and scholarships for at-risk youth.
Arts in Education of the Gorge for monthly family weekends that will engage the community in hands-on, creative experiences in various disciplines, including performing, visual, literary and media art.
Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association for a season-long series highlighting the music of Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Lan Su Chinese Garden for two weeks of Lunar New Year programs that celebrate the broad diversity of Asian cultures and communities in the Portland area.
Make Music Day PDX for its annual event featuring a series of musical groups representing a diverse range of Portland's population and various music genres.
Many Hats Collaboration for developing new plays through a d/Deaf-centered process that will fully integrate d/Deaf and hard of hearing artists, American Sign Language interpreters and music.
Open Hearts Open Minds for its Arts in Prison program that supports incarcerated adults by using narrative screenwriting and film production as platforms for internal transformation and the development of creative and interpersonal skills.
Oregon Historical Society to support the History Day program, which provides sixth- through 12th-grade students and educators with a framework to enhance history and social studies education through independent research, critical thinking and communication.
Oregon Society of Artists to continue free art classes for veterans and an annual exhibit of their work.
Play It Forward for the Keys to Learning program that connects students from diverse and low-income communities to music education through no-cost electric keyboards.
PlayWrite, Inc. to support youth playwriting workshops that pair student writers with trained coaches to create original plays, share their stories and transform their experience through the power of performance art.
Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA) for the SPACE (Supporting Partners, Artists and Community Events) program, which provides a safe gathering place for smaller organizations, especially those in underserved communities, to use for community-led arts programs and activities.
Portland Youth Philharmonic for its annual children’s concert series, which will offer four in-person performances for 8,000 Portland schoolchildren and online streaming content for schools across Oregon in 2024, its centennial year.
Third Angle New Music to increase accessibility for audience members with disabilities so they can experience the ensemble’s four spring concerts.
About the Pacific Power Foundation:
The Pacific Power Foundation is part of the PacifiCorp Foundation, one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the U.S. The foundation was created by PacifiCorp, an energy company that serves over 2 million customers across a diverse six-state region in the West as Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho) and Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power. Since it started in 1988, the PacifiCorp Foundation has awarded more than $60 million to nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/foundation.
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Armando Arango-Guerrero , age 87 walked away from his home near Brown Rd NE around 11:40 a.m. this morning. Armando is 5’02” tall, average build. He is non-verbal, due to a medical issue. He was last seen wearing a red and black plaid shirt and black pants.
If you locate him, please keep him in your sight and call 911.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
Pacific Power Foundation announces grants to support
North Coast arts and cultural organizations
Funding helps organizations foster creative expression and enrich local culture in their communities
ASTORIA, Ore. (March 12, 2024) — Local organizations that deliver music, theater, community festivals and connections to local history are essential to their communities. They create beauty, join people together across cultures, generate jobs and nurture the creativity needed to solve complex problems. To support this crucial work, the Pacific Power Foundation is donating more than $110,000 in new grant funding across the three states it serves.
The grants will help fund a variety of projects, including free arts events and education; community celebrations of cultural heritage; multilingual performances for kids; and programs for Indigenous students, rural youth and incarcerated adults.
“Local programs like these are fundamental to the vibrancy and resilience of the communities we serve, and they nourish and inspire all of us,” said Alisa Dunlap, Pacific Power regional business manager. “We honor and appreciate these vitally important organizations.”
This recent round of grants focused on art and culture is one of the foundation’s four annual grant cycles.
The following three grants, totaling $9,000, were given to local organizations supporting Northern Coast communities:
Columbia River Maritime Museum for the relaunch of its Miniboat Program, a free-to-schools multidisciplinary learning experience covering general maritime principles and traditional boat building. Tribal members will assist with teachings about Indigenous influences.
Liberty Theatre to purchase assistive hearing receivers for individuals experiencing auditory deficiencies.
Siletz Bay Music Festival to help stage its annual free concert festival for students from underserved communities, as well as a winter performance of a new orchestral piece that combines spoken word, hip-hop, jazz and classical genres to explore the experience of being Black in the United States.
About the Pacific Power Foundation:
The Pacific Power Foundation is part of the PacifiCorp Foundation, one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the U.S. The foundation was created by PacifiCorp, an energy company that serves over 2 million customers across a diverse six-state region in the West as Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho) and Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power. Since it started in 1988, the PacifiCorp Foundation has awarded more than $60 million to nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/foundation.
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The Marine Board recently filled a vacancy on its board with Steve Lambert, a Jackson County resident and Director of Jackson County Roads and Parks.
Steve has worked in public park management for three decades. He began his career in parks and recreation in eastern Washington while earning a degree in Natural Resource Management from Washington State University. After college, he spent a short amount of time working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Snake River in Clarkston, Washington, where his duties included patrolling the river to ensure safe and responsible use. In 1999, he relocated to the Willamette Valley and managed recreation facilities on three reservoirs, including Clear Lake in the Willamette National Forest. In 2009, he and his family moved to the Rogue Valley, where he currently manages county park facilities on five reservoirs and the Rogue River.
Steve is passionate about providing boating access for Oregonians in a close-to-home experience. No matter where he has worked, he has seen the joy boating brings to families, both by paddle, oar, and motor. Whether building boating facilities including boat ramps and marinas, or operating public rental businesses where those who may not own a boat can easily experience boating, he is devoted to meeting the recreational needs of his fellow Oregonians. In his spare time, you can find him paddling the waters with his wife and their two dogs.
“Serving on the Marine Board, it’s my hope to help the agency plan for future challenges amidst environmental shifts,” said Lambert. “It’s important to ensure Oregonians always have safe, local access to the waters they cherish.”
Learn more about the agency’s Marine Board Members and their invaluable service to recreational boaters in Oregon.
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Please be advised that the Bulletin does not include all calls for service to which officers respond. Many calls do not require that a report be written; such as:
•Traffic Stops
•Advising/Referring a Person to the Proper Agency to handle their request
•Restoring the Peace
•Premise Checks
•Welfare Checks
•Flagged Down by Citizen
Death Investigation
Camas, Wash.—
On 03-12-24 at approximately 0711 a.m. Camas Police Department responded to a call of an individual struck by a BNSF train near the 200 block of SE Garfield Street. A 68-yr-old male, a Camas resident, was found deceased lying next to the railroad tracks. Initial cause of death appears to be injuries sustained from contact with a west bound train.
Release of the deceased’s identity is being withheld pending family notifications. Indications are this incident is an apparent suicide and is not criminal in nature.
The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office, Camas Police Department, and Burlington Northern-Santa Fe officials are continuing to investigate the incident.
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Salem, Ore. – Center 50+ is launching a new volunteer-based transportation pilot project to benefit residents ages 50 and older.
The program’s goal is to assist older adults who do not drive, have difficulty paying for or accessing public transportation, and may not have friends or family to help. Rides are provided free of charge to medical appointments, grocery shopping or other essential errands.
Volunteers will:
Center 50+ is recruiting a limited number of volunteer drivers and riders this spring to participate in this pilot program. Pilot participation will help evaluate the program, test systems, and develop best practices.
For more information, call 503-588-6303 or email Connect50plus@cityofsalem.net.
The Multnomah Education Service District Board Finance Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. on March 14, 2024.
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.
https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/87556184112?pwd=TjZbzSvOBnFujwH37jsAEg4lx3NaI3.1
Passcode: 304182
Sherwood, OR (March 12, 2024) – Al’s Garden & Home presents our annual Ladies’ Night Out at our Al’s of Sherwood location. This year proves to be a colorful and on-trend spring season in women’s fashion. Ladies’ Night Out will be held on Thursday, March 14th, from 4:00-7:00 pm. The fashion runway show will begin at 5:30 pm.
It is a fun, interactive evening that includes the latest trends in clothing and accessories this spring. This free event also features live music from Peter Benjamin, wine, food from Cajun Papa’s (Portland), Lux Sucré (Wilsonville), and Sprinkles of Joy (Newberg), Cousins Maine Lobster (Portland), and giveaways. All clothing, accessories, and handbags will be 25% off March 14th-17that all store locations except Gresham. “This season is about showing beach-themed colors, black and white tropical prints, and looks for different occasions from spring break to a night out on the town,” said Candace Moffatt, Buyer at Al’s Garden & Home. “I’m excited for everyone to see the looks we have put together.”
For more information and to register for this free event, please visit the company website, www.als-gardencenter.com/events. Seating is limited. Al’s of Sherwood is located at 16920 SW Roy Rogers Road, 97140.
ABOUT AL’S GARDEN & HOME
Al's Garden & Home Center, established in Woodburn, Oregon, is family owned-and-operated since 1948. Today, our local garden centers can be found in four locations in Oregon – Woodburn, Sherwood, Gresham, and Wilsonville. Besides offering the highest quality of plants and gardening supplies, we are also committed to providing the best service to our growing community of customers and gardening enthusiasts. For more information and a list of upcoming events, visit als-gardencenter.com. Grounded locally, growing generations.
Portland, Ore., March 12, 2024 – From April 13 to April 22, families, community members, neighborhood associations, and environmental enthusiasts are invited to engage in a signature event in SOLVE's annual calendar: The Oregon Spring Cleanup, presented by Portland General Electric. Registration for this environmentally conscious event series is now open.
Participants are invited to join SOLVE, event leaders, and partners from across the Pacific Northwest in a collective celebration of Earth Day. The SOLVE calendar showcases a variety of events throughout Oregon and SW Washington between April 13 and April 22, with the majority of events culminating on April 20. Diverse initiatives address specific environmental needs with opportunities ranging from beach cleanups to neighborhood and city litter pickups. Further activities include restoring natural habitats through native tree and shrub plantings, weed pulls, and mulching projects. Each project contributes to the enhancement of our shared surroundings.
With a variety of projects already online, the Oregon Spring Cleanup invites enthusiastic volunteers to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and brighter planet. Interested individuals can browse the map of projects to find events near them, learn about each opportunity, and sign up for a meaningful contribution to the environment. Participating in the Oregon Spring Cleanup provides an excellent opportunity to bond with family members, coworkers, and neighbors, while collectively contributing to preserving some of Oregon's most stunning locations.
As SOLVE anticipates another successful event, valued partner Portland General Electric, shares their commitment to the cause: " PGE proudly supports SOLVE's efforts to make our communities cleaner and greener. In 2023, our employees and their families volunteered with SOLVE for more than 220 hours. We're excited to join community members again this Earth Day to help improve our beautiful state." said Kristen Sheeran, Senior Director of Policy Planning and Sustainability, Portland General Electric.
For those inspired to host an event, SOLVE is still accepting new volunteer-led projects. The sooner projects are submitted, the faster SOLVE can care for the rest. Event leaders receive full support, including free supplies, access to project funding, disposal assistance, and help with volunteer recruitment.
For more information, please visit solveoregon.org/oregon-spring and be part of the collective effort to create a cleaner, greener planet.
Along with Portland General Electric, other event sponsors include Clean Water Services, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, KOIN, The Standard, Swire Coca-Cola, Holman, Demarini-Wilson, Trimet, and PepsiCo.
About SOLVE
SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Interested in college, but undecided about a major? You’re not alone. Many if not most college students begin their studies undecided about their major. Washington State University Vancouver is hosting two Classroom to Career events that let you explore majors and careers. Events will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 18 and April 4 on campus in the Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110. To register, visit vancouver.wsu.edu/events and click on the date you would like to attend. Classroom to Career events are free and open to the public. Parking is complimentary for these events.
Meet faculty, students and alumni from a variety of degree programs and learn how your talents, interests, experiences and values align. The event will feature panel discussions, program-specific lab tours, and a programs and degrees fair. The following programs will be represented:
For more information about Classroom to Career events, email van.admissions@wsu.edu or call 360-546-9779. WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-TRAN bus service. Find a campus map at vancouver.wsu.edu/map.
For event accessibility, contact the Access Center at 360-546-9739 or van.access.center@wsu.edu.
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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Tigard Police Detectives are investigating an overnight shooting that sent one man to the hospital.
At 11:43 PM on Monday, March 11th, patrol officers on the graveyard shift were dispatched to an assault with a weapon call at a motel in the 11400 block of SW Pacific Highway. Several witnesses reported someone had been shot. Arriving officers confirmed a man was shot, and medical crews took him to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The person who fired the shot stayed at the scene and was safely arrested. At this time, he has been taken to the Washington County Jail on charges of first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon.
Officers learned the two men were staying in neighboring rooms at the hotel and had gotten into a verbal argument before the shooting. Their names are not being released at this time.
Detectives with the Tigard Police Criminal Investigation Unit are actively investigating this case.
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LARGEST ALL-GIRLS ROBOTICS TEAM IN THE US HEADS TO RENOWNED STEM COMPETITION
St. Mary’s Academy robotics team the “Beta Blues” paves the way to FIRST® Global Competition
Portland, Ore – St. Mary’s Academy, an all-girls, Catholic high school in Downtown Portland, is excited to announce that its all-female robotics team will be competing in the FIRST Robotics Competition. Beta Blues, a team of 40 girls from ninth through twelfth grades, will face off against other teams from schools across the northwest throughout the season.
According to President Emily Becker, “As an all-girls, Catholic high school, our job is to find ways to support the development of female leaders and prepare them for the future of work. We believe that growing the pipeline for women in STEM is a key to our success as a school and something that continually sets our curriculum and institution apart. The more we can double down on our promise of a transformational environment to every girl that walks through our doors, the better.” Robotics is one of the many ways to help grow said pipeline. Last year, fewer than two percent of the teams had all-girls rosters.
The Beta Blues, which started nine years ago, welcomes all interested students, nearly a third of whom are new to robotics, and is led by a passionate team of coaches and mentors including parents and educators. The fabrication lab or “The Fab Lab” for short, whirrs with lights and motion. Rows of workstations are set up with sturdy tables and ergonomic chairs for engineers and technicians to work on their projects. Students as young as 14 are paired with more senior girls to learn Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, allowing designers to create and refine robotic models.
Beyond the competition arena, the Beta Blues are committed to mentoring younger women in STEM, paving the way for future generations of female innovators. The team builds robots and bridges by actively reaching out to mentor eighth grade girls through invitations to build and interact. “There’re no shortage of girls and young people interested in building an amazing tomorrow. There’s simply a shortage of supportive pathways. We’re here to help them grow through dollars and mentorship,” said Community Energy Labs CEO Tanya Barham, a corporate sponsor of the Beta Blues.
To support the Beta Blues' journey, visit STEM - St. Mary's Academy (stmaryspdx.org) or follow on Instagram at @5975_betablues.
About Saint Mary’s Academy
At St. Mary's Academy, We Believe.
Located in the University District of Portland, OR, St. Mary's Academy is the state's oldest continuously operating school and only all-girls school. Founded in 1859 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, St. Mary's Academy serves over 600 young women in grades 9-12. The school's college acceptance rate is 100% and SMA students achieve, excel and are recognized locally, regionally and nationally in academic fields, leadership, STEM, the arts, athletics, community service and extra- and co-curricular activities. To learn more, please visit www.stmaryspdx.org
About Community Energy Labs
Community Energy Labs is an energy technology company on a mission to affordably decarbonize buildings by enhancing heating and cooling controls. Its software combines cutting-edge control algorithms, machine-learning thermal energy models, and traditional control techniques to make saving money and the planet easy. CEL can reduce energy use in buildings by up to 30 percent for less than $20,000 and with a single day of installation. CEL was founded in Portland, Ore., in 2019. The company is woman-founded and led. Learn more at CommunityEnergyLabs.com.
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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Dennis Gene Sarver, died March 12, 2024. Sarver was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.
Sarver entered DOC custody on June 25, 2019, from Polk County with an earliest release date of October 7, 2026. Sarver was 66 years old. Next of kin has been notified.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.
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Lake Oswego, Ore. – March 12, 2024 – A combination of factors including high inflation, workforce shortages and escalating expenses continue to squeeze the operating margins of Oregon hospitals, underscoring the urgency of implementing policy solutions to ensure they can continue to support their communities.
New data released this week by Apprise Health Insights shows the state's hospitals posted an –1.3% median operating margin in 2023, the second consecutive year that hospitals as a group lost money. Without federal CARES Act funds propping up hospitals in 2020 and 2021, last year would have marked the fourth straight year hospitals experienced significant financial losses.
“Oregonians depend on their hospitals to be there when they need them most,” said Becky Hultberg, Hospital Association of Oregon president and CEO. “But year after year of tough financial conditions have made it increasingly difficult for hospitals to maintain all the services they provide to their communities.”
In 2023, 56% of Oregon’s hospitals reported they were unable to cover the cost of providing care with revenue from core patient activities. The state’s larger urban hospitals had a median operating margin of -0.3%, while rural hospitals fared worse with a median operating margin of -1.8%.
Along with rising salaries, benefits and the cost of supplies, hospitals’ cost of providing care has also increased as it has become more difficult to discharge patients to appropriate settings. The average hospital length of stay, while dropping from peak 2022 levels, has remained high at around five days.
“Our hospitals are not on a sustainable path,” Hultberg said. “We have systemic problems to address including how hospitals are paid for the care they provide, especially for the most vulnerable in our state. It’s one of the reasons we recently worked with the legislature to boost funding for hospitals that care for a higher proportion of Medicaid and uninsured Oregonians.”
The hospital association continues to work with Oregon policymakers and other groups to help build the health care workforce, explore ways to increase capacity outside of hospitals and stabilize the state’s health care system.
“The economists who predicted that 2023 would be another difficult year for hospitals turned out to be correct,” Hultberg said. “We must continue to make progress on these complex policy issues in the 2025 legislative session.”
About the Hospital Association of Oregon
Founded in 1934, the Hospital Association of Oregon (HAO) is a mission-driven, nonprofit trade association representing Oregon’s 61 hospitals. Together, hospitals are the sixth largest private employer statewide, employing more than 70,000 employees. Committed to fostering a stronger, safer, more equitable Oregon where all people have access to the high-quality care they need, the hospital association supports Oregon’s hospitals so they can support their communities; educates government officials and the public on the state’s health landscape and works collaboratively with policymakers, community based organizations and the health care community to build consensus on and advance health care policy benefiting the state’s four million residents.
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