Salem, OR – August 4, 2025 –  Marion County Circuit Court Judge Courtland Geyer sentenced Nicholas Contreras-Salmion to 100 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections, followed by 36 months of post-prison supervision for committing multiple robberies while wearing what appeared to be an explosive vest and detonator.

In January 2025, Contreras-Salmion entered Crossroads Grocery in Woodburn, Oregon.  He approached the register, unbuttoned his sweatshirt, and revealed what appeared to be a vest strapped with dynamite.  Holding what looked like a detonator in his left hand, he handed the clerk a cloth bag and demanded all of the money, threatening to detonate the device if the victim did not comply.  After the clerk gave him cash from the register, Contreras-Salmion exited the store.

Approximately one week later, a device resembling a bomb vest was discovered and reported to law enforcement. The Oregon State Police Bomb squad responded and safely recovered the device, which was later determined to be a hoax device designed to look like an explosive vest, but without any explosive components.

A second incident occurred in February 2025, at the EZ Stop Grocery, also in Woodburn. According to the victim, Contreras-Salmion loitered near the candy aisle before waiting for another customer to enter the restroom. He then approached the counter, placed a towel on it, and unzipped his sweatshirt to reveal what appeared to be another bomb strapped to his torso. He told the victim she had seven minutes to open the safe. When she said she didn’t have access to it and moved toward her phone, Contreras-Salmion pressed a button, activating red flashing lights on the vest, and warned she now had only three minutes. At that point, the other customer exited the restroom, and the defendant fled the store without obtaining any money.

Security footage from both incidents corroborated the victim’s accounts were sufficiently consistent and detailed that on February 13, 2025, (six days after the most EZ Stop Grocery robbery) Contreras-Salmion was walking on Lincoln Street in Woodburn, and was contacted by Woodburn Police Officers Jonathan Ellis and William Ovchinnikov while they were on patrol.   At the time he was contacted, Contreras-Salmion was wearing yet another hoax-destructive device under his shirt.  

Contreras-Salmion admitted to engaging in the robberies and building the fake bomb vests, saying he was out of work and needed the money.  He stated that at the time of the robberies he was using and addicted to methamphetamine.  

Based on the investigation, a Marion County grand jury returned an indictment on two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, one count of Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree, and one count of Possession of a Hoax Destructive Device.

“Robbery is traumatizing enough, but the use of a fake explosive device to instill fear and force compliance by his victims is a heightened level of callousness,” said Marion County Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy.

“That is especially true in Woodburn with its unbelievably tragic history involving explosive devices.  

We should also acknowledge the bravery of the Woodburn Police Officers in this case.  Officers Ovchinnikov and Ellis recognized and approached Contreras-Salmion without knowing if he was wearing a vest or not.  They put the community over themselves when they arrested the Defendant on February 13.  I am thankful for their service and that they were able to return to their loved ones.”

Chief Deputy Murphy went on to say, “This sentence reflects the gravity of the defendant’s actions and our office’s commitment to holding individuals accountable when they attempt to harm members of our community.”

Under Ballot Measure 11, and in accordance with ORS 164.405, Robbery in the Second Degree has a mandatory sentence of 70 months. The maximum sentence was roughly 140 months, Department of Corrections.

About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

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

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Vancouver, Wash. – The City will celebrate the grand opening of the Elizabeth Austin Playground at Fruit Valley Park (3200 Fruit Valley Rd.) at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, marking the debut of a fully-inclusive play space built in honor of community leader, educator and mother, Elizabeth Austin.

Made possible by a $1.2 million gift from the Kuni Foundation, the new playground is a destination where children of all abilities can thrive together through play. The celebration will begin with a ribbon-cutting at 6:30 p.m. featuring Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, followed by games, activities, food vendors and a community movie night showing of The Wild Robot at 8:45 p.m.

“This playground was shaped by the community, and every detail —whether it’s the bird-themed play features or the safe, welcoming layout—reflects what families told us they needed,” said Terry Snyder, Parks Development Manager. “Inclusive playgrounds remove barriers, inviting everyone to play, explore and belong. That’s exactly what this space is all about.” 

This is the third inclusive playground opened by the City in the last five years, with another at Oakbrook Community Park, under construction and expected to open this fall.  Adding to the diversity of play spaces across Vancouver, the Elizabeth Austin Playground is the first fully-fenced playground in the city, created to offer a secure and supportive space for children who benefit from a defined boundary.

The playground honors the memory of Elizabeth Austin, a passionate advocate for inclusive spaces and a mother of twin boys with whom she joyfully visited every playground in the area. Before her passing from cancer in 2021, Elizabeth dedicated her energy to education, philanthropy and community connection.

“We wanted to celebrate Elizabeth’s incredible heart, her joy, and her vision for a more inclusive world,” said Angela Hult, president of the Kuni Foundation. “She believed in creating spaces where every child could belong, and this playground reflects her legacy and the Foundation’s commitment to community inclusion. We’re profoundly grateful to the City of Vancouver for their collaborative approach and incredible support of this project.”

The event is free and open to all. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

Event Details:

Elizabeth Austin Playground Grand Opening
Saturday, Aug. 16 | Fruit Valley Park, 3200 Fruit Valley Rd.

• 6:30 p.m. – Ribbon cutting with Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle

• 7 p.m. – Games, giveaways, food vendors and treats

• 8:45 p.m. – Outdoor movie: The Wild Robot (PG)

For more information, visit www.beheardvancouver.org/fruit-valley-park.

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The Tualatin Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in locating Tualatin resident Lee Ann McNerney.  McNerney was last seen on July 24 at about 6:30am in the area of the 25000 block of SW Parkway Avenue in Wilsonville.  She is considered endangered due to cognitive/medical concerns. 

Description:

Name: Lee Ann McNerney

Age: 61

Race: White

Height: 5’ 4”

Weight: 110 lbs

Hair: Blonde

Eyes: Brown

Clothing Last Seen Wearing: White shirt with green design

Distinguishing Features: Prosthetic left leg. Uses crutches when not wearing prosthetic.

If anyone has information regarding the whereabouts of Lee Ann McNerney, please contact the Tualatin Police Department at 503-629-0111 and reference case number 25-015067.

(photo of subject attached)

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 4, 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking the public’s assistance to identify persons of interest in the vandalism of a cellular trail camera and taking of salmon from a fish trap at the Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery in Trail, Oregon.

The two individuals were first spotted by a trail camera at the hatchery on August 12, 2024, and returned on August 27, 2024, wearing motorcycle helmets, when they entered the stream around the fish trap at about 8 p.m., attempting to spear or gaff salmon. Trail camera photos showed one individual operating a red Harley-Davidson or similar motorcycle and the second operating a black sport bike. The subjects were accompanied by a black German Shepherd.

On July 5, 2025, at approximately 5 a.m., two masked individuals, matching the description and build of the two subjects from the prior year, were captured on a trail camera approaching the outflow fish trap wearing masks and baggy clothing. They were again accompanied by a black German Shepherd. One individual waded across the river and ripped the antenna off the cellular camera while the second individual remained on shore holding what looked like a large salmon net.
 

The following day, responding fish and wildlife troopers found the broken antenna and the trail camera pushed to the side. Personnel from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife later found the lock to the fish trap had been cut to gain access to the fish inside the trap. An unknown number of salmon were netted from the fish trap.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number #SP25-355670.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

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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. 

There are many ways to save and have loads of fun at the Oregon State Fair

[Salem, OR] – The 160th Oregon State Fair kicks off Friday, August 22, and now is the perfect time to start planning your visit.

This year’s Fair is packed with exciting shows and entertainment included with your admission. Plus, there are plenty of money-saving deals and discounts to make your trip even more affordable and fun.

Here’s a look at the limited-time and ongoing ways to save:

Mattress Firm $5 Friday

On Friday, August 22, Fair Admission is only $5 at the gate thanks to Oregon State Fair sponsor Mattress Firm. That’s $7 of savings on adult tickets and $3 on kids’ tickets.

Free parking from Wilco

Thanks to our partner, Wilco, you can get free parking when you make any purchase at one of their Oregon locations. Available while supplies lasts.

Pre-Sale Tickets

Admission, carnival wristbands and Fair Lift tickets purchased online before August 22 are discounted.

• $2 off adult and child admission
• $2.50 off round-trip Fair Lift tickets
• $10 - $15 off carnival wristbands and tickets

Weekday carnival discount

Carnival wristbands are $10 off when purchased for use Monday – Friday.

Bundle and Save

Save with online ticket bundle offers:

• Family 4-Pack: two adult and two children’s tickets for only $25.
• 11-day pass: all 11 days of the Fair for only $25.

Senior Discount

Seniors 65 and older are $3 online and at the door every day of the Fair.

Kids Day and free admission for young children

On Monday, August 25, kids ages 6-12 get free admission with every purchase of adult admission. Kids 5 and under are free every day.

Sunny’s $3 Tasty Tour

On Wednesday, August 27 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., try a number of $3 delectable bites from participating vendors.

Heroes Day

On Labor Day, active military, veterans, first responders and teachers can enjoy free admission for themselves and their families.

10 Barrel Dive Bar

Visit the 10 Barrel Pub Dive Bar for the most affordable drinks on-site at the Oregon State Fair, brought to you by 10 Barrel Brewing Co.

The 2025 Oregon State Fair starts Friday, August 22 and goes through Labor Day. Tickets can be purchased from our only verified seller, Fun Card, or in person at the gate.

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Fair links:

• Tickets: https://oregonstatefair.org/tickets
• Newsletter: https://oregonstatefair.org/newsletter
• Media Kit: https://oregonstatefair.org/business-center/media-kit/

About the Oregon State Fairgrounds and Exposition Center:

The Oregon State Fair celebrates Oregon’s excellence, showcasing achievements of agriculture, livestock, art, culture and entertainment at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem since 1862. The Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center hosts visitors from all over the world for a variety of events throughout the year, working hand in hand with community agencies to help facilitate emergency and disaster response needs. For more information, contact info@oregonstatefair.org.  

Salem, Ore. – As Oregon heads into its peak wildfire months, August and September, Oregon’s public safety services and natural resource agencies want to remind Oregonians to practice wildfire prevention, prepare their home and a go-bag for evacuation and know where to sign up for alerts.

“As Oregonians and visitors enjoy the beauty of an Oregon summer, we have to remember that we are still in the middle of wildfire season,” Governor Kotek said. “Ignition risks present a real threat to our parks, forests and coastal areas – and it’s on us to act responsibly, doing our part to prevent wildfires wherever we recreate.”

According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center’s predictive services, the Pacific Northwest area is anticipated to be at elevated risk of significant fires from August to October. With fire crews responding to new fire starts every day, now is the time for Oregonians to be prepared for wildfires and help prevent future ignitions.

How can people help prevent wildfires?

The Oregon Department of Forestry is urging the public to actively practice wildfire prevention as the state continues to put out new fires every day. Additional human-caused fires on the landscape will draw the firefighting efforts away from the lightning-caused fires and put extra strain on ground and aviation resources, which are already spread thin. YOU can help prevent wildfires by:

• Checking and following your local fire regulations. The majority of the state is either in high or extreme fire danger right now, meaning even the smallest of sparks could start the next large wildfire.
• Debris burning may be prohibited where you live.
  • Check local restrictions or contact your local ODF office.
  • Return to check on your burn site if you burned earlier in the year.
• Make sure your car has been recently serviced to avoid faulty parts throwing sparks.
• Don't drag tow chains.
• Avoid parking vehicles on tall, dry grass.
• Recreate responsibly. Where campfires are allowed, make sure your campfire is DEAD OUT before leaving it by drowning it with water, stirring it with a shovel and repeating that process until it is cold to the touch. If there is heat coming off it, there are still embers that could reignite.

Take Simple Steps Now to Protect Your Home from Wildfire

The Oregon State Fire Marshal reminds Oregonians that summer is not the safest time to tackle large landscaping or defensible space projects. Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of starting a fire with tools or equipment. But there are still small, safe steps you can take now to reduce wildfire risk around your home. The Oregon State Fire Marshal encourages everyone to plan ahead and do light cleanup tasks that protect your property without increasing fire danger.

Here are a few easy tasks to reduce risk in the first five feet around your home:

• Clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your roof, gutters, and under decks.
• Cut back plants and bushes that are touching your home or growing under roof eaves. Give trees and shrubs space from each other and from structures.
• Remove dead plants and wood mulch. Use nonflammable materials like rocks or gravel near your home. Avoid bark mulch or dry grasses right next to buildings.
• Move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable items at least five feet away from your home.
• Cover attic vents, soffit vents, and spaces under decks with 1/8-inch metal mesh to block embers.

Avoid using power tools or equipment that could spark a fire, especially during the heat of the day. Summer is a good time to plan defensible space projects so you're ready to work safely once wildfire season ends.

For more tips or help with defensible space, visit www.oregondefensiblespace.org or https://preventwildfires.oregon.gov.

How can I prepare myself in case I need to evacuate?

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urges everyone to prepare for wildfires and other emergencies by knowing evacuation levels, staying informed, having a plan, and having a go-kit ready.

Evacuation Levels

• Oregon follows a three-level evacuation notification system, each structured around safety threat level.
• Oregonians should become familiar with "Be Ready, Be Set, Go!" evacuation levels to make informed decisions when receiving evacuation notices.
• OEM urges people to evacuate whenever they feel unsafe, conditions can change rapidly; individuals should always make the best decision for their safety.
• Following evacuation, people should not return to the area until public safety officials state it is safe.

Stay Informed

• Stay informed sign up to receive evacuation at, ORAlert.gov remember to update information if need be.  
• Find the websites for your county emergency management, sheriff's office, or tribal police and follow them on social media.
• Check your phone settings to ensure wireless emergency alerts are turned on.
• Build redundancy into how you can access alerts. Have a personal P.A.C.E plan for what you will do if your cell phone stops working. A good place to start is a hand-cranked NOAA radio.
• If you use a third-party app for alerts and situational awareness and notice a discrepancy information, default to the information provided by your local emergency management office.

Have a Plan

• Do you know what to do during an evacuation? This evacuation checklist explains what to do before, during and after an evacuation.
• Establish a communication plan with a list of important contacts and a safe place for loved ones to meet if they are separated during an emergency.
• Identify multiple evacuation routes from home, work, or school and plan for transportation needs.
• People with disabilities should consider individual circumstances and specific needs when planning for evacuation, such as special equipment, transportation, and service animals. Then plan extra time, when possible, this may mean treating a level 2 notice like a level 3 notice.
• Have an evacuation plan for pets, make a pet evacuation kit in a tote bag or pet crate, and plan for transportation and sheltering of large animals such as horses and other livestock.

Make a Go-Kit

• Assemble an emergency kit of essential supplies that can be grabbed quickly.
• Pack an easy-to-carry backpack or bag for each household member with health and safety items such as food, water, medication, flashlights, phone chargers, clothing, and important documents. Visit American Red Cross to learn more.

Find more information and resources at Wildfire.Oregon.gov.

Recreate Responsibly

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) encourages visitors to know before they go when it comes to campfire restrictions. Due to the continued risk of wildfires, OPRD has banned campfires at all Oregon State Parks in high-risk areas around the state until conditions improve. Most Oregon State Parks currently have a campfire ban. Please check park webpages or the wildfire feature story at stateparks.oregon.gov/ before your next visit. Thank you for helping to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works is reconstructing the intersection of Northeast 179th Street and Northeast 29th Avenue. The existing single-lane, all-way stop-sign-controlled intersection will be replaced with a roundabout. This change is necessary to accommodate increasing traffic volumes associated with residential and commercial development in the area.

Reconstruction of the intersection is scheduled to begin in late August and is expected to take approximately two years to complete. During construction, closure of the “legs” of the intersection, i.e., each roadway connecting to the intersection, will happen in stages. Public Works is currently conducting the final review and approval of the contractor’s closure and construction staging plans. When the plans have been approved, closure dates and detour information will be shared on the project webpage and via a mailer to properties within the project area and near the detour route. Construction closures are expected to begin in late August.

Residents are invited to an informational community meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, to learn more. At the meeting, staff will share available information about the project’s staging, timeline, closures and detour routes, and answer questions. The meeting will be hosted at Vancouver iTech Preparatory at 16100 NE 50th Ave. The presentation and Q&A session will also be streamed online via Webex, beginning at 6:30 p.m. A meeting link will be posted on the project webpage.

Project information and updates are available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/northeast-179th-street-and-northeast-29th-avenue-intersection-improvements.

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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Oregon's wildlife has evolved alongside fire, with many species adapted to periodic burns. However, the increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires, influenced by climate change, are creating new challenges for both animals and ecosystems. Oregon Wildlife Foundation would like to remind the public that wildfire season is here, and multiple effects to wildlife and wilderness come with it. 

Immediate and Long-Term Effects

Wildfires cause immediate habitat loss and alter ecosystem structures. While some species thrive in post-fire environments, others face significant challenges. For instance, species dependent on mature forests, like the Northern Spotted Owl, may experience population declines due to the destruction of their habitat.

In the aftermath, wildlife often seeks refuge in urban areas, increasing human-wildlife interactions. As natural resources are depleted, the search for food and water drives this behavior.

Aquatic Ecosystems

Wildfires also impact aquatic habitats. Runoff from burned areas can increase water murkiness and alter water chemistry, making environments uninhabitable for fish and other aquatic organisms. This can lead to fish die-offs and disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

Adaptations and Resilience

Some species are better equipped to handle the changes brought about by wildfires. For example, certain birds and mammals benefit from the new growth in young forests post-fire. Additionally, species like the pyrophilous beetle are adapted to thrive in burned areas, utilizing the resources available in the aftermath.

How You Can Help

If you encounter wildlife displaced by fire, it's important to:

• Avoid feeding them, as this can lead to dependency and potential conflicts.
• Provide fresh water away from your home to prevent attracting multiple animals.
• Drop gates and fences temporarily so wildlife can move more freely.
• To report sick or dead wildlife, call your local ODFW office or the Wildlife Health Lab toll-free number (866-968-2600). You can also contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center. For a list of Oregon Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers, visit the link ODFW Wildlife Rehabilitation.
   

Supporting organizations dedicated to habitat restoration and wildlife conservation can also aid in the recovery of affected species. OWF coordinates its restoration efforts with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) and land managers as needed.

While wildfires are a natural part of Oregon's ecosystem, the changing climate alters their frequency and intensity, posing new challenges for wildlife. Understanding these impacts and taking proactive measures can help mitigate the effects on Oregon's diverse species.

For more information, visit our post about reporting injured animals Who do I contact if I encounter injured or orphaned wildlife? — Oregon Wildlife Foundation

Oregon Wildlife Foundation

Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, OWF has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information, visit www.myowf.org.

From Setback to Splash of Color: Hillsdale Farmers’ Market Invites Community to Paint Truck Mural
Community Paint Day celebrates resilience, creativity, and the power of coming together during National Farmers Market Week.

Portland, OR — August 4, 2025 — After the Hillsdale Farmers’ Market truck was stolen and damaged beyond repair earlier this year, the Southwest Portland community rallied in extraordinary ways—raising funds, offering support, and helping the market bounce back stronger than ever. Now, that spirit of resilience is taking on a new, colorful form.

On Sunday, August 10 starting at 9:30am, Hillsdale Farmers’ Market will host a Community Paint Day during its regular market hours. In partnership with Portland-based muralist Paola De La Cruz (@happynappystudio in Instagram), neighbors of all ages are invited to help paint a brand new mural on the market’s new truck—a rolling celebration of unity, strength, and local pride.

“This is more than just a mural,” said Market Manager Lacey Waldon. “It’s our way of saying thank you to the incredible community that supported us through a very challenging time. Recovering from the loss of our truck and equipment this spring was truly a community effort; the mural transforms that into a community celebration. My hope is that people see our truck on the road and say with pride, “I helped make that happen.””

The mural design, created by De La Cruz, reflects the vibrant energy and diversity of the Hillsdale Farmers’ Market community. From seasonal produce to joyful connections, the artwork is grounded in the idea that markets thrive when communities come together.

No art experience is needed; just bring your enthusiasm. Paint, brushes, and guidance will be provided, and all are welcome to join, whether for five minutes or the full event.

Event Details
 

? When: Sunday, August 10, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
? Where: Hillsdale Farmers’ Market – 1405 SW Vermont St., Portland, OR
? What: Community Paint Day: All-ages, drop-in mural painting activity
? Who: Free and open to the public; all supplies provided

How to Support

• Volunteer: Help with setup, painting support, or cleanup by emailing ketvolunteers@gmail.com" style="text-decoration-line: none;">hillsdalemarketvolunteers@gmail.com
   

• Follow & Share: Find updates and photos on Instagram and Facebook @hillsdalefarmersmarketpdx

About Hillsdale Farmers' Market

Founded in 2002, Hillsdale Farmers' Market is a year-round market serving Portland’s Southwest neighborhoods. Home to over 50 local farmers and food artisans, the market also offers food access programs like SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, and the Power of Produce Kids Club—making local food accessible to all. More information about the market can be found at www.hillsdalefarmersmarket.com.   

August 4, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Brownlee Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a recreational use health advisory for Brownlee Reservoir in Baker County, due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom.

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

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

Drinking water

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

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

Children and pets

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

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

Symptoms

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

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

Fishing

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

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

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HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. - Approximately 230 members of the Oregon Army National Guard 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment (FA) returned to Oregon, August 2, 2025, after a yearlong deployment to the Middle East. 

The 2-218th FA deployed to Iraq and Syria in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE, to advise, assist, and enable partner forces to secure lasting defeat of terrorist elements across the Central Command Area of Responsibility. This mission helped protect regional stability while supporting overall U.S. national security.

While awaiting the return of their Soldiers, family and friends gathered in the Camp Withycombe gymnasium, making welcome home signs and connecting with other military families. 

The Forest Grove Police Department and Clackamas Fire Department joined in the homecoming celebration, providing support for their return. 

The Oregon National Guard command team greeted Soldiers when they arrived at Camp Withycombe to congratulate them on their hard work overseas.

“It’s an honor to welcome this group back,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Adrian Gonzales, command sergeant major for the 2-218th FA rear detachment. “They did an outstanding job out there.”

After a year of waiting, the Soldiers of the 2-218th FA collected their loved ones and bags, and went home.

“We couldn’t be more proud of what they accomplished,” said Gonzales.

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Albany, OR – August 2, 2025 – At approximately 1:54 PM and again at 4:26 PM, the Albany Fire Department and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol responded to two separate reports of individuals stranded in a fast-moving section of the Willamette River near Monteith Park.

In both incidents, rescuers located individuals clinging to dense brush along the riverbank, unable to return to shore safely due to strong currents and overgrown vegetation. Crews navigated swift, debris-filled water to reach the individuals and successfully brought them to safety using rescue boats.

Paramedics assessed the rescued individuals on scene. No serious injuries were reported, and all parties were released after evaluation. To protect their privacy, their names are not being released. 

These incidents highlight the ongoing risks associated with recreating in the Willamette River during late summer, when water levels drop and hidden hazards become more pronounced.   The Willamette’s current remains strong, and conditions can change swiftly. Additionally, thick brush along the river’s right bank can easily entrap or injure those recreating in the water. 

The Albany Fire Department and Benton County Sheriff’s Office strongly urge all community members and visitors to observe the following safety precautions:

• Always wear a life jacket when in or near the river—even if you're a strong swimmer.
• Avoid areas with swift currents, submerged obstacles, or thick vegetation that can entangle limbs and equipment.
• Scout your route in advance. Conditions change rapidly, especially as water levels fall later in the season.
• Never recreate alone on the river. Use the buddy system and inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
• Stay sober while in or around water. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and response time.
• Use designated river access points and avoid unauthorized or overgrown trails to the water’s edge.
• Avoid using inflatable tubes to float rivers meant for pools. 

“Rivers can be unpredictable, even for experienced swimmers,” said Battalion Chief Mark Bernt.  “What may appear calm on the surface can hide strong currents or entrapment hazards beneath.”

Both agencies commend the swift coordination of today’s rescue efforts and thank the community for remaining alert and using the free life vests available at all Albany Fire Stations, Bryant and Bowman Parks.

On August 2, 2025, at approximately 0012 hours Clark County Sheriff's Office Deputies were dispatched to a single vehicle collision at the 28600 block of NE Reilly Rd. A citizen called 911 to report that a passenger was unresponsive in the vehicle. Deputies arrived and assisted in performing CPR on the 18-year-old male passenger. However, he did not respond to life saving measures and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 19-year-old driver was transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center for injuries. It appears the vehicle was traveling eastbound on NE Reilly Rd when it left the roadway and collided with a tree. The Clark County Sherrif's Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating to determine what factors led to the collision. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking applicants to fill four positions on the nine-member Clark Communities Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Members age 21 and older serve four-year terms and youth members age 11 – 20 may serve a one-year terms. Two positions will fill existing vacancies with unexpired terms that begin immediately, while the remaining two will begin on Jan. 1, 2026.

The committee advises the county and participating city and state government staff on matters relating to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure planning and implementation of the county’s bicycle and pedestrian master plan. The committee reviews proposed road construction projects to identify ways to ensure safe access for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities, and cyclists; advises agencies on ways to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety; and focuses on encouragement and educational programs and other ways to promote countywide bicycle and pedestrian activities.

Applicants must be residents living anywhere in Clark County. People with experience bicycling, walking, traveling by public transit, or other modes of active transportation are encouraged to apply.

The committee meets 6-8 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and meetings are held with both in-person and online participation options. In addition to regular meetings, subcommittees may meet as work groups and could require spending additional time outside of the regular meeting times. 

Applications can be found at: www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/bicycle-and-pedestrian-advisory-committee. To apply, interested residents should submit a completed application to Jake Goodwin, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applicants also may send information by email to jake.goodwin@clark.wa.gov.

Deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025.

SALEM, Ore. – Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed August 2025 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon, recognizing the vital work of emergency managers and the role they play in helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

The proclamation supports a national campaign spearheaded by the International Association of Emergency Managers to increase public awareness and appreciation for the emergency management profession. In Oregon, the campaign is being led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with local, Tribal, regional, and state emergency management agencies.
 

“Emergency management is often invisible until something goes wrong—then it becomes essential,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “We’re proud to spotlight the field of emergency management and the dedicated professionals who work every day to protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and coordinate help when it’s needed most.”
 

OEM’s Role in Supporting Emergency Management Statewide

OEM plays a key leadership role in supporting and strengthening emergency management across the state. Through its Regional Emergency Management Coordinators Program, OEM employs specialized field staff to support all 36 counties and Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes. These coordinators provide on-the-ground guidance and technical assistance across all phases of emergency management—from preparedness to long-term recovery.
 

Additionally, OEM’s Tribal Liaison works closely with Tribal Nations to coordinate emergency management initiatives and ensure Tribal needs are represented in state planning and response efforts. The OEM Public Private Partnership Program Manager coordinates and collaborates with business and industry stakeholders across emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations, serving as a liaison between the private sector and local and state agencies. This collaboration is further reinforced by the Private Sector Security and Resilience Seminar Series; a recurring program of educational sessions designed to inform and engage private sector participants and better equip them to navigate crises effectively and recover swiftly. 

OEM also manages the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), which is activated during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The ECC serves as a central hub for coordination and communication among state agencies and emergency support partners, ensuring that local needs are met efficiently and effectively.

With responsibility for coordinating Oregon’s 18 Emergency Support Functions and supporting more than 50 local and Tribal emergency management offices, OEM is dedicated to building a resilient and well-coordinated emergency services system.

How to Celebrate Emergency Management Awareness Month

There are many simple ways Oregonians can show support for emergency managers and become more prepared:

• Find out who your local emergency manager is—reach out to learn how your community prepares for disasters.
• Say thank you to your emergency management staff, volunteers, or CERT team members.
• Get prepared: Make or update your emergency kit, sign up for local alerts at ORAlert.gov, review your household emergency plan, and take the next step by becoming Be 2 Weeks Ready.
• Share your story: Use social media to highlight how you or your community prepares and tag #EMAwarenessMonth.

 Follow OEM throughout August for resources to help celebrate and share the value of emergency management.
 

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It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters regardless of cause. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.  

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports this morning at 3:05 a.m., deputies responded to an Armed Robbery at the Trio Tavern located in Mill City. The victim, an employee at the tavern, reported as she left the tavern men with guns stole the cash deposit from the tavern with an undisclosed amount of money and her vehicle.  The victim’s vehicle was later located by deputies in the Lyons area.  In order to not compromise the investigation, no other details are being released at this time.

Detectives are continuing to investigate and anyone with information should contact Detective Scott Tennant at 541-967-3950. 

MEDIA ADVISORY + PHOTO - VIDEO - INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE– August 1, 2025

Media contacts:

Tiffany Sanders: Fred Meyer,  s@fredmeyer.com">tiffany.sanders@fredmeyer.com, (425) 753-0633

Rachel Beck: Clark County Food Bank, achel.beck@clarkcountyfoodbank.org">rachel.beck@clarkcountyfoodbank.org, (360) 907.3830

Dianne Danowski Smith: Clark County Fair, pr@clarkcofair.com, (503) 201-7019

CLARK COUNTY FOOD BANK RECEIVES $5,000 DONATION FROM FRED MEYER TO COMBAT LOCAL FOOD INSECURITY

THE STORY: Fred Meyer stores in southwest Washington are working with the Clark County Food Bank to address hunger for some of the 148,000 individuals facing food uncertainty – many who are part of the ever-growing need to seek emergency food and services. This year – on opening day at the Clark County Fair – Fred Meyer continues its mission to ‘feed the human spirit’ by gifting $5,000 to the food bank. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Fred Meyer for its continued commitment to our mission to alleviate hunger and its root causes. With more than 25% of Clark County residents experiencing hunger, Clark County Food Bank relies on the generosity of our community to stand alongside our neighbors in times of need,” said Rachel Beck, the Clark County Food Bank’s Director of Development.

“At Fred Meyer, we believe in nourishing the communities we serve—not just with fresh and nutrient dense food, but also with meaningful partnerships,” said Tiffany Sanders, Corporate Affairs Manager at Fred Meyer. “We’re proud to support the Clark County Food Bank and their tireless work to ensure every family has access to the meals they need. Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors.”  

“Throughout the Fair’s 157-year history, we seek to better our county and our neighborhoods in southwest Washington, and to help the needs of our neighbors, wherever and however we can. We are always thrilled to help our key partners do the same,” said John Morrison, CEO and Clark County Fair Manager.

WHEN: Friday night, Aug. 1 at 6:30 p.m. The check presentation/ceremony precedes the 7 p.m. headliner concert featuring Brothers Osborne, the popular, progressive, classic country music duo.

WHERE/LOCATION: The Toyota Grandstand, Clark County Fairgrounds, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield, WA.

WHO: Interview opportunities, photos, b-roll and video with:

Tiffany Sanders, Fred Meyer Corporate Affairs Manager

Rachel Beck, Clark County Food Bank’s Director of Development

John Morrison, Clark County Fair CEO

The 2025 Clark County Fair runs Aug. 1 – 10. Please visit www.clarkcofair.com or download the ‘Clark Co Fair’ app for updates, schedules and activities (available at the Apple App Store or Google Play).

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About Clark County Food Bank

Clark County Food Bank seeks to alleviate hunger and its root causes in Clark County, Washington by managing more than 10 million pounds of food each year, which is equivalent to 8.3 million meals for individuals and families in need. The food bank works with over 50 nonprofit partner agencies at 100+ distribution sites, along with food bank led programs, to serve neighbors facing food insecurity throughout Clark County.  With more than 148,000 neighbors facing hunger in our community, the need is great. Find out how you can help our community by giving your time, food, or other resources.

About Fred Meyer Stores/The Kroger Co.

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit™. We, across our family of companies including Fred Meyer, are more than 400,000 associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through an eCommerce experience and retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.  

About the 2025 Clark County Fair

Celebrating its 157th year as the region’s classic summer community event, the 2025 Clark County Fair, on Aug. 1 - 10, promises Your Party Center’s sponsored signature concert series at the Toyota Grandstands, carnival rides, community stage entertainment, thrills, great eats, contests, family-friendly fun, educational exhibits, farm auction and shows, and award-winning home and textile showings.

In 2025, the Clark County Fair Association bestowed $30,000 in academic scholarships to 18 deserving college-enrolled and post-grad students, bringing the total scholarships to 388 students earning $660,000 over the past three decades.

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is updating some visitor fees at select parks as part of a broader, proactive effort to build a more resilient financial future for Oregon State Parks. 

Starting Oct. 1, 2025, Oregon State Parks will no longer waive the parking fee at 21 additional day-use parks. The parking fee is currently $10 for in-state visitors and $12 out-of-state visitors.  

The parking fee does not apply to visitors who walk, bike, use public transportation, have a valid hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a 12 or 24-month parking permit. Currently, OPRD charges for parking at 25 parks and waives parking fees at over 225 parks across the state.   

The 21 additional parks include some of the busiest parks in the system such as Harris Beach State Park, which experienced an estimated 2 million day-use visits last year. Visitor fees help pay for maintenance and operation.  

Some overnight camping rates will also see updates for visits beginning May 1, 2026: 

• Overnight rates at our 29 busiest parks will increase to the top of the current rate range from May 1 through September 30. This increase will apply year round on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (Top rate is $29 for tents and $52 for full hook-up RV) 

• At all parks:  

• Cabin and yurt prices will increase to the top of the rate range year round. (Top rates vary from $72 for rustic yurts to $129 for deluxe cabins/yurts)
• Boat moorage fees will increase from $15 to $20.  
• Overnight parking, overflow camping and primitive camping fees will increase from about $10 to at least $15 per night.  

The park system faces a projected 14% budget shortfall due to increasing costs, impacts from record visitation and a reduction in lottery funds for operations. These targeted fee adjustments, along with internal efforts to reduce costs, modernize procurement and explore new revenue, will help maintain current service levels and ensure the system remains strong and accessible now and in the future.  

“State parks are some of the most beloved spaces in Oregon, but we have struggled as a state to sustainably fund them. We’re working to reimagine the future of Oregon State Parks as financially resilient system that will serve generations to come,” said Director Lisa Sumption.  

State parks has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. It is not funded by general fund taxes. 

For visitors looking to save on parking, there are annual and 24-month parking permits available for Oregon State Parks. The 12-month parking permit costs $30 and the 24-month permit costs $50. You can buy them online.  

Oregon State Parks is also collecting feedback to help guide its effort to reimagine a stronger resilient park system. The survey includes priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options.  

On July 29, Kevin Ryan, the Neutral appointed as part of the settlement of the Wyatt B. v. Kotek lawsuit, provided the U.S. District Court and the parties with his “Initial Review” as outlined in the settlement agreement. The review identifies measures that will be used to track Oregon’s progress related to six areas in Child Welfare noted in the settlement agreement.

“We are pleased to be at this point in the Wyatt B. v. Kotek settlement and appreciate Kevin Ryan’s expertise in improving outcomes for children and young adults,” said Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “We are carefully reviewing the initial report, including assessing the feasibility of the reporting expectations defined. We look forward to continued collaboration to make improvements that better the lives of children in foster care.”

Over the past nine months, Ryan reviewed Oregon’s child welfare data and worked with the ODHS and the plaintiffs in the lawsuit to determine the most appropriate measures to track improvement around the six items noted in the lawsuit. These areas include:

• Reducing the number of children and young adults who are harmed after they enter foster care.
• Improving communication with state courts, attorneys, ​children and young adults, and their families when harms do occur.
• Making sure children and young adults get medical and mental health assessments, and timely referrals for medical and mental health care.
• Improving the quality of placements and services for children and young adults.
• Lowering the number of children and young adults who come back into foster care.
• Improving how quickly children and young adults get case plans after entering care. Case plans outline the expectations for the child's parents and other family members, services and referrals Child Welfare will provide, routine contact with the child's parents, preparation of reports to the court and other service providers, and timelines for each part of the plan.

ODHS worked with Ryan to identify 14 measures that Oregon will report on regularly to show progress toward goals specified in the report.

“Keeping children safe and supporting families and communities is our top priority, and I look forward to the work ahead,” said Interim Child Welfare Director Rolanda Garcia.

Read the Initial Review by Neutral Kevin M. Ryan here.

SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to sound and safety equipment rules for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use on public lands in Oregon.

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

State Parks has temporarily adopted ODOT and DEQ’s rules for 180 days under ORS 183.335(5)(a). OPRD is taking public comment on proposed permanent rules.

Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Augus 31, 2025, and can be submitted:

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-ATV%20Sound%20and%20Equipment%20Rules.aspx
• Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
• Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments.

• Virtual Hearing: 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 19. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_paGjkSkARcOqJMH1zv5MDA

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in September for possible adoption.

Portland Fire has a busy night

At just after midnight, Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a possible structure fire in the NE PDX Eliot Neighborhood. The first arriving companies had heavy fire pushing out of the corner of the 5000 sq ft. abanodoned warehouse style building. With the large amount of fire and concerns the fire would extend to neighboring structures a second alarm was called for quite early in the incident.

The crews removed the boards over the window coverings and doors to gain access to the interior while a few trucks were set up for aerial master stream operations. The amount of fire actively pushing out of the windows directed the command officer to have all companies perform a defensive fire tactics and only apply water to the interior from the exterior of the structure with no one directed to enter. Once access the interior of the structure was achieved by softening or removing the plywood coverings and cutting large access points in the garage doors, the fires was easily accessed and extinguished.

Crews accessed the adjacent structure that shared a wall with the fire building with smoke banked down to the floor but no active fire present as this smoke entered through openings in the shared wall. Many fans were placed at one end of the building to push all the smoke out to ensure crews could visually confirm no fire activity in the neighboring structure.

As this fire began to wind down, a roll-over motor vehicle crash into a high voltage security fence was dispatched out in the North Portland Bridgeton Neighborhood in the 900 block of NE Marine Drive. A small sedan rolled into a high voltage security fence. Once responders arrived and were able to locate an emergency shut off switch to the electric security fence, extrication of the single occupant was quickly performed with the occupant sent to Emanual as a trauma system entry for appropriate medical care.

As this vehicle crash incident was closing a residential fire dropped in the SE Lents Neighborhood. A shed like garage structure outbuilding fire was dispatched out with additional information that an older teen who frequented the interior was unaccounted for. Crews arrived to have fire showing from three sides of the building with concerns of fire extending to the neighboring outbuildings and primary home. Crews quickly eliminated all the fire prior to any extension into adjacent buildings and were able to account for the missing teen.

All of the above occured in a span of just over 2 hours. There were no injuries reported in the above fire incidents to occupants or responders and each fire incident is under investigation.

Portland Fire would like to thank all our partners in these incidents that include Portland Police, BOEC and all dispatchers, the power companies and NW Natural along with AMR. Additionally, we would like to thank our mutual aid partners at Clackamas County Fire and Vancouver Fire for initiating responses toward the above incidents.

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July 31, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Eckman Lake

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Eckman Lake due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom. The lake is in Lincoln County.

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

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

Drinking water

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

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

Children and pets

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

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

Symptoms

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

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

Fishing

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) today reiterated its dedication to continuous improvement and readiness across the state in the wake of recent emergency response activities. 

“Our agency recognizes that every incident is an opportunity to assess, learn and enhance our systems. Continuous improvement is baked into our organizational DNA,” OEM Director Erin McMahon said. 

What Went Right During the Recent Tsunami Advisory 

• State, local and federal partners acted quickly to evaluate risks and communicate with the public, working in close coordination with the National Tsunami Warning Center  
• Timely and accurate public messaging was issued via multiple channels to inform coastal communities and ensure situational awareness  
• Our partnerships with county emergency managers, Tribal governments, and other agencies were essential to a united response effort  

“We acknowledge there is always room for improvement,” McMahon said. “As lawmakers and others have noted, this event shed light on areas where our emergency systems, critical infrastructure, and communication protocols could benefit from refinement and funding. This includes a need for robust federal mitigation funding and technical assistance.  We are committed to working collaboratively with partners statewide to address those gaps—especially as we review readiness for low-notice, high-impact events.” 

Staffing, ECC Activation, and Organizational Development 

OEM is not staffed 24/7 under normal operating conditions, but staffing is scaled up immediately when an emergency or threat arises—a common practice among states. Emergency Coordination Centers (ECCs) are routinely activated in response to significant incidents, including natural disasters, major public events, or other large-scale emergencies. 

Activation decisions are guided by incident complexity and statewide coordination needs. When warranted, OEM launches its ECC and deploys necessary personnel—including state agency liaisons—to implement the state’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. 

Since legislative changes in July 2022 established OEM as a standalone department, the agency has continued to evolve. One notable change from the last legislative session was the transfer of oversight for the Oregon Statewide Communication Interoperability program from the State Chief Information Officer to OEM. This program ensures emergency responders maintain effective communication during crises and supports the ORAlert.gov system. 

OEM has also been tasked with launching the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) by next summer, aimed at establishing a 24/7 statewide watch capability.  

“This program marks a significant advancement in readiness,” McMahon said. “Although not fully funded in the last session, we are actively identifying the equipment, systems and personnel needed to sustain this enhanced function. Once operational, OERS will strengthen Oregon’s ability to provide 24/7 monitoring and improve our ability to respond to and coordinate during emergencies—boosting statewide resilience.” 

While OEM does not currently maintain 24/7 monitoring or staffing, programs such as the emergency duty officer system and the current version of OERS do play critical support roles by maintaining on-call duty officers that enable activation and coordination around-the-clock. These systems are not the initial point of contact; that responsibility remains with 911 call centers, law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel—who provide direct, front-line service at all times.

However, when local resources are overwhelmed—whether by evacuation needs or technical support requirements—local emergency operations centers (EOCs) and emergency managers activate to coordinate wraparound services and leverage mutual aid agreements. If the incident escalates further and regional capacities are exceeded, OEM steps in to mobilize support from across the state, and when necessary, from national or international sources.  

Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) Activation Levels and What They Mean 

Level 4: Normal Operations / Steady State  

• No emergency or disruption.  
• ECC is not activated.  
• Agencies operate under routine conditions.  

Level 3: ECC Regional Response  

• A regional emergency is anticipated or occurring.  
• May affect community lifelines or public safety.  
• ECC is activated virtually or in-person as needed.  

Level 2: ECC Limited Activation  

• A significant emergency is underway.  
• Requires multi-agency coordination and additional resources.  
• ECC is activated virtually or in-person, directed by the ECC Manager.  

Level 1: ECC Full Activation  

• A major emergency or disaster impacting multiple lifelines.  
• Full-scale coordination and resource deployment needed.  

“OEM will always remain committed to improving preparedness and building resilience throughout Oregon,” McMahon said. “And we value feedback from communities, policymakers and partners. We strongly encourage people to connect with the emergency management offices in their county to learn more about how they can help advocate for emergency preparedness in their area.” 

EUGENE, Ore.—Two suspected drug traffickers face federal charges after they were caught transporting approximately 120 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine on Interstate 5 in Linn County, Oregon.

Jesus Campos Roman, 29, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Washington, and Eduar David Freites-Mosquera, 27, a Bolivian national unlawfully residing in Washington, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

According to court documents, on July 30, 2025, an Oregon State Police officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Roman and occupied by Freites-Mosquera. After a drug detection dog alerted to the presence of narcotics, investigators searched the vehicle and found numerous packages in the trunk containing more than 110 pounds of methamphetamine, five pounds of cocaine, and four pounds of fentanyl pills.

Roman and Freites-Mosquera made their first appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and were ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Joseph Huynh, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jul 31, 2025

Portland, OR- This week a Multnomah County Grand Jury indicted Gresham Police Officer Hector Carranza on dozens of charges related to sexual conduct with an underaged girl.

Carranza was arrested early Thursday afternoon and is being held in custody at the Clackamas County jail. 

The Grand Jury indicted the defendant on four counts of Rape in the Third Degree, 12 counts of Sodomy in the Third Degree, 24 counts of Sex Abuse in the Second Degree, five counts of Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct, five counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the second degree, five counts of Luring a Minor and one count of Attempting to Use a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct.

Carranza has been employed by the Gresham Police Department since 2014. None of the allegations in this indictment relate to on duty conduct or involve individuals related to any criminal investigation in which Carranza participated.

Gresham police began investigating after receiving a complaint in November of 2024.

Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said:

“Nobody is above the law - when a police officer breaks it, we have a duty to hold them accountable just like anyone else.”

We expect Carranza will be arraigned tomorrow possibly in the morning in JC3. 

In November 2024, the Gresham Police Department received a complaint which alleged criminal conduct by a member of the department.  The officer was immediately placed on administrative leave.  To ensure a thorough and impartial process, the department requested an outside agency conduct the investigation. 

This afternoon, the department was informed that Officer Hector Carranza has been arrested as a result of that investigation.  Officer Carranza remains on leave pending the completion of the criminal process and internal review.  He has been employed by the Gresham Police Department since 2014. 

The officers and professional staff of the Gresham Police Department are committed to improving the quality of life in the City of Gresham through service, integrity, and respect for the individual.  Criminal conduct by any employee of the department is a serious violation of these values.  All members of the department are expected to meet the highest standards of moral and ethical conduct. 

The Gresham Police Department will continue to fully cooperate with the investigation.  The Oregon State Police and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office are conducting the criminal investigation and prosecution.  Because of the ongoing criminal proceedings, we are unable to provide additional information. 

Portland, OR—The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for portions of central and eastern Oregon beginning at 2 p.m. PDT and continuing through this evening. Heavy rainfall may result in landslides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires. The watch area includes central Oregon, the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades, the Grande Ronde Valley, the John Day Basin, the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon, Wallowa County, and Baker County.

Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1

Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.

If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area:

• Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio, or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
• Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
• Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.

For more landslide and debris flow information: https://www.oregongeology.org/Landslide/debrisflow.htm

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National appointment highlights President Howard’s continued leadership in advancing equity, access, and community engagement in higher education.

Salem, Ore., July 31, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College is pleased to announce that President Jessica Howard has been named Chair of the Board of Directors for Campus Compact, a prestigious national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the public purposes of higher education.

As Chair, Dr. Howard will provide leadership and guidance as Campus Compact executes its strategic plan, focused on empowering students to drive community change, supporting engaged faculty and staff, promoting community-engaged research and practices, and building institutional capacity for civic and community engagement.

“It is my honor to serve as Board Chair for Campus Compact, an organization committed to supporting, engaging, and challenging colleges and universities to realize their public purpose,” said Jessica Howard, president of Chemeketa Community College and new chair of the Campus Compact Board of Directors. “In these uncertain times, I believe that building capacity for people, campuses, and communities to partner in furthering equity, justice, and collective prosperity could not be more important. With Campus Compact, this work continues and grows, and I am excited to lead the Board as the organization leans in to meet the moment and build upon its 40-year history of advancing higher education’s role in a just democracy.”

President Howard joins a distinguished group of higher education leaders on the Campus Compact Board, including presidents and chancellors from 12 institutions and experts from nonprofit and private sectors across the country.

“In this moment, leaders committed to the public mission of higher education matter more than ever,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. “We are grateful to have a leader such as President Howard chair our board of directors and help us further our mission. Under her guidance, we will be poised to make great strides in pursuit of our mission to support, engage, and challenge higher education to realize its public purpose.”

About Chemeketa Community College

Chemeketa Community College serves over 30,000 students annually across its district in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Offering affordable, high-quality education and training, Chemeketa prepares students for university transfer, high-demand careers, and community impact through career and technical education, adult basic skills, and workforce development. Learn more at chemeketa.edu.

About Campus Compact

Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education. Our college and university members make up a force of thousands of presidents, faculty, researchers, students, and civic and community engagement experts at colleges and universities. Campus Compact envisions a world in which all of higher education commits to advancing an equitable, accessible, and just democracy. We support, engage, and challenge higher education to serve as responsive and transformative agents of change by empowering colleges and universities to address complex social issues and further equity, justice, and prosperity for all. Visit compact.org.

Updated to include photo.

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 31 July 2025 – Oregon State Police traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Linn County yields a significant drug seizure.

On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 9:47 a.m., an Oregon State Trooper stopped a passenger vehicle on I-5 southbound near Albany for multiple traffic violations. With the assistance of an OSP drug detection K-9, approximately 112 pounds of methamphetamine, 5.6 pounds of cocaine, and 4.4 pounds of fentanyl were located within the vehicle.

Both the vehicle operator, Jesus Compos Roman (29) of Everett (WA) and passenger Eduar Freites Mosquera of Mill Creek (WA) were arrested for possession and delivery of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl and lodged at the Linn County Jail.  

The case remains under investigation and no additional information is available for release at this time.

# # #

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

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

Portland, Oregon, July 31, 2025 – Rocky Butte Farmers Market invites market-goers to celebrate National Farmers Market Week at the market on Saturday August 9th from 9am-1pm. Learn more about what it really means to build community and shop local! Much like farmers markets, community doesn’t just happen - it takes a lot of time, effort, and care, being built from the ground up! Celebrate community with interactive art projects, market activities and prizes, and local community resources.

National Farmers Market Week is August 3-9, 2025! Now in its 26th year, this annual celebration highlights the vital role farmers markets play in our nation’s food system. 

August 9 highlights will include:

•  Live Music by popular local singer-songwriter Brenna Larsen from 10 am-12 pm: https://www.brennalarsenmusic.com/

• Community drawing activity to help design the new market truck mural

• “Market Bingo” with prizes

• A chance to meet your district councilors

Thanks to a generous collaboration led by the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and the Cully Farmers Market, the Cully, Woodlawn, and Rocky Butte Farmers Markets are teaming up to offer a 2025 food-sharing initiative called pahtl o’-pe-kwan in Chinuk Wawa—or “Full Basket” in English. Running through the end of August, the Full Basket Project provides $25 for the first 80 participants per market per week to be spent on produce, fish, eggs, meat, and honey. This program is open to anyone receiving any kind of government assistance, including SNAP benefits, Oregon Health Plan, etc, or experiencing financial hardship.
 

More than just a market, Rocky Butte Farmers Market strives to be an impactful community resource - collaborating with neighboring food pantries, nonprofits, and gardens to provide services to underserved community members, increase access to education and food security, and positively impact the ecology, health, and overall community well-being.
 

With uplifting community at the forefront of its mission, Rocky Butte Farmers Market offers multiple ways to make shopping at the market easier and more affordable: 

• SNAP recipients can double their purchasing power with up to $20 matched per visit thanks to Double Up Food Bucks;

• Access to essential resources such as SNAP eligibility screenings through Hunger-Free Oregon and regular distribution of free COVID tests and naloxone to support public health and safety in our community.

• Each week Rocky Butte Farmers Market collects excess food from vendors to donate directly to Mainspring Pantry. This keeps high-quality, locally grown produce and handmade baked goods within the community to ensure that everyone has access to fresh, seasonal food, regardless of income.

• New to the market this year is Veg-Education in collaboration with high school students in McDaniel High School’s Sustainable Agriculture CTE Program. This initiative focuses on lesser-known, in-season produce and helps educate shoppers on how to incorporate these foods into their weekly meals. Veg-Education will include student-tested recipes, an educational zine, storage and preparation tips to reduce food waste, a social media campaign, and live cooking demos at the market.

Rocky Butte Farmers Market features children’s activities, educational programming, weekly live entertainment, and more more than 20 local vendors. For an updated vendor list for the week, visit https://www.rockybuttemarket.com/vendor-list. The market runs every Saturday, 9 am-1 pm through October 25 in the Roseway neighborhood at NE Siskiyou, between 79th and 81st. 
 

Learn more about the market, this year's vendors, the weekly entertainment or apply to be a vendor at www.rockybuttemarket.com. Follow the market on Instagram at @rockybuttefarmersmarket and Facebook at @RockyButteFarmersMarket to stay informed on news and updates.

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OnPoint celebrates 18^th year supporting the KGW School Supply Drive, sends students back to school with the tools they need to learn

PORTLAND, Ore., –  July 31, 2025 – To support local students heading back to school in the fall, OnPoint Community Credit Union announced today that it will be accepting school supply donations during the month of August to help local teachers and students, and distributed with the help of Schoolhouse Supplies. The credit union will also give an additional $5 for every $1 donated to the KGW School Supply Drive at any OnPoint branch between August 4-9, 2025.

The drive, which runs from August 1-28, 2025, aims to send 15,000 students across Oregon and Southwest Washington back to school with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. All donations will stay in the community in which they are made.   

"More than half of the students in our community start the school year without necessary supplies, and that affects their confidence," said Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "We know how critical education is to future success, and the School Supply Drive gives our students what they need to keep learning and growing. We’re proud to support the drive again this year and encourage everyone in our community to join us.”

As part of this year's drive, OnPoint will host a collection event where the community can drop off new school supplies and cash donations at its Clackamas Promenade Branch (8854 SE Sunnyside Rd. Clackamas, OR 97015). To learn more or review other drop-off locations, please visit KGW.com/School.

OnPoint Collection Event:

• Friday, August 15, 2025
• 11:00 – 2:00 PM
• Drop-off location: Clackamas Town Center
  Look for the Schoolhouse Supplies/OnPoint table in the parking lot outside the branch.

"Getting ready for a new school year can be stressful enough for families and teachers without also having to worry about kids missing critical supplies. Schoolhouse Supplies works to level the playing field and create education equality by providing supplies to students across Oregon and SW Washington," said Alice Forbes, executive director, Schoolhouse Supplies. "OnPoint has been a longstanding partner in these efforts, and we are grateful for their commitment to education and supporting the School Supply Drive."

Learn more about Schoolhouse Supplies and its mission to equip as many local families as possible with the school supplies they need to succeed.

OnPoint donation not to exceed $20,000.

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ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 613,000 members and with assets of $9.7 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

(Corvallis, Ore.) – More than 700 nurses in the Mid-Valley successfully reached tentative contract agreements at two Samaritan Health Services hospitals. Nurses at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis came to a tentative agreement (TA) July 29 while nurses at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital reached a TA July 16. Both agreements include key wins for patients and providers including improvements to hospital safety, staffing, healthcare costs, and a stronger voice for providers around hospital closures. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents frontline nurses at both hospitals.

“I became a nurse because I wanted to help people heal. This agreement helps me and my colleagues do that,” said Tyler McCarty, ONA bargaining unit chair at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. “Investing in staffing, safety and retention pays off for our patients. It allows providers to focus on the patient in front of us so we can give everyone in our community the time, attention and care they deserve.” 

“We knew what our community needed, we fought for it and we won a contract that delivers for patients and providers,” said Mary Crawford-Seekatz, ONA bargaining unit chair at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved but our work isn’t done. This is a critical moment for our community’s healthcare. We must continue speaking truth to power and fighting to save our birth center and emergency surgery team. Our community puts their trust in us, and we will not let them down.” 

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT HIGHLIGHTS: 

• Enhanced staffing incentives to help fill critical hospital needs. 
• Safety improvements unique to each hospital ranging from increased hospital security and training to employer support following assaults.  
• Equal pay for nurse case managers. 
• Fair wage increases for all frontline nurses including cost-of-living adjustments of at least 22% over the life of the contract.   
• Increases healthcare affordability by limiting health insurance premium increases.  
• Prevents Samaritan from closing hospital departments without prior notice.  

Nurses at both hospitals had been bargaining since March to reach fair contracts that include safe staffing; safe workplaces; fair wages; affordable healthcare; and a stronger voice for providers to improve local healthcare and prevent job cuts and department closures. These agreements meet nurses’ goals and offer a promising path forward for healthcare providers, patients and their communities. 

Nurses at both facilities will begin voting on their respective tentative agreements next week.

Nurses’ previous contracts at Good Samaritan and Samaritan Lebanon expired June 30, 2025.

Despite reachin tentative agreements, ONA nurses at Samaritan plan to continue rallying public support to save local birth centers and emergency surgery teams at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital and Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital.

Nurses, doctors, patients, fire chiefs, U.S. Senators and local elected officials are among those publicly calling on Samaritan Health Services to maintain rural and coastal Oregonians’ full access to labor and delivery services. 

• Supporters can visit www.SaveOurBirthCenters.com to email Samaritan decisionmakers and ask them to save local birth centers and preserve access to essential care.  

Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center has been named among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals edition as a High Performing hospital in 16 areas of care. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.

“We’re honored that Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center continues to be recognized among the top medical centers in Oregon and across the nation,” said Adam Van Den Avyle, hospital administrator for Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication and expertise of our health care teams. Their commitment to delivering exceptional care to our community is what makes this achievement so meaningful.”

U.S. News’ annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to assist patients and their health care providers in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

Sunnyside Medical Center was specifically recognized as high performing in the following areas: (new areas bolded): Abdominal aortic aneurysm; Spinal fusion; Aortic valve replacement surgery; Heart bypass surgery; Congestive heart failure; Colon cancer surgery; Diabetes; Heart attack; Hip fracture; Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma; Lung cancer surgery; Pneumonia; Stroke; TAVR; Arrhythmia; Pacemaker.

Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center also received high performing recognition for its hip replacement program.

“For more than three decades, U.S. News has been an invaluable guide for patients,” said Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis Ben Harder at U.S. News. “Hospitals designated as ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News demonstrate a consistent ability to provide excellent care for particular medical procedures and conditions, showcasing their specialized expertise as well as dedication to exceptional patient outcomes.”

U.S. News evaluated more than 4,400 hospitals across 15 adult specialties and 22 procedures and conditions; only one third of them earned an award. To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News analyzed each hospital’s performance based on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from over 800 million records of patient care.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals.

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

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

Fire season is in full swing and has reminded us to stay vigilant and cautious. Fire season is the time of year where wildfires are more likely to occur. There are precautions we can all take to reduce the risk of becoming the victim of a fire.

Many resources and status updates can be found at Wildfire.Oregon.gov or KeepOregonGreen.org. This week we want to share the following tips that can help keep you and your family safe.

Preventing Fires and Fire Damage

Protect your home

Embers are the leading cause of home loss during a wildfire. They can travel up to three miles ahead of the main flame front. Creating a 30-foot defensible space around your home can increase its chance of surviving a wildfire. To start:

• Remove combustible materials like dried pine needles and leaves from gutters, eaves, and around your chimney.
• Limb trees several feet off the ground to help prevent fire from reaching the tree crowns.
• Keep patios clear of dry, combustible materials.
• Remove flammable items like outdoor furniture cushions.
• Get a free defensible space assessment and learn more from your local fire agency or by visiting https://oregondefensiblespace.org/.

Campfires

First, call or check with your local forestry office or fire district to learn if there are any current campfire restrictions. Only light campfires when it’s safe and permitted.

When safely having a campfire:

• Select a flat, open location away from flammable materials such as logs, brush or decaying leaves and needles. 
• Scrape away grass, leaves and needles down to the mineral soil.  
• Cut wood in short lengths, pile it within the cleared area and then light the fire. 
• Stay with your fire.
• Extinguish it completely before leaving.​​

When using equipment

Before you start: 

• Check with your local fire agency for equipment use restrictions. 
• Make sure gas-powered equipment has spark arrestors. 

Always: 

• Use gas-powered equipment early in the day when the fire risk is lower. 
• Avoid starting equipment near dry grass and plants. 
• Avoid rocks and other solid objects that could cause a spark if a metal blade strikes them.  
• Keep a fire extinguisher or hose nearby in case of a fire. 
• Wear eye/ear protection and gloves. 
• Use caution when welding or grinding metal, be aware of your surroundings. 

When traveling

While you are packing and preparing to explore Oregon, it’s important to stay up to date on road closures with Tripcheck.com and have emergency supplies in case you get stranded. 

• Check out the resources at Car Safety | Ready.gov/Car
• Extinguish all smoking materials completely and never in dry grass.  Don’t toss it out your window.
• Carry a shovel, bucket and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle to put out fires.
• Avoid parking or driving on dry grass; your vehicle can start a wildfire. Park on gravel surfaces or developed roadside pull-outs to avoid a vehicle's hot exhaust system touching dry grass.
• Ensure all parts of your vehicle, from mufflers to chains, are secure and not dragging.
• Check tire pressure, wheel bearing lubrication, and the possible metal-on-metal contact of worn-out brakes.
• Maintain and clean exhaust systems and spark arrestors.
• ATVs are required to be inspected when in use on public lands. Operate ATVs only on established roads and trails on public lands.

If There is a Fire or Threat of Fire

Power Outages

In certain cases, utilities may implement public safety power shutoffs (PSPS). A PSPS is a safety measure designed to help protect people and communities in high fire-risk areas by proactively shutting off electricity during extreme and dangerous weather conditions that might result in wildfires. Utilities may also need to deenergize lines to protect equipment from nearby fires, or to protect personnel fighting fires. What you can do:

• Contact your electricity provider or log in to your account and make sure all contact information is current so you receive alerts and messages.
• For individuals with a medical condition that requires power, contact your electricity service provider in advance of an outage to register a Medical Certificate. This certification provides added benefits and helps the utility ensure they meet your needs in the event of an outage.

Natural gas tips

• If required to evacuate, no need to shut off natural gas.
• If natural gas appliances do not operate properly once electricity is restored, call your natural gas service provider.
• If natural gas service is shut off, do not turn on yourself. Call your natural gas service provider to restore service.
• If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately and call 911.

In case of evacuation

Make, practice, and review your housefire and wildfire evacuation plans with your household. Help children learn the fire exits in each room of the house, where to go, and how to get help if you are not home. Remember to include pets and livestock.

Know the evacuation levels and what to do.
 

Level 1 (Green) – Be Ready for potential evacuation.

Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor your devices and telephones, local media sources, and Sheriff’s Office website to receive updated information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets, and livestock. If conditions worsen, public safety will issue an upgrade to a level 2 or 3 for this area.
 

Level 2 (Yellow) – Be Set to evacuate.

You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger in your area, and residents should either voluntarily evacuate now to a shelter or to a family/friend’s home outside of the affected area. If choosing to remain, residents need to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items but doing so is at their own risk.

This may be the only notice you receive.
 

Level 3 (Red) – GO NOW! Evacuate now.

Leave immediately! Danger in your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this notice, you must understand that Public Safety Officials may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.

This may be the last notice you receive until the notice is cancelled or downgraded.

Visit https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/708/Emergency-Management to sign up for or update your existing Lincoln Alerts profile, find active wildfires, or see recent emergency alerts. 

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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This meeting will not be held at a physical location. If you wish to attend remotely, please contact wwss@tvwd.org or call 971-222-5957 for dial-in information by 9:00 AM on August 7.

If you wish to address the WWSS Board, please contact wwss@tvwd.org or call 971-222-5957 to request the Public Comment Form and return it 48 hours prior to the day of the meeting. 

The meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities and those who need qualified bilingual interpreters. Please contact WWSS@tvwd.org or call 971-222-5957 to request an interpreter for the hearing impaired, a bilingual interpreter, or for other accommodations should be made at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

The Board meeting agenda packet and additional information regarding the Willamette Water Supply Systems are available on the WWSS Commission website: 

https://www.tvwd.org/willamette-water-supply-system-commission/page/willamette-water-supply-system-commission

EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Prior to the regular board meeting, an executive session of the Board is called under ORS 192.660 (2)(e) to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions, under ORS 192.660(2)(f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection and ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed, will be held 11:15 – 11:45 AM.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY GRAND JURY INDICTS MAN ON 22 COUNTS INVOLVING BURGLARIES OF STORAGE UNITS AND BUSINESSES IN MULTNOMAH VILLAGE

7/31/25

Case number: 25CR39436

Portland, OR - The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is announcing the indictment of 46-year-old Joseph Patrick Doherty, who investigators believe is responsible for several Southwest Portland burglaries in June and July 2025.

On July 25, 2025, a Multnomah County Grand Jury indicted Doherty on 22 charges, including Burglary in the First Degree (Class A Felony), Burglary in the Second Degree (Class C Felony), Theft in the First Degree (Class C Felony), Criminal Mischief in the First Degree (Class C Felony), and Theft in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor). Doherty was arraigned on the indictment Jul 30, 2025. 

According to the Probable Cause Affidavit, video surveillance shows Doherty breaking into and stealing from several storage units at the Public Storage facility, located on Southwest Barbur Boulevard.  Doherty is charged with stealing more than $10,000 in items from the various storage units.

According to the Probable Cause Affidavit, video surveillance also shows Doherty breaking into businesses located in Multnomah Village. Those businesses include Consign Couture, Merav Beautique, and Little Shop of Drawers.  Doherty is charged with stealing more than $5,000 in clothing from Consign Couture and $15,000 in jewelry from Little Shop of Drawers. 

The Portland Police Bureau Central Neighborhood Response Team (“Central NRT”) recently served a warrant on Doherty’s residence. Inside that residence, Central NRT located a number of the stolen items, including clothing from Consign Couture and jewelry from Little Shop of Drawers.

Doherty currently remains in custody on $50,000 bail.

District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said:

“Criminals who target our small businesses will be prosecuted and held accountable.  These crimes are unacceptable and represent not just a crime against those businesses but also an attack on the fabric of our community.”   

All defendants are presumed innocent until found guilty in court.

Here is a link to an earlier Portland Police Bureau release with photos of merchandise connected to Mr. Doherty.

https://www.portland.gov/police/news/2025/7/17/ppb-serves-warrant-multnomah-neighborhood-recovers-stolen-property

July 31, 2025

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

Community groups and insurance agents awarded grants to support Oregonians with health coverage enrollment

Navigating health insurance options can be confusing and overwhelming. To help Oregonians get the coverage they need, the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace is awarding more than $1.8 million in grants to 37 community-based organizations and licensed insurance agents across the state for the 2025–2027 grant cycle.

These Marketplace partner grantees will offer free, expert help to people enrolling in health coverage through OregonHealthCare.gov, especially those who don’t qualify for job-based coverage or public programs like the Oregon Health Plan or Medicare.

“This support is critical to ensuring all Oregonians—regardless of income, location, or language—have access to the coverage and care they need,” said Marketplace Director Chiqui Flowers.

The Marketplace has partnered with community-based organizations and licensed insurance agents across Oregon for many years to help people access health coverage through outreach and enrollment assistance. This support is made possible through grant programs funded by a modest administrative fee paid by Marketplace plan carrier.

Trusted local help for all Oregonians

Grantees are selected for their strong community ties, ability to serve diverse and harder-to-reach populations, and commitment to offering culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Many offer support in multiple languages, including Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Somali, and more.

These partners will focus on helping people:

• Enroll during the next open enrollment period, which will run Nov. 1, 2025 - Jan. 15, 2026;
• Understand their health insurance options and financial assistance; and
• Transition from the Oregon Health Plan to private coverage after life changes or eligibility shifts.

Meet the 2025–2027 grantees

Community partner organizations:

• Arcoiris Cultural - Lincoln county
• Asian Health and Service Center - Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties
• Cascade AIDS Project - Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties
• Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) - Baker, Clackamas, Malheur, Multnomah, and Washington counties
• Interface Network - Marion county
• Northeast Oregon Network (NEON) - Baker, Union and Wallowa counties
• One Community Health - Hood River and Wasco counties
• Oregon L.E.A.D. - Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties
• Oregon Latino Health Coalition - Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties
• Project Access NOW - Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties
• Tayas Yawks - Deschutes, Klamath and Lake counties
• Waterfall Clinic Inc. - Coos, Curry and Douglas counties
• We Care - Benton, Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties

Licensed insurance agents:

• Aaron Burns Insurance - Eugene
• Abel Insurance - Coos Bay, Florence, Gold Beach, and Newport
• Bancorp Insurance - La Pine
• Boone Insurance Associates - Eugene
• Chehalem Insurance - Newberg
• Gordon Wood Insurance - Roseburg
• Grace Insurance - Portland
• HE Cross Company - Portland
• Health Plans in Oregon - Beaverton and Portland
• Healthwise Insurance - Portland
• Healthy, Wealthy & Wise - Tualatin
• High Desert Insurance - Bend
• Highstreet Insurance Services West - Hermiston, Klamath Falls, Medford, Oregon City and Sandy
• Hillock Insurance Agency - Enterprise
• iCover Oregon - Albany
• Insurance By Design - Wilsonville
• K Insurance Group - Independence
• Linda Dugan Insurance - Astoria
• Littlejohn Insurance - Eugene
• Matthew Woodbridge Insurance - Salem and Woodburn
• Next Step Benefits - Pendleton
• RJS & Associates - Philomath
• Saldivar Insurance - Hood River and The Dalles
• Valley Insurance - La Grande

To connect with a local Marketplace partner or insurance agent, visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp or call 855-268-3767 (all relay calls accepted).

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The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This release provides updated information in the investigation related to a May 2, 2025 apartment fire in Vancouver. Cause and manner of death information has been updated; this information was pending at the time of the previous media release.

This individual was found on 05/02/2025 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Peterkin, Megan   Age: 38 years

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

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Smoke Inhalation and Thermal Injuries

Manner of death:  Accident

Place of injury: Decedent’s residence

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

Media release issue date: 07/31/2025

(previous media release date: 05/07/2025)

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

To view the Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve February 18, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Thorston Erik Hartmann, PSI No. 055208

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Carissa White

4. Melinda Norush, PSI No. 109757

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Carissa White

5. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-059-0010, 259-059-0020, 259-060-0010, 259-060-0201, and 259-060-0450

   Related to SB 300 Changes to the Definition of Private Security Entity

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

6. Agency Update

7. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – November 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

SAVE THE DATE - On Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office will be hosting a "Shred Day" at the Lincoln County Courthouse parking lot located at 225 W. Olive Street, Newport, OR 97365. The event is being held in an effort to combat identity theft and financial fraud for our citizens and assist them in protecting their personal privacy. 

Shred Day is a free event open to the public. This event is not intended for significant amounts of shredding for private businesses or other government entities. 

Feel free to bring your paper documents, files, canceled checks, or any other document that contains your personal or sensitive information. We also accept CDs and DVDs that contain personal or sensitive information. The shredding is 100% secure and will be conducted by an iSecure truck on site. 

There is no limit to the amount of shredding that you may bring; however, once the truck is full, we will not be able to accept any more documents.   

Shredding is one of the most important things you can do to prevent identity theft. Below are just a few examples of items you should shred and not place in your trash can. 

- Expired or unused credit and debit cards 
- Credit card statements 
- Pre-approved credit card offers and applications 
- Checking and savings account statements 
- Canceled checks 
- Investment account statements 
- Pension account statements 
- Paycheck stubs 
- Phone and utility bills 
- Tax returns and statements 
- Medical records or bills 
- Insurance policy or claim information (auto, health, life) 
- Expired identification documents (driver licenses and passports) 

Questions? Call 541-265-4912 

### 
Submitted by: 
Lisa Combs, Support Services Director 
s@co.lincoln.or.us">ecombs@co.lincoln.or.us 
Ph: 541-265-4912

On 7/30/2025 at approximately 10:41 p.m., a person called 911 to report that their son was armed and was going to kill the two of them. The caller reported that their son had broken the front door of the home and was inside, was high on meth, and had been drinking.

Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to assist the Vancouver Police Department near East 27^th Street and H Street in Vancouver. As deputies responded, the caller reported that the subject left the home on a bicycle.

At 10:47 p.m., a Vancouver Police Officer observed the subject on a bicycle riding on Columbia Street, then turning Southbound on Daniels Street. Roughly 30 seconds later, a CCSO deputy reported over the radio that the subject “still has gun on him.”

Several minutes later, deputies located the subject near Main Street & E 19th Street in downtown Vancouver.

At 10:51 p.m., an officer-involved shooting occurred.

The subject was provided first aid and was pronounced deceased at the scene. No law enforcement or uninvolved parties were injured.

One Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputy discharged their firearm during the incident. The involved deputy was placed on Critical Incident Leave, per agency protocol. 

The information is preliminary, and this is an ongoing investigation. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office notified the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII), which will be investigating the shooting.  

As part of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Program, video captured by body-worn cameras and in-car cameras will be reviewed and released at a later time. 

In compliance with WAC 139-12, Clark County Sheriff’s Office personnel will not be involved in the independent investigation. 

• All future communications will be sent via the OII. 

• The OII will release the name of the involved deputy. 

• The identity of the deceased and cause and manner of death can be requested through the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. 

• Once the OII investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office for review. 

No further information is available at this time.

Correction note: This alert has been updated to add that Brittan went missing from Gresham on July 29.  

Date: 7/30/25

Missing child alert – BRITTAN ARRINGTON is missing and is believed to be in danger

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Brittan Arrington (Female/She/Her), age 13, a child in foster care who went missing from Gresham on July 29. Brittan Arrington is believed to be in danger.

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

Brittan Arrington is suspected to be in Portland, Gresham or could be traveling to California

Name: Brittan Arrington
Gender identity: Female/She/Her
Date of birth: 8/6/2011
Height: 5’ 4”
Weight: 125
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Blonde dyed black
Other identifying information: Nose piercing, wears fake lashes
Gresham Police Department Case #PG 25-29955
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children  #2056772

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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Combined press release McMinnville Fire District and McMinnville Police Department

3 vehicle crash North Highway 99W and Lafayette Ave

July 29, 2025

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 2:59 pm McMinnville Fire District and McMinnville Police Department were initially dispatched to a 1500 gallon propane tank that was on fire and had been hit by a vehicle at Wilco Farm Stores, 2741 North Highway 99W.  Information was updated to reflect that the incident was a three (3) vehicle crash on Highway 99W that also involved the fixed propane tank in the parking lot of Wilco Farm Stores, 2741 North Highway 99W, and the propane tank was on fire.

Emergency crews arrived on scene and began attending to the parties involved in the crash as well as attending to the propane tank and vehicles that were on fire.  Due to the potential hazardous material being involved, an initial “safe radius” was established at a 1-mile radius distance.  Emergency crews started making personal contact with residents and businesses in the impacted area to have them evacuate or shelter in place if they could not leave.  Additional assistance in sending notifications was provided by Yamhill County Emergency Management by sending information out via Everbridge. 

At 5:48 pm emergency crews determined that the area was safe enough to reduce the “safe radius” to a 1000-foot radius from the Wilco Farm Stores.  At that point local businesses in that radius were checked and cleared by Fire Fighters and Hazmat personnel individually.  Once the area was determined to be safe, the “safe radius” was lifted at 6:53 pm and the surrounding roadways were opened for normal vehicle travel.

Due to the amount of propane remaining in the involved tank and the damage it sustained, it was determined for safety precautions that burning off the remaining propane would need to be completed.  McMinnville Fire District crews have remained on scene at Wilco Farm Stores while the burning off takes place and will remain in place until it is completed. 

Preliminary investigation into the cause of the incident indicates that there were three (3) vehicles involved in a traffic crash on North Highway 99W and came to rest at the Wilco Farm Stores parking lot and impacted the propane tank.  Statements from involved parties indicate that a Subaru Impreza was northbound on Highway 99W when his vehicle struck the back of another northbound Chevrolet Equinox, which sent it across the highway and into the Wilco parking lot striking the propane tank.  The Subaru Impreza also crossed into the southbound lanes of Highway 99W where it collided with a southbound Toyota 4 Runner. 

All of the involved occupants were able to be evacuated and ultimately all three (3) vehicles sustained major fire damage and were required to be towed from the scene.  The drivers of the Equinox and 4 Runner were both transported to Willamette Valley Medical Center for sustained injuries.  The driver of the Equinox was treated and released, and the driver of the 4 Runner was admitted with non-life-threatening injuries.  The driver of the Impreza was transported by private vehicle to Newberg Providence Hospital where they were treated and released. 

The incident remains under investigation and anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Connor Mattison at .mattison@mcminnvilleoregon.gov">connor.mattison@mcminnvilleoregon.gov or 503-434-2340 or the McMinnville Police TipLine at 503-434-2337 and refer to case 25MP2308.

We would like to thank the public for quickly complying with the evacuation and shelter in place orders.  Additionally, we would like to thank our partners for all the assistance they provided: McMinnville Public Works, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, Yamhill County Emergency Management, Newberg-Dundee Police, Oregon State Police, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (Hazmat and Chief Officer), Oregon Department of Transportation, McMinnville Water and Light, Yamhill Communications (YCOM), and Lafayette Fire Department. 

To receive notifications similar to the evacuation and shelter in place notifications that were sent out, please go to https://member.everbridge.net/892807736727638/login.  For links to Yamhill County Emergency Management, please go to https://www.co.yamhill.or.us/160/Emergency-Management

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Keizer, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for trafficking more than 17 pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Oregon and Washington.

Caden Jay Christman, 28, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on February 21, 2024, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, law enforcement officers in Powell County, Montana, conducted a traffic stop and arrested Christman and his co-conspirator. Officers searched the vehicle, which had multiple hidden compartments, and seized nine pounds of methamphetamine, over 5,000 fentanyl pills, approximately $17,000 in cash, and two loaded firearms.

On February 22 and 26, 2024, investigators executed search warrants on Christman’s residence and seized 15,000 fentanyl pills, four pounds of fentanyl powder, two pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, $21,600 in cash, and twelve firearms.

On April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Christman with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On February 4, 2025, Christman pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Nicole M. Hermann, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

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

# # #

LANE COUNTY, Ore. (July 30, 2025) – On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 8 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 186.  

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Dodge Caravan, operated by Kennith James Nelsen (56) of Coos Bay, was traveling southbound on I-5 when it attempted to turn into the emergency vehicle turnaround from the slow lane and struck the side of a gray Dodge Charger, operated by Timothy Brian Smith (59) of Springfield. The Charger attempted to avoid the crash by swerving towards the median. The Caravan impacted the Charger while it was in the emergency vehicle turnaround, sending the Charger into the northbound travel lanes of I-5, where it went beneath a white Kenworth dump truck, operated by Jaison William Karow (44) of Coos Bay, towing a loaded trailer.
 

A passenger in the Dodge Charger, Kenneth Nicholas Thomas (61) of Springfield, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Charger (Smith) was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The operator of the Dodge Caravan (Nelsen) was not injured.
 

The operator of the dump truck (Karow) was not injured.

Following the initial crash, a secondary collision occurred on the southbound side of I-5 involving three vehicles. No injuries were reported as a result of the secondary crash.

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

OSP was assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Pleasant Hill Rural Fire Protection District, Eugene Springfield Fire, South Lane Fire and Rescue, Lane County District Attorney’s Office, Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.  
 

# # #

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—Gildardo Rivera Garcia, 45, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Salem, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin for trafficking more than 43 pounds of illicit drugs in Oregon.

According to court documents, on July 27, 2025, as part of a drug trafficking and fatal fentanyl overdose investigation, investigators from the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed a federal search warrant on Garcia’s residence in Salem. Investigators located and seized approximately 32 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of heroin, an automated money counter, and cash.

Garcia made his first appearance in federal court Tuesday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

This case was investigated by the FBI, HSI, DEA, and WIN. It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

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

# # #

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council has scheduled a work session on climate change planning.

With the passage of HB 1181 during the 2023 Washington State legislative session, Clark County is now required to add a climate change element into its Comprehensive Plan. The new climate chapter will include actions the county can take over the next 20 years to improve community resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit overburdened communities that will be disproportionately affected by the compounding environmental impacts and natural hazards due to climate change. This work will be integrated into the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review project.

The council work session is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. Council work sessions begin that day at 9 a.m. The climate change work session will be second on the agenda. This work session is intended as an informational briefing for council to review proposed climate chapter policies and to discuss possible greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.

The work session is open to the public, however there will be no public comment as part of the event.

The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Attendees can join in person in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or virtually via Webex.

The meeting materials can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2025-update-meeting-and-event-information.

Information on how to attend the meeting can be found on the council’s meeting page at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings. A recording of the meeting will also be posted on this webpage for viewing later.

To learn more about the 2025 update and to sign up for project updates, please visit the project website at www.clark.wa.gov/2025update

To learn more about county climate planning, please visit the project website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.

The county’s Climate Project is being funded by a state grant. The Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

Monday August 4, 2025
PF&R Fire Station 21 – 5 SE Madison
10 AM
 

Portland Fire & Rescue is excited to invite you to a send-off celebration of the historic David Campbell Fire Boat. The David Campbell was put into service in 1927, operating in Portland’s rivers for nearly 100 years, and was officially retired in 2021. In her 100 years of service, the David Campbell was involved in many significant incidents, always meeting the challenge and providing an incredible working platform for firefighters to address whatever emergency presented itself on our local waterways.
 

There are many generations of firefighters who have had the pleasure of witnessing the David Campbell do exactly what she was designed to do--pull water up from the river in large volumes and extinguish fires. Its most recent opportunity was nearly 10 years ago with a 5^th Alarm Fire at the Red Lion on the Columbia River where crews were stretching hand lines and using the large aerial master streams from the ladder trucks without much success. The David Campbell arrived on scene and turned the corner for us, putting the needed gallonage on the fire to allow us to finish the job from the land side.
 

In the years since the David Campbell’s retirement, members of Portland Fire & Rescue have worked with local nautical historians in hope of finding a publicly accessible home for the vessel, so the history of the David Campbell can live on. After many years of work, the final location was determined to be the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
 

Come watch the final water display and send-off of this historic vessel as she makes her last voyage to drydock storage until the Spring of 2026, when she will be trailered to the museum in Astoria for all to enjoy.

07/30/2025 Distant Tsunami Talking Points

What Caused the Tsunami Advisory?

The evening of July 29^th, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami watch which included the Oregon Coast due to an earthquake about 80 miles off the coast of Russia. The watch was then upgraded to a tsunami advisory.
 

What do you need to know now?
As of this morning, July 30, 2025, the advisory remains in effect. This means you need to stay out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets. Our team continues to monitor information from the National Weather Service (NWS) and tsunami.gov, but you also want to continue to be alert and watch for updates.

What is the difference between a watch, advisory, and warning?
A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or another event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. This is why the NWS originally issued a distant tsunami watch. It is intended to provide enough time for people in the potentially impacted areas to set their plans in motion. A watch means hazardous weather is possible. People should have a plan of action in case the situation develops further and they should listen for updated information and possible warnings.

An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or another event is occurring, imminent or likely. Advisories are used for less serious conditions than warnings, but still cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property. This is why we were upgraded to an advisory last night, there was and still are dangerous conditions on our beaches, marinas, harbors, bays, and inlets.

A warning is when hazardous weather or events are occurring, imminent, or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property. People in the affected area need to take protective action when a warning is issued. For a tsunami warning, which is not active for the Oregon Coast as of 7am on July 30, 2025, this means moving to higher ground and out of the tsunami inundation zones.

What is the difference between a distant tsunami and a local tsunami?

A distant tsunami, such as this one, is caused by an earthquake or other event that is not in our area. This means there is time for responders to get information, assess the situation, and get information out to impacted areas, including information on if they need to evacuate.

A local tsunami is caused by a local earthquake or event. With a local tsunami, the earthquake is the notification that you need to evacuate to higher ground. There is not time for local responders to get information out to the affected areas. If you are ever on the Oregon Coast and feel the ground shake, evacuate to higher ground.
 

How do I know if I am in the tsunami inundation zone?

Nanoos.org has an interactive map where you can enter any address and see what areas are in the known distant and local tsunami inundation zones. That’s nvs.nanoos.org/TsunamiEvac

What did the response look like last night?

Our small Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team was activated at about 5:20pm yesterday, July 29, 2025. We quickly called back some team members that had left at the end of their shift and put additional staff on standby in case the situation escalated quickly. We continued to monitor developing information and put together public information and information for Lincoln County Cooperators. Traditionally, during local events and disaster response, the Lincoln County communities do an incredible job coming together. One piece of this puzzle is making sure responders and similar organizations have information about the situation, are communicating with each other, and have a good grasp on the action plan or activities already in motion. Another really important piece of this puzzle is our community members doing one of the things they do best, which is helping keep each other informed and prepared for any action that may be needed such as evacuations. Our team and partners work very hard to get information out in a timely manner, but some of our community members don’t have access to some forms of communication; this is one area community members make a big impact by checking on neighbors, friends, and vulnerable populations.  
 

Our team continued to monitor the situation through the night and continues to do so this morning.

During those initial phases of activation there are a lot of moving pieces. Team members are working on assessing developing information -which can change quickly, managing public information and notifications, making plans for evacuations and shelters or assembly points, and so much more. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and cooperators are incredibly dedicated to our communities’ safety and wellbeing and reflect that in our coordinated responses to events.

What is the Sheriff’s Office currently doing?

Continuing to monitor the situation and sending relevant updates to our community.

What about expected impacts?

The National Weather Service has information on anticipated impacts. In one of their messages they shared the following:

Impacts will vary at different locations in the warning and in the advisory areas.

If you are in a tsunami warning area:

• A tsunami with damaging waves and powerful currents is possible.
• Repeated coastal flooding is possible as waves arrive onshore, move inland, and drain back into the ocean.
• Strong and unusual waves, currents and inland flooding can drown or injure people and weaken or destroy structures on land and in water.
• Water filled with floating or submerged debris that can injure or kill people and weaken or destroy buildings and bridges is possible.
• Strong and unusual currents and waves in harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets may be especially destructive.

If you are in a tsunami advisory area:

• A tsunami with strong waves and currents is possible.
• Waves and currents can drown or injure people who are in the water.
• Currents at beaches and in harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets may be especially dangerous.
   

If you are in a tsunami warning or advisory area:

• Some impacts may continue for many hours to days after arrival of the first wave.
• The first wave may not be the largest so later waves may be larger.
• Each wave may last 5 to 45 minutes as a wave encroaches and recedes.
• Coasts facing all directions are threatened because the waves can wrap around islands and headlands and into bays.
• Strong shaking or rolling of the ground indicates an earthquake has occurred and a tsunami may be imminent.
• A rapidly receding or receded shoreline, unusual waves and sounds, and strong currents are signs of a tsunami.
• The tsunami may appear as water moving rapidly out to sea, a gentle rising tide like flood with no breaking wave, as a series of breaking waves, or a frothy wall of water.

What can I do to prepare for future events or disasters?

• Stay updated with current information and alerts:
  • National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/
  • Tsunami.gov: tsunami.gov/
  • Lincoln County Emergency Alerts and Information - Lincoln Alerts
    • Sign up for or update your existing account to receive messages directly: member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/new
    • View sent messages and local alerts: member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/notif
  • Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Media Releases - FlashAlert: flashalert.net/id/LCSO
• Make an Emergency Plan
  • Review NVS Tsunami Evacuation Zones
    • Learn what tsunami evacuation zones your home, work, school, and other areas you frequent are in.
    • Learn the Tsunami Message definitions and appropriate actions.
  • Talk with family and friends about what you will do, including if you’re not together during an emergency.
  • Practice your plan at different times and on different days. What will you do if you are at home, work, school, or another location?
  • Plan to check on your neighbors or vulnerable community members and offer assistance if possible.
  • Build an Emergency Kit
    • Create an emergency kit or update your existing one.
    • Some supplies include:
      • at least 4 weeks supply of food and water for each person and any pets. Remember to include water for drinking, sanitation, and preparing meals
      • battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
      • flashlight
      • first aid kit
      • extra batteries
      • whistle (to signal for help)
      • dust mask (to help filter contaminated air) and face coverings
      • plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
      • moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
      • wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
      • manual can opener (for food)
      • local maps
      • cell phone with chargers and power banks

Our Public Information Officer is working through media requests this morning. Additional questions and requests can be sent to LCSheriff@co.lincoln.or.us

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind urban homeowners that now is the perfect time to remember to water your trees.

“By the end of July, soils in Oregon are very dry. Coupled with long, hot days, this puts trees under a great deal of stress. Drought-stressed trees are vulnerable to pests, at risk from losing their leaves early, and even dying,” said ODF Community Assistance Forester Brittany Oxford.

Oxford advises that trees three years and younger need about 15 gallons of water once a week, possibly more during heat waves.

“What’s harder for many in western Oregon to grasp is that even older trees benefit from a deep watering at least a few times during the summer,” said Oxford. “That’s why the last week of July and the last week in August have been designated as Soak It Weeks, to serve as reminders for urban homeowners to deeply water their older trees at least once during those times.”

Oxford points out that rainfall in western Oregon is no longer reliable enough in spring and fall to get trees through the dry summer months in good shape. ”Higher average temperatures are especially hard on the many trees in Oregon cities that are native to places where it rains a lot in summer, such as eastern Asia or the eastern U.S.,” she said.

While some trees native to dry areas of the world might not need or even want watering in the summer, most other trees will grow faster, look better and be healthier if watered in the summer.  

“Get to know what species of tree you have and adjust the watering needs according to how drought-tolerant it is, your soil type, and how exposed to sun your tree is,” says Oxford. “A tree in full sun may need more water than one growing in shade.”

She recommends that trees four to 10 years old may need anywhere from 20 to 30 gallons every other week. Trees older than that may only need a deep soaking once a month.

In all cases, water should be given close to the tree’s trunk. “Apply it slowly so it soaks down into the roots and doesn’t run off,” advised Oxford. “Drilling small holes on one side of a five-gallon bucket near the bottom can be a convenient way to water. Just refill the bucket from a hose as many times as needed.”

Watering in the morning or evenings is advised to reduce water loss from evaporation.

“Mulching around a tree also cuts down on water loss, but keep it from touching the tree’s trunk,” said Oxford.

Find more guidance on watering trees at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/fact-sheet-watering-your-trees.pdf

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Bend Fire and Rescue responded to a reported structure fire on Ridgeview Dr East in the Woodside Ranch neighborhood at 6:28 pm Monday evening. Fire crews found a large garage/shop on the back of the property fully involved. The owners and neighbors had hoses, including a water truck from a local contractor, spraying water on the fire to keep it from spreading. The fire was difficult to extinguish due to the size and access to the building. Crews had the fire under control after about an hour.

The fire threatened the detached garage on the same property but was kept from burning. The house sustained minor damage from the heat as well as several trees were burned. The garage/shop building was under construction at the time of the fire. The cause is still under investigation at the time of this release. The extent of the damage and value lost will be determined after further investigation. The building was not occupied at the time of the fire.
 

As we are in fire season, defensible space is key to helping protect your home from wildfire. But its also important for all types of fires. The detached garage that was spared had pine needles in the gutters that had started to ignite as crews arrived. They were extinguished before they could do any damage. Keeping gutters cleared, as part of creating good defensible space around all your buildings and vehicles on your property, will help protect your home from not only wildfires. More information on defensible space can be found at www.bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone

Updated information - The fire appears to be accidental in nature but the exact cause of the fire was not able to be determined due to the extent of damage. The 3,000 square foot, 2 story shop was still under construction. Its walls were made of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) that were filled with concrete and the roof had been installed. The building is valued at $300,000 with the building being a complete loss. The owner is working with his insurance company on the next steps. 

SALEM, Ore. – The Mill Place House Site, also known as the Jason Lee House Site, is among Oregon’s latest entries in the National Register of Historic Places. The listing was submitted alongside the Oregon Country Methodist Mission Sites: 1834–1847 Multiple Property Documentation Form (MPD), which provides the historical framework for evaluating properties associated with the mid-nineteenth century Methodist mission to present-day Oregon and Washington. Both the site nomination and the MPD were recommended for approval by the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) at its February 2025 meeting and accepted by the National Park Service in late June 2025.
 

Originally built in 1841 by Methodist missionaries as part of their newly established Central Mission Station, the Mill Place House was the first dwelling constructed in what would become Salem. The house itself was relocated to the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill site at the Willamette Heritage Center in the 1960s, and the site has since been covered with a modern parking lot. Excavations conducted in 2020 confirmed the presence of handmade brick foundation elements below the parking lot and recovered domestic artifacts from the mission period that reflect the structure’s early residential use and continued archaeological integrity.

The site is significant for its association with the Methodist Mission’s efforts to Christianize and assimilate Indigenous communities and to establish Euro-American settlement ahead of a period of rapid and widespread colonization in the Pacific Northwest. As part of the broader Central Mission Station campus overseen by Reverend Jason Lee, the site reflects national ideologies of Manifest Destiny and Christian missionary outreach during the mid-nineteenth century. It is also significant for its potential to yield further insights into the lives of Methodist missionaries and their interactions with the Santiam Kalapuya people in the Chemeketa region.

Excavation of the Mill Place House Site began in 2020 as the first phase of a public archaeology initiative led by the City of Salem. The work provided critical information that supported the site’s nomination to the National Register of Historic Places and laid the foundation for further research into locations associated with the former Oregon Indian Mission Manual Labor School. Fieldwork continued with investigations at the Parsonage site on the Willamette Heritage Center grounds between 2022 and 2024, followed by excavations on Willamette University’s campus in 2025. Funded by a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant awarded to the City of Salem’s Historic Landmarks Commission by Oregon Heritage, the multi-phase project continues to shed light on this important chapter in local history. Additional details and updates are available on the City of Salem’s project webpage: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/things-to-do/history/oregon-mission-indian-manual-labor-training-school-archaeology-project.

The National Register of Historic Places is a federal program, maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and administered locally by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, an office of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Properties listed in the National Register are:

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

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

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

DISTANT TSUNAMI ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT
Updated at 5:50am on 7/30/25

The Tsunami Advisory remains in effect from the National Weather Service.

What to do now in Lincoln County:
- Stay out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets.
- Be alert to and follow instructions from your local emergency officials.
- If you feel a strong earthquake or extended ground rolling take immediate protective actions such as moving inland and/or uphill preferably by foot.

Continue to monitor for updates:
- National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/
- Tsunami.gov: tsunami.gov/
- Lincoln Alerts: member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/notif
- Lincoln County Sheriff's Office FlashAlert: flashalert.net/id/LCSO

We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops or the tsunami advisory is downgraded.

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College has been awarded $130,000 by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges to launch the Healthcare Pathways Regional Coordination for Southwest Washington. This project, which will be implemented in 2026, will support local healthcare workforce development by expanding awareness of career pathways and strengthening collaboration between education and industry partners. 

Led by Dr. Scot Headley, Dean of Business and Health Sciences, the initiative focuses on three key objectives: 

• Solidifying and expanding regional partnerships through dedicated coordination and leadership
• Bridging K-12 and postsecondary pathways
• Creating outreach materials that promote prospective student awareness of healthcare pathways in the region

The Healthcare Pathways Regional Coordination is one of 12 community and technical college projects to receive workforce development funds, which aim to help industry thrive and expand in Washington state while continuing to support the development of a skilled workforce.

“The project model is to develop a regional alliance amongst all healthcare partners,” Dr. Headley explained. “Regional partnerships allow innovation in the options available to reskill or upskill workers, including apprenticeships or work-based learning. And, strong partnerships between education and industry will allow continuous feedback to ensure graduates have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be workforce-ready—not just for an individual school, program, or hospital, but across the entire healthcare industry.”

Meeting a Growing Demand

The need for healthcare professionals in Southwest Washington is on the rise. The healthcare industry currently represents nearly 10% of the Gross Regional Product in the region. Within Clark College’s service area—Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat counties—the healthcare industry is expected to grow by 35.2% over the next 10 years, outpacing the 26.5% national average. Regional employers continue to face challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals.

By partnering with community and industry leaders, Clark College will address these challenges head-on. Project collaborators include Educational Service District 112 and regional school districts, Workforce Southwest Washington, Washington State Allied Health Center of Excellence, Vancouver Clinic, Legacy Health, PeaceHealth, labor partners such as OFNHP and SEIU Education Fund, and multiple Clark College departments.

This new funding builds on the foundational work already in progress. In 2024, Clark College helped establish a regional partnership focused on healthcare pathways, bringing together healthcare professionals, educators, and workforce experts. Under a previous leadership grant in collaboration with ESD 112, the college hosted educational summits to align K-12 and postsecondary curricula, strengthening dual-credit opportunities and streamlining pathways to industry-recognized credentials in high-demand fields. 

Building on this momentum, Clark College hosted an inaugural Healthcare Pathways Education and Industry Summit with more than 75 healthcare professionals, educators, and workforce development experts. This Career Connect Southwest initiative, co-hosted by the Washington State Allied Health Center of Excellence and Workforce Southwest Washington, identified a need for:

• Intentional partnerships between education and industry.
• Improved communication across sectors
• Clearly defined career pathways for students—including those who do not plan to earn a four-year degree.
• More hands-on opportunities for students. 

Vickei Hrdina, ESD 112’s Director of K-12 Workforce-Higher Ed Partnerships and Executive Director of Career Connect Southwest, said, “By developing a clear roadmap for aligning high school Career and Technical Education with post-secondary training and real workforce needs, we’ve taken a significant step toward building a more seamless talent pipeline.”

The Healthcare Pathways Regional Coordination for Southwest Washington will move this work forward, establishing a long-term regional approach to addressing workforce development needs across the region. 

About Clark College’s Health Care Programs

Clark College Health Care and Biosciences program allows students to learn from industry experts and practice skills in state-of-the-art facilities. As the home to one of the oldest and most respected nursing programs in the region, Clark has an established reputation as a premier trainer of health care professionals. Learn more about Clark College’s health care program here: https://www.clark.edu/academics/programs/health-care-and-biosciences/. 

About the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is led by a governor-appointed board and provides leadership, advocacy, and coordination for Washington’s system of 34 public community and technical colleges. Each year, about 290,000 students train for the workforce, prepare to transfer to a university, gain basic math and English skills, or pursue continuing education. Learn more about SBCTC here: https://www.sbctc.edu/

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. Clark is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education and serves over 8,000 students per term. Construction has been completed on the new Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms in Ridgefield, Washington, where the inaugural cohort of Advanced Manufacturing students will begin classes in Fall 2025.

Learn more about applying to Clark College here: https://www.clark.edu/getstarted/.

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On July 29, 2025, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake occurred at 4:25 p.m. PDT, approximately 74 miles SE of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, at an estimated depth of 12.9 miles. The earthquake was determined by the U.S. Geological Survey to be a thrust event resulting in vertical deformation (uplift) of the sea floor, which has produced a tsunami.

The Tsunami Warning Center of the National Weather Service has issued a Tsunami Advisory for the Oregon Coast that remains in effect. Tsunami forecasts indicate that wave amplitudes of 1 to 2 ft. may impact the Oregon coast, with the waves forecast to arrive at 11:35 p.m. at Port Orford on the southern Oregon Coast, and 11:55 p.m. in Newport (central coast) and Seaside (northern Oregon coast). People should stay away from open coast beaches, estuary mouths, marinas, and harbors. Dangerous currents are possible even without significant wave activity. Do not go to the beach to watch the waves. Remain in a safe location away from the coast until the advisory is lifted.

Per the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, do not call 9-1-1 for general updates or tsunami information. Only call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies. Contact local non-emergency numbers for inquiries. Additionally, sign up for OR-Alert for local emergency notifications and visit https://tsunami.gov for official tsunami updates and arrival times.

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RELEASE DATE: July 29, 2025

CASE NUMBER: 24-25004

Gresham, Ore.—Gresham Police detectives have made an arrest in the June 2024 homicide of 76-year-old William “Tom” Vaughn. Vaughn, a veteran and longtime Gresham resident, was found deceased when officers conducted a welfare check on the night of June 17, 2024, in the 21000 block of SE Stark Street.

An autopsy determined Vaughn died from multiple gunshot wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide.
On July 22, a Multnomah County grand jury indicted Randy Saiville, 62, of Gresham on Murder in the First Degree and other related charges. Saiville lived in the same residential community as Vaughn.

This morning, members of the East Metro SWAT team arrested Saiville in the area of his residence on the outstanding warrant issued after the indictment.

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update as of 7/29/25 @ 6:53 pm

The evacuation notice has been lifted and traffic will be impacted on Hwy 99W as involved vehicles are towed from the scene.  A joint press release will be sent out from the McMinnville Fire District and McMinnville Police Department as details are learned.

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Due to a vehicle crash into a propane tank at Wilco Farm Stores, the general area of the north end of McMinnville is impacted.  If you received a shelter in place order, please comply.  If you received an evacuation notice please comply.  Traffic is being diverted from the area.  Updates will be provided as we are able.

PORTLAND, Ore.— Edis Odalis Centeno Banegas, 45, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Portland, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release Monday for possessing and distributing fentanyl in Oregon.

According to court documents, on September 6, 2023, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Banegas and his co-conspirator. During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized fentanyl and Super Mannitol, a cutting agent used to mix with fentanyl for further distribution, and arrested Banegas and his co-conspirator.

Later the same day, investigators executed search warrants on Banegas’s residence and storage unit. Investigators located and seized additional fentanyl powder, counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, Super Mannitol, three firearms, ammunition, and equipment to process fentanyl including vice presses, a scale, masks, and a blender. In total, more than ten pounds of fentanyl and Super Mannitol were seized. 

On September 19, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Banegas with conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On February 5, 2025, Banegas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, Portland Police Bureau, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: July 29, 2025

Two arrested in ATM jackpotting attempt

Salem, Ore. — Felony Crimes Unit detectives arrested two men this afternoon for their involvement in the breaching an automated teller machine (ATM).

Just before 3:00 a.m. this morning, Umpqua Bank security personnel reported two men tampering with an ATM at 550 Center ST NE. The surveillance recording showed the suspects used a key to access the inside of the machine and then took photographs of the internal components. The suspects then left the scene.

Approximately 30 minutes later, officers apprehended the suspects, Brandon Lee Ramirez, age 26 of California, and Jhonathan Vargas-Yanten, age 31 of Washington, who had returned to the bank. Inside the suspect vehicle, officers recovered a functional ATM key, several smart phones, computer devices and adapters, tools, and license plates.

Ramirez and Vargas-Yanten were arrested, each on the following charges:

• Aggravated theft, first-degree (attempted)
• Criminal mischief, third-degree
• Computer crime (attempted)
• Possession of a burglary tool or theft device

Both suspects are in custody at the Marion County Jail and await arraignment at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

The investigation is ongoing, and all inquiries into the case must be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

The Salem Police Department extends its thanks to the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Portland Office for lending their expertise to this jackpotting investigation. Jackpotting is a term for the unlawful installation of malware to bypass the authorized transaction process, prompting the ATM to dispense money on command. Although jackpotting does not directly affect consumer accounts, banks are the primary victims in this scheme.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2025

REACH Community Development Breaks Ground on 73Foster — A New Affordable Housing Community in Southeast Portland

Portland, OR — Today, REACH Community Development (REACH), has officially broken ground on 73Foster, a new 64-unit affordable housing development in Portland’s Foster-Powell neighborhood. This $31.2 million investment in deeply affordable, service-enriched housing is being built by Walsh Construction and designed by Holst Architecture.

73Foster will include 22 Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units and 42 apartments for households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Residents will benefit from onsite wraparound services, in-unit heating and cooling, laundry facilities, bike storage, and a food pantry. A central landscaped courtyard will offer spaces for quiet relaxation and active play, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals and families.

In a moment when housing insecurity is one of the most urgent crises we face, 73Foster is a reminder that we are not standing still. We are building forward,” said U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-3). “These homes will provide safety, dignity, and stability for individuals and families who need it most. It is downpayment on a future where every Oregonian can thrive—and exactly the kind of project our public dollars should support.”

Located just one block from REACH’s earlier development, 72Foster, and adjacent to the Portland Mercado, 73Foster strengthens REACH’s long-term commitment to equitable development in a neighborhood where 50% of residents identify as people of color and the average household income is approximately $24,400.

“This investment means that families and individuals in our community who want to stay in Southeast Portland can afford to live here,” said Senator Khanh Pham (SD 23). “73Foster affirms that everyone deserves a home where they feel welcome, safe, and supported.”

REACH partnered with Community Vision to incorporate universal design elements that promote accessibility for people of all abilities. The project also draws on partnerships with Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) and El Programa Hispano Catolica (EPHC) to provide culturally responsive outreach, translation services, leasing support, and ongoing resident engagement.

“This development represents an intentional investment in a thriving, diverse neighborhood – and a commitment to ensuring all Oregonians, regardless of income or ability, have access to a safe and stable home. We are proud to support this project through our Local Innovation and Fast Track and Permanent Supportive Housing programs and to stand alongside our partners, including REACH, in advancing equitable housing solutions that reflect the voices and needs of the community,” said Oregon Housing and Community Services Executive Director Andrea Bell.

“Foster-Powell is one of our most culturally diverse neighborhoods - but also a community where far too many live in poverty,” Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang said. “73Foster will enable people with disabilities and others who are left out of Portland’s housing market to thrive, offering stability, accessibility, and connection.”

“Regulated affordable housing is a critical tool for addressing our region’s homelessness crisis,” said PHB Director Helmi A. Hisserich, “which disproportionately impacts those living with disabilities. PHB is proud to fund 73Foster, an innovative development which will serve this community, along with other low-income Portlanders, for decades to come.”

The building’s mixed-income, service-enriched model is designed to serve a wide range of residents, including individuals who have experienced homelessness or live with disabilities.

“REACH is proud to be building homes in a neighborhood where families and individuals can thrive with dignity and support,” said Margaret Salazar, CEO of REACH. “This development reflects the values of our organization: equity, accessibility, and the power of community-driven partnerships.”

Project funding sources include Portland Housing Bureau and Metro Bond funds, Oregon Housing and Community Services LIFT and PSH funds, Metro Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Grant, Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), Energy Trust of Oregon, and private bank financing from Network For Oregon Affordable Housing (NOAH).

Construction begins in June 2025, with residents expected to move in by 2026.

For more information, visit www.reachcdc.org

View a digital media kit here.

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In July, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office conducted online child luring investigations using decoy social media accounts as part of its ongoing commitment to proactive policing and the protection of vulnerable community members—especially children.

As part of the operation, deputies posed as underage children on various social media platforms. During the investigation, they were contacted by adult males who engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange in-person meetings for illegal sexual encounters.

On July 28, 2025, a Lincoln County detective traveled to Albany, Oregon, and arrested Jimmy Smith, 45, of Albany, on charges of Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree.

While enroute back to Lincoln County with Mr. Smith in custody, deputies operating decoy accounts were contacted by Kyle Carter, 34, of Sweet Home, Oregon. Based on the nature of the interaction, probable cause was established for Mr. Carter’s arrest.

On July 29, 2025, Mr. Carter traveled to Lincoln County to meet with the decoy persona and was subsequently arrested. He was charged with Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree.

These arrests underscore the effectiveness of proactive, targeted enforcement strategies designed to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit children online—before harm can occur. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its mission to protect children and hold offenders accountable.

Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to monitor their children’s online activity and maintain open, ongoing conversations about the risks of communicating with strangers on the internet. Through community awareness, education, and enforcement, we can work together to ensure a safer environment for all children.

Salem, OR – Oregon Chief Information Officer Terrence Woods, Director of Enterprise Information Services (EIS), has appointed Nik Blosser as the state of Oregon’s first Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategist. The CPO will be charged with crafting the strategic vision for the state of Oregon relating to privacy, data protection, and AI. As the first-of-a-kind position in Oregon state government, the CPO must make strategic judgements and decisions relating to developing policy and as the AI Strategist, Nik will play a pivotal role in shaping Oregon’s AI landscape. 

“Adding a Chief Privacy Officer and AI Strategist to the team at EIS has been a goal of mine for a few years and I am excited to bring Nik onboard,” said Woods. “Nik will significantly enhance our ability to safeguard data, ensure compliance with privacy regulations, prioritize workforce AI literacy, and lead efforts to promote a culture of awareness across all state agencies, ultimately making Oregon a leader in data protection, privacy management, and AI Governance.”

Blosser brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career to his new role. A Stanford University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Aeronautical Engineering and English, he has a diverse educational background.

He has worked in both private and public sectors, with his career highlights including serving as Chair and Board Member of Sokol Blosser Winery for 22 years, one of the oldest family-owned and operated wineries in Oregon. Blosser also held significant roles in the Executive Office of the President, Portland General Electric, The White House, and served as Chief of Staff for Oregon Governor Kate Brown. 

Blosser co-founded Celilo Group Media, Inc., a company focused on sustainable products and services, and has been actively involved in numerous volunteer roles, including board memberships with Literary Arts, Oregon Business & Industry, and the Oregon Environmental Council. 

Nik Blosser’s leadership and dedication to public service and sustainability make him an invaluable asset to EIS and the state of Oregon. 

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 29, 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person(s) responsible for the illegal take and waste of a buck deer in Grants Pass.

On the morning of July 23, 2025, a dead buck deer was found on private property on NW Vine Street near NW Highland Avenue in Grants Pass. The property owner recalled hearing a single shot on the evening of July 21, 2025, but had not noticed the deceased animal until later.
 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number #SP25347008.
 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

The TIP program offers cash rewards or preference point rewards to individuals who provide information leading to the arrest or citation of those responsible for the unlawful killing of wildlife and/or waste of big game. When making a report, provide as much of the following information as possible:

• Description of suspicious activity or violation
• Date, time, and location of activity
• Description of any vehicle involved
• Name and/or description of suspect(s)

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

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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. 

Two new vice president roles will strengthen client partnerships and enhance project delivery excellence across Portland

PORTLAND, OR — Skanska, one of the world’s leading construction and development firms, has promoted two senior leaders in its Portland office.

Mark Engleking has been named Vice President, Account Manager at Skanska USA Building Inc. In his new role, Engleking oversees strategic client relationships, ensures alignment between project delivery and client goals and supports business development efforts in the Portland metro area. Mark will lead projects at Portland Public Schools’ Cleveland High School, Washington School for the Deaf, Oregon Health & Science University and Columbia Memorial Hospital.

Matt Richardson has been named Vice President, Preconstruction at Skanska USA Building Inc., leading preconstruction strategy and execution. Richardson will collaborate closely with clients, design partners and subcontractors to ensure projects are set up for success from the earliest phases.

The two leaders will help advance the Portland office’s business goals, including client success, operational excellence, growth in the Portland market and team development.

“Elevating Mark and Matt into these roles strengthens our ability to serve clients in Portland and the surrounding region,” said Trevor Wyckoff, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Skanska USA Building Inc. “Their deep technical expertise, strong client instincts and commitment to operational excellence position our Portland office to deliver even greater value on all of our projects.”

Mark Engleking leading account management in Skanska’s Portland office

Engleking, a 28-year Skanska veteran, returns to the Portland office as Vice President, Account Manager, after serving as Project Executive in the company’s Seattle office. He began his Skanska career in the Portland office in 1996 and led many landmark projects before moving to Seattle in 2000.

Engleking’s return strengthens Skanska’s regional expertise and reinforces its commitment to cultivating the next generation of construction leaders.

“Returning to the Portland office in this new role allows me to focus on what matters most: our clients success,” said Engleking. “This area is a special place, and I’m excited to partner with our clients and teams on landmark projects that make it an even better place to call home.”

Engleking has successfully managed complex projects for several high-profile clients throughout his three-decade career. His hands-on approach and ability to coach high-performing teams have earned him a reputation for driving projects to successful, sustainable completion.

Matt Richardson overseeing preconstruction strategy for Portland office

Richardson has been with Skanska for the past decade and has nearly 20 years of industry experience. He has led some of the firm’s most significant preconstruction efforts, including projects for Oregon Health & Science University, Portland International Airport, Redmond Airport and Portland Public Schools.

“Preconstruction is where we have the greatest opportunity to influence a project’s outcome,” said Richardson. “By getting involved early, we’re able to work closely with clients to define priorities, align budgets with design, and build a clear roadmap for execution. My focus is on ensuring every project starts with the right information, strategies, and partnerships to deliver lasting value.”

Richardson is known for his collaborative approach and ability to build strong relationships with clients, design and trade partners. His leadership in lean construction practices, including target value delivery and the Last Planner System, has helped teams deliver projects that are efficient, functional and cost-effective.

These promotions underscore Skanska’s commitment to building a leadership team rooted in experience, innovation, and strong community ties.

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About Skanska USA

Skanska Group uses knowledge & foresight to shape the way people live, work, and connect. Over 135 years in the making, we’re one of the world’s largest construction and project development companies, with 2024 revenue totaling $15.9 billion. We operate across select markets in the Nordics, Europe and the United States. Together with our customers and the collective expertise of our 26,300 teammates, we create innovative and sustainable solutions that support healthy living beyond our lifetime.

PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Scott E. Bradford has taken the oath of office—administered by U.S. Circuit Court Judge Danielle J. Forrest on Monday—to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. On July 28, 2025, United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Mr. Bradford to serve as interim U.S. Attorney.

The District of Oregon serves approximately four million people and covers more than 98,000 square miles. Our expansive region hosts a wide variety of cultural and geographic diversity and is home to nine federally recognized Tribes. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon has approximately 100 employees, with the main office located in Portland, where nearly half the population of the state lives, and two branch offices in Eugene and Medford, Oregon.

“I am honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and thank Attorney General Bondi for placing her trust in me. It is a privilege to lead this great office, serving alongside such dedicated public servants. I look forward to working with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the public and defend the interests of the United States,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Bradford is an 18-year veteran of the Department of Justice, joining the Department in 2007 through the Attorney General Honors Program and the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an Assistant United States Attorney in 2009. He has held several leadership positions in the office, including Chief of the White Collar Unit, Chief of the Economic, National Security, and Cyber Crimes Unit, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. In 2022, Bradford was the Department’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia. Bradford returned the Department of Justice in 2024 in Washington, D.C., most recently serving as the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Bradford clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman.

Bradford received his bachelor’s degree from Bringham Young University and his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.

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PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College and Mt. Hood Community College have collaborated on a 12-month program to help build the local workforce of preschool educators.

The Child Development Associate: Preschool (CDA) Program, with support from the Child Care Resource and Referral of Multnomah County (CCR&R), WorkSource Portland Metro and WorkSource Gresham, is a 12-month certificate designed to equip students with the essential skills, training, and support needed to become effective preschool educators. The program blends PCC’s workforce preparation courses with MHCC’s Vocational English for Speakers of Other Languages (VESL) instruction, using an Integrated Education and Training (IET) model and CCR&R providing the CDA training courses. 

A key part of this support is WorkSource Gresham providing a dedicated Career Pathways Specialist for the recruitment, intake, ongoing support, support services, and regular check-in's with all of the students and a VESL instructor at MHCC and PCC.

“This flexible, part-time program is tailored to meet the needs of busy students, providing wrap-around academic, employment, and support services throughout the journey,” said Bryan Jones, PCC’s manager of Career Pathways & STEP programs. “It is demanding, but it truly prepares students for a successful teaching career. Students graduate ready to enter the workforce and grow in the field.”

A key highlight is the program’s real-world application. Students complete 480 hours of hands-on fieldwork in preschool or in-home childcare settings, reinforced by paid internships through PCC’s Opportunity Center PDX Metro Works program. These internships allow students to earn income while gaining professional experience in early childhood education. 

“By leveraging local and state expertise and resources, the program is designed to meet the specific needs of our region, while offering a portable national credential to students,” said Kristen Kulongoski, Manager for Adult Basic Skills and Career Pathways at MHCC. “It also establishes a long-term educational and career pathway for both new and current early childhood education professionals.”

Participants also benefit from one-on-one support through Career Pathways, Workforce Gresham & STEP coaches at both colleges. 

Upon completion, graduates earn a national CDA certification that is recognized and portable across states. 

The graduates begin their careers with competitive wages ranging from $17–$19 per hour, with opportunities to earn up to $22 per hour in full-time positions. The program also provides a clear pathway to continued studies in early childhood education. After completing the program, they can continue their education and career pathway in an early childhood education degree program of their choice.

For more information on STEP and Career Pathways at PCC, visit https://www.pcc.edu/career-pathways/

 About Mt. Hood Community College: MHCC offers a variety of unique, flexible education options to a highly diverse student body. Situated in the beautiful foothills of Mt. Hood, we empower students to accomplish short- and long-term goals with regionally unique degree programs, public classes and events, high-contact advising, and an array of resources for students’ basic needs. As a community hub for cultural, economic, recreational, and intellectual enrichment, we’re committed to advancing equity, building responsible partnerships, and supporting every student’s personal and professional growth. Visit our website to learn more about how we Elevate student success at www.mhcc.edu/.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 53,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

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

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

LINN COUNTY, Ore. (July 29, 2025) – On Monday, July 28, 2025, at approximately 7:47 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 226 near Albany.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Buick Envoy, operated by Jarri Lynn Saul (55) of Lebanon, was traveling eastbound on Highway 226 near milepost 1.5 when it attempted to turn north onto Old Bridge Drive. The Buick turned into the path of a westbound blue Kenworth commercial motor vehicle, operated by Douglas Edward Ahlberg (49) of Aumsville. The vehicles collided nearly head-on.
 

The operator of the Buick (Saul) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
 

The Buick’s front passenger, a 15-year-old female Japanese exchange student, was also pronounced deceased at the scene.
 

The Buick’s rear passenger, another 15-year-old female Japanese exchange student, sustained serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to a local hospital.
 

The operator of the Kenworth (Ahlberg) was not injured.
 

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

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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

The Portland General Electric camera network spots potential wildfires early for enhanced firefighting and safety response

Portland, Ore. (July 29, 2025) - For the first time, anyone can access Portland General Electric’s wildfire camera network, used by emergency management and firefighting agencies, to stay informed about potential fire risks, make timely safety decisions, and continue to collaborate on fire prevention efforts. PGE has opened a public portal to its wildfire monitoring camera network that provides 24/7 visual observation of the landscape in and around Portland.

Public users can search, view and interact with cameras strategically positioned across PGE’s service area. The camera network maintains observation of PGE infrastructure in high fire risk areas as far south as Latgawa Mountain in Jackson County and as far north as Bald Hill near Scappoose.

“Opening public access to the real-time feeds for everyone is one of the ways we can help people plan for and make important decisions during potential emergency situations,” said Ben Felton, PGE executive vice president and chief operating officer. “PGE plans and prepares year-round to prevent wildfires, and this camera network is an important tool in our toolkit.”

The camera network supports wildfire prevention efforts by alerting PGE and public safety partners to potential wildfire ignitions – often advancing response time by hours. More than 215 users from 50 agencies, including fire, emergency management and communications, across PGE’s service area are actively using this network.

“The wildfire monitoring cameras have been a game-changer for wildfire response. They’ve helped us quickly detect and locate fires—like a 2023 lightning start in the Bull Run Watershed—and verify 911 calls during high-demand periods. This technology allows us to respond faster and more accurately,” said Brent Olson, Clackamas Fire District #1 division chief.

Emergency response organizations access an enhanced set of tools through the camera network, combining live visual feeds with additional data streams to improve situational awareness and support wildfire planning and response. For example, when the cameras detect smoke or fire activity, agency users receive notifications with the incident’s location and direct links to live camera feeds and functionality, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.

“Wildfire is a growing concern for the communities we serve around the Forest,” said Gar Abbas, Mt. Hood National Forest acting supervisor. “Using innovative ways to detect and respond to new fire starts is essential – tools like the wildfire monitoring cameras can be key in helping us protect people and the places they care about.”

PGE began installing the cameras in 2021 to better keep communities safe through smoke and fire detection and early alert warnings to first responders. PGE’s network, powered by artificial intelligence, has now grown to almost 40 cameras around Portland and surrounding areas.

The camera network automates fire detection, awareness and notifications through real-time visual intelligence, AI-driven detection, and third-party data streams. This critical information allows PGE and partners to proactively manage wildfire risks and enable a faster response by emergency management agencies. Learn more about the camera network at portlandgeneral.wildfirewatch.com.

About Portland General Electric Company

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

Saturday August 2, 2025

1920 SW Spring Street

1PM – 5 PM

On August 2, 2025, Portland Fire & Rescue is hosting an open house at Fire Station 15 to celebrate 100 years of service out of the same bungalow style fire station located at 1920 SW Spring Street. Station 15, which serves the SW Hills, has been located at the same address for the last 127 years. The open house will have interactive opportunities for both adults and children, with tours and historical information about the station provided by current and retired members of Portland Fire & Rescue.
 

Located on SW Spring Street between SW 19th and SW Vista Avenue, Station 15 was orignally established in 1908.  The original building was quite grand in nature, almost castle-like in appearance.  It would remain until 1925, when it was replaced by a bungalow style station, one of the Lee Holden designed stations.  These bungalow stations were designed to blend in with the neighborhoods they served, not resembling working fire stations from the exterior. Station 15 remains in service today, largely unchanged from its 1925 design.

Saturday August 2nd also marks the 172nd anniversary of Portland Fire & Rescue beginning service to Portlanders.  It also marks the 153rd anniversary of "Black Saturday," a conflagration that destroyed 22 blocks of the city and prompted the purchase of the Messenger Bell the following year.  After the bell became obsolete, it was stored at Station 15 for many years and has been (and will be again) a feature in the Portland Firefighter Memorial Triangle.  
 

More information on the history of Station 15 and PF&R will be available on August 2^nd during the open house. Come join us in this fun community event!

Earlier this year, DOC hired the Falcon Group, a national consulting firm specializing in correctional healthcare. Falcon conducted a comprehensive review of DOC’s healthcare delivery system including policies, practices, and the overall quality of care. Falcon arrived at 67 findings and key observations reflecting convergence among sources of information and stakeholders that were unprecedented in Falcon’s experience. The key findings in “State of Oregon Department of Corrections Healthcare Delivery System Assessment,” included Falcon noting that DOC impressed them as authentically committed to studying and improving healthcare for AICs. The report also noted that Pharmacy Services and Dental Services both emerged as best practice models, and that Behavioral Health Services has many best-practice approaches.  

Salem, Ore. – Oregon Lottery’s efforts to educate and support responsible gaming initiatives are being recognized nationally with four top awards. Each year, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) honors individuals and organizations from around the world for their significant impact in the fields of problem gambling awareness, research, and responsible gambling.

Oregon Lottery earned awards in the following categories: 

• Corporate Social Responsibility Award for Oregon Lottery’s overall program
• Corporate Public Awareness Award for Oregon Lottery’s “Safer Play” PSA campaign
• Corporate Multicultural Communications Award for Oregon Lottery’s “multicultural digital/print media marketing campaign” 
• Don Feeney Award for Responsible Gambling Excellence (individual honor) - Stacy Shaw, Oregon Lottery senior manager for product marketing

"These awards reflect how deeply safer play is woven into everything we do," said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. "It's more than just a requirement. It's a shared commitment for the entire agency and is rewarding to be recognized as a national leader."

The awards ceremony took place on Friday, July 18, in Columbus, Ohio, during the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling 2025. 

“Over the past year, we have invested in our Safer Play Program to conduct research, offer marketing outreach, and provide resources that let us reach more people on their help seeking journey,” said Shaw. “Receiving these awards shows that our peers and colleagues see the impact of this important work, which we are excited to continue." 

Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery profits have funded problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts throughout Oregon. Since that time, over $148 million in Lottery funds has supported those services.

Oregonians can access online tools and connect with free, professional counseling by going to the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) website. 

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 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.

Press Release Correction/Update 2:

The Vancouver Fire Department requested the support of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Dive Team to recover the body at Wintler Park.  At approximately 7:15 tonight the Sheriff's Office Dive Team did recover the body who was then transported by Vancouver Fire Department Rescue Boat 1 to shore and turned over the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner.

Press Release Correction/Update:

The man is 52 years old, not 54.  His body has not yet been found.

The man was swiming to recover some property that was in deeper water.  The 5 year old was not involved in any part of this drowning according to the vistim's family.

Vancouver Fire Department Rescue Boat 1 is on scene again today (07/28/2025) to search for the body using sonar equipement and standard search patterns. Fire Boat 1 is equiped with new sonar equipement to enhance search efforts. 

Original Press Release:

The Vancouver Fire Department responded to a water rescue at Wintler Park on the evening of July 27 at approximately 8:48 p.m. after reports that a 54-year-old male entered the Columbia River to assist a 5-year-old child struggling to stay afloat.

According to witnesses, the man successfully rescued the child but then went under the water and was not seen again.

A total of 23 emergency personnel responded to the scene, including rescue swimmers from Vancouver Fire and Clark County Fire District 6, Vancouver’s Fire Boat, Portland Fire & Rescue’s rescue boat, and the US Coast Guard.

Rescue operations continued until 10:39p.m. and were then suspended. The incident has since been turned over to the US Coast Guard and the Vancouver Police Department for continued investigation and recovery efforts.