Bird City Yachats (BCY) will hold its official launch on March 1st, 1:30 PM at the Yachats Lions Hall when Bird City Oregon will present the designation to the Mayor of Yachats. This will be followed by a talk entitled “Taking Refuge on the Oregon Coast”, a history of our coastal wildlife refuges, which provide critical seabird nesting habitat. BCY is sponsored by the Yachats Lions Club.

In the Fall 2025 the city of Yachats was awarded an Oregon Bird City, the first bird city on the Pacific Coast. This certification rewards cities for their efforts to help wildlife. Bird City Yachats (BCY) is part of a national program, Bird City Network ( https://birdcity.org/) of more than 300 “Bird” cities across the country. A steering committee for BCY has been established to encourage our citizens to protect and enjoy our precious wildlife and to develop projects for their protection.

BCY projects range from education (e.g., speaker series, bird walks) to removing threats (e.g., bird strike prevention) and marketing (e.g., website, ads promoting Yachats as a birding destination). Birds have unique threats. One that kills millions of birds a year is striking windows. In that regard BCY been working with the city manager on window treatments for the new pavilion that will minimize bird strikes. Open pipes and chimneys that can trap birds are another threat. Working together with Seven Capes Bird Alliance, BCY has surveyed 24 state parks in Lincoln County and identified over 150 open pipes which we will help cap.

BCY now has a website (https://birdcity.org/oregon/yachats) and information available at the Visitor Center on birds and birding sites. This month we will unveil a photo exhibition of local birds and wildlife in the children’s section of the new Yachats library.

Established in 1950, the Yachats Lions Club serves Yachats and South Lincoln County. With our motto of “WE SERVE”, we provide service for eyeglasses and exams, hearing aids and exams, eye screening in Lincoln County schools, pancake breakfasts, crab feed, lunch bunch, speaker series, peace poster and flag day events in our schools, and community use of our clubhouse. Through community donations to the Yachats Lions Thrift Store our sales allow us to donate to local needs such as student scholarships, food pantries, school programs, and conservation projects.

Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization with a network of 1.4 million men and women in more than 200 countries and geographical locations. We serve where we live, as well as globally, and we have fun doing it.

For more information, contact Lion Jim Welch at 970-217-4424 or jameswelch1009@gmail.com

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County is welcoming applications for an open seat on the Human Services Advisory Council with a term ending February 28, 2029. 

The Human Services Advisory Council advises the Board of County Commissioners on developmental disabilities, mental health and alcohol and drug abuse services.  

The council meets the first Thursday of each month to identify needs, establish priorities for publicly funded services and assist in selection of service providers, evaluate services and provide a link to the public through advocacy and education.  

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Application forms are available online at ClatsopCounty.gov or at the County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria.  

All applications will be reviewed by the Human Services Advisory Council and then brought to the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners for appointment. 

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man pleaded guilty today after assaulting a federal officer at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Robert Jacob Hoopes, 25, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of a federal employee with a dangerous weapon resulting in bodily injury.

According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Hoopes threw a large rock and struck an ICE officer in the head, causing a significant laceration over the officer’s eye. Later that same day, he and two other individuals were seen using an upended stop sign as a makeshift battering ram, which resulted in significant damage to the main entry door to the ICE building. 

On August 5, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Hoopes with aggravated assault on a federal employee with a dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property.

Hoopes faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on May 12, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Hoopes has agreed to pay full restitution, estimated to be over $7,000

The FBI is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

# # #

Press Release   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
February 18, 2026

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR THE 2026 IRIS AWARDS HONORING WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

Honorees to be revealed during the Iris Awards Luncheon at the Inspire HER Conference on March 12, 2026

VANCOUVER, Wash.  — The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Iris Awards, presented by Riverview Bank. This prestigious recognition celebrates outstanding women across Southwest Washington whose leadership, innovation, and dedication to service have created meaningful and lasting impact in their communities.

The 2026 Iris Award recipients will be revealed at the Iris Awards Luncheon, a signature event of the Chamber’s Inspire HER Conference, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. The annual luncheon brings together business leaders, professionals, and community advocates to honor excellence and inspire the next generation of women leaders.

For more than three decades, the Women of Achievement Awards, now known as the Iris Awards, have recognized remarkable women whose vision and commitment strengthen Southwest Washington. Since its founding in 1985, the program has celebrated individuals who lead with purpose, elevate others, and drive positive change throughout the region.

2026 Iris Awards Finalists:

• Carol Van Natta – Board Chair, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
• Josie Hyde – Division President and Regional Manager, WFG National Title Insurance Company
• Judy Chipman – Mayor Pro Tem, City of Ridgefield
• Karen Morrison – Founder, Odyssey World International Education Services (OWIES)
• Kate Sacamano – Chief Marketing Officer, The Columbian
• Klarissa Hightower – Board Chair, Southwest Washington Equity Coalition

“These finalists represent the very best of Southwest Washington - leaders who uplift others, champion meaningful causes, and strengthen the fabric of our community through service and innovation,” said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. 

Community members are invited to attend the Iris Awards Luncheon and celebrate the remarkable achievements of these inspiring finalists. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at: https://www.vancouverusa.com/inspire-her 

The 2026 Iris Awards Luncheon is presented by Riverview Bank, with support from Legacy Health, OnPoint Community Credit Union, and Vancouver Clinic.

To learn more about this year’s finalists and past Iris Awards honorees, visit: https://www.vancouverusa.com/iris-awards.

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About the Iris Awards

Wanting to recognize women of achievement in southwest Washington who exemplified leadership, philanthropy and community service was the inspiration for what is today the Iris Awards. This recognition program was launched in 1985 as Women of Achievement. For over 40 years, the southwest Washington community has nominated outstanding women for recognition. The Iris Award was held to commemorate National Women’s History Month, to recognize International Women’s Day, and to honor volunteer efforts and community leadership of women in Clark County. 

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for more than 135 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The community is invited to take part in a once-in-a-century moment as the Main Street Promise Time Capsule is placed on Friday, February 20, at 11:00 a.m., at Main Street and West 13th Street in downtown Vancouver. Once closed, the capsule will remain buried until the year 2125.

On Tuesday, February 17th, deputies received a tip from a community member who identified the driver in the hit-and-run crash between a truck and a pedestrian that took place on February 13th near SW Tualatin Valley Highway and SW 178th Avenue. The tip identified the driver of the involved 2010 Ford F-150 as 43-year-old Amber Peterson of Aloha.

Deputies located and arrested Peterson and seized the truck as evidence. Peterson faces charges of Assault in the third degree and hit-and-run. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the community for coming forward with information. If you have information about this incident and have not spoken to deputies, please contact the Sheriff’s Office through non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 referencing case number 50-26-2105. 

Original Media Release: Deputies Investigating Hit and Run in Aloha

February 15, 2026

On Friday, February 13, 2026, at 6:34 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a crash between a pedestrian and a truck at SW Tualatin Valley Highway and SW 178^th Avenue. Community members stopped to help a 31-year-old man that was in the road and called police after learning he was hit by a vehicle that did not stop to check on him.

When deputies arrived, they found the man with serious injuries, and the Washington County Crash Analysis and Reconstruction Team was called to the scene to lead the investigation. Investigators discovered a video of the involved truck from a nearby business. The truck appears to be black, full-size, and has a 4-door cab. The driver of the truck may have been a woman with blonde hair.

Investigators would like to speak with anyone that witnessed the crash who has not spoken with law enforcement or anyone who has information on the identity of the person driving the truck. Please call 503-629-0111 and reference case number 50-26-2105. 

Media note video is available--please email WCSOpio@washingtoncountyor.gov and we will send you the video 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oaks Park Association

Emily MacKay

emckay@oakspark.com

503-206-4024

Oaks Park to Host 5th Annual Job Fair for 2026 Season, Highlighting Future Growth

PORTLAND, Ore. (February 18, 2026) – Oaks Park is gearing up for another exciting season and inviting local teens, young adults, seniors, and anyone else looking for a fun work environment to jumpstart their summer plans at its 5th Annual Job Fair on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the historic Oaks Park Dance Pavilion.

The hiring fair marks the first opportunity to apply for positions for the 2026 season, giving attendees a head start before most jobs open to the general public. Especially useful for local high school and college students who will be home for the summer, the event offers a convenient way to explore opportunities, meet department supervisors, and even interview on the spot.

Many attendees walk away with their summer job secured the same day.

Seasonal positions are available across a variety of departments, including:

• Ride Operations
• Food Service
• Game Operations
• Customer Service
• Roller Rink
• Custodial & Maintenance
• Events
• And more

Some roles may begin as early as March.

Oaks Park hires team members ages 16 and older, with a limited number of positions available for 14- and 15-year-olds. The park prides itself on offering a supportive and energetic work environment where employees can build valuable job skills, customer service experience, and lifelong friendships.

This year’s hiring fair also comes at an exciting time for the historic amusement park. Oaks Park is actively advancing its 20-Year Master Plan, a long-term vision focused on thoughtful growth, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced guest experiences while preserving the park’s historic charm. As the organization invests in its future, it is also investing in the next generation of workers who will help bring that vision to life.

“Growth at Oaks Park isn’t just about new attractions and improvements, it’s about growing our team and creating opportunities for young people in our community,” said Emily MacKay, Oaks Park’s Marketing and Events Director. “For more than 120 years, Oaks Park has been a place where Portlanders create memories. Many of those memories begin with a first job here.”

Parking is free during the event. For added convenience, a designated parents’ waiting area will be available with complimentary snacks and beverages.

Oaks Park encourages applicants to come prepared to learn about open positions and participate in interviews.

For more information about the job fair or seasonal employment opportunities, visit www.oakspark.com.

PORTLAND, Ore.— The owner of a tree removal business was sentenced to prison today for willfully failing to pay over employment taxes to the IRS on behalf of the company she owned and operated.

Joyce Leard, 47, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Leard was also ordered to pay $2,880,346.25 in restitution and $100 special assessment.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately 2017 through 2024, Leard owned and operated Mr. Tree Inc., a Happy Valley, Oregon, company that provided tree removal and landscaping services to customers. The company advertised itself as being in business for thirty years and employed approximately 50 to 75 employees each year.

Leard was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from the wages of her employees and paying those funds over to the IRS each quarter, as well as filing quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS.

From the fourth quarter of 2018 through the fourth quarter of 2020, Leard withheld taxes from her employees’ wages but did not pay over those taxes to the IRS or file quarterly employment tax returns. Instead, she used funds in Mr. Tree’s business bank account to pay other expenses and creditors and purchased approximately $3.5 million of real estate. During this period, the company also did not file a corporate tax return, and, from 2018 through 2020, Leard did not file a personal income tax return, as required by law. 

Leard’s conduct caused a total tax loss of over $3.5 million.

On January 14, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 12-count indictment charging Leard with willful failure to account for and pay over tax and willful failure to file return.

On June 16, 2025, Leard pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over tax.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorneys J. Parker Gochenour and Megan E. Wessel of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section prosecuted the case with substantial support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

DALLAS (OR) – Julius Cavada Panimdim, 38, has been sentenced to serve 75 months (6 years, 3 months) in prison for sexually abusing a child under the age of 13 when he resided in Dallas.

Panimdim, formerly of Dallas, was sentenced by Polk County Circuit Judge Monte S. Campbell, after pleading guilty to a single count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Judge Campbell sentenced Panimdim according to Oregon’s Measure 11 minimum mandatory sentencing law. He will not be eligible for any form of early release or sentence reduction. He will also be required to serve a 45-month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release.

The case was investigated by the Dallas and Salem Police Departments. It was prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen.

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 2, 2026) ~ March 4 is HPV Awareness Day, a time to highlight cervical cancer prevention and address persistent myths around Human papillomavirus (HPV), vaccination, and cervical cancer screening. Kaiser Permanente Northwest is offering interviews with Amanda Petrik, PhD, a Portland-based researcher whose work focuses on increasing education about the HPV virus, expanding access to HPV prevention, and reducing long-standing disparities in cervical cancer outcomes.

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

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

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

Interviews available:

Amanda Petrik, PhD, health services researcher with the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, is available for interviews on Tuesday, March 3 from 10 a.m. to noon and Wednesday, March 4 from 9-10:30 a.m. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Karen Vitt to schedule. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org">Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Petrik is prepared to discuss:

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

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

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

• Disparities in cervical cancer screening and outcomes

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

About Kaiser Permanente

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

Date: Wed, March 11th, 2026

Time: 7 pm

Location: Kiggins Theatre Vancouver, Wa

Tickets: $15-$45

Event Website: https://www.scienceontaporwa.org/events/kiggins_mar_11_gut-biome/

How do your immune cells get their intel?
Who digests your food?
Who gave your food nutrients in the first place?

Food crops not only make their own phytochemical menu that add flavor to our lives, ward off caterpillars, etc, but plants, themselves, have their very own microbiome! From mycorrhizal connections, endophytic fungi, and nodule-forming nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, the interdependent nature of nature is an inspiration.

Come for a good “gut feeling” about your microbiome, stay to hear what soil and planetary health can offer. From microorganisms to macro-nutrients, from the garden to our guts, from the latest scientific discoveries to our beliefs, we will ask the question: what is possible by cultivating diverse communities?

Dr. Adrienne Godschalx teaches Microbiology at Lower Columbia College to aspiring nurses. 

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

Battle Ground Public Schools’ alternative learning and specialty programs are now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year, offering families a wide range of flexible educational options for students in grades K-12. Battle Ground offers more alternative learning programs than any other school district in Southwest Washington. These programs are designed to meet the diverse academic, social and career needs of students. All programs are tuition-free; however, application requirements and deadlines vary.

Current Battle Ground Public Schools students may apply to any program serving the grade they will enter in the 2026-27 school year. Some programs also accept students who live outside district boundaries, though in-district students receive enrollment priority. Transportation is not provided unless specifically noted in the program description.

Battle Ground Virtual Academy–grades K–12

Battle Ground Virtual Academy provides an online learning experience for students seeking flexibility while receiving support from their parents/guardians, while remaining connected to teachers. Students meet regularly with assigned advisers and receive ongoing academic support. The accredited school accepts students from all over the state of Washington. Learn about the enrollment process.

Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education (CASEE)–grades 9–12

CASEE is a half-day program that integrates lab science, Career & Technical Education and English for high school students. CASEE’s curriculum focuses on science, agriculture and environmental studies on CASEE's expansive 80-acre outdoor laboratory. Additionally, students can earn free college credits in select courses. Students return to their high schools for other classes. Transportation is provided to and from Prairie and Battle Ground high schools. Find out how to enroll.

Character and Academics for the Marketplace (CAM) Academy–grades 3–12

CAM Academy is a parent-partnered school offering rigorous academics alongside character development and practical workforce skills. The school recently received the College Board’s highest honor for schools creating Advanced Placement programs that deliver results. CAM students attend classes on campus four days per week, with structured at-home learning completed in partnership with parents or guardians. Get enrollment details.

Open Doors GED program–ages 16–21

The Open Doors program supports eligible Battle Ground students who have left school and/or have not met graduation requirements and want to earn a GED while building career and life skills. Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the school year in which they enroll. The program is located alongside Summit View High School and offers flexible schedules and personalized support. Learn more and apply now.

River HomeLink–grades K–12

River HomeLink is an accredited public school offering learning options that combine at-home instruction with on-campus support. Students learn from anywhere and at their own pace. Certificated teachers support student success through in-person consultations. In 2024, it was named a School on the Rise for its work to improve school culture and amplify student voice. See enrollment deadlines for River HomeLink and add your child’s information to the interest form. Space is limited.

Summit View High School–grades 9–12

Summit View High School serves students who need an individualized, self-paced approach to high school. The accredited school’s mastery-based approach allows students to work and graduate on their own timeline, with one-on-one support from teachers. The majority of students’ work is done off campus. Learn more about Summit View and complete the school’s intake form.

In addition to these programs, Battle Ground students can also access a variety of career and technical education classes and programs, Cascadia Tech Academy, and Running Start.

Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Revenue has begun distributing refunds for the 2025 tax year. Through February 17, the department has processed more than 500,000 electronically filed tax returns.

Most taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds within two weeks of the date their return is filed. Some returns, however, require additional review and can take up to 20 weeks before a refund is issued.

Oregon is returning a $1.41 billion revenue surplus “kicker” to taxpayers in 2026. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer's refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

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

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax form information to the Oregon Department of Revenue. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns will not begin until the end of March. The first refunds for paper-filed returns are not expected to be issued until April.

Taxpayers can check the status of their e-filed refund by using the department’s Where’s My Refund? tool. The Department of Revenue recommends that taxpayers wait one week after they have electronically filed their return to use the Where’s My Refund tool. Paper-filed returns won’t show up in the Where’s My Refund? tool until processing begins in late March. Taxpayers mailing their return should wait two weeks after the department starts processing paper returns in late March or after mailing their return, whichever is later.

The Where’s My Refund? tool has been updated for 2026, providing clear messaging about the status of their return to taxpayers who are signed into their Revenue Online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers who don’t have a Revenue Online account can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool but won’t be able to see the updated features.

A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.

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

In addition to checking the status of their refund, taxpayers can make payments, or get tax forms by visiting the department’s website. Questions can be emailed to questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

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

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At 9:14 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to the Port of Vancouver for a reported fire in the cargo hold of a break bulk carrier. This vessel is a 656 foot long ship that carries dry bulk materials. A crew member aboard the vessel reported visible smoke and flames coming from a pile of shredded metal inside the ship’s cargo hold.

Due to the complexity and hazards associated with shipboard fires, the incident was upgraded to include the Marine Fire Safety Association (MFSA), which activated specialized Shipboard Firefighting Technicians from across the region. These technicians are part of a coordinated regional response team comprised of 14 participating fire departments trained to manage shipboard emergencies from Astoria to Vancouver along the Columbia River.

Initial arriving Vancouver Fire crews observed smoke coming from an open midship cargo hold, where unloading operations were in progress. The ship’s crew had already initiated firefighting efforts using the vessel’s onboard suppression system and had deployed two hose lines to cool adjacent cargo and prevent fire extension. Firefighters worked alongside the ship’s crew to access the affected area, locate the source of the fire, and bring the incident under control.

Additional responding agencies included Clark Cowlitz Fire & Rescue, Clark County Fire District 6, and Portland Fire & Rescue, while other regional resources remained on standby in their respective service areas. In total, 17 fire units responded to this incident.

The fire was stabilized and brought under control in under four hours. All members of the ship and working crew were accounted for and there were no reported injuries.

Vancouver Fire Department extends its appreciation to the Marine Fire Safety Association, United States Coast Guard, Port of Vancouver, Port of Portland, and the vessel’s crew for their professionalism, coordination, and assistance in resolving this incident safely.

CORVALLIS, Ore. — Benton County recognized the Day of Remembrance for Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II in the Feb. 17 Board of Commissioners meeting.

Dr. Janet Seiko Nishihara, director of the Educational Opportunities Program at Oregon State University, read a proclamation recognizing Feb. 19 as the Day of Remembrance of Japanese Americans Incarcerated During World War II.

The national Day of Remembrance commemorates the signing of Executive Order 9066 in 1942, which led to the forced removal and incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans. Communities across the United States hold events each February to honor those affected and reflect on civil rights and civil liberties.

Benton County Deputy District Attorney Kevin Hashizume joined Nishihara before the Board to share personal connections in his family’s history. A recording of the proclamation reading is available on the Benton County Board of Commissioners meeting video at the 14:30 mark.

Nishihara reflected on both injustice and resilience, emphasizing that sharing personal and family histories remains critical to helping the broader community understand the lasting impacts of incarceration and why the message of “Never Again” must continue. 

“Our stories are two of the thousands from the incarceration and can add greatly to the understanding of the larger community about the ramifications of what happened and why ‘Never Again’ is a theme that we must keep going,” Nishihara said.

She also emphasized that remembrance includes recognizing both the hardships faced and the strength communities demonstrated under confinement.

“Despite the conditions in which they lived, Japanese Americans were resourceful and stood up systems and structures that continued to bring their community together,” Nishihara said. “During this time, they created their own churches, post offices, security departments, fire brigades, schools, and recreational and educational activities for the many children in the camps."

"While all of these activities and internal structures were built by the incarcerated Japanese residents, they were still surrounded by armed guards and barbed wire, which were constant reminders of the denial of their civil rights.”

For Hashizume, this history hits close to home. His father, Naotaka “John” Hashizume, was a young child when his family was incarcerated at the Heart Mountain camp in Wyoming. Growing up, Kevin Hashizume said the experience was rarely discussed directly at home.

“We just called it ‘camp,’” Hashizume said. “As kids we thought it was like a summer camp or something.”

He said it was not until adulthood that he fully understood the emotional weight the experience carried for his father. Looking back, he began to notice patterns — including his father’s reluctance to travel outside California.

“He wanted to stay where he felt safe and comfortable, and he wouldn’t always say why,” Hashizume said. “It wasn’t until I was older that I realized how much it affected him.”

Hashizume said his own visit to Heart Mountain brought a new level of understanding. Seeing the location in person while his children were close to the same age his father had been at the time created a powerful emotional connection.

“I thought about what that must have been like and whether I would have been strong enough,” he said. “They had a comfortable life in Hollywood with a nice house. Everything was taken, and they left with only what they could carry.”

Watching preserved home movies and photographs of his family playing as children while at Heart Mountain added another layer of emotion. Hashizume said he is proud his grandfather intentionally documented and safeguarded that history.

“It’s something we were never taught in school,” he said. “To know my grandfather put real effort into preserving it means a lot to be able to bring that history back into focus.”

The Hashizume family maintains strong ties to the Japanese American National Museum and to the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center in Wyoming, where interviews, photographs and artifacts connected to the family are archived and shared with the public.

Hashizume also noted that some modern migrant detention facilities exist near or on the same sites as former incarceration camps, one reason many families and advocacy groups continue to speak out and work to keep the history visible.

Benton County District Attorney Ryan Joslin said Hashizume’s family connection makes him a valuable resource when discussing the topic. Joslin noted that Hashizume keeps several historic photographs and related items displayed in his office and willingly shares them to help others better understand the history. 

While D.A. Joslin does not have a personal family connection to wartime incarceration, the subject is meaningful to him. He lived in Japan from 1987 to 1989 and later majored in Japanese as an undergraduate, experiences he said gave him a lasting appreciation for the people of Japan, their culture and history.

An interview with Naotaka “John” Hashizume, conducted by the Japanese American National Museum when they brought part of the Eaton Collection to the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center in 2016, is available on Japanese American National Museum YouTube.

Amateur footage from the Hashizume family collection, including scenes from Heart Mountain, is available through Discover Nikkei.

Proclamations read before and adopted by the Benton County Board of Commissioners are a tool to formally acknowledge history and promote public understanding. The Hashizume family’s history serves as an important local example of the relevance of continuing to honor and learn from the past.

WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Land Management is inviting public input for proposed updates to resources management across 2.5 million acres of highly productive timberlands in western Oregon, an effort that underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to expanding domestic timber production and reducing reliance on foreign imports.

“Bringing timber production back to historic levels is essential for reviving local economies and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires,” said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. “President Trump has made it clear — enhanced domestic timber production is vital for our national security, economic prosperity, and effective wildfire management.”

A notice will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register to open the comment period, which closes on March 23. Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments may be submitted through the “Participate Now” option. Written comments may also be emailed to LM_OR_Revision_Scoping@blm.gov" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 94, 162);">BLM_OR_Revision_Scoping@blm.gov or delivered to: Attention BLM OR930, 1220 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204.

The BLM remains committed to supplying a secure, resilient domestic timber supply. In western Oregon, this commitment is rooted in the Oregon and California Revested Lands Sustained Yield Management Act of 1937, which ensures sustainable forestry practices that support communities and livelihoods.

Revenue from timber harvested on these lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon counties—funding essential local services such as schools, libraries, public safety, and infrastructure projects. Each year, BLM timber sales support approximately 2,000 local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies.

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

On 02/17/2026, at approximately 2:47 p.m., Clark County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) patrol deputies responded to an assault with a weapon call at Heritage High School located at 7825 NE 130th Avenue in Vancouver, WA. Staff advised a 15-year-old student had been stabbed with a knife by another 15-year-old student while in a bathroom. The victim suffered non-life threatening wounds. The victim was able to disarm the suspect and flee the bathroom. The suspect was contained within the bathroom by school staff. 

CCSO deputies arrived on scene and took the suspect into custody without incident. There were no other threats to students or staff. The victim received medical treatment for her injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The suspect was booked into Juvenile Detention Hall. 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Detectives assigned to TriMet’s Transit Police, led by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating an assault that occurred in downtown Portland.

This investigation began at approximately 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, when Transit Police and the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) responded to a reported disturbance near Southwest 5th Avenue and Southwest Madison Street.

Transit Police believe a disturbance on a TriMet MAX train escalated into an assault, which then continued onto the sidewalk, based on their preliminary investigation.

The assault left one person with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Paramedics took the man to a hospital with injuries that appear consistent with a stabbing and physical assault.

The two suspects involved in the assault ran away before law enforcement arrived. Just before 11 a.m., officers with PPB found two males near Lincoln High School who matched the suspects’ descriptions.

PPB officers initiated a foot chase. The suspects entered the high school, where officers took them into custody without further incident. There were no injuries to anyone inside Lincoln High School.

The suspects are 15 and 22 years old. It remains under investigation whether either has a connection to Lincoln High School.

At this time, there is no information indicating that the two suspects knew the injured person. The circumstances that led to the assault are still under investigation.

The 15-year-old will be booked into the Multnomah County Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center, and the 22-year-old will be booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.

No further information is available for release at this time.

About Transit Police:   

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) leads the multi-agency TriMet Transit Police Division. Transit Police officers and deputies help to ensure a safe transit system by riding trains and buses and visiting platforms and stations. They respond to calls for service and investigate crimes that occur on TriMet property in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. 

Current agencies comprising Transit Police include MCSO, the Portland Police Bureau, Port of Portland Police Department, Beaverton Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. 

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Hepatitis B infant vaccinations, birth parent screenings decline 

OHA’s new interactive dashboard tracks virus data back to 2020 

What you should know:

DALLAS (OR) – Troy Louis Meza, of Salem, has been sentenced to 75 months (6 years, 3 months) in prison after pleading guilty in Polk County Circuit to one count of attempted sodomy in the first degree and one count of failing to register as a sex offender.

Meza, 48, appeared before Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso on February 13, 2026 for sentencing on both matters. The attempted sodomy case stemmed from a 2023 incident in which the victim was 13 years old at the time of the offense. The failure to register case stemmed from an incident in which Meza had failed to keep his address current with the state’s sex offender registry. Meza is required to register due to a prior conviction for Sex Abuse in the Second Degree. Judge Caso also required Meza to serve a 24-month term of Post Prison Supervision.

The case was investigated by the Dallas Police Department, Oregon State Police, and prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen.

Media are invited to a press conference announcing project updates on the Bull Run filtration project from Deputy City Administrator for Public Works Priya Dhanapal and Director of Public Utilities Ting Lu. Hear about our progress toward building the biggest capital project in City of Portland history and learn about approaching milestones.

What:               City and project leaders, tradespeople, and public health representatives will share

the latest news on the project’s construction timeline and more.

When:              11 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2026

Where:            Portland Water Bureau, Interstate Campus, 644 N. Tillamook St, Portland, OR

97227 Street parking only.

RSVP:              Confirm attendance by contacting Brandon Zero at

randon.zero@portlandoregon.gov">brandon.zero@portlandoregon.gov

Note: Street parking is scarce. Please allow extra time to find parking and be prepared to park two or more blocks away.

Read more about the Bull Run Filtration Project here.

See our digital assets including project construction, pilot ash project and wildfire videos here.

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

About the Public Works Service Area

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

Access and accommodations

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

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

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

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

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

The transit agency scores 81 points higher than the national average in customer loyalty while proving to be a critical link for regional employment.

SALEM, OR – (February 17, 2026) — Cherriots has released the results of its 2025 annual surveys, showing the transit district continues to outperform national benchmarks for customer satisfaction while delivering strong community value across the Salem-Keizer region. Conducted by the independent research firm ETC Institute, the surveys highlight the role Cherriots plays not only as a transit provider, but also as a key connector to jobs, education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

Strong Customer Satisfaction Results

Cherriots riders reported service quality well above industry norms. Key findings from the Customer Satisfaction Survey include:

• Overall Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction with bus service rated 33% higher than the national average. Of more than 400 riders surveyed, only two reported dissatisfaction.
   

• Essential Service: Ninety-two percent of riders rely on Cherriots to get around, with 59% primarily using the service to access employment.
   

• Cleanliness: Satisfaction with bus cleanliness exceeded the national average by 49%.
   

• Safety: Riders reported feeling safer than national benchmarks both onboard buses (+38%) and while waiting at bus stops (+41%).
   

• Customer Loyalty: Cherriots earned a Net Promoter Score of 65, which is 81 points higher than the national transit average of -16.
   

Recognized Community Value

The Community Value Survey, which includes input from riders and non-riders, underscores broad public recognition and support for Cherriots:

• High Awareness: 98% of Salem-area residents recognize Cherriots as the region’s public transportation provider.
   

• Community Value: 76% agree that Cherriots is a valuable part of the community. 46% find Cherriots to be personally valuable. Both ratings exceed national averages (+10% and +15%, respectively).
   

• Regional Connections: Residents rated Cherriots above national averages for providing access to medical facilities (+5%), schools (+10%), and jobs (+10%).
   

Support for Continued Investment

Survey results also show strong support for future transit investment. 85% of bus customers and 65% of Cherriots LIFT customers agree that funding for transit services should increase over the next five years to meet growing regional needs.

"These results show that we are delivering on our promise to connect people in our community to jobs and opportunity at a national-leading level, “ said Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey. I am incredibly proud of the value Cherriots provides to our region every day.”

For more information on the 2025 survey results and Cherriots strategic initiatives, visit www.cherriots.org/strategicplan/. 

About Cherriots

Established in 1979, Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) is a special district covering 78 square miles in the Mid-Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Locally known as Cherriots, the district provides vital service to more than 450,000 residents in Marion and Polk counties. SAMTD maintains a total of 124 transit vehicles across its various services and provides approximately 3.3 million passenger trips annually.

For more information, visit www.cherriots.org.

Prairie High School is proud to present Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, the Tony Award-winning stage adaptation inspired by children's book. This captivating production celebrates childhood, the power of imagination and the courage to stand up for what’s right.

Matilda tells the inspiring story of a remarkable young girl with an extraordinary imagination and a sharp mind. Unloved by her parents but supported by her beloved teacher Miss Honey, Matilda dares to dream of a better life and proves that even the smallest voice can make a big difference. Audiences of all ages will delight in this joyous, high-energy musical filled with unforgettable songs, humor and heart.

Performance dates:

• Friday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Feb. 28, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m.

• Friday, March 6, at 7 p.m.

• Saturday, March 7, at 7 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now. Order early for the best seat selection and pricing. Ticket prices increase at the door.

SALEM, Ore. — The state announces the launch of the Tribal Housing Grant Fund (THGF), which is a first-of-its-kind program to provide state funds to help address the housing needs of the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon. 

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund creates a new framework for how the state works with the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “It represents a meaningful step forward in honoring our government-to-government relationship and ensuring Tribes have the resources and flexibility they need to address their critical housing needs.”

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and representatives from Tribal Nations, including housing directors, health and human services directors, and council members, worked for more than a year to develop the program.

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund is a landmark program that elevates Tribal self-determination in a state-funded program,” said Sami Jo Difuntorum, executive director of Siletz Tribal Housing Department and Housing Stability Council member. “The THGF will provide Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes with critical housing resources, providing flexibility in program design.”

“The values, culture, and housing needs of communities are best understood locally,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. "In consultation with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes, the Tribal Housing Grant Fund emphasizes self-determination and flexibility in how Tribes use state resources to address local needs. Honoring Tribal sovereignty, in its richest form, calls on us to operationalize this shared value."

In the 2025 Legislative Session, lawmakers allocated $10 million to OHCS to establish the program. Program funds can be used for affordable rental housing and homeownership initiatives, as well as to maintain By and For Initiative-Native American Tribes of Oregon (BAFI-NATO) investments. 

Tribal Nations will receive funds based on a formula that was previously used by the BAFI-NATO program, where each grantee receives a base amount along with Tribal enrollment numbers.

To obtain the funds, grantees must submit a housing plan every biennium outlining how they will use the money.

Eligible THGF program activities include:

• Homelessness response and prevention ​
• Affordable rental housing
• Homeownership support such as down payment and mortgage assistance
• Land acquisition, infrastructure, development, and rehabilitation ​
• Financial assistance and support services for households that qualify
• Capacity building​

Visit the THGF webpage for more program details.  

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring of source water. The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. In the 50 liters sampled each day from February 8 to February 11, 2026, two Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in the sample collected on February 9, and one oocyst was detected in the sample collected on February 11. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the samples collected on February 8 or February 10. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run drinking water source on February 2, 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

About the Public Works Service Area

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

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

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

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

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

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

Vancouver, Wash. – Safety and customer service upgrades are coming to the county’s Joint Lobby on the second floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. The Joint Lobby will be closed to in-person services in order to accommodate a remodeling project beginning Monday, March 9 to June 2026.

A more secure and comfortable experience will be available this summer. The exact re-opening date will be announced closer to June when the project is near completion.

The Joint Lobby is the front-facing customer service office for the Auditor, Assessor and Treasurer’s Offices.

Many services are available online or by phone. Customers with special circumstances who need assistance should contact the appropriate office directly. Contact information is available at https://clark.wa.gov/joint-lobby.

First half property taxes are due April 30, 2026, during the closure. There are several ways taxpayers can pay property tax including by mail and phone. A drop box on the first floor of the Public Service Center also is available. Learn more on the Treasurer’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/treasurer/payment-options.

The Treasurer’s Office also will accept payments at a drive-through drop-off kiosk at the Public Service Center from 9 am to 4 pm on April 29-30. The drive through kiosk is at the entrance to the parking garage on the east side of the building on Franklin St. This service will be for pre-written checks only.

The February Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board Meeting will be held February 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. 

If you wish to attend this meeting remotely or in person, please email sam.kaufmann@tvwd.org or call 503-848-3094 by 4:30 p.m. on February 18, 2026

The Board meeting agenda and packet and additional information regarding TVWD are available here.

About TVWD 

TVWD serves about 61,000 customers in parts of Washington County, Oregon. Our service area covers more than 41 square miles including portions of Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard and unincorporated Washington County.

TVWD is the managing agency for the Willamette Water Supply System (WWSS), an additional water supply for the region which is being constructed in partnership with the City of Hillsboro and the City of Beaverton. The WWSS includes intake facilities, over 30 miles of pipes, a water treatment plant and two storage reservoirs. The system will deliver fresh, high-quality, treated water from the Willamette River to 400,000 Washington County residents and businesses, and is being built to the highest seismic safety standard to recover quickly after a major earthquake. The investments in the system will provide reliable, quality drinking water for generations to come.

OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education recognizes inspiring educators and schools with financial support, including paying four mortgages or rents for a full year

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union is asking the public to nominate exceptional educators for its 17^th annual Prize for Excellence in Education. The program will award $193,000 to eight outstanding educators and five schools across Oregon and southwest Washington.

“OnPoint was founded by teachers more than 90 years ago, and we honor our roots by celebrating educators in our community who inspire future generations,” said Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Every day, educators help students build confidence, curiosity and opportunity. We invite the community to once again help us recognize these educators by nominating them for the OnPoint Prize.”

Four winning educators will have their mortgage or rent paid by OnPoint for one year. Four runners-up will each receive a $5,000 cash prize. The OnPoint Prize also includes the Community Builder Award for innovative school projects. Four schools will receive $2,000, and a fifth school selected by community votes will receive $5,000.

About the Nomination Process

Anyone can nominate an outstanding educator or apply for a Community Builder award at onpointprize.com. Educators may also nominate themselves. Applicants must be full-time or job-share classroom teachers, counselors, school administrators or librarians for grades Pre-K-12. They must work in an accredited public, private or charter school located within any county that OnPoint serves. OnPoint also accepts applications for the Community Builder awards within those same counties. The nomination period closes at 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, April 7. Educator of the Year finalists and Community Builder winners will be announced on May 6.

Since 2010, the OnPoint Prize has awarded more than $1 million in prizes to 347 local educators and schools.

This year’s awards include:

• Educators of the Year: Four educators will have their mortgage or rent paid for one year and receive a $2,500 donation to their schools for resources and supplies. One educator from each category below will be chosen:
  • Grades K-5
  • Grades 6-8
  • Grades 9-12
  • Gold Star: This category recognizes one educator who is a pre-kindergarten teacher, school counselor, substitute teacher, librarian or school administrator.

Runners-up: Four educators, one from each of the above categories, will receive a $5,000 cash award and a $1,500 donation to each of their schools for resources and supplies.

• Community Builder Awards: One school, selected by community votes, will receive $5,000 for a project that will meaningfully improve that school or community. Four additional schools will each receive $2,000 for special projects.

About last year’s winners

The winners of the 2025 Educators of the Year who had their mortgage or rent paid over the last year were:

• Ricardo Barber, 3^rd grade teacher at Faubion Elementary, Portland, Ore.
• Rhiannon Young, 6^th-8^th grade teacher at Corbett Middle School, Corbett, Ore.
• Sophia Aguirre, 9^th-12^th grade English Language Development at Aloha High School, Beaverton, Ore.
• Hang Jones, Social Worker at Marysville Elementary School, Portland, Ore.

OnPoint awarded five Community Builder grants in 2025 to fund innovative school projects that inspire students, foster community, demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and reach a broad segment of the school community.

The $5,000 Community Builder Award, selected by community votes, went to Morningside Elementary School in Salem, Ore. The award funded new portable risers for the school’s choir program, giving every student a safe, visible place during performances and community events. Four schools received the $2,000 award:

• Abiqua School: Nature Trail – A Path to Outdoor Learning (Salem-Keizer School District, Salem, Ore.)
• Innovation Academy: Community Garden (Medford School District, Medford, Ore.)
• Sherwood Charter School: H.E.A.R.T Care Closet (Sherwood School District, Sherwood, Ore.)

Skyridge Middle School: Flood Recovery for Books (Camas School District, Camas, Wash.)

For information about the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education, additional qualifications and contest rules, please visit onpointprize.com. 

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, with assets of over $9.5 billion and serving more than 633,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. 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 who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com.

Salem, Ore. – For the third time in a row, the Oregon Lottery has received the World Lottery Association’s (WLA) highest level of certification for its Responsible Gambling/Safer Play program. The certification of Oregon Lottery’s program is a “best in class” designation for a three-year period. 

WLA Level Four Certification for Responsible Gambling is the highest level of responsible gambling certification recognized internationally. The Oregon Lottery was one of the first lotteries in the U.S. to reach this level, first being certified in 2018. Receiving WLA Level Four Certification represents the highest standard of commitment to player protection, demonstrating that an organization has fully embedded responsible gambling principles into its governance, operations, and culture.  

“Maintaining our WLA Level Four certification for more than eight years demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement in Safer Play,” said Mike Wells, director of the Oregon Lottery. “To keep pace with a fast-evolving gambling market, we have responded with innovation and will continue to focus on trust with our players.”

The WLA is recognized as the global authority on the lottery business. It serves the interests of 167 state-authorized lotteries world-wide and gaming organizations from more than 89 countries on six continents. The WLA’s Responsible Gaming Principles and Framework is a certification program that outlines lotteries’ level of commitment to corporate social responsibility and responsible gaming. It allows for cultural and regional differences and is designed to complement and improve the safeguards that individual lottery operators have in place. Oregon Lottery’s program has several unique and impactful focus areas, including the following: 

• Investment in research to identify opportunities to support those just beginning to experience gambling harms and those affected by someone else's gambling. 
• Lottery staff and retailer training that includes self-care strategies for those charged with the important work of promoting Safer Play. 
• "Always On" Safer Play specific advertising to engage players with tools and connect them to help.  

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned $17.8 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery or to read the Responsible Gaming Impacts Report, visit www.oregonlottery.org. 

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon State Parks is hiring seasonal Park Rangers and Park Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2026 season.

Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through June with new positions listed on a rolling basis on the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.

Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.

Salaries start at $20.28 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.79 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, who are enrolled in high school start at $20.27 or more per hour, depending on experience.

Several of Oregon State Parks' top leaders started their careers as seasonal employees, including all three Region Directors.

“We are focused on developing an engaged workforce by partnering with staff on career development, investing in skill building and fostering a culture of belonging. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you make a difference in protecting and promoting Oregon’s special places,” said interim Director Stefanie Coons.

Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Park Rangers at parks around the state. Positions are available in Oregon’s coastal areas, scenic valleys, and mountain regions, offering opportunities to work in some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.

For more information about current openings, visit https://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Recruiting D.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.

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NEWBERG, Ore. – When Newberg's Emma K. Winn started Portland Community College’s Interior Design Program during the first months of the pandemic, she never expected the experience to lead her to national recognition, international travel and a leadership role in one of the design industry’s key associations.

Winn, who completed her associate degree in Interior Design and two certificates from PCC in 2022, was recently named to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) Thirty Under 30 honor designation. The annual program celebrates emerging professionals shaping the future of kitchen and bath design.

It is the first time our NKBA chapter has ever had two Thirty Under 30 nominations in the same year with colleague Bethany Broussard, also a PCC interior design alum and communications chair for the NKBA Columbia River Chapter, being named to the same Thirty Under 30 cohort. Having two in one class is a record for any college in the country.

Interior design faculty chair Robin Fisher said the recognition reflects both Winn’s accomplishments and the strength of PCC’s accredited program.

“I really get jazzed when I hear about our graduates’ success,” Fisher said. “Emma is the third graduate to earn the Thirty Under 30 distinction in the last three years. It’s a huge honor and business opportunity. They’ll spend the next year traveling to manufacturers and becoming spokespeople for the NKBA.”

Community colleges have proven to be Oregon’s most practical, local engine for skills, mobility, and growth. PCC alone generates a concrete economic impact that shows up in paychecks, business receipts, and job openings filled thanks to graduates like Winn. PCC’s Lightcast-based impact analysis for FY 2021–22 reports $2.3 billion in added income across its primary economic region and 25,314 jobs supported. Every public dollar invested pays back $1.60 through economic growth and stronger communities. 

Winn is part of that economic impact. She grew up watching home design shows but didn’t realize interior design could be a viable career until her mid-twenties. She chose PCC because it was affordable, accredited by the NKBA, and offered a clear path into the profession.

Her entire program shifted online due to COVID-19, but she said the support of dedicated instructors, especially Fisher, helped her stay on track.

“For the first time in my life, I was excelling academically because I loved what I was learning,” she said. “The instructors adapted quickly and pushed us to succeed. Robin gave me the confidence to think I could make it in this industry.”

While in school, Winn worked retail and later joined Arizona Tile, which provided early professional experience. She then worked as a design assistant at C Change Design in Portland, supporting full residential remodels, creating construction documents, managing materials and specifications, coordinating clients, and facilitating photoshoots and digital content for the firm.

However, Emma recently took on a new challenge for 2026 as the designer and cabinet specialist with Crystal Remodeling in Wilsonville.

"Not only is this a great opportunity but it's so close to home," said Winn of her shorter commute. "I'm settling in and getting to know so much about Cyrstal and full-service remodeling from a design-build perspective.

"It's been amazing so far and I'm very excited to see what the future holds for me here," continued Winn, who has a near-obsessive gift for details. "Design is a language that most people don't know how to speak, and my job is to translate it for my clients."

This year, she will travel to Austria at the invitation of Blum, a manufacturer of hardware for high-quality kitchens and cabinetry, for a factory tour and then to Milan to attend EuroCucina, one of the industry’s most significant international exhibitions.

“It’s a dream for many designers to attend EuroCucina,” she said. “Being invited so early in my career is a huge honor.”

Winn also serves the local design community. After joining the NKBA Columbia River Chapter as a student member, she moved into leadership roles and is now the Chapter President for the 2026–27 term, beginning early due to a leadership transition.

Winn encourages prospective students to consider PCC’s Interior Design Program for its affordability, hands-on learning, and strong industry ties.

“If someone is interested in designing kitchens and bathrooms, PCC is the place to go in Oregon,” she said. “The instructors care about their students and the program prepares you for real work.”

Balancing full-time classes with multiple jobs was challenging, but she said the experience strengthened her time-management skills and helped her succeed in her career.

Outside of work, Winn enjoys knitting, she made the sweater in her photo, and loves spending time with her two cats. She and her electrician husband bought their first house in 2024 at the base of the Chehalem Mountains in Newberg, and are dreaming of remodeling their kitchen in the near future.

For more information, visit pcc.edu/programs/interior-design.

Newberg Center Classes And More

For the past decade, Newbergite Stephanie Romero has been the Newberg Center office assistant and helps coordinate ongoing courses and events.

The Newberg Center, located at 135 Werth Blvd., offers discounted event rentals for nonprofit groups, from public meetings to private gatherings such as community baby showers and club meetings. The building features a lobby with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto an entry courtyard and the surrounding landscape. With free parking and an accessible facility, it is a convenient place for the community to gather near the hospital, senior living and the university. The adjacent PCC Learning Garden and acres of green space support seasonal gardening and activities.

“I just love to see people here and enjoying this beautiful, open space and its artwork,” said Romero. “PCC even offers senior discounts on free or reduced-rate classes.”

The center’s winter and spring class schedules are available online and include courses ranging from retirement planning, Heart Savers First-Aid, CPR & AED training, to career-boosting project management and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL).

To inquire for more information, call (971) 722-8602 or visit pcc.edu/locations/newberg/ for the latest class information.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

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

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

Event will honor founding CEO Leslie Ford, build momentum for critical services

Portland, Ore. – The 9^th annual Culture of Caring gala—an event benefitting Cascadia Health’s Whole Health services—is coming April 9, 2026. Cascadia invites community members to register and join this night of celebration, inspiration, and giving.

For the last 45 years, Cascadia has built a foundation of hope, housing, and healing for thousands in our community. But its work is far from finished. The theme of this year’s event is “momentum,” reflecting how community support is integral to Cascadia’s enduring success.

Cascadia serves more than 20,000 individuals and families yearly, providing trusted health, housing, and recovery services for all, regardless of ability to pay.

“Cascadia’s strength comes from its deliberate investment in serving people with the highest needs in our community,” said James Schroeder, President and CEO of Cascadia Health. “But we can’t do it alone. Our annual gala emphasizes the importance of local partnerships and connection in achieving our mission. Together, we can create lasting change and build on the momentum at the center of Cascadia’s work—not only today but for decades to come.”

The gala will feature exciting performances, as well as the stories and voices of clients and staff, demonstrating the impact of Cascadia’s life-saving services.

• 2026 Honoree: Founding CEO Leslie Ford will be recognized for her legacy of healthcare leadership and innovation in Oregon. Ford is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her MSW from the University of Washington in 1979. She has held leadership roles in behavioral health provider agencies in Virginia, Washington, and Oregon. One of the driving principles throughout her tenure has been her focus on the development of integrated services.
• Special Performance: The night’s featured performer will be Jessica Lind, an American ballet dancer best known for her career with Oregon Ballet Theatre, where she rose to the rank of Principal Dancer after joining the company in 2011. Known for her strength and expressive artistry, Jessica brings rich experience and heart to her captivating performances.

The event will run from 5:30-9 p.m. at The Redd on Salmon, 831 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214. All funds raised are critical to Cascadia’s continued ability to meet the growing needs of the region.

This celebration will include:

• A three-course dinner brought by Art of Catering
• Stories about the impacts of our work
• Art & entertainment
• Live raffle

For more information and to register, visit www.cascadiahealth.org/gala2026.

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About Cascadia Health

Our mission

Cascadia Health delivers whole health – integrated mental health, addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the wellbeing of the communities we serve.

Our vision

We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health, experiences wellbeing, and has a self-directed, connected life.

OCDC Mulino- No Classes today

HILLSBORO, OR — At Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center (VG), our mission is to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate healthcare to the communities of Washington and Yamhill counties. As we celebrate 50 years of service, we recognize that to continue meeting the needs of the 52,000 patients who walk through our doors, we must find innovative ways to remain resilient and resourceful. By innovating how we manage our operations, we ensure that every dollar and every hour is directed toward what matters most: exceptional patient care.

Together, we are embarking on a new chapter with the launch of the Cultivar Advisory Group. Cultivar is a consulting start-up designed to share the expertise we have built within VG with other mission-aligned organizations. By offering our proven and rigorous methods in Process Improvement, Leadership Coaching, Change Management, and HR Strategy, we are creating a new revenue stream that goes directly back into supporting our clinics and our patients. 

This work is made possible by the incredible standards set by our Project Management Office (PMO), Organizational Development, and Performance and Culture teams.These teams have built the specific systems—from Lean workflows that increase quality and positive patient outcomes to workforce development programs that grow the next generation of healthcare workers—that other leaders now seek to learn from. Cultivar is not a departure from our primary work; it is a way to sow the seeds of our experience to help our peer organizations succeed, ensuring that the roots of VG remain strong for the next 50 years. 

We invite our community to view the details of this new venture and meet our "Partners in Change" on our dedicated webpage: virginiagarcia.org/cultivar, check out our introductory video featuring our CEO, Gil Munoz, or follow our journey on LinkedIn: Cultivar LinkedIn page.

EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University announced on Monday that the Beacons will add two new varsity programs with men's and women's wrestling officially joining the sport offerings in the fall of 2027. Bushnell athletics cites the recent rise in popularity in youth wrestling as a contributing factor in the decision to add both men's and women's programs at Bushnell. High School wrestling participation nationally is at its highest in over 50 years with nearly 375,000 boys and girls competing. Additionally, Bushnell will be the seventh four-year university in Oregon to sponsor the sports.

"We are thrilled to be adding to our athletic offerings with the addition of our wrestling program," said Athletic Director Corey Anderson. "Girls Wrestling is the fastest growing high school sport in the country, and USA Wrestling has launched national campaigns to increase the popularity of the sport. National trends for high school and collegiate programs are on an upward trajectory."

Anderson added, "We have quickly learned that there is a strong passion for men's and women's wrestling in Eugene, Lane County, Oregon and beyond. Once we started talking to a few, key contacts in the region about the idea of us adding an NAIA collegiate wrestling program, we immediately started having knowledgeable and passionate people reach out to us to celebrate the idea but also wanting to know how they can help.  I am excited about these new relationships and partner opportunities that Bushnell Wrestling will provide us while continuing to do The Kingdom's good work!"

The addition of two new teams will bring Bushnell's total number of varsity teams to 19 and are the first programs to be added since Baseball came on board in 2021. The Wrestling teams will begin play in the 2027-2028 season, joining the Cascade Conference which boasts 11 men's and eight women's programs.

"What an exciting day for Bushnell University, the Cascade Conference, and wrestling in the West," stated CCC Commissioner Robert Cashell. "The program immensely strengthens men's and women's wrestling for the conference and represents continued growth and evolution of Beacon Athletics. It is wonderful to see more opportunities for young men and women to compete in the sport they love at the collegiate level, while also pursuing an outstanding education like the one they will receive at Bushnell."

A number of individuals and groups have made significant contributions to the launch of the Bushnell wrestling program through their knowledge, advice, and resources. Anderson said, "We are very grateful for the assistance we have received throughout our discernment process as we made the decision to move forward with our new programs. Thank you to Mike Ritchey, Roger Rolen, Doug Caffall, Tony Overstake, Kurt Davis, Larry Bielenburger, John Kowalewski, Buck Davis, Mike Moyer, Thurston High School Coach Mike Simon, Oregon State Associate Head Coach Josh Rhoden, Restore Oregon Wrestling, and the countless others who have helped us in the process."

When Bushnell Wrestling official begins in the fall of 2027, the Beacons will host home wrestling meets in the Morse Center on the Bushnell University campus, which also serves as the home for men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball. A planned practice facility and home for Beacons Wrestling will be developed, located within campus property that was recently acquired by Bushnell University.

"We are excited to add men's and women's wrestling as our 18th and 19th intercollegiate sports on campus," said Joseph D. Womack, Ed.D., Bushnell University's president. "Bushnell Wrestling will complement the educational and co-curricular activities at a Christ-centered University like ours because each practice and each competition provide the student-athlete with an opportunity to gain in wisdom, faith and service."

Bushnell will immediately open a national search to fill Head Coach positions for both the men's and women's programs. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Athletic Director Corey Anderson (son@bushnell.edu">canderson@bushnell.edu) or visit the job listing at bushnell.edu/careers.

Current high school and junior college athletes interested in joining Bushnell Wrestling are encouraged to complete the player interest form located at bushnellbeacons.com/wrestling.

About Bushnell University

Founded in 1895, Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell. 

Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant University District. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and hybrid formats. More information about the University is available at bushnell.edu. 

Senate and House Square Off Again in Annual Capitol Hill Blood Drive

Following a dead-even finish last year, legislators renew their friendly competition at a time when the national blood supply is dangerously low.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(PORTLAND, OR) February 16, 2026 

It’s back! The annual Oregon State Capitol Hill Blood Drive in Salem—a friendly competition between the Oregon Senate and House. Which side will break the tie from last year, when both chambers donated 18 units of blood? We’ll find out.

This year’s competition is more important than ever since the nation is still in a severe blood shortage. Extreme winter weather in the east has cancelled more than 500 blood drives, leaving 20,000 units of blood uncollected adding to our shortage. 

“This event is a great way to help end the shortage and assure that blood will be on the shelves when hospitals need it,” says Red Cross CEO Priscilla Fuentes, “plus, it’s a lot of fun.”

“I challenge my colleagues to come join us and donate blood. It takes less than an hour, and you can leave knowing you saved somebody’s life,” says Secretary of State Tobias Read. 

Join us for this great blood drive on Tuesday, February 17.

Media availability at 9:30am.

• Senate President Pro Tempore James I. Manning, Jr. (blood drive host)
• Secretary of State Tobias Read
• Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr
• House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer
• Representative Travis Nelson 
• Red Cross CEO Priscilla Fuentes

Blood donations will be accepted between 10am and 3pm.

• Secretary Read 10am
• Senator Starr 12:45pm
• Representative Elmer 12:45pm
• Senator Manning 1pm
• Representative Nelson 2:15pm

Location:

Capitol Building, 900 Court Street NE, Rm 357

Donors can sign up to donate by using the Blood Donor App, visiting https://www.redcrossblood.org/. Click or tap if you trust this link.">RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/heart.html. Click or tap if you trust this link.">RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

About the American Red Cross:

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

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The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on February 17, 2026.  

This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.
​​​​​​​https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/87118095180?pwd=kfgNQLzX7LByJOKdb8yJFWUnYyarji.1
Passcode:094082

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today that the District of Oregon collected more than $20.2 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, nearly $15 million was collected in criminal actions and over $5.2 million was collected in civil actions. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

“The District of Oregon’s Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit provides critical support to victims of crime by holding those who profit from criminal conduct accountable and pursuing civil recoveries,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “We take seriously our obligation to make victims as financially whole as possible. Our annual collections reflect the dedication, persistence, and resolve of our team in the pursuit of justice.”

For example, to date, the government has recovered over $4.5 million in restitution from Sergey and Galina Lebedenko, who used their ill-gotten gains to purchase fourteen homes and properties, seven vehicles, an ownership interest in a private jet, and countless luxury items. After pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and wire fraud, the Lebedenkos were ordered to pay over $33 million in restitution. The government sought to remit and restore forfeited assets on behalf of the victim, including real properties and nineteen financial accounts.

In another example, the government secured the full restitution payment totaling $1.346 million from Michael James Defrees, who was convicted of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Defrees agreed to satisfy this obligation prior to sentencing, but failed to do so. The United States secured payment through seizing three vehicles, multiple winter sports equipment, a racing boat, and a trailer, and helped facilitate the sale of two parcels of real property to pay his restitution judgment in full and satisfy his forfeiture money judgment.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

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VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver will launch a new weekly “DocArts” series next week, bringing together film and video screenings, artist talks and community conversations throughut the spring term.

The series features a diverse group of multimedia artists, activists and public intellectuals—from community organizers whose lives are deeply documented to poets, songwriters and hip-hop performers working across media. Events are free and open to the public.

The series opens during Black History Month with Kent Ford, co-founder of the Portland, Oregon, chapter of the Black Panther Party. His talk will start at noon Feb. 18 in the Firstenburg Student Commons, Room 101. Through his leadership in the Panthers’ Free Breakfast for School Children Program in Portland, Ford helped feed thousands of children in Northeast Portland. Nationally, the Black Panther Party’s Free Breakfast program helped spur the development of free meal programs in public schools across the country. Lunch will follow the talk at 12:30 p.m.

Ford also volunteered for years in supportive roles with the Panthers’ free medical and dental clinics in Portland. He currently leads Black Panther Legacy Tours in Portland’s Albina neighborhood and is the subject of the solo play “Walking through Portland with a Panther: The Life of Mr. Kent Ford,” written by Don Wilson Glenn and directed by Demaris Webb.

On Feb. 19, the series continues with a screening of “A Thousand Pines” and a talk with director Noam Osband, sponsored by the School of the Environment and the College of Arts and Sciences Speakers Fund and the Collective for Social and Environmental Justice. The event will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Engineering and Computer Science Building, Room 105. The documentary follows a crew of guest workers from Oaxaca, Mexico, over the course of a season planting trees across the United States. The film explores the physical demands and isolation of the work, as well as the workers’ efforts to remain connected to their families back home. Over time, the crew forms a tight-knit community, cooking and caring for one another as they endure the challenges of the season. Reception to follow.

On Feb. 25, the series will feature a screening of “Silent Voices” from 11 a.m. to noon in the Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110, followed by a talk from noon to 1 p.m. by playwright and activist Donna Hayes. Director and photographer Kendall will also share reflections. A reception will follow.

Hayes lost her grandson to police violence and has yet to see institutional accountability. “Silent Voices” tells not only her grandson’s story but also six other true stories of police violence. The project was developed through an emergent, collaborative writing process with surviving family members of those killed by Portland-area police and was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic by a volunteer production team.

The DocArts Initiative is a joint Project of the Collective for Social and Environmental Justice and Native American Programs. For more information about DocArts events, email van.csej@wsu.edu.

About WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is one of six campuses of Washington State University and the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington. The campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs that support workforce development, innovation and economic growth through strong partnerships with businesses, industries and community organizations.

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver and is accessible via I-5, I-205 and C-TRAN bus service.

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UPDATE: Earlier today, Desiree Danielle Johnson, 35, was arrested by the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force (FCRFTF) in Pinellas Park, Florida, on a nationwide felony warrant out of Klamath County related to a fatal crash on Highway 97 near milepost 174 on February 29, 2024.
 

Oregon State Police requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service in apprehending Johnson, who failed to appear for court. Charges stemming from the 2024 crash include criminally negligent homicide, second-degree assault, and reckless driving.

Johnson is being held at the Pinellas County Jail awaiting extradition to Oregon.

Klamath County, Ore. 29 Feb. 24- On Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 10:02 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 174, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Peterbilt CMV and trailer, operated by Desiree Danielle Johnson (34) of St. Petersburg (FL), when it lost control and jackknifed in the roadway. The Peterbilt spun and crossed into the path of a northbound Honda Pilot, operated by Elise Adair Farrens (37) of La Pine, where the Honda struck the CMV trailer.

The operator of the Honda (Farrens) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger in the Honda, Daviana Marie Trussell (23) of La Pine, was transported to the hospital with critical injuries.  Trussell, who was pregnant, tragically suffered the loss of her child due to injuries sustained during the crash.

The operator of the Peterbilt (Johnson) reportedly suffered minor injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Department, Crescent Fire, and ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

DALLAS (OR) – Gabriel Jordan McCrae, of Salem, has been found guilty by a Polk County Jury of Criminal Trespass in the First Degree, Felon in Possession of a Weapon, and Interfering with Making a Report.

McCrae, 40, was arrested in December, 2025, for violating the terms of a restraining order by entering the home of the victim without permission and physically preventing them from calling 911 for help. While being taken into custody, a pair of brass knuckles was found in McCrae’s possession. McCrae has previously been convicted of Felony Assault in the Fourth Degree. The jury deliberated for approximately 10 minutes and found McCrae guilty on all charges.

The case was investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and tried by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Connor Amundson.

The City of Portland is pleased to announce that the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) issued a Final Opinion and Order affirming our land use permits to continue building the Bull Run Filtration Project. We are grateful for LUBA’s careful review and consideration.

The LUBA decision favored the City of Portland, confirming Multnomah County’s reapproval of the permits. This project is critical for public health and the regional economy, which depends on safe and reliable water.

We welcome the news of this decision and will continue to review its land use implications.

Next Thursday, we will hold a media event to share additional updates on the project. A media advisory will be issued early next week.

Read more about the Bull Run Filtration project here.

See our digital assets including project construction, pilot ash project and wildfire videos here.

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

About the Public Works Service Area

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

Access and accommodations

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

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

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

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

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

The driver of a truck was arrested after he crashed into a house in the middle of the night. Fortunately, the family inside was not hurt.

It happened just before 3:00 AM in the 13000 block of SW Larkwood Place. Witnesses reported the driver was driving recklessly and speeding before the crash. Officers believe he was heading westbound on SW Scholls Ferry Road, hit a dirt mound on the side of the road and launched roughly 100 feet into the air and over a 3-foot brick wall before crashing into the side of the house.

When officers arrived, the driver was initially unconscious, and both he and a passenger were trapped inside the truck. Firefighters with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue had to extricate them both, and they were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Thankfully, the family in the home was not hurt, but there is significant damage to their house.

The driver has been identified as Jacob Hankins, age 33. He was charged with reckless driving and recklessly endangering.

We’re thankful no one was seriously hurt. We appreciate the help from neighboring agencies in responding to this crash, including TVF&R, Beaverton Police, King City Police and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

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IBR’s Systematic Disinformation Campaign, Its Demise, and a Practical, Cost-Effective Solution for the I-5 Crossing that Will Save Billions

Portland, OR –  For years, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) has advanced the claim that the existing I-5 Interstate Bridge is seismically unsafe and must be replaced with a mega bridge project costing billions of dollars. However, multiple independent engineering reports and seismic analyses directly refute that narrative.

Neighbors for a Better Crossing (NFBC), a coalition of transportation experts, civil engineers, past and present state government officials, neighborhood organizations, and residents most affected along the project corridor, has released a comprehensive five-page summary detailing what it describes as IBR’s systematic disinformation campaign.

This five-page summary and supporting documentation was sent to every Senator and Representative in both Oregon and Washington and includes links to seismic studies, engineering reports, and investigative articles by credentialed experts that challenge IBR’s core seismic claims and financial assumptions.

“Like all major bridges, the Interstate Bridge is required to undergo periodic seismic updates,” said Gary Clark of Neighbors for a Better Crossing. “Engineering evidence shows the bridge can remain structurally viable through mandated seismic retrofits — just as countless other long-standing bridges across the country continue to do.”

Clark emphasized that NFBC’s goal is not to obstruct progress, but to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility.

“Our organization and supporters want to be a partner in solving traffic congestion at the I-5 crossing,” Clark said. “We support improving mobility and safety. What we oppose is a multi-billion-dollar mega bridge justified by claims that are not supported by the full body of engineering evidence.”

In addition to addressing seismic concerns, the newly released summary outlines a practical alternative recommended by NFBC’s transportation and civil engineering experts. According to Clark, the proposed solution would:

• Reduce congestion at the I-5 crossing

• Cost billions less than the current IBR proposal

• Preserve the natural beauty and environmental character of the Columbia River crossing

• Avoid unnecessary displacement and community disruption

“There is a smarter path forward,” Clark said. “We invite legislators, government officials, and agency leaders to engage in an open discussion about a cost-effective solution that solves congestion without wasting taxpayer dollars.”

The full five-page summary — IBR’s Disinformation Campaign and Demise — including links to seismic analyses and engineering reports, is available here:

https://neighbors4a-bettercrossing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IBRs-Disinformation-Campaign-and-Demise.pdf

Neighbors for a Better Crossing encourages residents, policymakers, and members of the media to review the documentation and share it widely.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Allison Mora, Communications Manager | Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials | 971-480-0752 | allison@oregonclho.org

SB 1573 Will Not Advance After Federal Court Ruling Establishes ADA Protections for Harm Reduction Services

A landmark ruling in Washington state that restrictions on syringe programs violate the ADA proves decisive for the Oregon bill

PORTLAND, Ore. – February 12, 2026 – Senate Bill 1573, which would have prohibited syringe service programs (SSPs) from operating within 2,000 feet of schools and licensed childcare facilities, will not advance during the 2026 legislative session.

The Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials (CLHO), representing Oregon’s 33 local public health authorities, engaged extensively in the legislative process around SB 1573–testifying at the February 6th public hearing and working collaboratively with stakeholders and legislators to develop a proposed amendment that would have addressed community concerns while preserving the ability of local health authorities to maintain evidence-based harm reduction programs.

“As written, SB 1573 would’ve resulted in drastically decreasing access to harm reduction and other clean syringe services like mobile diabetes care,” said Sarah Lochner, CLHO Executive Director. "We would then see increases in disease transmission, emergency department visits, and costs to the healthcare system – the opposite of what the legislature is trying to accomplish this session.” 

Federal Court Ruling on ADA Protections Proves Decisive

A key factor in the bill's failure to advance was a significant federal legal development. On February 10, 2026, a landmark settlement was reached in Lewis County, Washington, in which a federal court determined that restrictions on syringe exchange programs violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The case, brought by the ACLU on behalf of Gather Church, challenged a county ordinance that restricted the church’s mobile syringe exchange and barred the distribution of fentanyl and xylazine test strips. 

U.S. District Court Chief Judge David Estudillo ruled that syringe exchange programs constitute “health services or services in connection with drug rehabilitation" under the ADA, meaning that restricting access to these programs could amount to discrimination against individuals with substance use disorders. As part of the settlement, Lewis County repealed the ordinance and agreed to pay $500,000 in attorney's fees.

This ruling had direct implications for SB 1573. Had the bill advanced, it could have faced similar legal challenges under the ADA, potentially exposing the state of Oregon to costly litigation.

The Proposed Amendment: A Balanced Approach  

CLHO and public health partners developed a proposed amendment to SB 1573 that took a more measured approach than the original bill. The amendment would have:

• Reduced the buffer zone from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet for mobile or temporary SSP locations near schools

• Established a statewide SSP registration system administered by OHA, including requirements for safe needle disposal plans

• Exempted SSPs operated by or contracted through state, local, or tribal governments

• Provided a waiver process for local public health authorities during declared public health emergencies

The amendment also represented a good-faith effort to balance community concerns about syringe litter near schools with the evidence-based public health need for accessible harm reduction services.

Why Syringe Service Programs Matter

Syringe service programs (SSPs) are a critical component of Oregon's public health infrastructure and are recognized by the CDC, the U.S. Surgeon General, and the World Health Organization as an evidence-based strategy for preventing the spread of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. SSPs also serve as a vital point of entry for individuals to access substance use treatment, naloxone for overdose prevention, wound care, and connections to social services.

Oregon's local public health authorities operate or support SSPs in 22 counties, often serving rural and underserved communities where access to healthcare is already limited. Research consistently demonstrates that SSPs reduce syringe sharing by up to 50%, contributing significantly to reductions in HIV and Hepatitis C transmission.

Looking Ahead

While SB 1573 will not advance during the 2026 short session, CLHO remains committed to working collaboratively with legislators, community members, and public health partners to address the legitimate concerns that prompted this legislation—particularly around syringe litter and child safety—while preserving the lifesaving harm reduction services on which Oregon's communities depend.

About CLHO

The Coalition of Local Health Officials (CLHO) is a statewide coalition representing Oregon's local health departments and health officials. CLHO advocates for policies and resources that strengthen Oregon's public health system, promote health equity, and support the health of communities served by local health departments across the state. 

For more information about CLHO's legislative priorities, visit oregonclho.org/advocacy.

Sources

• SB 1573 (Oregon Legislature)

• Sarah Lochner’s Testimony on behalf of CLHO (Oregon Legislature)

• Proposed Amendments to SB 1573 (Oregon Legislature)

• Overdose-Related Services & Projects Summary by Oregon County: Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) Breakdown by County (Pages 6-7, Updated April 2025 | OHA)

• STAT News: Landmark settlement could create new protections for harm reduction under disability law (Feb. 10, 2026)

• KATU: Public Safety vs. Public Health — Oregon needle exchange bill sparks heated debate (Feb. 6, 2026)

• FOX 12: Oregon lawmakers hear testimony on bill to ban needle exchanges near schools (Feb. 5, 2026)

For Immediate Release: Feb. 13, 2026

Media Contact:  Communications@employ.oregon.gov; obin.Maxey@dor.oregon.gov">Robin.Maxey@dor.oregon.gov

WorkSource Oregon, Department of Revenue team up to provide free tax help events 

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon taxpayers can get free help filing their federal and state personal income tax returns electronically at six different WorkSource Oregon locations across the state in February and March.

WorkSource Oregon and the Oregon Department of Revenue are teaming up to provide the assistance. Volunteers from Revenue will be stationed at local WorkSource Oregon centers to help guide taxpayers through the filing process using the free public-access computers and Wi-Fi internet service.

The first event is planned for Wednesday, February 18, at the WorkSource center at 120 E Lincoln, Suite 115b, in Woodburn. Other events are planned in Hillsboro, Eugene, southeast Portland, Lebanon, and Bend.

“WorkSource Oregon centers are trusted community spaces where Oregonians come to find jobs, build skills, and get connected to services,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, director of the Oregon Employment Department, which is a partner of WorkSource Oregon. “Partnering with the Department of Revenue to offer free tax filing assistance is a natural extension of our customer-service mission. We are thrilled to help Oregonians get support in filing their taxes, claiming the credits they’ve earned, and keeping more money in their pockets.”

“We know that filing your taxes can be a scary and confusing process. We are excited to partner with WorkSource Oregon to provide in person help to make it easier for Oregonians to file their taxes for free, check if they are eligible for refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Oregon Kids Credit, and claim their share of the kicker,” said David Gerstenfeld, Department of Revenue director.

WorkSource Oregon is a statewide partnership with the Oregon Employment Department and state, local, and nonprofit agencies. WorkSource provides a variety of employment and training services to job seekers and employers in Oregon, helping people find jobs and businesses find talent. 

Taxpayers are encouraged to set up a Revenue Online account through the Department of Revenue’s website before coming to an event if they plan to use Direct File Oregon. They should bring tax information with them, including:
 

• Social security number or ITIN for everyone on their tax return
• Forms W-2 (wages from a job)
• Forms 1099-G, 1099-R, 1099-INT (other income) if applicable
• Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit (can be found on their checks)
• Last year’s tax return

The full schedule includes events at the following locations.

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) provides economic stability to Oregon communities by providing vital services to both businesses and workers. OED supports businesses with finding qualified job candidates, labor market information, tax incentives and support, and retaining talent through economic downturns. OED promotes employment through wage replacement benefits during unemployment and significant life events, job placement, training, and useful career information. Learn more at employment.oregon.gov.  

OED’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, interview practice, and job search strategies. For employers and businesses, WorkSource Oregon provides support for job postings and finding qualified candidates, hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data – all at no cost. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information. 

To get tax forms, check the status of their refund, or make tax payments, taxpayers can visit the Department of Revenue website or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. Taxpayers can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing- or speech-impaired), the Department of Revenue accepts all relay calls.

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On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 4:11 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting at the Cedar Crest Apartments, 4610 SW Mueller Drive in Beaverton. Deputies, along with officers from the Beaverton Police Department, found the victim, a 28-year-old male, with a gunshot wound inside an apartment. First responders rendered aid, and the victim was transported to a hospital. He is currently in critical condition.

The suspects fled the scene and, despite an extensive search, were not located by initial responders. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Unit and the Washington County Major Crimes Team were called to the scene to lead the investigation. Detectives learned that the victim was with Yaneli Jaime, 26, just prior to the shooting. Information gathered by investigators indicated that there were multiple people involved in the incident, which began as an armed robbery. 

During the investigation, detectives executed over twenty warrants and conducted follow-up throughout Oregon and Washington.

On Monday, February 2, 2026, Jaime was arrested at a residence in Vancouver, Washington. She was booked into the Clark County Jail on charges related to this investigation.

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Diego Torres-Topete, 18, of Kennewick, Washington, was arrested by the Richland Police Department. He was booked into the Benton County Jail (WA).

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the United States Marshals Service arrested Arnoldo Avila, 20, and Roberto Huato, 18, in Hermiston, Oregon. They were booked into the Umatilla County Jail.

All the suspects involved are facing charges of attempted murder in the second degree and robbery in the first degree. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges will be added. 

We would like to thank the following agencies for their partnership during this intensive investigation:

• Beaverton Police Department
• Hillsboro Police Department
• Vancouver Police Department
• Kennewick Police Department
• Pasco Police Department
• Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families
• Hermiston Police Department
• Umatilla Police Department
• Umatilla County Sheriff's Office
• Oregon State Police
• United States Marshals Service

Detectives would like to hear from anyone with information regarding this case. Please call 503-846-2500 with information and reference case number 50-26-1455. 

Salem, Ore. – With more than $1.3 million in revenue generated for Oregon in sports betting, this year’s Super Bowl is the biggest single sports event of the year. Oregonians placed $8.4 million in wagers for the Super Bowl, up from $8.2 million last year, through Oregon Lottery’s DraftKings Sportsbook. There were more than 450,000 bets placed with an average wager of $18.30.

“The Super Bowl is a significant revenue-driving event for Oregon,” said Kerry Hemphill, Oregon Lottery sports betting products manager. “This year, revenue trended down from last year because of the strong in-state support for the Seahawks, who were favored and won.”

Players had more than 1,000 “prop bets” to choose from, such as which team would score first, and which player would be named MVP. Below are the results of some of the prop bets:

• On the coin toss, 9,159 bets were placed and 3,932 won the wager for the Patriots to win the toss.
• Of 9,679 bets, 1,488 correctly picked the Gatorade color as yellow. 

The player with the biggest win of the day was a customer from Portland who placed a $1,000 bet in August 2025 on the Seahawks winning the game. That wager resulted in a $60,000 win.

Oregon saw a 9% increase in the number of unique, active players who placed a wager on the gaming platform from 2025. Last year, Oregon players placed 456,000 bets. Oregon Lottery debuted online sports betting in October 2019.

To play Oregon Lottery’s DraftKings Sportsbook or for more about the game, go to https://www.oregonlottery.org/sports/.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $17.8 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.

SALEM, Oregon—The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene February 23 and 24 for a virtual meeting.

On February 23, commissioners will hold a work session from 1-3 p.m. on natural resource policy updates and conflict of interest training.

On February 24, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. virtually to discuss acquisition priorities and opportunities, and potential litigation. The Executive Session will be held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e) and (h) and is closed to the public.

A business meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. virtually and will be open to the public. All public commission meetings are streamed live to YouTube at https://bit.ly/oprdlive.

Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting; instructions on how to listen will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. The business meeting includes time for informal public comment not related to items on the agenda.

Registration is required to speak during the informal public comment portion. Register online at https://bit.ly/registerfeb2026commission. The deadline to register to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., Feb. 20. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. Feb. 20 to Cpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRCpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.

The full agenda and supporting documents are posted on the commission web page. Notable requests:

• Acknowledgement of a donation from Fastap Screw Company.
• Request to approve grant recommendations for the following:
  • County Opportunity
  • All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
• Request to approve construction contracts for Lake Owyhee and Cape Lookout.
• Request to approve adoption of proposed amendment to rules regarding operations of unmanned aircraft systems in state parks and along the ocean shore.
• Request to approve adoption of proposed changes to update Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy, which includes possible changes to the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting in 2026. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellation.

Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance at burton@oprd.oregon.gov">denise.warburton@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-779-9729.

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year at locations across the state.

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