TOLEDO VEHICLE CRASH – UPDATE 02 – FINAL UPDATE
 

February 25, 2026 – Toledo, OR
 

At approximately 4:40 PM, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a rollover crash between the 100 and 200 blocks of NE Sturdevant road. The single vehicle, operated by a juvenile, crashed into a power pole resulting in significant damage. Although the juvenile was transported for medical care, there are no known injuries at this time.
 

Central Lincoln PUD and Consumers Power are on scene and working to restore power. For power updates:

• Central Lincoln PUD outage updates: clpud.org/customer-information/outages/outage-information
• Consumers Power: cpi.coop/

Traffic is being diverted until the area is safe and clear.
 

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TOLEDO VEHICLE CRASH – UPDATE 01

February 25, 2026 – Toledo, OR

At approximately 4:40 PM, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a rollover crash between the 100 and 200 blocks of NE Sturdevant road. The single vehicle crashed into a power pole resulting in significant damage. Central Lincon PUD is on scene assessing damage and addressing the power outage. Traffic is being diverted from the area.

Due to safety concerns and downed powerlines, the public is asked to stay out of the area.

More information will be shared as the situation develops.
 

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Gresham, Ore.— A Gresham man has been arrested following the service of a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of SE 19th St.

The search warrant was the culmination of an investigation that began with tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating a person at that address was involved in the distribution of sexually explicit images and videos of children. Members of the Gresham Police Department’s Special Victims Team led the investigation and identified 44-year-old Zachary Lawson as the suspect.

Early this morning, officers and deputies with East Metro SWAT served a warrant at Lawson’s residence. East Metro SWAT is an inter-agency team made up of officers from the Gresham Police Department and deputies from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

During service of the warrant officers discovered multiple homemade explosive devices. Investigators with the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms responded to ensure the explosives were rendered safe. Metro EDU is an inter-agency explosive disposal unit led by the Portland Police Bureau, with officers and investigators contributed from numerous local agencies.

Lawson has been charged with Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, Possession of Child Pornography in the Second Degree, Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree, Coercion, Possession of a Destructive Device, and Unlawful Manufacturing of a Destructive Device.

“This investigation was successful because of the cooperation between multiple law enforcement and public safety organizations,” said Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg. “I would like to thank our officers, investigators, and partners for their commitment and dedication to the safety of children in Gresham and throughout the country.”

The Gresham Police Department would particularly like to thank the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, and the Mayes County Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this investigation.

Anyone with concerns or information regarding missing or exploited children can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or CyberTipline.org, or their local law enforcement. In Multnomah County, the number for non-emergency police issues is 503-823-3333.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sex trafficking three minor victims.

Eric Lamont Harris, 51, was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Harris began trafficking 15-year-old Minor Victim 1 in Spring 2022. Minor Victim 1 was a ward of the state and reported missing in March 2022. Harris began trafficking 16-year-old Minor Victim 2 in June 2022. In July 2022, Harris brought Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 from Portland to Kennewick, Washington, with the intent that they engage in prostitution at a hotel he booked in Kennewick. After Minor Victim 2’s parents reported her missing, the FBI and Kennewick Police recovered Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 in Kennewick. Harris met 17-year-old Minor Victim 3 in June 2022 and began trafficking her in August 2022.

Each victim lived with Harris while he trafficked them. Harris booked hotel rooms for the minor victims’ commercial sex dates, transported them to and from those dates, facilitated the posting of online escort advertisements featuring the minor victims, and received thousands of dollars’ worth of commercial sex proceeds from the minor victims.

On September 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an eight-count second superseding indictment charging Harris with transportation with intent to engage in prostitution, three counts of sex trafficking of a child, three counts of sex trafficking of a child – benefitting from participation in a venture, and sexual exploitation of children.

On November 6, 2025, Harris pleaded guilty to the eight-count indictment on the fourth day of his ten-day trial.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Portland Police Bureau, the Kennewick Police Department, and the Medford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charlotte Kelley and Robert Trisotto prosecuted the case.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.  

If you or someone you know are victims of human trafficking or have information about a potential human trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also submit a tip on the NHTRC website.

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SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet virtually at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 2. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Finalize Board Policy Manual (BPM) language updates
• Finalize agenda development document
• Develop plan to update board governance performance evaluation
• Discuss adding a Roberts Rules/Meeting Protocol section to the BPM
• Plan our presentation for the Board of Forestry (BOF) meeting on March 4
• Schedule next meeting

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov.

This standing board committee recommends policies (or policy changes) to the board pertaining to governance issues and processes including the oversight and management of the Board Policy Manual, orientation and training of new board members, the evaluation and improvement of the board, the repository of board materials, and oversight of the written conflict of interest policies, procedures, and review of annual or special statements of board members. Learn more about the committee.

DPSST Telecommunications Curriculum Advisory Committee Membership Opportunity

The DPSST Telecommunications Curriculum Advisory Committee (TCAC) is currently seeking interested individuals for membership. 

Who Should Apply?

We already have strong representation from managers and supervisors and are looking to expand our membership to include line staff, coaches, and trainers from various agencies across the state, representing different agency sizes.

TCAC Overview and Member Responsibilities:

The TCAC operates as a subcommittee of the DPSST Telecommunications Policy Committee (TPC), with all members appointed by the TPC. Responsibilities include convening bi-annually or as needed by DPSST to review curriculum for Telecommunications and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Field Training Manuals, and EMD cards. Members, serving as subject matter experts (SMEs), will recommend updates and revisions based on these reviews.

Length of Service and How to Apply:

The commitment is for a minimum of two (2) years. Interested individuals are invited to submit a letter of interest to Kathy.Fink@dpsst.oregon.gov by March 10, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed, and selections will be made to create a well-rounded committee.

Dear media partners,

On Wednesday morning, Feb. 25, Portland City Council voted unanimously to approve the Affordable Housing Opportunities Project. This project amends the zoning map for 19 sites – all owned by nonprofit partners and public agencies – to unlock future opportunities to expand affordable housing and community services.

Read the full release: City Council votes unanimously to rezone select properties to support affordable housing production | Portland.gov

Thank you,

Aster 

Aster Bloem

Senior Planning Communications Strategist
they/them Why do I list my pronouns?

City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
971-940-2782 | .bloem@portlandoregon.gov">aster.bloem@portlandoregon.gov
1810 SW 5th Ave., Suite 710 Portland, OR 97201

Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
portland.gov/bps | Facebook | twitter | subscribe to e-news 

The City of Portland is committed to providing meaningful access. For accommodations, modifications, translation, interpretation or other services, please contact 311 or Relay Service 711.

QUARTERLY COFFEE WITH A DEPUTY – NEWPORT
 

The next Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy event with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is just around the corner. Join us on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 9:30am – 11am for a cup of coffee and a conversation at Ultralife Cafe (located at 715 NW Beach Drive Newport, OR 97365).

More about these quarterly events:
Every three months our office partners with a local coffee shop in Lincoln County to provide a time, space, and coffee for community members to meet our team and share what’s on their minds. Coffee with a cop events are a friendly and relaxed way for our communities to connect with the deputies that serve them.

These events offer a unique opportunity for community members to directly engage with law enforcement, ask questions, voice concerns, and build positive relationships. Whether you're a regular coffee drinker or simply curious about the work of law enforcement, this is a chance to connect with our team on a personal level, learn about each other’s experiences, and share local feedback.
 

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Award-winning guitarist and songwriter delivers an intimate night of soulful vocals, psychedelic roots rock, and masterful musicianship on March 7

Salem, Ore., February 25, 2026 — Chemeketa Community College invites the community to experience an unforgettable evening of blues-rock brilliance as James Howard in Concert takes the stage on March 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chemeketa Auditorium (Building 6), located at 4000 Lancaster Drive NE in Salem (Purple Parking Area).

A San Francisco Bay Area native with more than 40 years on stage, James Howard delivers an electrifying live show that blends virtuoso guitar, inspirational vocals, and fearless songwriting. Drawing inspiration from icons such as Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, and Pat Travers, Howard fuses traditional blues with psychedelic roots rock, seasoned with touches of Latin and jazz to create a sound that is uniquely his own.

His accolades include:

• Winner, Washington Blues Society Finals — 2016 & 2023

• Competitor, International Blues Challenge, Memphis, TN
   

• Winner, 2012 Best Blues Guitarist — Lee Ritenour’s Six String Theory Global Guitar Competition
   

• Semi-finalist, Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Competition
   

Critics consistently praise his artistry:

“What Howard can do with a guitar is remarkable… sweet and brilliant… deep in the well when it comes to guitar wizardry & creativity.” — Delta Snake Daily Blues

“A Jimi Hendrix on guitar with John Lennon’s voice and vision… a songwriter with great depth.” — Rock and Blues News

“Guitarist extraordinaire… a breathtaking exhibition… simply awesome.” — Music Connection Magazine

Now newly relocated to the Willamette Valley, Howard is eager to build a new audience right here at home. This special Wonder Wednesday: Encore performance offers an intimate, immersive concert experience featuring a master musician at the height of his powers.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite:
James Howard In Concert

Community members, music lovers, and blues-rock fans alike are encouraged to attend and experience a night of soulful sound and exceptional musicianship at Chemeketa.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

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

Salem, OR— Filing your taxes can be anxiety-inducing. The list of worries is long – ‘what happens if I make a mistake? Is interacting with the government safe for me and my community?  Is using commercial software or hiring a tax professional in my budget?’

The good news is that help—free help—is widely available.

From IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or AARP Foundation TaxAide locations, Oregon taxpayers needing free assistance have over 107 different places across the state where they can get free in-person help filing their taxes.

This free tax help is also available online through the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.

Make an appointment at a free tax help site near you by using the links for each organization on the Department of Revenue's webpage, or consult the department’s interactive map.

Taxpayers are encouraged to bring their 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 IRS’s VITA and TCE programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

• People who generally make $69,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

Tax-Aide has several free options for providing taxpayer assistance to those who need it. These options vary by location and are subject to change. Taxpayers can get:

• In-person service where taxes are prepared and electronically filed by IRS-certified tax counselors;
• Or help preparing their own taxes with free access to software with help from an  IRS-certified counselor available if desired. Once the counselor completes the taxes, the return is reviewed, approved, and signed by the taxpayer(s), and then electronically transmitted to the IRS and eventually to the Oregon Department of Revenue.

In addition to those options Department of Revenue volunteers will offer free help guiding taxpayers through the filing process using free public-access computers and Wi-Fi internet service at select WorkSource Oregon centers across the state.

Events are planned 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following WorkSource Oregon locations.

• February 25—Beaverton, 241 SE Edgeway Drive
• March 4—Eugene, 2510 Oakmont Way
• March 11—Portland, 6401 SE Foster Road
• March 18—Lebanon, 44 Industrial Way
• March 25—Bend, 11007 SW Emkay Drive

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 to file their Oregon personal income tax return.

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View this release online.

Note: This story has been updated to reflect that both children and their mother have been safely located, and the children's names and photos have been removed to protect their identities now that public assistance is no longer required.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Tonight, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) issued an AMBER Alert for two missing and endangered children who are believed to be with their non-custodial mother.

Based on preliminary information, in December 2025, a Multnomah County judge granted temporary custody of eight-year-old [Name Removed] and seven-year-old [Name Removed] to their father. The court ordered supervised parenting‑time conditions for the mother, 37-year-old Ann Marie Quarles. 

On February 13, 2026, a family member dropped off both children with Quarles, but she did not return the children as expected. On February 20, 2026, the court determined Quarles to be in violation of the custody order and directed law enforcement to assist the father in recovering the children.

On February 24, 2026, MCSO went to Quarles’ apartment, located in the 2600-block of Southeast 145^th Avenue in Portland, but neither she nor the two girls were there. 

During the investigation, deputies were told Quarles may have left over the weekend with the girls. Due to the circumstances, MCSO law enforcement deputies requested assistance from MCSO detectives.

Deputies reached Quarles by phone on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, who told them she was in Moses Lake, Washington but refused to give her exact location. Deputies instructed her to contact local law enforcement, but she refused. Quarles also told deputies that she did not intend to comply with the court’s order. 

Detectives believe [Name Removed] and [Name Removed] may be in danger.

Although Quarles told deputies she is in Washington, that information has not been confirmed. There could be a chance she and the two girls are in Portland. 

[Name Removed] and her sister, [Name Removed], are both white females, approximately 4 feet tall and weighing between 40 and 45 pounds. They each have dark blonde hair and blue eyes.

Community members are urged to call 9-1-1 if they see [Name Removed] and [Name Removed] or Quarles. 

AMBER Alerts are issued to rapidly disseminate vital information to the public and partner agencies to assist in the safe recovery of children believed to have been abducted and are in imminent danger. 

An AMBER Alert is issued only when certain criteria are met, including:

• Reasonable belief that an abduction has occurred.
• The missing child is 17 years of age or younger and believed to be in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death.
• Sufficient descriptive information is available about the child, suspect, and/or suspect’s vehicle that can assist in the child’s recovery.
• Required information has been entered into national law enforcement information systems. 

[Photo Removed]

(Above photo: [Name Removed])

[Photo Removed]

(Above photo: [Name Removed]) 

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PORTLAND, Ore. (Feb. 25, 2025) ~ More adults in their 40s, 50s and early 60s are being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a heart rhythm disorder long associated with older patients, and cardiologists say the shift has significant implications for long-term heart and stroke risk. This Heart Month, cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Jeffrey Lin, MD, is available for interviews to discuss why AFib is increasingly being diagnosed in people younger than traditional retirement age, and what midlife adults should know about symptoms, stroke risk, and prevention.

Recent large-scale studies show more than 25 percent of people diagnosed with atrial fibrillation are now under age 65, driven by rising rates of high blood pressure, obesity, sleep apnea, alcohol use and smoking, along with wider use of ECGs (electrocardiograms) and wearable heart monitors that can detect irregular heart rhythms earlier. At the same time, U.S. mortality data show AFib-related death rates among non-elderly adults have risen over the past two decades, underscoring the importance of early detection and prevention.

"Many people still think of atrial fibrillation as a condition that only affects older adults, but we're seeing it more often in patients in their 40s and 50s," said Dr. Lin. "The good news is there are clear steps people can take to lower their risk, from managing blood pressure and weight to addressing sleep apnea and reducing alcohol and tobacco use. Recognizing symptoms early is also critical because early treatment makes a difference."

Interviews available:

Dr. Jeffrey Lin, MD, cardiac electrophysiologist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for interviews on Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m.- noon. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org">Karen Vitt to schedule.

​Dr. Lin is prepared to discuss:

• Why atrial fibrillation is being diagnosed more often in adults under 65
• Key risk factors, including high blood pressure, obesity, sleep apnea, alcohol use, and smoking
• Symptoms people should not ignore and when to seek medical care
• The link between AFib and stroke risk, and why early diagnosis matters
• Prevention strategies and lifestyle changes that support heart rhythm 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 12.6 million members in 9 states a nd the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org. 

Oregon State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation deemed the structure worthy of recommendation for the National Register of Historic Places, but demolition continues.

Banks, Oregon – February 25, 2026 – The Banks Historical Society today announced that on February 19, 2026 the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) discussed the Banks Union High School complex and stated that in their professional opinions, both the 106‑year‑old brick building and the adjacent WPA‑built gymnasium met the criteria for significance required for listing in National Register of Historic Places. Committee members expressed a “high level of confidence” that the property would have been recommended for forwarding to the federal level – however, the process could not move forward because the school district had already begun demolition.

The National Register of Historic Places is the United States’ official list of buildings, districts, structures, sites and objects important to local, state or national history. The SACHP reviews all proposed National Register Nominations in Oregon. The application process for the National Register is rigorous, and the SACHP commended the Banks Historical Society preservation committee on the exceptional quality of the 70-page application, saying it would serve as an example to others seeking nomination for historic structures.

Specific aspects of the nomination cited by the SACHP were the historic significance of the building having been the first Union High School in Washington County – and among the first in the state. SACHP also cited the architectural significance of both the school and gymnasium buildings as classic examples of architecture from their respective eras. 

Prior to demolition, the buildings were evaluated and deemed to have sufficient historic integrity for nomination to the National Register. The SACHP opened public comments and scheduled the hearing date of February 19 on December 11, 2025. The school district began demolition in early February, with major external demolition taking place days before the SACHP hearing, rendering the buildings ineligible. 

“I can’t begin to express how grateful we are to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the SACHP for taking the time to carefully review our application and make public statements about the quality and eligibility of these buildings for the National Register,” said Nina Shurts, secretary of the Banks Historical Society and the lead author of the application. “It’s too late to save these structures for our community, but we hope this will serve as both a cautionary tale and a positive example for creation of successful National Register applications for other communities, organizations and individuals to act quickly to preserve their historic architecture before it’s all gone.”

In November 2024 more than 250 people signed a petition to save the 1920 school and shortly thereafter the Banks Historical Society began their efforts to apply for the National Register listing. The Banks School Board deemed the restoration of the historic school to be cost-prohibitive, and when a cost-neutral option that would have incorporated the historic building into the construction of the new school came before the board for a vote, it was rejected without explanation.

About the National Register in Oregon

The National Register program is run by the National Park Service and administered locally by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, an office of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

Oregon’s State Advistory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) is a nine-member, governor appointed body of citizens with expertise in fields relating to historic preservation. The SACHP reviews all proposed National Register Nominations in Oregon. The SACHP conducts three meetings a year at sites around Oregon. These meetings have a business session and often a tour of heritage sites and organizations in the region. All meetings and tours are free and open to the public.

About the Banks Historical Society

The mission of the Banks Historical Society is to preserve, protect, and promote the history and heritage of Banks, Oregon – and all municipalities and rural areas within the Banks School District – through educational programs, exhibitions, community engagement and recognition of local, state and national historic landmarks and resources in the service area. The all-volunteer Banks Historical Society is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and historical purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

To learn more, get involved or make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit bankshistory.org. For more information on Banks Historical Society activities and projects, visit the Banks Historical Society Facebook page. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

February 25, 2026 

Press Contact: 

Monice Wong 

mwong@portlandalliance.com 

PDX Pop-Up Shops: A Proven Pipeline for Small Business Growth and Downtown Economic Vitality 

Multiple PDX Pop-Up Shops Launch Permanent Storefronts from Pop-Ups Success in Downtown Portland. 

PORTLAND, Oregon—February 25, 2026—The 16th annual Holiday PDX Pop-Up Shops, hosted by Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, has once again delivered meaningful economic and community impact by supporting local entrepreneurs, transforming vacant storefronts, and strengthening Portland’s innovative small business ecosystem.

Over the past 16 years, the PDX Pop-Up Shops program has established itself not as a one-off seasonal activation, but as a proven retail pathway for emerging entrepreneurs. Alumni ventures like Crafty Wonderland, Bridge & Burn, Amity Artisan Goods, The Pickle Jar, Sinister Coffee, and Bentley Fleurs have all become enduring downtown fixtures, validating this program’s role in long-term business success.

This year’s class of makers and retailers continued that legacy by transitioning their Pop-Up Shops into permanent storefronts:

• Bring! Treats for Dogs is a gourmet dog treats bakery which lovingly makes treats with human-grade, organic, gluten-free, and low allergen ingredients. The team, who opened Oregon’s first-ever food cart for dogs in Southeast Portland, has built a following with whimsical creations such as pupcakes, puptarts, and empawnadas.  
• Madam Cooper’s Parlor has transformed a vacant Old Town space at Ankeny Alley to offer a particularly unique experience—a glittering boutique with a miniature Music Box Theatre offering six-minute burlesque performances, often accompanied by a live piano player and a menu of Spanish Coffees and hot popcorn. The Parlor channels the history of Old Town’s Entertainment District, which housed vaudeville houses, saloons, cabarets, and offbeat nightlife.  
• Retorica is a bespoke fine jeweler that intertwines artistry and symbolism through custom jewelry crafted from repurposed precious metals. Created by Mexican artist Diana, now based in Portland, each piece embodies romance, strength, and storytelling. 

Small Businesses: The Backbone of Portland’s Economy 

Portland’s economy is deeply rooted in small business activity: 

• Nearly 95% of all establishments in the Multnomah County region are small businesses. 
• Small businesses in Multnomah County employ over one-third (35%) of the local workforce. 
• In the state of Oregon as a whole, nearly 99.4% of all firms are small businesses, employing well over half of the workforce.

​These figures underscore not just the scale of small business in the region, but the outsized role of local entrepreneurs in driving job creation, cultural vitality, and neighborhood commerce. 

Many of the entrepreneurs have overcome meaningful barriers in their journeys, navigating the challenges of scaling home-based businesses, reviving historical art forms for modern audiences, or taking bold steps to grow into brick-and-mortar storefronts and the central city for the first time. Their experiences reflect the momentum of Portland’s downtown recovery and small business climate. 

What’s Next: From Pop-Ups to a Year-Round Retail Pipeline

Looking ahead, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe is building on the success of the PDX Pop-Up program by piloting new models that create more frequent, flexible on-ramps for small businesses to test, grow, and transition into permanent spaces. The next evolution of the program will include the PDX Retail Lab, with a goal of launching a 12-month rotating retail and pop-up program that supports entrepreneurs year-round and continues activating underused storefronts in Downtown Portland. 

“We’re excited to build on the success of PDX Pop-Ups through the PDX Retail Lab and explore a year-round rotating pop-up model. Retailers need opportunities to experiment in a rapidly changing retail landscape, and shoppers love discovering unique, local experiences. When we bring those two things together, it's a powerful combination and it’s exactly how we continue building a more lively, welcoming downtown,” said Sydney Mead, Senior Director of Downtown Programs at Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. 

The PDX Pop-Up Shops program proves that strategic placemaking and creative support of small businesses can do more than create buzz, they build permanent businesses. By lowering barriers to entry, activating underutilized space, and connecting entrepreneurs to customers and media exposure, the program fosters measurable economic growth. 

Media interested in arranging interviews, capturing on-site activity, or speaking directly with the business owners are encouraged to reach out for coordination. 

Sources: 

PORTLAND, Ore. – On March 4–5, the Portland Community College Foundation is hosting its seventh annual Big Give Day, a 36-hour community giving event that brings together alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to support PCC students.

This year, the goal is to raise $150,000 to fund scholarships and essential programs across the college. This ranges from helping students who face food insecurity, to supporting immigrant and refugee students, to helping provide resources to military-affiliated students and others like PCC’s Native and Indigenous students. The difference-making of Big Give Day begins at noon on Wednesday, March 4, and runs through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 5. 

“Big Give Day shows what happens when people across our community decide to show up for PCC students,” said PCC Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline. “In just 36 hours, that generosity turns into real support, helping students stay enrolled, focused, and moving toward their goals.” 

Through the power of crowdfunding and shared networks, supporters can make a direct impact by giving to more than 20 PCC programs and scholarship funds. A full list of participating funds is available on the Big Give Day webpage. Access is the goal. 

All gifts are encouraged, no matter the size, as they help provide critical resources that support student success and positive change across the college and community. The Foundation distributes $2.3 million in scholarships annually, ensuring that students in the region have access to an excellent education at PCC and the support needed to succeed, regardless of their ability to pay.

Big Give Day benefits students like foundation scholarship recipient Fareeha Nayebare. She said PCC is much more than credits, it is about survival, purpose and a path forward. Raised in a village in Uganda, she grew up apart from her parents, the only daughter among four brothers. Scholarships brought her to Forest Grove High School, and helped transition her to PCC in summer 2024. Now an Accounting Program student, Nayebare is the student trustee on the college board.

“My family doesn’t have much and they are fully dependent on me,” said Nayebare. "PCC has been transformative. If I were back in Uganda, I would be stuck at home and not sure about my future. Now I have hope. The path is a lot clearer. Dream high and dream big."

Learn more about the foundation's Big Give Day at pcc.edu/biggiveday.

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.

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View this release online.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is providing an update on a case that involved two missing and endangered children.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday February 25, 2026, MCSO deputies safely located 37-year-old Ann Marie Quarles and her two children in the 17000-block of Northeast Sacramento Street in Gresham.

Neither child appeared injured.

Detectives will complete their investigation and forward the case to the district attorney’s office.

MCSO initiated the AMBER Alert process based on the information available at the time and the concern that both children were at risk after being taken by their non‑custodial mother in violation of a court order.

After the alert was requested, Oregon State Police (OSP), which manages Oregon’s AMBER Alert system, informed MCSO that the circumstances did not meet the criteria required for issuance of an AMBER Alert.

MCSO appreciates the community members and media who helped share the information in this case. In situations such as this, community involvement plays an important role in supporting investigations and generating tips that may assist in locating those involved.

At this time, no further information is available for release.

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At 7:03pm on Tuesday February 24th, Forest Grove Firefighters were dispatched to a reported house fire on NW Highway 47, near the community of Greenville. Motorists on Highway 47 called in the fire stating a building was engulfed in flames. Minutes after being dispatched, the first fire units arrived on scene to find an abandoned house fully engulfed in flames and starting to collapse. Firefighters worked on extinguishing the fire while preventing embers from spreading to a nearby structure. Within minutes of firefighters arriving, the whole structure had collapsed onto itself. It took firefighters approximately 45 minutes to extinguish the majority of the fire with several hidden hot spots under the collapsed debris.
 

Due to the rural location with no fire hydrants, firefighters had to bring water to the scene in water tender vehicles that carry 3,000 gallons of water. During the incident, a one mile stretch of Highway 47 was closed for almost two hours due to fire apparatus operating at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
 

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue was assisted on scene by Banks Fire District, Cornelius Fire Department, AMR Washington County, Washington County Sheriffs Office, Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation. 
 

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Gearhart, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today for secretly filming a minor victim while nude and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Joseph Tyler Biamont, 35, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, Gearhart Police discovered that Biamont was in possession of a thumb drive containing secretly recorded videos of the minor victim while nude. The videos were filmed from what appeared to be a dummy smoke detector above the victim’s bed, behind a teddy bear, and from Biamont’s cell phone, depicting the minor victim going to the bathroom, showering, and changing clothes. Biamont is visible in some of the videos. Investigators also found files of CSAM of other minor victims on Biamont’s thumb drive and videos of an adult victim nude in the bathroom.

On May 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Biamont with sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.

On count one, Biamont faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life of supervised release. On count six, Biamont faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 19, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Biamont has agreed to pay restitution to the victims.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and the Gearhart Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlotte Kelley is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Oregon Senate Bill 1570 will hold federal immigration officers accountable inside hospitals, protect patients’ and providers’ rights, and ensure everyone can access healthcare without fearing for their safety.

(SALEM, Ore.) – Healthcare workers applauded Tuesday as the Oregon Senate voted to pass the Healthcare Without Fear Act, Senate Bill 1570, to ensure hospitals are places of healing and trust; not fear or intimidation. The Healthcare Without Fear Act ensures federal immigration agents are accountable to the same standards as state and local law enforcement inside hospitals; safeguards patients’ private health information; and improves Oregonians’ health and safety.

“This bill is not abstract policy—it is a promise. A promise that Oregon’s hospitals will be safe spaces. A promise that violence and intimidation have no place in healthcare settings. A promise that caregivers can do their jobs without fear. And a promise that all patients are treated with the dignity, humanity, and protection they deserve,” said ONA President Tamie Cline, RN. 

The Healthcare Without Fear Act comes after recent federal policy changes have made hospitals, clinics, and schools targets for immigration enforcement actions from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In Oregon federal immigration agents shot two people in a hospital parking lot; arrested an entire family trying to take their sick 7-year-old daughter to the ER; and reportedly failed to follow protocols inside hospitals by entering restricted areas, exposing protected health information, and interfering with patients’ care. 

Senate Bill 1570 requires hospitals to create policies around all law enforcement interactions, designate a point person to interface with law enforcement to reduce burdens on frontline caregivers, and clearly designate public and private spaces. It protects patients’ privacy by classifying immigration status and place of birth as protected health information and empowers healthcare providers to share information about immigration rights or legal services with patients and their families.

“Our patients do not feel safe seeking necessary and life-saving medical care. This injustice strikes at the heart of our healthcare system,” said ONA member Jayesh Palshikar, RN. “The Healthcare Without Fear Act will protect providers and patients, hold federal officers accountable to basic hospital standards and begin restoring trust in our healthcare system.”

Following today’s successful Senate vote, the bill will move on to the House Committee on Health Care.

More information on the Healthcare without Fear Act can be found at OregonRN.org/CareWithoutFear. 

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The Governing Board of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) will meet on Tuesday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. This public meeting will be conducted as a teleconference.

The meeting agenda, including call-in information, is available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/about/govboard/boardagenda_03_10_2026.pdf

The DOGAMI Governing Board sets policy, oversees general operations, and adopts a strategic plan every six years. The Board meets at least quarterly. As active members of their communities, Board members provide an important connection between Oregonians and DOGAMI’s mission of providing earth science information and regulation to make Oregon safe and prosperous.

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Polk County, Ore. (Feb. 24, 2026) - On Monday, February 23, 2026, at 9:51 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 22, at the intersection with Highway 51, in Polk County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Salem-Keizer Thomas school bus, operated by Chandra Jean Milkovich-Howard (33) of Turner, attempted a left turn onto southbound Highway 51. The school bus entered the path of an eastbound Honda Pilot, operated by Luke Richard Brittan (68) of Independence, causing a head-on crash.

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

The operator of the Thomas school bus (Milkovich-Howard) suffered reported minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital

The school bus was occupied by 2 adults and 30 students. One student suffered a reported minor injury and was transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. An unsafe left turn is considered the primary cause of the collision. The Thomas operator was issued a citation for the unsafe left turn. The investigtion is on-going and will be forwarded to the district attorney when complete for consideration.

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

# # #

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

PRESS RELEASE

Lower Columbia SWAT Search Warrant Services

Feb 24, 2026

 On 02/22/26 Detectives with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office Crime Reduction Team (CRT), with the assistance of the Lower Columbia SWAT Team, served a search warrant at 1616 Hudson St, Longview.  The search warrant was related to a delivery of controlled substances and unlawful possession of firearm investigation conducted by CRT Detectives.

During execution of the search warrant, Detectives recovered a loaded Taurus .38 caliber revolver (Reported stolen out of Portland, OR), 1.8oz of methamphetamine, and evidence of intent to deliver controlled substances.  Stolen property from a local grocery store was also located.  Other items that may be stolen and/or may be evidence of financial fraud were recovered and are under further investigation.

During service of the search warrant the following subjects were arrested:

Robert Tuttle, age 43, of Longview, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1^st, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to deliver, Dangerous Weapons, and Possession of stolen property 3rd

Briana Tuttle, age 38, of Longview, Possession of a controlled substance

On 2/24/26, the Lower Columbia SWAT Team assisted the Clark County Major Crimes Unit by serving an early morning search warrant in the Woodland area.  The search warrant was for a subject regarding an ongoing investigation.  Due to the nature of the investigation, no further details will be released at this time.  Any questions regarding this matter should be directed to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit.   

Respectfully

Chief Criminal Deputy Jordan Spencer

Salem, OR – The State Library Advisory Councils will meet virtually 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026. See the agenda below. This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Jessica Sokoloff at jessica.sokoloff@slo.oregon.gov.

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

Advisory Councils Meeting

February 27, 2026

Virtual

Agenda

9:00 a.m.         Welcome and introductions

9:15 a.m.         Review and discussion of the draft report “Exploring the Oregon Library Community’s Understanding and Expectations of the State Library”                                 

10:15 a.m.       Wrap up and next steps  

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

(Salem, Ore- Feb. 21, 2026 )- A nationally recognized country music artist and foster care advocate will bring a powerful message of resilience and hope to Salem in March.

On Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 7 p.m., Jimmy Wayne will appear at the Elsinore Theatre for a community event sponsored by the Salem Clinic Medical Foundation. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance at elsinoretheatre.com.

Wayne is best known for country hits such as “Stay Gone,” “I Love You This Much,” and “Do You Believe Me Now.” Beyond his music career, he is widely respected for his advocacy on behalf of youth in foster care.

As a teenager, Wayne experienced abuse, homelessness and time in foster care before being taken in by a local couple who helped stabilize his life and support his education. In 2010, he walked more than 1,700 miles halfway across the U.S. to raise awareness for young people aging out of foster care without permanent families or support systems. His cross-country walk drew national media attention and sparked broader conversations about child welfare reform.

The March 12 event will feature music, storytelling and conversation centered on perseverance, belonging and the importance of supportive adults in a young person’s life.

Wayne said he is looking forward to his trip to the West Coast.

“I’m grateful to speak for the Salem Clinic Medical Foundation. When I read their mission statement, the word compassion stood out to me. Caring means you want to help; compassion means you step in and help. When a community chooses compassion, dignity and belonging, lives are changed and I’m honored to be part of that message.”

“This is more than a concert,” said Ryan Farwell of the Salem Clinic Medical Foundation. “Jimmy Wayne’s story reflects the realities many young people in foster care face, but it also shows what is possible when someone steps in and believes in you. We are honored to sponsor an evening that brings awareness, encouragement and hope to our community.”

Organizers hope the event will draw foster families, youth, social service providers and community members who want to better understand the foster care experience and support local efforts to support vulnerable children.

Free general admission tickets are available at elsinoretheatre.com.

See a program preview at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-upYUoAcgc

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About the Salem Clinic Medical Foundation:  By bringing voices like Jimmy Wayne’s to Salem, the Salem Clinic Medical Foundation aims to foster meaningful conversations about mental, emotional and social health issues that directly affect individuals and families across our region. Community organizations and members are invited to attend and engage in a shared experience that highlights the importance of support, understanding and collective care in building a healthier Salem.

For Immediate Release

February 24, 2026

Supporters of Increasing Tourism Tax Inaccurately Claim Healthy Tourism Industry 

Message from Jon Isaacs, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Portland Metro Chamber: 

Over the past three weeks a memo was circulated from the Oregon Conservation Network entitled “1.25% for Wildlife: Common Misconception.” This memo, designed to appear as a well-researched and cited document, was circulated by supporters of HB 4134, which will increase the Oregon transient lodging tax (TLT) by 1.25% to fund the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. This memo contains falsehoods, invented charts, and links to stories that do not report what the links claim. The memo even links to an AI-generated ‘new media’ story to support a claim. Many local news outlets either reported on some of the claims made in this memo or provided a platform for these claims to be made.  

With HB 4134 scheduled to be on the house floor today and the vote outcome uncertain, the Portland Metro Chamber is taking the ultra-rare step of distributing a full rebuke of this memo to the media. In the Chamber’s view, the “misconceptions” memo is misleading in certain places that fall outside the bounds of accurate and responsible advocacy. We strongly encourage you to review the entire attached analysis and ask hard questions of its authors and supporters.

The Portland tourism industry is not thriving. Full stop. Portland’s tourism industry is last in the nation among our peers in post-pandemic recovery: 

• Tourism spending is still down over $100M annually from 2019 
• Inflation adjusted direct travel spending in 2024 remained 15% below 2019 levels 
• City Center hotels sold 400,000 fewer rooms in 2024 than in 2019 
• Average monthly room night occupancy is still 14 points below 2019 levels.  

Thank you for reviewing this information and for your thorough coverage of the 2026 State of the Regional Economy report release. If you would like to discuss this with EVP Isaacs, please contact @Monice Wong to schedule an interview.  

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Best regards,  

Jon Isaacs 

Executive Vice President of Public Affairs 

Portland Metro Chamber 

WHO:       2026 General George C. Marshall Award finalists are introduced and award recipients (one Youth Award Recipient and one Public Award Recipient) are announced in the Marshall Leadership Awards Ceremony.                                               

                 The Marshall Youth Leadership Award Recipient and the Marshall Public Leadership Award Recipient will be available for media interviews following the ceremony.

WHAT:      The Marshall Leadership Awards celebrate leadership excellence in Clark County, recognizing outstanding high school seniors and adults through age 35.  

WHEN:     Thursday, February 26, 2026, ceremony at 6:00 P.M., finalists and recipients introduced at approximately 6:30 P.M., program concludes approximately 7:30 P.M.

WHERE:   Artillery Barracks ballroom, 600 Hatheway Rd., Vancouver, WA 98661

WHY:        This is a ‘good news’ story about impressive young leaders making a difference in our community, and is an encouraging reminder that these rising leaders are making a positive impact.

Full press release with finalist and recipient names will be available February 26, 2026.

For more information, visit www.thehistorictrust.org/marshall-awards.

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Washougal, WA — February 24, 2026 — In recognition of Career & Technical Education Month, Washougal High School students Madeline Brock and Jake Larzalere presented to the Washougal School District Board of Directors about the impact of Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs on February 10, 2026. The students shared how CTE coursework and leadership opportunities help prepare students with real-world, job-ready skills. 

“It is powerful to hear directly from students about how these programs are shaping their goals and preparing them for the future,” said Sadie McKenzie, School Board President. “We are incredibly proud of the skills these students have built through their CTE courses and how they are applying that learning in real-world settings.” 

Washougal School District has more than 70 middle and high school CTE courses across 11 career pathways. These courses range from Metals & Manufacturing to Culinary Arts, Intro to Medical Careers & Terminology, Social Media Marketing and more. 

“Hands-on classes like these help students find what they’re good at and feel confident about their future,” said Larzalere.

“Career & Technical Education gives students the opportunity to apply their learning in meaningful, real-world ways,” said Margaret Rice, Career & Technical Education Director. “Through hands-on coursework, industry partnerships, and leadership experiences, students are building practical skills, exploring career pathways, and gaining the confidence to take with them after graduation,” said Margaret Rice, Career & Technical Education Director. Rice answered questions from the board along with the student presenters. 

Brock and Larzalere were recently recognized for their achievements through Future Business Leaders of America, a Career & Technical Education extracurricular club that allows students to apply business and leadership skills through real-world projects and competition. Larzalere earned first place in the FBLA Regional Social Media Strategy competition, while Brock placed fourth in Public Service Announcement, Impromptu Speaking, and Marketing categories. 

The students also presented to the school board about how CTE programs contribute to workforce development, support local industries, and help strengthen the regional economy by preparing students with in-demand skills.

“CTE classes and competitions have helped me build real skills and grow as a student and a leader,” said Brock.

Washougal School District’s CTE offerings are shaped in partnership with a district Career & Technical Education Advisory Committee composed of local industry professionals. Their input helps keep coursework aligned with today’s workforce expectations, ensuring students gain relevant, in-demand skills. Learn more at https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/cte/. 

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 15 to February 18, 2026, one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in the sample collected on February 15 and one oocyst was detected in the sample collected on February 18. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the samples collected on February 16 or February 17. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run drinking water source on February 11, 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

BASIC CORRECTIONS FIREARMS

WORKGROUP MEETING

SCHEDULED

Press Release   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
February 24, 2026

A MESSAGE FOR 2125: GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ADDS ITS STORY TO MAIN STREET TIME CAPSULE

Letter and historic milestones sealed until 2125 as part of downtown revitalization project 

VANCOUVER, Wash.  — The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) has contributed a message to the future as part of the Main Street Promise Time Capsule, buried Friday, February 20, at the intersection of Main Street and West 13th Street in downtown Vancouver. Once sealed, the capsule will remain underground until the year 2125.

Inside the capsule, the Chamber placed a letter written by GVC President & CEO John McDonagh, reflecting on the organization’s legacy of serving the Southwest Washington business community since 1890. McDonagh, the longest-serving executive in the Chamber’s history and one of the longest-tenured chamber leaders in Washington State, shared a message of pride, perspective, and hope for future generations.

“As we write this message, we do so with a sense of reverence for the past and responsibility for the future,” said McDonagh. “Our community - rich in history, innovation, and resilience - has weathered change, embraced growth, and held fast to the values that continue to define us today: collaboration, entrepreneurship, and civic pride.”

Attached to the letter were three recent press releases highlighting milestones in the Chamber’s modern history: the launch of the Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective, the return of the Inspire HER Conference for its second year in 2025, and Junior Market, which drew hundreds to downtown Vancouver to celebrate youth innovation and entrepreneurship. Together, these documents capture a snapshot of how the Chamber is fostering business growth, nonprofit collaboration, and the next generation of leaders in 2025.

The time capsule initiative was organized by the Main Street Promise Team and Vancouver Downtown Association, which invited community members and organizations to contribute items representing personal stories, local culture, and daily life in Vancouver today. Each item has been documented and cataloged to provide context for future residents when the capsule is opened a century from now.

All items were sealed inside a 12-gauge, type 304 stainless steel box measuring 20 inches wide, 16.2 inches tall, and 9 inches deep. The container is engineered to resist corrosion and withstand extreme temperatures ranging from 250 degrees to negative 40 degrees -designed to protect its contents for the next 100 years.

The capsule was buried by the Main Street Promise team, leaders of a multi-year project to rebuild and revitalize Vancouver’s historic Main Street corridor from 5th to 15th Street. The project includes reconstructing the street, sidewalks, lighting, and adjacent public spaces to create a safer, more accessible, and welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. Main Street Promise aims to enhance safety, strengthen community connections, and support long-term economic vitality in downtown Vancouver. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

For the Greater Vancouver Chamber, the contribution represents both reflection and aspiration - an acknowledgment of 135 years of service and a commitment to continue moving business forward for generations to come.

The full text of the Chamber’s letter included in the time capsule is available at: https://cdn.sanity.io/files/7thjndvm/production/5bfe3a11790903b280553c0390db485c9336e83e.pdf 

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.

Media Assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-EW-fvWvxTvB6DQtGrCIhPByelx8cN6d?usp=sharing

SALEM, Ore. — The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) will meet at 10 a.m. on March 3, 2026, in the Tillamook Room, Building C, Oregon Department of Forestry at 2600 State Street in Salem. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Harvest tax allocation for fiscal year 2027 (FY27) district budgets
• Weather update
• Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF) fiscal year 2025 (FY25) ending balance and current financial status
• Status reports on EFCC work groups
• Fiscal year 2025 (FY25) audit report
• Administrative Branch/Protection Division/Administrator reports

The meeting is open to the public to attend in-person or virtually via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the end of the meeting. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-881-8292 or by email at na.m.hobbs@odf.oregon.gov">lorna.m.hobbs@odf.oregon.gov.

The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) oversees the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF), established by the Oregon Legislature as a fund with the purpose of providing funds for fiscal year budgets of forest protection districts, investments in supplemental fire prevention, detection or suppression resources that enhance fire protection in the state and issuing loans to the Oregon Department of Forestry or forest protection associations that relate to wildfire costs. View more information on the EFCC webpage.

Portland Fire responds to Butane Fuel canister explosion.

At just before 8:30 PM on Sunday evening, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a report of an explosion and potential fire in an apartment complex in the Overlook Neighborhood of N. Portland. The community member calling this into the dispatchers at BOEC indicated driving north on Interstate Avenue when multiple windows were blown out of the building in an apparent explosion.

Crews arrived on scene to investigate the situation to find glass and window framing debris strewn across Interstate Avenue with people standing out in front of the apartment complex. A quick investigation of the apartment in question indicated an active fire protective sprinkler flowing water preventing any active fire growth in the room that had obviously experienced an explosion. Crews investigated the aprtment for fire extension along with checking the adjacent and above living quarters for any additional damage. There was a 44 YO male fire victim in the target apartment who was sent to the Oregon Burn Center with burns covering 15% of his body in stable condition.

The explosion was determined to be the result of a DIY project of refilling a butane lighter. This is the second time in 2 weeks that Portland Fire responded to a butane lighter refill explosion that sent a fire victim to the Oregon Burn Center. Portland Fire would like to remind everyone to always follow all safety information provided in the manufacturers owner’s manual when performing any task involving explosive materials and aggressive fuels. Always perform these tasks in a clean and well-ventilated workspace without the presence of any open flame or heat source.

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• Who:  Volunteers of all types and ages will convene at the Tillamook Forest Center (TFC), along with staff members from the Center and the Oregon Department of Forestry REI Division, to clean and prepare the TFC for it’s 20^th Spring Opening.  This winter, new lockers were installed to help upgrade the volunteer experience.  The lockers were a gift from the State Forests Trust of Oregon.
• What:  The Tillamook Forest Center first opened in April of 2006. Since that time, it has become a highly rated center for outdoor education, forest literacy, fire-prevention awareness, forestry exhibits, and access to the Wilson River for locals, students, and visitors from across the US and foreign countries.  The new lockers are designed to upgrade the volunteer experience, providing secure storage for personal items during the volunteers shift. 
• When:  The event takes place from 9:30 am-12;30 pm on Saturday, February 28^th, 2026.  The Center will not be open to the public at this time. Only volunteers who register for the event will be admitted. 
• Where: at the Tillamook Forest Center, 45500 OR-6, Tillamook, OR 97141
• Why:  the center closes every winter, due to prevailing poor weather conditions and low winter-time visitor counts.  In late winter, staff and volunteers come together to clean and prepare the Center for reopening.  The Center reopens this spring on Wednesday, March 4^th, at 9am. 
• How:  Participants will dust exhibits, wash windows, clean the break room, and perform other tasks needed after the nearly three-month hiatus.  A light luncheon will be served, courtesy of The State Forests Trust of Oregon, a non-profit group which supports the staff, events and activities of the REI Division of ODF, which operates the TFC.  Volunteers will also get a backstage tour of the center and an update on its 20-year evolution. 

To register to participate:  Registration by February 25th is required. To register, or for more information, email us at pretationandEducation@odf.oregon.gov" target="_blank">TFC.InterpretationandEducation@odf.oregon.gov or call 503-815-6807.

Quotes

Virginia Ohler, State Forests Trust:  On behalf of the many donors who have contributed to this project, the Trust is excited to be able to provide these new lockers for the amazing folks who volunteer at the Tillamook Forest Center.  The Tillamook Forest Center provides a world-class visitor experience, thanks to their beautiful exhibits, incredible staff and amazing volunteers. We are proud to support this impactful work, right in our own back yard.

Denise Berkshire, Manager, Tillamook Forest Center:   A Huge Thank You to the State Forests Trust!  Our volunteers are the heart of the Tillamook Forest Center, and thanks to a wonderful new gift from the Trust, we are able to support them better than ever! We are incredibly thankful for this investment in the people who make our work possible."

“About Us"

The Tillamook Forest Center is the region’s largest forest-based learning center and outdoor classroom — a special place to develop a deeper connection with Oregon’s state forests through hands on exploration of the past, present, and future.

Through innovative programs and hands-on exhibits in the 13,500 square-foot Center, visitors can gain a greater understanding about what a forest is, how forest ecosystems work, how modern forests are managed, and forest history.

The Center also showcases the historic Tillamook Burn, the public spirit behind the monumental reforestation effort that left a permanent mark on Oregon history, and how it shaped sustainable forest management today.

https://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/

The State Forests Trust of Oregon is an independent, 501-c-3 charitable non-profit organization dedicated to helping Oregonians and visitors enjoy and appreciate Oregon state forests. The Trust helps fund improved access for anglers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts, hikers, and other people as they experience the wonder of Oregon’s beautiful natural heritage.

In addition, the State Forests Trust of Oregon (SFT) supports programs to deepen Oregonian’s understanding of the many benefits of state forests.

Founded in 1999, SFT (formerly  “Tillamook Forest  Heritage Trust”) brought the community together to build the Tillamook Forest Center, where visitors learn about the Tillamook Forest’s first inhabitants, the disastrous wildfires of early last century, as well as the work of the Oregon Department of Forestry to manage state forests. The Trust helps expand trail systems, study visitor use of recreation areas and helps restore areas impacted by the 2020 Labor Day fires.  

https://www.stateforeststrust.org/

HAREFEST ANNOUNCES 2026 LINEUP

The Mother of All Tribute Festivals Continues to Set the Standard 

Canby, OR – (February 23, 2026) HAREFEST has announced its lineup for the 14th year of the annual tribute band music festival at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds & Event Center. The 3-day festival takes place July 16–18, 2026 and features 24 bands on two stages, including tributes to QUEEN, FLEETWOOD MAC, LED ZEPPELIN, DEF LEPPARD, EAGLES, MOTLEY CRUE, TOM PETTY, RUSH, AC/DC, ABBA, DURAN DURAN, FOO FIGHTERS, JUDAS PRIEST, HEART, ALICE IN CHAINS, THE CARS, BON JOVI, STEVE MILLER BAND, BILLY JOEL, BOSTON, BEASTIE BOYS, IRON MAIDEN, YACHT ROCK, and more. Each night features a finale set in the Event Center’s courtyard (dubbed “Hippie Hollow”) that includes a laser light show produced by Laser Gator. 

Harefest returns to the Clackamas County Fairgrounds & Event Center and is once again expanding its footprint to include additional RV parking and tent sites after selling out well in advance for several consecutive years. In all, nearly 500 overnight spaces are available for what’s been referred to as “The Coachella of Tribute Bands.” 

Other event highlights for this year’s edition of HAREFEST include: 

• An “After 5pm” ticket option for Friday and Saturday nights

• Video walls on each side of the main stage for enhanced concert viewing

• A Saturday morning “Yacht Rock Brunch” featuring Red Light Romeos

• The “Farewell Performance” of Anthem - Rush Tribute

• Rock Shop’s Headbangers Ball with special guests, closing out the festival and hosted by legendary Ozzy impersonator Tim Tugg of Crazy Train – Ozzy Osbourne tribute

Now in its 14th year, Harefest has grown from a regional gathering of tribute band fans into the cornerstone event of a multi-festival portfolio produced by Harefest LLC. In addition to Harefest, the company also produces Legends Reloaded, Capital City Retro Fest, 90’s Flannel Fest, and Seattle Retro Fest, further expanding its footprint as a tribute-focused festival producer in the Pacific Northwest.

“Over the past few years, we’ve been fortunate to grow beyond Harefest and launch additional festivals throughout the region,” said co-founder Jason Fellman. “But Harefest remains the event that started it all. It’s our biggest production, our most established tradition, and the one that continues to set the standard for everything we do. Every year we reinvest what we’ve learned across our other events to make Harefest even better.”

Harefest is a 21-and-over event. Tickets go on sale Friday, February 27 at 10 a.m. via Afton Tickets at harefest.com/tickets. 

LINKS 

Festival website: www.harefest.com

Additional Band Info: www.j-fell.com 

Logos / Images / Site Maps: https://bit.ly/HarefestMedia 

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February 23, 2026

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831 

Application deadline extended for OAC Council

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon Health Authority is seeking applicants to serve on the Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC), a Council established by Ballot Measure 110 in 2020. The OAC is a public body of the state of Oregon that advises the Oregon Health Authority on the grant program described in ORS 430.389

Members of the OAC serve four-year terms. Members may be eligible for a stipend to compensate them for their time engaged official duties of the OAC. OHA is seeking new members in the categories described below:

• An academic researcher specializing in drug use or drug policy
• A representative of a coordinated care organization

Application extended: To apply, submit an application here by 11:59 pm, March 15, 2026.

A team at OHA will review applications and inform applicants of appointments by March 31, 2026.

For questions or more information, email HRN@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">BHRN@oha.oregon.gov ,or contact Karli Moon at li.moon@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Karli.moon@oha.oregon.gov or 971-240-8690.

# # #

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 Maritime 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.

February 23, 2026

Media Contact: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov  

Oregon Health Authority welcomes new Principal Ombuds

On Friday, 2-20-2026, Lincoln City Police Department Officers responded to a vehicle that had struck a pedestrian in the area of NW 15^th Street on Highway 101.  When they arrived, they found 80-year-old Lincoln City resident, Joseph KOFFEND, injured on the street.  LCPD Officers, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue personnel, and Pacific West Ambulance staff provided medical care until KOFFEND was transported to the Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital.  KOFFEND was later pronounced deceased.

Thanks to the assistance of witnesses and video cameras in the area, Officers were able to identify the driver of the suspect vehicle as 45-year-old Juan Antonio SUAREZ JIMENEZ, of Lincoln City, Oregon.

Despite attempts to conceal SUAREZ JIMENEZ’s vehicle, it was later located outside of city limits.  It was seized under a search warrant.

On 2-22-2026 SUAREZ JIMENEZ came to the Lincoln City Police Department to turn himself in.  He was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the charge of Failure to Perform Duties of Driver to Injured Persons (ORS 811.705), a Class B felony.  The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office will also be reviewing the reports for potential additional charges.

The Lincoln City Police Department would like to thank the citizens who assisted us in our life-saving efforts, as well as all the help we received in searching for the involved vehicle.  We would also like to thank NLFR, PacWest, and Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, and the Lincoln County Major Crash Team for all their hard work.  ODOT was also instrumental in traffic control during the investigation.  Finally, the Oregon State Police and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office were both extremely helpful in taking calls for service while our department was working on the scene.

Just after 4:00 PM this evening the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to reports of a house fire at 3000 NE 45th street in Vancouver. First arriving crews found a single story house with a large volume of fire and smoke coming from the back of the house. The fire appeared to have spread to the attic so firefighters went inside of the house with a hoseline to extinguish the fire. More firefighters climbed up a ladder to cut holes in the roof using chainsaws to ventilate the hose and let the hot smoke and gases out through the roof. It took 25 minutes to get the fire under control. An electrical line on the side of the house fell to the ground causing a brief safety concern but Clark PUD arrived swiftly to turn off the power to the home. 3 occupants and a pet were able to escape safely without injury and denied the assistance of red cross. In total, 22 firefighters were on scene. Firefighters are still on scene performing overhaul and ensuring that all hot spots are fully extinguished. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshal's Office. 

UPDATE 2/22/26:

The driver of the black vehicle was identified and issued a criminal citation for "Failure to perform the duties of a driver" with other charges under consideration as the investigation is ongoing. Milwaukie Police would like to thank the public for their assistance and tips on this incident. 

For clarity and as a safety public service message, the driver of this vehicle missed the turn for a local business driving onto the railroad tracks Eastbound as the tracks continue away from SE Harrison St. and the vehicle became stuck. When an accident like this occurs and the vehicle is stuck, do not try to remedy the situation yourself. it is imperative that the driver or a witness calls 911, and the driver or a witness looks quickly for the blue railroad ENS sign posted at ALL railroad crossings. On the blue ENS sign is a phone number and a rail crossing number. The dispatcher on this line can stop rail traffic quickly. While this is also important for Trimet Max line crossings, Max trains can stop much quicker than large passenger or freight trains. Attached is an example photo of the railroad blue sign and a link is provided to a railway safety public service announcement previously shared by Milwaukie Police in partnership with Operation Lifesaver About OR OL | Operation Lifesaver

• The right choices at rail grade crossings .. “LOOK, LISTEN & LIVE”.
• The right choices in and along railroad rights-of-way. . “STAY OFF, STAY AWAY, STAY SAFE”.

Milwaukie Police and Operation Lifesaver rail safety PSA https://youtu.be/-ymJFDwXEww

City of Milwaukie Oregon Official Website

On 2/20/26 at approximately 6:35 PM, Milwaukie Police were called to the intersection of SE Harrison St. and SE Railroad Ave. on report of a black sedan which was stuck on the train tracks. Officers requested immediately that the railway managers stop train traffic. While Officers were enroute it was reported to dispatch that a train had struck the black vehicle.

Officers arrived, locating a black Ford Mustang coupe which had been struck by an Amtrack train. After being struck, the Mustang coupe was pushed off the tracks crashing into a vehicle parked in a nearby lot. The Amtrack train was able to stop a short distance away.

Officers were quickly able to learn no one was inside the vehicles at the time of the crash and no one was injured due to the crash in or around the vehicles or on the train. Witnesses reported that the Mustang was abandoned on the tracks by the driver, who had left the area. The Amtrak train suffered minor damage and was able to continue away from the scene.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Milwaukie Police at eglaua@milwaukiepolice.gov" rel="noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 42, 55); background-color: transparent; transition: background 0.3s; line-height: inherit; font-weight: 700;" target="_blank">beglaua@milwaukiepolice.gov

 or calling 503-786-7425.  MiPD Case 26-898

A new museum for history fans, right in the Columbia River Gorge

The Crown Point Country Historical Society, one of the oldest historical societies west of the Mississippi, is excited to announce the grand opening of its brand-new Crown Point Country Museum, located at 36901 East Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett, Oregon.  Through the hard work of many volunteers over many years, the museum is really a dream come true.  Join in the festivities on Saturday, March 21st.  Starting at 10 a.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony will kick things off, along with music, refreshments, and door prizes.  The museum and gift shop will remain open until 3 p.m.  Regular museum hours will be every Saturday and Sunday thereafter, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., with possible adjustments during the summer and winter months.

Inside the new log-cabin-styled 3,500 sq. ft. museum, you will discover the rich history of Crown Point Country: Aims, Bridal Veil, Brower, Corbett, Hurlburt, Larch Mountain, Latourell, Mountain, Palmer Mill, Pleasant View, Springdale, Springfield, and the Wasco Nation.  
 

• See what early settlers brought with them on the Oregon Trail.  
• Learn about the Wasco Nation and their seasonal migrations.  
• View beautiful gorge paintings by the early 1900s artist Charles W. Post.  
• Get acquainted with local star, Lorena Trickey, 1920s rodeo champion inducted into the National Cowgirl and Western Hall of Fame.
• Investigate a one-of-a-kind outdoor rockhounding memorial wall honoring Oregon's geological past.  Many of the rocks are from the collection of the famous Klondike Kate. 

The museum's mission is to gather, preserve, and share the history of this beautiful part of the Columbia River Gorge, Crown Point Country.  Its broad focus will foster connections to the industry and craft of its peoples, and educate and encourage the community to discover the flora, fauna, heritage, and natural resources of the area.

Come join the celebration!

Crown Point Country Historical Society
Learn more at cpchs.org/museum or visit us on
Facebook at facebook.com/crownpointcountrymuseum

At 12:38 p.m. today, multiple callers to 911 began reporting seeing black smoke and flames from the 21900 block of Southwest Hillsboro Highway in unincorporated Washington County. As first-arriving crews neared the area, they saw a column of dark smoke and upgraded the call to bring additional resources to the scene. Firefighters found a four-story log house fully engulfed with flames, threatening trees, an RV, and other outbuildings. They upgraded the call to a second alarm for further personnel and resource support.

Due to its location in rural Washington County and an approximately 400-foot driveway, the response required crews to shuttle water. Water tenders were dispatched to bring additional water to the incident. Firefighters took an aggressive exterior attack to protect exposures and the immediate surrounding area. Neighbors confirmed with the homeowners that all residents and pets were away at the time of the fire. Within twelve minutes of crews arriving and starting fire extinguishment measures, the roof collapsed.

With assistance from Hillsboro Fire and Dundee Fire, crews brought the fire under control and there were no reported injuries. While crews contained the fire to the home and the RV, both are total losses and five residents are displaced. A fire investigator is working to determine the cause. TVF&R would like to thank our partners at Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Dundee Fire, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, AMR, Portland General Electric, Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency, ODOT, and the City of Newberg for providing off-site water supply.

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

###

The Lincoln City Police Department is desperately seeking assistance from the public in locating a wanted suspect, 45-year-old Juan Antonio Suarez Jimenez, of Lincoln City, Oregon. A nationwide extradition warrant has been issued for his arrest as the suspect in a hit-and-run crash leading to the death of a local pedestrian. If you know of Juan Suarez’s whereabouts, please contact your local law enforcement. Juan, if you are reading this, please turn yourself in to start bringing closure to those that loved Joe.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

On Tuesday, February 10th, at approximately 8:45 p.m., HPD officers responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of NE Ronler Drive and NE Century Boulevard. Officers arrived to find four occupants inside the vehicle. The driver, Oscar Regis, age 19, fled the scene on foot but was quickly located and detained by officers.

Four passengers were transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for treatment. Tragically, one passenger sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Another passenger sustained major injuries.

The preliminary investigation by the Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team  (CART) indicates Regis was traveling at a high rate of speed when the vehicle struck a light pole, spun across the sidewalk curb, and came to a stop in a patch of grass. Oscar Regis was indicted on the following charges: Manslaughter in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, two counts of Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver to Injured Persons, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful use of a Weapon, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, three counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.

CART (Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team) is a multi-agency team comprised of specially trained law enforcement officers from the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Beaverton Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Tigard Police Department, and Tualatin Police Department. The Washington County District Attorney's Office also assigns Deputy District Attorneys to the team. This remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Non-Emergency Dispatch at (503) 629-0111.

Mail Theft Investigation Leads to Arrest

On February 19, 2025, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies received multiple reports of mail theft near NW Kinglet St in Seal Rock. Through the course of the investigation, Deputies learned similar thefts had been occurring in the area, with packages, tax documents, and other mail being stolen over the last few months.

Deputies obtained photographs of the suspect from a nearby security camera, and disseminated these images to neighboring law enforcement agencies to assist in identifying the individual. Through this process, the suspect was identified as Joshua Van Hoorebeke of Toledo. Van Hoorebeke was contacted and taken into custody for Mail Theft (ORS 164.162).

Mail theft is a crime of opportunity and those who commit it are looking for anything of value. Thieves target mail for personal information, such as tax refunds or other checks, personal documents, bank documents, and credit card information. This information can be used to commit additional crimes, such as identity theft and bank fraud. To protect yourself, pick up mail daily, use secure drop-off locations, and report suspicious activity immediately to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or at MailTheft.USPIS.gov. 

To report mail theft or other suspicious activity, please contact Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2026

HVAC Leak Safely Mitigated at Vancouver Community Library

At 9:32 a.m. this morning, the Vancouver Fire Department responded to a report of a leak from HVAC equipment at the Vancouver Community Library located at 901 C Street in Vancouver, Washington.

Truck 1 and the Vancouver Regional Hazmat Team were dispatched to the scene. The leak was stopped before our arrival.  Firefighters then ventilated the structure to ensure the safety of the facility.

At the time of the incident, no citizens were present inside the building. No injuries were reported.

The Hazmat Team conducted a thorough assessment of the building using multiple gas monitoring devices. After comprehensive testing, the team confirmed that the air quality inside the facility was safe and that the building was clear of any hazardous gas.

The Vancouver Fire Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of our community through rapid response and coordinated emergency operations.

DALLAS (OR) – Zachary James Pumarlo, of West Salem, has been sentenced to serve 70 months (5 years, 10 months) in prison for a 2025 incident in which he assaulted and strangled his domestic partner.

Pumarlo, 32, appeared on February 17 before Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso and pled guilty to two counts of felony assault in the fourth degree and felony strangulation. The charges were sentenced as felonies based on the severity of the injuries and the fact that Pumarlo was previously convicted of domestic violence offenses involving the same victim. Judge Caso also ordered Pumarlo to serve a 24-month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release.

The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Kaylee Hudson.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Salem, OR – February 20, 2026 – Over the past several years, Oregon’s public defense system has faced increasing barriers to effective indigent defense.  Courts across the state have confronted persistent shortages of defense attorneys and rising numbers of unrepresented defendants. At its peak, Marion County had close to 1,000 individuals facing criminal charges without appointed counsel.

Oregon’s constitution provides a public defender to people charged with a crime who cannot otherwise afford a lawyer.  Earlier this month, the Oregon Supreme Court issued its decision in State v. Roberts, holding that criminal cases must be dismissed if a defendant is not provided with counsel within 60 days in misdemeanor cases or 90 days in felony cases following their first court appearance.

Since Roberts, DA’s offices across the state- especially in counties designated as “crises counties,” or those who have large numbers of cases with unrepresented defendants- have had to dismiss their prosecutions.

Fortunately, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office is proud to report that in the days leading up to the Roberts decision, Marion County reduced its unrepresented list to zero.

This progress reflects extensive coordination across the Marion County justice system. Marion County Deputy District Attorneys worked closely with defense providers, including the Marion County Association of Defense Counsel, alongside the leadership of then-Presiding Judge Tracy Prall. Through coordinated case management, special dockets, and ongoing communication regarding attorney availability, Marion County was able to significantly reduce its unrepresented caseload.

Marion County’s early challenges were substantial. Previously one of the state’s crisis counties, the local system struggled to meet demand when defense providers reached maximum allowable caseloads, or “MAC.”  This contributed to a growing backlog of unrepresented defendants and placed strains on victims accessing rights and law enforcement feeling seeing results. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office declined to dismiss cases, provide favorable resolutions, and was unwilling to not file certain categories of cases. 

Instead, Marion County prioritized in-custody cases, expanded docketing efforts, and worked collaboratively with defense partners willing to take on additional appointments.

“We took this crisis seriously from the beginning,” said Paige Clarkson, Marion County District Attorney. “Through strong collaboration with our partners, we were able to recently reduce our unrepresented list to zero and ensure cases continued moving forward.”

Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy added, “I’m very proud of our team. This progress reflects a tremendous amount of work within the District Attorney’s Office and across the justice system, especially with local defense providers and the court. While the statewide challenges remain, Marion County has again demonstrated that focused local efforts and collaboration can make a significant impact on public safety.”

“The bottom line is when someone is charged with a crime, we must get that case into court,” he said.

Recent legislative investments and structural changes to the state’s public defense system have been significant. During the 2025 legislative session a nearly 15% budget increase to the Oregon Public Defense Commission was approved, for a total allocation of $707 million.  That is a 49% increase from 2019-20, when the state spent $367 million on Oregon’s public defense. 

While encouraged by the progress, DA Clarkson emphasized, “we must remain committed to a criminal justice system that prioritizes representation for all accused so that we can meet our public safety obligations to everyone. This is especially true considering the significant state-wide investment over recent years.”

####

About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

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

The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet for their Virtual Work Session Meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. 

The Board and key staff will participate vitually via the Zoom app.

To join the meeting, please click on the link below

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89739107880?pwd=6IzlNevF5OXxachGAR69cj__8VRFyQ.RbX7nweHmRzSp5B1
Passcode:076252

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

Webinar ID: 897 3910 7880
Passcode: 076252

Public tesimony is not applicable for work session meetings. For more information regarding this process, please visit our website at www.csd28j.org.

Note: The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet in executive session, after their work session meeting, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(d) and ORS 192.660 (2)(k) - to conduct deliberations with persons designated to carry on labor negotiations and consider matters relating to school safety or a plan that responds to safety threats made toward a school. Access is limited to designated staff only.

The full board meeting packet is available for reference on the Centennial School District website at www.csd28j.org and can be found on the School Board page. The meeting agenda may be updated as needed and additional board meeting documents may be added as they become available. 

For information about the agenda email dan@csd28j.org">melissa_grindle@csd28j.org or oard@csd28j.org">board@csd28j.org.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works, Parks and Nature invites the community to learn about upcoming improvements to Hazel Dell Community Park. The updates, prioritizing increasing access, will be constructed this summer. The project includes paving the existing parking lot and providing pathways and parking that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) design criteria.

At two upcoming events, the community can learn more about the project and meet with staff. 

Informational Open House
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 7

Clark County Food Bank Administrative Office

6502 NE 47th Ave, Vancouver

Residents are invited to attend any time during the open house hours to view project displays and meet with staff. Light refreshments and kid-friendly activities will be available. Though not required, attendees may bring non-perishable food to donate to the food bank.

Online Presentation and Q&A
6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 11

Via Webex

The meeting link is available on the park webpage.

Staff will share a presentation about the project, then host a Q&A session.

Questions and feedback about the project can be sent to ksprojects@clark.wa.gov">pwparksprojects@clark.wa.gov between March 7 and 17.

Project information and materials from these events will be posted on the park webpage. Materials will also be available in Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian. Material translation in other languages, meeting interpretation and other accommodations can be requested by contacting Lynde Wallick, parks and trails planner, at lynde.wallick@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.5882.

More information about the project and these upcoming events is available on the Hazel Dell Community Park webpage.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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

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

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

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

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Date: 2/23/26

Time: 6pm

Location: Hockinson Community Center &  Zoom

Address: 15916 NE 182nd Ave  Brush Prairie, WA 98606

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4. The meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. The meeting is open to the public and will also be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel. 

The board’s business agenda includes:

• State forester introduction
• Legislative session update
• Board of Forestry Governance Committee’s recommendations to the Board Manual and best practices
• Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee comments
• State Forests: Update on the rulemaking process for the Western Oregon Forest Management Plan and Performance Measures
• Governor’s Natural Resource Team update
• Update on the Adaptive Management Program
• Tethered logging rulemaking

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage.

Signing up for live testimony is required. Instructions are available online. Written testimony will also be accepted. Written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day by mail to the Board Support Office, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310 or email to oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. Please include the appropriate agenda item and topic with the submission.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov" target="_blank">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. 

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. Learn more about the board.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

9-1-1 District Completes Preventative Maintenance Project on Radio Infrastructure

ST. HELENS, Ore. [Feb. 19, 2026] — has completed a comprehensive three-week preventative maintenance project across its radio communications infrastructure. The project was authorized as part of the District’s ongoing infrastructure management plan approved by the Board of Directors.

The work included scheduled servicing, system testing, and performance evaluation of critical radio equipment that supports emergency communications for police and fire responders throughout Columbia County. In addition to routine maintenance, the project provided a structured opportunity to assess current system functionality and identify components that may require future replacement or upgrades.

Certain procedures required temporary adjustments to portions of the radio system; however, all work was carefully coordinated to preserve operational continuity. During the first week of maintenance, a local fire agency responded to a structure fire while work was underway at a radio site. Because of advance planning and established redundancy protocols, technicians from Day Wireless were able to immediately restore full radio tower functionality within seconds while crews were operating on scene. Emergency communications remained uninterrupted.

Executive Director Jeremy Hipes led coordination of the project, working closely with technical partners and first responder agencies to ensure system stability throughout the process.

“This preventative maintenance project reflects the District’s responsibility to manage its infrastructure proactively and responsibly,” Hipes said. “Regular system evaluation allows us to identify issues early, plan for improvements, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected disruptions to emergency communications.”

The District will continue implementing scheduled maintenance and evaluating system performance as part of its ongoing commitment to operational readiness, redundancy, and ensuring reliable connectivity for first responders and the communities they serve.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jeremy Hipes
Executive Director
Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District
Email: jhipes@columbia911.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

PacifiCorp Announces Settlement of All Federal Claims for Damages from 2020 Labor Day Wildfires and 2022 McKinney Fire

Portland, Ore. (February 20, 2026) — PacifiCorp has reached a comprehensive settlement for $575 million resolving all known federal government claims for damages related to the 2020 Labor Day wildfires—including the 242, Archie Creek, Echo Mountain, Slater and South Obenchain fires—and the 2022 McKinney wildfire. 

“This settlement is another significant milestone demonstrating our ongoing commitment to resolve all reasonable claims related to the devastating fires that affected Oregon and California,” said Ryan Flynn, President of Pacific Power. “Setting aside claims arising from the Beachie Creek/Santiam Canyon fire, we have now settled nearly 90 percent of known claims for a total of more than $2.2 billion, providing certainty for customers and progress toward a financially healthy utility.”

PacifiCorp continues to invest in wildfire prevention and mitigation initiatives, including situational awareness, advanced monitoring technologies, enhanced vegetation management and system strengthening. The company remains dedicated to collaborating with regulators, legislators and customers to develop long-term solutions that address the growing threat of wildfire and other extreme weather events.

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About PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electrical providers in the United States, serving two million customers. The company operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming and as Pacific Power in California, Oregon and Washington. PacifiCorp provides safe and reliable service through a vast, integrated system of generation and transmission that connects communities as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit PacifiCorp.com.

MEDFORD, Ore.—A Central Point, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for felon in possession of a firearm after he and his co-defendants targeted an elderly victim and stole over $250,000 worth of gold, cash, and firearms.

Jonathan Anthony Kinsella, 53, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. 

According to court documents, in August 2023, Kinsella, a convicted felon, came up with a plan and solicited his wife and friend to burglarize an elderly victim. Kinsella and the two co-defendants split approximately $103,000 in cash, $180,000 in gold coins, and five firearms. Police executed a search warrant at Kinsella’s residence and found a .40 S & W caliber pistol, a .30-30 Winchester caliber rifle, a Colt .38 Special revolver, and a 12-guage weapon made from a shotgun.

On February 1, 2024, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Kinsella with two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.

On October 20, 2025, Kinsella pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Harper prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Salem, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for ordering live-streamed child sexual abuse material from child sex traffickers in the Philippines in exchange for money.

Steven Daniel Griswold, 44, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $12,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

According to court documents, from 2018 through 2019, Griswold paid for and received livestreamed “shows” featuring the sexual abuse and exploitation of children as young as three years old in the Philippines. During the livestreams, Griswold gave child sex traffickers in the Philippines specific instructions on how to abuse the children and received child sexual abuse material from the traffickers. Griswold typically paid traffickers between $20 to $40 for the livestreams. Griswold left the United States for the Philippines in 2020 after learning he was under investigation for uploading child pornography to Snapchat in an unrelated case.

On November 14, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Griswold with sexual exploitation of children, attempted sexual exploitation of children, and receiving child pornography.

Griswold was arrested in the United States in March 2024 after being deported from the Philippines. He was transported to Portland, Oregon, for his arraignment on May 9, 2024. On November 5, 2025, Griswold pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eliza Carmen Rodriguez and Charlotte Kelley prosecuted the case.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

If you or someone you know are victims of human trafficking or have information about a potential human trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also submit a tip on the NHTRC website.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— PacifiCorp has agreed to pay $575 million to resolve the United States’ claims for damages resulting from six wildfires in Oregon and California.

The four Oregon fires are:

• The “242 Fire,” which began on Sept. 7, 2020, near Chiloquin and burned 8,916 acres of federal land;
• The “Archie Creek Fire,” which began on Sept. 8, 2020, near French Creek in the Umpqua National Forest and burned 67,000 acres of federal land;
• The “Echo Mountain Complex Fire,” which began on Sept. 7, 2020, near Otis and burned approximately 2,500 acres, including federal land; and
• The “South Obenchain Fire,” which began on Sept. 8, 2020, east of Eagle Point and burned 14,780 acres of federal land.

The two California fires are:

• The “Slater Fire,” which began on Sept. 8, 2020, on Slater Butte National Forest lands within the Klamath National Forest and burned 157,229 acres of federal land within the Klamath, Six River, and Rogue River Siskiyou National Forests; and
• The “McKinney Fire,” which began on July 29, 2022, on land next to the Klamath National Forest and burned 39,000 acres of federal land.

The settlement resolves the United States’ claims that PacifiCorp’s electrical lines negligently started all six fires. The settlement monies will help repay the United States for the substantial costs it incurred fighting the fires, which is critical because the U.S. Forest Service now spends more than half of its budget on wildfire suppression annually. Settlement funds will also be distributed to the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to restore some of the 290,000 acres of public land that were burned.

These recoveries are among the largest federal wildfire recoveries to date.

“The United States and PacifiCorp have reached a settlement that ensures fair compensation to the American taxpayer for fire-related damages,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This agreement strikes a balance by addressing the government’s significant fire-suppression costs and loss of natural resources without preventing PacifiCorp from offering electricity at fair prices.”

“Wildfires remain a recurring threat to our natural resources, the safety of our communities, and their economic well-being. The costs of land losses and fire responses are substantial,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Recouping the costs associated with these wildfires is a priority for our office, and this settlement achieves that.”

“This settlement served the Department’s longstanding policy of holding individuals and corporations responsible for damages caused by wildfires. Every fire impacting federal lands, no matter the size, is a priority,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant of the Eastern District of California.

This settlement is the result of a joint effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for Oregon and the Eastern District of California, the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis Lien of the District of Oregon and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Amin and Kelli L. Taylor of the Eastern District of California handled the cases for the U.S. Attorney’s Offices.

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. PacifiCorp continues to deny liability for these fires.

# # #

Frontline caregivers vote to expand and extend historic contract agreement.

(BEND, Ore.) – Registered nurses overwhelmingly voted to ratify a two-and-a-half year contract agreement with St. Charles Bend Feb. 19. The new agreement builds on nurses’ historic 2023 contract which addressed rising costs, improved caregiver recruitment and retention, and rebuilt trust between frontline caregivers and St. Charles management. 

“This agreement shows what’s possible when nurses are treated as strategic partners,” said Rosa Brock, RN, ONA executive team chair at St. Charles Bend. “Working together we found a way to build on our successes, continue raising healthcare standards and ensure our community has a stable healthcare system with nurses they know they can rely on.”

KEY CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS

• Recruitment and retention improvements with wage increases of 7.5% spread over the next two and a half years
• Pay equity for nurse case managers and transfer center PLRN/TCRNs who will be placed on same salary scale as their nurse colleagues 
• Long-term healthcare stability with a new contract that continues through June 30, 2029

As the only level II trauma center east of the Cascades, nurses at St. Charles Bend are responsible for patients from across Central and Eastern Oregon and into Washington. During difficult economic times, nurses felt it was more important than ever to sign a contract that provides continuity and certainty for patients throughout the region.  

“A lot of our neighbors are struggling. Housing costs are up, the tourist industry is hurting and people are having trouble getting access to basic healthcare,” said David Hilderbrand, RN, ONA vice-chair at St. Charles Bend. “This contract stabilizes our community’s safety net. Your nurses aren’t going anywhere.”

Nurses and St. Charles management have been actively collaborating to address health and safety issues between bargaining sessions through a labor management committee. Nurses plan to continue working together with St. Charles management to keep building trust and solving problems as they arise. 

“Our last agreement helped us turn the corner and resolve a lot of our recruitment and retention issues,” said Brock. “Now that we’re more safely staffed, we can spend more time with each patient and focus on our passion; caring for our community.”

The new contract runs through June 30, 2029.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents more than 1200 registered nurses at St. Charles Bend along with providers at St. Charles Prineville, Redmond and Home Health and Hospice.

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The 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference: Stories, Culture, Place – Weaving Community Heritage will be in Woodburn and surrounding areas April 29 – May 2, 2026.
 

The conference is a time for people who share a common passion for Oregon’s heritage and history to come together to share insights, understand connections, develop relationships, learn new ways, reinforce the value of the work and leave energized to keep moving forward.
 

Designed to be interdisciplinary and cross-pollenating, the conference focuses on all sectors of cultural heritage, such as historic preservation, museums, archives, libraries, Main Streets, historic cemeteries, archaeology, Tribes, genealogy, public history, and local, state, federal government.
 

Communities are complex and varied, how they are viewed by visitors and residents is informed by the long history of human experience in that place and their own experiences. The 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference will explore the intersection of stories, culture and place to develop community heritage. This heritage is the anchor for participation, economic development, connection, and possibilities for a vibrant and healthy community. 
 

The City of Woodburn and Oregon Museums Association are valuable conference partners. Get conference details and registration information at www.oregonheritage.org. 

Highlights include:

• Keynote Speaker Monica Rhodes is an internationally recognized cultural heritage leader whose work is redefining how our nation understands memory and the future of historic places. She will be exploring the future of heritage work. This speaker was funded in part by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
• Celebrate with the Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards!
• Oregon Humanities Consider This – Labor, Farmworker Organizing, and Histories of Indigenous Communities in Oregon. Free and open to the public!

The sessions, workshops and tours will be spread throughout Woodburn and the surrounding area to help people preserving and sharing heritage and history in Oregon through 32 sessions, 6 topical networking meet ups, 8 workshops, 3 demonstrations, 10 tours, and a celebration of amazing heritage preservation work across the state.
 

Registration is available for Monica Rhodes keynote and the Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards alone and as part of the full conference registration.
 

Thanks to our conference sponsors: Oregon Correction Enterprises, America 250 Oregon Commission, University of Oregon Libraries, Historic Oregon Newspapers, Energy Trust of Oregon, and Proxi. And thank you to the 2026 Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards Sponsor Oregon Historical Society.

To learn more about the conference, visit www.oregonheritage.org. For additional questions, translation and accessibility needs contact Kuri Gill at i.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

February 20, 2025

For Immediate Release

Press Contact: 

Monice Wong, Media Relations Manager

mwong@portlandalliance.com

Statement from Andrew Hoan, President & CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber, on Supreme Court Tariffs Ruling

Portland, OR — February 20, 2026 — Andrew Hoan, President and CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber, responds to today's Supreme Court ruling to strike down much of President Trump's tariff agenda.

"Today's Supreme Court ruling is a huge win for Oregon.

It is a win for families who will see costs lower, our traded sector businesses who compete on a global scale, and the strength of Oregon’s leadership, with Attorney General Rayfield's dogged defense of our state’s economy representing Oregon on the national stage."

SALEM, Oregon— Starting March 30, 2026, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will no longer waive the parking fee at 22 additional day-use parks.

A day-use parking permit is currently $10 for in-state visitors and $12 for out-of-state visitors and is valid for the entire day of purchase at any Oregon state park.

Access to parks remains free for visitors who walk, bike, or use public transportation. Visitors who drive in can show valid parking by displaying a current hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a current 12 or 24-month parking permit. Visitors who purchase parking permits online or via the parking QR codes can associate their license plates with valid payment.

Currently, OPRD requires a day-use parking permit at 46 parks and waives parking fees at over 150 parks across the state. The 22 additional parks were selected based on amenities and features that require maintenance and operation such as restrooms, trails, paving, irrigation, boat ramps and more. Parking fees help pay for maintenance, operation, and keep these offerings available for all visitors.

“These updates are about protecting the experiences visitors love,” said Interim Director Stefanie Coons. “We know fee changes are tough and we truly appreciate the support from visitors. These changes help us take care of things people count on like restrooms, boat ramps, and trails, so we can keep parks safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.”

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

For frequent visitors looking to save on parking, an annual parking permit is available for Oregon State Parks and can be purchased online. The 12-month parking permit costs $60 for Oregon residents. The 24-month parking permit is no longer for sale, but valid permits will be honored until they expire.

Additionally, March 30 also marks the start of a $10 fee at 19 RV dump stations across the park system. This fee helps cover the cost of maintaining this amenity and supports efforts toward more sustainable operations. Visitors can pay easily by scanning a QR code at the dump station or by paying online.

Whether you are visiting for the day or camping overnight, Oregon State Parks recommends that you visit the park webpage before your visit. Conditions can change quickly and some parks may have construction or seasonal closures.

Oregon state parks with parking fees added March 30, 2026:

• Agate Beach State Recreation Area
• Angel’s Rest Trailhead
• Banks-Vernonia State Trail
• Bob Straub State Park
• Brian Booth State Park
• Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
• Cape Blanco State Park
• Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
• Carl G Washburne Memorial State Park
• Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
• Elijah Bristow State Park
• Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area
• Gleneden Beach State Recreation Area
• Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site
• Lake Owyhee State Park
• Latourell Falls Trailhead at Guy Talbot State Park
• Molalla River State Park
• Oceanside Beach State Recreation Area
• Roads End State Recreation Site
• Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
• Wallowa Lake State Park
• William M Tugman State Park

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Kelso High School has two students and one staff member heading to the national stage for something special. Unified athlete Isayah Eddleman, partner Mallory Wells, and Head Coach/Paraeducator Karen Cloke were selected to represent Washington at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota this June not as competitors, but as Youth Leaders. They are the only Washington Youth Activation Committee team traveling with athletes to experience the 10-day event.

Before heading to nationals, Isayah, Mallory, and Cloke will continue their leadership journey at the Winter State Games in Wenatchee, February 27–March 1, as part of the Youth Leadership Experience. There, they will deliver presentations about Unified Sports, lead activities, participate in student Q&A panels, build social media outreach, and assist with Winter Games events. Cloke will also collaborate with Unified coaches and school directors from across the state, mentoring and guiding schools as they expand their programs and deepen their impact.

For Cloke, the results of Unified Sports are visible far beyond the basketball court.

“Experiences with Unified sports seeps into the whole school,” said Cloke. “Students who had limited opportunities to interact with each other before are now giving each other hugs and high fives in the hallways. They greet one another with smiles and excitement. Thanks to Unified sports, their compassion grows and they form genuine bonds of friendship that go beyond athletics.”

As Kelso High School prepares to represent Washington on the national stage, one thing is clear: Unified Sports is not just building teams—it’s building leaders, friendships, and a culture where everyone belongs.

How They Were Selected

During the 2024–25 school year, the trio interviewed and were selected to serve on the Washington Youth Activation Committee (YAC) for Unified and Special Olympics. In their interview, they were asked to reflect on their experiences in Unified Sports and its personal impact. Isayah and Mallory shared how their friendship—formed through basketball—has shaped who they are as both athletes and individuals. Together with Cloke, they spoke passionately about their mission to expand inclusion and ensure every student feels accepted and supported in school and in sports.

Last June, the team attended a statewide conference where they met other Washington YAC members. They engaged in meaningful discussions about what inclusion looks like in their schools and how it changes lives. The Kelso team also assisted with the Special Olympics Summer Games—participating in events, conducting interviews with athletes and volunteers, and amplifying the voices of the Unified community.

Soon after, Cloke received extraordinary news from Morgan Larche, Director of Unified Schools for Special Olympics Washington: Isayah and Mallory had so impressed leaders with their authenticity, leadership, and commitment to inclusion that they were invited—along with Cloke—to represent Washington at the 2026 USA Special Olympics competition in Minnesota this June.

Why It Matters

Unified Sports is about more than competition — it’s about belonging.

By bringing together students with and without disabilities on the same team, Unified Sports creates authentic relationships that extend far beyond the court. At Kelso High School, those relationships are reshaping school culture.

Programs like Unified Sports directly support Kelso School District’s commitment to Climate & Culture by:

• Expanding opportunities for every student to feel seen and valued
• Creating student leaders who model inclusion
• Building empathy and compassion across peer groups
• Strengthening school connectedness — a key indicator of student success

When students feel that they belong, they show up differently — academically, socially, and emotionally.

Unified Sports is not just building teams. It’s building a school where everyone belongs.

HILLSBORO, Ore- On February 17, 2026, a Washington County jury found Kentrell Jourdan Mack Yates, age 21, guilty of multiple charges, including rape in the first degree, sexual abuse in the first degree, and sexual abuse in the second degree. Deputy District Attorney Alyssa Camp prosecuted this case before Judge Andrew Erwin.
 

Two cases were consolidated for trial. In June of 2025, the defendant met the first victim, who was a minor at the time, and invited her to go swimming at an apartment complex in Washington County. When they got to the pool, the defendant suggested they use the private sauna. Once inside, the defendant began making sexual advances on the victim. He held her in place while he sexually assaulted her. She was eventually able to escape and later reported what happened to law enforcement. Detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office began making attempts to find the defendant. During the investigation, they located a second victim who had conceived a child with the defendant while she was still a minor.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the victims for their bravery in reporting the defendant’s actions. This office also thanks the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, CARES Northwest, and Randall Children’s Hospital for their work.
 

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 30, 2026.

Following the conviction of Joshual Paul Tallman by a jury last week, he was sentenced with a judgment imposed on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.  Tallman was escorted from the courtroom by BCSO Deputies to begin a 25 year sentence with the Oregon Department of Corrections, followed by a lifetime of Post Prison Supervision.  He will also be required to register as a sex offender.  

Tallman was sentenced on multiple counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree.  While only six crimes were presented to the trial jury, the young victim maintained that Tallman abused her multiple times a week over a three year period.  Prior to sentencing, Judge Matthew Donohue found Tallman knew of the victim’s particular vulnerability because at the time of the crimes she was so young (six to eight years old), was alone in her own home, Tallman was in a special relationship of trust with the victim, and because the victim was afraid that if she told her mother of the abuse, her mother would not believe her because of the mother’s relationship with Tallman.

The judge opted against imposing consecutive sentences for any of the crimes, which could have resulted in a longer sentence, ordering that two 25 year sentences, and two 75 months sentences, would all run concurrently.  The judge indicated he had decided against a longer sentence because he believed Tallman could be rehabilitated. 

“Tallman imposed a life sentence on this young victim through his selfish acts.  In recognition of the multitude and magnitude of his crimes, it is my opinion that justice warranted longer than the minimum sentence,” said Benton County District Attorney Ryan Joslin.  “I am proud of the work done by Sr. DDA Matt Ipson.  His vigorous pursuit of justice through the truth resulted in this long overdue day of reckoning for the defendant and a day of new beginnings for the victim.”

https://youtube.com/shorts/BImQFixSIh0?feature=share

On 02/19/2026, Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) responded to reports of a possible motorhome fire in the 4600 block of Bisbee Street in Klamath Falls.

The first arriving engine company determined the incident involved a single-wide mobile home with significant fire involvement, rather than a motorhome as initially reported. During the initial size-up, crews observed heavy fire showing from multiple windows and through the roof in the rear half of the structure. Based on these conditions, command upgraded the response to a full structure fire dispatch to secure additional personnel and apparatus.

Firefighters initiated a coordinated exterior fire attack to quickly knock down the bulk of the fire and prevent further extension. Once conditions improved, crews transitioned to an aggressive interior fire attack to contain and extinguish remaining hot spots. These combined suppression efforts slowed fire spread and limited further structural damage.

A primary search of the residence confirmed the structure was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The mobile home was identified as vacant and unsecured. Electrical service to the structure was active at the time of the incident. Natural gas service had previously been shut off by Avista.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation and is currently classified as undetermined. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

KCFD1 reminds property owners of the importance of securing vacant structures and properly managing utilities to reduce fire risk and prevent unauthorized access.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Romanian national pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with an online intrusion into an Oregon state government office, along with multiple cyber attacks on other U.S. victims.

Catalin Dragomir, 45, formerly of Constanta, Romania, pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a protected computer and aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, Dragomir sold access to a computer on the network of an Oregon state government office after obtaining unauthorized access to it in June 2021. During the sale of access to the computer, Dragomir provided the prospective buyer with samples of personal identifying information from the computer to prove he had actual access to the network. Dragomir also sold access to the computer networks of numerous other victims in the U.S., causing losses of at least $250,000.

On May 21, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a five-count indictment charging Dragomir with obtaining information from a protected computer, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.

Dragomir was arrested in Romania in November 2024 and extradited to the United States in January 2025.

Dragomir faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for obtaining information from a protected computer and a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000, and one year of supervised release for aggravated identity theft.

He will be sentenced on May 26, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Dragomir has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victims and forfeited cryptocurrency.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorneys Benjamin A. Bleiberg and Alison M. Zitron of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Romanian Ministry of Justice, Directorate for International Law and Judicial Cooperation, and the Romanian judiciary to secure the arrest and extradition of Dragomir. The Department of Justice also thanks Darkweb IQ for its assistance with the investigation.

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.

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OREGON CITY – The Clackamas Community College Theatre Department will present Jen Silverman’s “Witch” as its winter mainstage production.

What if you were offered a deal with the Devil? Mischief is afoot in the sleepy village of Edmonton, and the fate of the world is at stake in this smart modern fable. When the emotionally conflicted son of the local lord and an ambitious newcomer come into opposition, help presents itself to them in the same guise – as the Devil himself. But while these two young men take advantage of the Devil’s bargain to accomplish their own questionable ends, someone else in town stands her ground – Elizabeth, an outcast whom everyone believes to be a witch. Clever, wickedly funny and full of sharp insights, the play asks: What do we truly value, and what are we willing to trade to get it? How much are our souls worth when hope is hard to come by?

A mesmerizing drama that’s filled with unexpected humor and feels as contemporary in theme as today’s headlines, “Witch” celebrates the power of imagination, identity and the bonds that connect us – even beyond this world.

Directed by Allison Moon, “Witch” features a dynamic ensemble of CCC students and staff, with scenic and lighting design by Chris Whitten, prop design by Shelly Mortimer and costumes by Aiden McFarland.

“Witch” runs Feb. 26-March 8, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., and Friday, March 6, at 10 a.m. in the Niemeyer Osterman Theatre, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City. An opening night reception will take place Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Niemeyer Center lobby.

Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors (62+) and free for all students. Tickets are discounted by $1 if purchased online. Visit www.clackamas.edu/theatre or call 503-594-3153 for reservations.

-30-

Tillamook Highway during December floods,, photo courtesy of ODOT

SALEM, Ore. — Gov. Tina Kotek has requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump following severe storms that struck Oregon from Dec. 15 to Dec. 21, 2025. The request seeks public assistance for nine counties — Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Union and Yamhill — and statewide access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.  

 "The scale of damage from December's severe storms impacted multiple Oregon communities, with more than $15 million in losses and needed repairs. Rural communities are stretched beyond their limits, and help from FEMA is urgently needed,” Governor Kotek said. “I'm requesting a major disaster declaration from President Trump because Oregonians did the hard work of showing up for each other and they deserve federal support to rebuild." 

The storms brought record rainfall, high winds and an atmospheric river that caused widespread flooding, landslides and mudslides. At the peak, more than 300,000 Oregonians were without power, and multiple highways and interstates were closed. One person died in Yamhill County. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has created an interactive StoryMap detailing the event and its timeline. 

A joint preliminary damage assessment validated more than $15.4 million in eligible damages. Tillamook County had the highest per-capita damage at $154.29 per person. Without federal assistance, rural communities and consumer-owned utilities could face significant financial strain. 

“This storm struck our communities with little warning, leaving widespread damage and compounding the hardships from earlier storms and ongoing recovery efforts,” Erin McMahon, OEM director, said. “Local governments and utilities have worked tirelessly to protect lives and restore essential services, but the scale of destruction far exceeds what local resources can manage alone. Federal assistance is critical to help communities recover and build resilience against future disasters.” 

If approved, the declaration will provide funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to roads, bridges, utilities and other public infrastructure. Hazard mitigation funding would support long-term projects to reduce future disaster impacts.

For more information on Oregon’s disaster recovery efforts and how to be better prepared for disasters, visit Oregon.gov/OEM. 

On Monday, February 16^th, 2026 the Lincoln City Police Department K9 Nix was able to lend a paw to local Girl Scout Troop 10143 who are working on their Animal Helper’s Badge. K9 Nix, along with Curry of Guide Dogs for the Blind, demonstrated how animal partners can help keep people safe by relying on the connection between humans and animals.

K9 Nix continues to be a special part of our Department and local Community, which goes far beyond her abilities in tracking and apprehension. We are lucky to have her as an animal ambassador. It was only with assistance from financial contributions by the citizens of Lincoln City that we were able to launch our K9 Program in the first place and we continue to express our gratitude for their ongoing support!