Event will provide information about local option levy for emergency services.

The public is invited to attend a Virtual Town Hall on Monday, April 22, at 6 p.m. to learn more about Measure 34-332, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue’s local option levy that will be on the May 21 ballot. 

Fire Chief Deric Weiss will host the town hall that will be streamed live on TVF&R’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok. Questions about the measure can be submitted during the event.

Measure 34-332 proposes a replacement five-year operating levy with a rate of 69 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. If approved, the levy would cost the average homeowner about $210 per year or $17.54 a month.

TVF&R’s existing levy, which was approved in 2019, will not sustain current or future fire and emergency medical service operations and is set to expire in June 2025. Under Oregon law, levies expire in five years or less and require voter approval.

Over the past five years, there has been a 17 percent increase in the frequency of emergency incidents in TVF&R’s service area. The District’s growing community and rising demands require more firefighters and paramedics to maintain reliable emergency response.

If the replacement levy does not pass, funding that pays for at least 92 of 450 TVF&R firefighters and paramedics would be lost and staffing reductions would be required, which may impact response times and reliability. 

If the replacement levy passes, levy funds will retain existing first responders and add 36 more. Additional responders at existing stations will ensure prompt response times and reliability when multiple incidents happen at the same time.

Levy funding will also be used to purchase specialized equipment used for medical emergencies such as cardiac monitors and defibrillators as well as critical firefighting tools, including thermal imagers that aid in search and rescue efforts and self-contained breathing apparatus worn by firefighters in burning buildings. 

With increased wildfire risk and a strained emergency medical system, levy proceeds will also purchase smaller vehicles used to fight wildfire, shuttle water, and transport patients.

Levy funds will allow the District to add personnel who train and equip first responders.

If approved, the replacement levy would appear on the November 2025 property tax statement. TVF&R intends to maintain the same levy rate for 10 years, which will help long-term planning, ensure service stability, and provide predictability to taxpayers.

For more information, call Public Affairs Manager Stefan Myers at 503-649-8577. A video of the town hall will be available on TVF&R’s social media platforms and www.tvfr.com following the event.

Additional Video with Information About the Levy: https://vimeo.com/tvfr/review/935056704/1ea2939606

The swift action of firefighters saved the life of a man who was close to drowning in the Willamette River, near Meldrum Bar Park.

On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, firefighters were dispatched to an initial report of a male trapped inside a vehicle that was in the river, and reportedly had exited the submerging vehicle and was in distress. Arriving first on scene, firefighters quickly put on their personal floatation devices and identified a male struggling in the water. Due to the immediate threat to the male’s safety, two firefighters jumped in to prevent him from drowning. 

During the rescue efforts of the two firefighters in the water, the other two firefighters took throw bags to the nearest shore. The ropes from the throw bags landed right over the top of the three of them and the two firefighters on the shore were able to pull the rescuers and the male to safety. Upon their arrival on-scene, firefighters located and pulled the victim out of the water in 2 minutes and 44 seconds.

Once out of the water, the male was treated and transported by American Medical Response to an area hospital.

Battalion Chief Greg Holland said, “If the crew from Engine 315 had not done what they did [performed a high-risk rescue], the male would have drowned. He was out of time, out of breath, and out of energy to keep going.”

Clackamas Fire District would like to thank the community for their ongoing support of the Emergency Services Levy. As part of the year one plan, firefighters from Station 15 in Oregon City received an increase in firefighter staffing, along with four other fire stations across the Fire District. This increase in staffing improves response capabilities that ultimately saved this man’s life.

The photos are courtesy of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit.

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Four people are facing charges after Tigard Police interrupted suspected Organized Retail Theft at a local shopping center and recovered nearly $10,000 in stolen merchandise.

On April 15, 2024 at 1:54PM, loss prevention employees at a store on SW Washington Square Road contacted detectives with the Tigard Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Unit, to say a person was stealing merchandise.

Detectives responded and learned the person was part of a four-person crew associated with Organized Retail Theft that had been stealing merchandise and committing fraudulent returns.

One of the subjects ran from loss prevention and hid in the back of a van in the parking lot. Officers and detectives responded and blocked in the van. The man initially did not comply with officers’ commands to come out. After several minutes, he did exit the van but repeatedly reached for his waistband, and a K-9 and foam 40mm round were used to safely take him into custody. 

Investigators learned the group came to the area from Seattle and detectives believe they committed similar crimes at another store location in Portland at roughly 12:15PM, just prior to coming to Tigard. They are all facing charges of theft I, attempted theft I and theft 2, and have been identified as:

1. George Alvarez-Herrera, age 26, from Seattle
2. Jahyaire Wilson, age 32, from Seattle (the person in the van)
3. Dery’Aunte Sims, age 27, from Seattle
4. Ashley Hall, age 37, from Portland (also charged with identity theft)

Additional charges are expected. To learn more about the Commercial Crimes Unit, visit www.tigard-or.gov/CCU. 

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On Wednesday, April 17^th, 2024, at around 6:50 AM, multiple Lincoln City Police Officers responded to the report of a single vehicle crash into a building located at 3026 NE Highway 101, later learning another vehicle had also been struck. Officers arrived and assisted North Lincoln Fire Department with securing the scene and initial medical evaluation of involved drivers. 

Officers investigated and learned that Marvin Noe Tojin Lopez, a 24-year-old male from Newport Oregon, had fallen asleep at the wheel, while driving home from working on a residential remodeling job all night. Tojin Lopez had been driving his Honda Accord southbound and initially struck a northbound Honda Pilot with such force, the Accord’s front driver’s side wheel was entirely removed from the vehicle. Following the initial impact, the Accord skid into the building. Tojin Lopez was transported to the hospital for further medical care. The driver of the Pilot reported no injuries on scene. Subsequently Tojin Lopez was issued citations for Driving without a License, Driving without Insurance, Careless Driving, and Failing to Wear a Seatbelt.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Drowsy Driving led to 684 deaths in 2021 and in 2017 accounted for 91,000 of our nation’s vehicle crashes. If you feel fatigued, your driving skills are probable impaired as well. Please pull over, take a short 20-minute nap, and reevalute.

The Lincoln City Police Department would like to thank the North Lincoln Fire Department, Pacific West Ambulance, Menefee and Car Care Towing for their quick responses, allowing officers to get the roadway reopened.

Submitted by: Sgt Erik Anderson

(Brownsville, Oregon) The Travel Information Council and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee invite the public to participate in the induction of the Moyer House Linden Wisteria into the Oregon Heritage Tree program. The event will take place on Friday, April 26 at noon on the front grounds of the Historic Moyer House at 204 N Main St, Brownsville, Oregon 97327.

The Moyer House Linden / Wisteria, scientific name Tilia americana/ Wisteria floribunda, is the 83^rd Oregon Heritage Tree, a designation that recognizes trees with statewide or national significance. The linden tree is 90 inches in circumference and the wisteria vine 135 inches. The pair is approximately 55 ft tall and estimated to be 143 years old. 

Speakers at the event include representatives from Linn County Parks and Recreation and Craig Leech, chair of the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee. 

The Moyer House wisteria and its companion linden tree display a unique partnership that have become a landmark to the Brownsville community, as well as a unique addition to the Oregon Heritage Tree Program. The two were planted concurrently in the northeast corner of the Moyer House front garden as seen in historic photos starting in 1882. The tree and vine are entwined in one another with the wisteria relying on the linden for support. In the spring, wisteria blossoms are profuse, popping out everywhere amongst the linden branches. 

Elizabeth Brown (1841-1922) arrived in the Calapooia Valley via the 1846 Blakely-Brown wagon train, captained by her uncle James Blakely. John Moyer (1829-1904), a carpenter from Ohio, arrived by horseback in 1852 after a journey of just three months. The two married in 1857 and raised their children in a humbler home on the property where the much grander Moyer House now stands. John gained wealth in lumber, cattle, a sash and door factory, and early businesses investments. 

They built the showpiece 1881 Moyer House to display their success. Formal landscaping adorned the front garden, which included the linden and wisteria, facing Main Street. The tree and vine have grown to enormous size over the course of 142 years. The Moyer House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 as an example of an Italianate home. 

“More than 130 years later, the two venerable specimens dominate the property, reflecting the passing seasons and reminding visitors of the impacts of the immense 1880s westward migration and subsequent transformation of the valley,” said Stacey Whaley, Linn County Parks Director. 

Oregon Heritage Tree Committee Chair Craig Leech encourages the public to visit the Moyer House Linden and wisteria. “Visiting an Oregon Heritage Tree is a chance to learn localized Oregon history and honor the vital role trees play in giving character to our urban spaces and building community pride. The Moyer House Linden / Wisteria has become a landmark in Brownsville and a unique addition to the Oregon Heritage Tree Program.”

The tree dedication will take place and noon and kick-off an afternoon open house at the historic Moyer House to honor the completed restoration of the home. Volunteers will be on hand from noon until 4pm to answer visitor questions about the house. The event is free and open to the public.  

The Moyer House Linden Wisteria can be viewed on city property at 204 N Main St, Brownsville, Oregon 97327. Tours of the interior of the house begin in the museum lobby at specific hours on Saturdays. Updated tour times and information can be found at: https://linnparks.com/museums/the-moyer-house/

The Oregon Heritage Tree Program is the first state-sponsored heritage tree program in the country. It was established in 1995 to increase public awareness of the important contribution of trees to Oregon’s history and the significant role they play in the quality of our daily life. The program is administered by the Oregon Travel Information Council and a committee of dedicated volunteers from across the state. For more information regarding the Heritage Tree program visit www.oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees. 

 PORTLAND, Ore. – April 17, 2024 – Legacy Health today announced that Kathryn Correia will retire from her role as president and chief executive officer. To support the transition, Correia will continue to serve in an advisory capacity through June. 

 “It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as Legacy’s President and CEO, working alongside such a dedicated, passionate group of professionals who value patient care and wellbeing above all else,” said Correia. “This was not an easy decision for me, but over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to consider how I can best serve Legacy at this time, and I am confident this is the right decision for me and the organization. I remain committed to contributing to Legacy through this transition period to make it as seamless as possible. Legacy has a highly capable team in place and remains well positioned to advance our mission, improve patient outcomes, and support our communities.” 

 “We are incredibly grateful to Kathryn for her years of leadership and commitment to Legacy, our patients, and our communities,” said Charles Wilhoite, chair of the Board of Legacy Health. “In the face of a rapidly evolving health care industry, Kathryn’s leadership has been invaluable as our organization navigated unprecedented challenges, including the COVID pandemic. She has been an integral part of the Legacy culture and family, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”

With Correia’s planned retirement, the Legacy Board of Directors has selected George Brown, M.D., who previously served as Legacy’s CEO from 2008 to 2018, as president and CEO. Dr. Brown will join Legacy to begin the transition before starting in full capacity as president and CEO by July 1. In the interim, Anna Loomis, Legacy’s CFO and current acting CEO, will continue to lead the organization ahead of her planned departure to join a health system outside of Legacy.

 Wilhoite continued, “I am thankful for Anna’s significant contributions to the organization, particularly for stepping in to guide Legacy during her time as acting CEO. I am also pleased to welcome Dr. Brown back to Legacy as we begin this next chapter with a continued focus on strengthening our role as the region’s trusted provider of high-quality care. We are confident that Dr. Brown is the right person to lead at this time, as we build on our recent efforts to strengthen Legacy’s financial and operating position and enhance the level of care we provide for our patients.” 

During Dr. Brown’s previous tenure as CEO of Legacy Health, he successfully led the organization through a 

dynamic health care environment while driving record organizational growth. Dr. Brown serves as a Senior Advisor at Juniper Advisory, a consulting firm focused on nonprofit healthcare partnerships, mergers and acquisitions. He is also the Board Chair of the Marshfield Clinic Health System, a large integrated health system serving Central Wisconsin and Western Michigan. Dr. Brown is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, who retired from active-duty service in February 1999 as Brigadier General in the Regular Army. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Boston University School of Medicine in 1973 and was a practicing gastroenterologist until 2006. Dr. Brown retired from his role at Legacy in 2018.

“I’m honored for the opportunity to return to Legacy at such an important time for the organization,” said Dr. Brown. “I have tremendous respect for all that Kathryn has accomplished in her tenure and how well she has positioned Legacy during a very challenging time. This is an organization that I know well – and I truly believe is one of the world’s leading health systems. With the strength of our people and compassionate culture, Legacy continues to deliver on our mission of good health for all.”   

About Legacy Health 

Legacy Health is a local nonprofit health system driven by our mission to improve the health of those around us. We offer a unique blend of health services – from wellness and urgent care to dedicated children's care and advanced medical centers – to care for patients of all ages when and where they need us across the Portland/Vancouver metro area and mid-Willamette Valley. With an eye toward a healthier community, our partnerships tackle vital issues such as housing and mental health. Legacy strives to help everyone live healthier and better lives, with the vision of being essential to the health of the region.  For more information, visit www.legacyhealth.org.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver Native American Programs and Collective for Social and Environment Justice invite the public to an “Evening of Activist Women in Film: The Fight for a Livable Planet” from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 21 at the Universalist Unitarian Church festival at 4505 E. 18^th St. Vancouver, WA 98661.Donations will be accepted at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. All proceeds will help fund a student organizer for the Collective for Social and Environmental Justice. The festival will feature films and commentary by award-winning filmmakers Misty Grace, Jan Haaken and Heidi Hutner, who will be present to talk about their work. 

Grace is an enrolled member of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe and a descendant of the Chinook Indian Nation who earned her Ph.D. in English at Washington State University. She will discuss her short films “The Handsome Man” and “Wasteland” along with her experiences working in a vibrant Indigenous film scene with luminaries such as Lily Gladstone and Evan Adams. 

Haaken’s film “Atomic Bamboozle, the False Promise of a Nuclear Renaissance” and Hutner’s film “Radioactive: The Women of Three Mile Island” both foreground the environmental and human health impacts of nuclear power. Screenings of the two films will be followed by a panel discussion on local antinuclear organizing. 

The film festival is the culmination of WSU Vancouver’s fifth annual interdisciplinary social justice conference—Health and Environmental Justice: Constructing Coalitions at the Intersections of Extraction, Militarism, and Climate Collapse. The free conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 19 and 20. Most content will be presented on Zoom with some in-person sessions as noted on the conference agenda. The detailed agenda and registration link can be found on the conference website: labs.wsu.edu/thethingreenlineispeople/announcing-the-5th-annual-sjcon/

Questions about the film festival or conference may be directed to julian.ankney@wsu.edu or ee.hellegers@wsu.edu">desiree.hellegers@wsu.edu.

About WSU Vancouver

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

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

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On April 17, 2024, at 10:47 am Yamhill Communications received a call from city staff at Lafayette City Hall. City staff said a male caller had called city hall and reported that he was at an address on W 9^th Street in the city of Lafayette, and that he had just shot two individuals who were inside the home.  The caller also reported that he had barricaded himself in preparation for a law enforcement response and would shoot responding deputies.

Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call.  The deputy assigned to the city of Lafayette arrived and began directing additional responders to set up a containment around the residence.

Yamhill County Emergency Manager Sergeant Brian Young was notified to send out a shelter in place notification through Everbridge for the surrounding area.

Within a very short period, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, with mutual aid support from McMinnville Police Department, Oregon State Police, Yamhill Police Department, and Newberg-Dundee Police Department were able to have a secure perimeter around the address, and initiate contact inside the residence.

An adult female was contacted, who reported there were no issues in the home.  The resident was fully cooperative, and the home was checked, and the incident was found to be a false report, constituting a “swatting” incident.  Swatting is the action of making a prank call to emergency services to bring about the dispatch of a large number of responders to a particular address. 

The determination the report was false came quickly, therefore no Everbridge notification was sent out.  The resident of the home reported having prior issues with cyber bullying and harassment.  Investigators are working with the city staff to determine the origin of the call.

Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank our partners with the city of Lafayette, Lafayette Fire Department, Lafayette Public Works, McMinnville Rural Fire District, McMinnville Police Department, Newberg-Dundee Police Department, Oregon State Police, Yamhill Police Department, Salem Police Department, and Washington County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this event. 

(Springfield, Ore.) – Nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services in Lane County have voted to authorize an open-ended strike against PeaceHealth to protest PeaceHealth’s unlawful unfair labor practices (ULPs) and reach a fair contract agreement that improves community healthcare.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents more than 90 frontline nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services. Nurses' latest strike vote was held April 12 - April 16. 

"Our community’s health care is eroding under our feet. PeaceHealth has cut our birth center, our sleep clinic, our home infusion services and our hospital. Now they are degrading the high quality home health and hospice services vulnerable patients rely on. Our community’s health care is in danger of disappearing completely if we don’t stand up and fight back. Our strike isn’t just about wages, benefits and ULPs; it’s about demanding dignity and respect for our community from a health system that consistently puts profits over people,” said Jo Turner, ONA bargaining unit chair and nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services. “Anyone who’s tried to get healthcare lately can see that patients are suffering. Local nurses are running ourselves ragged trying to give our community the care it deserves but PeaceHealth executives have their heads stuck in the sand in Vancouver. It’s unbelievable that multimillionaire executives at a multibillion dollar company have turned their back on their mission to serve and care for our community. Your nurses are fighting to hold PeaceHealth’s corporate executives accountable.”   

Local home health and hospice nurses have endured 45+ contract bargaining sessions with PeaceHealth executives since Feb. 2023 including six sessions with a federal mediator. Nurses led a limited-duration strike on Feb. 10 - 24 to protect community health and safety, increase recruitment and retention, secure equitable pay and address the staffing crisis at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services.

Upon ending their limited duration strike and returning to mediation, PeaceHealth executives continued demanding nurses accept nearly 5% lower pay than PeaceHealth pays hospital nurses in Eugene/Springfield and hospital and home care nurses in Florence–despite both groups of home care nurses sharing managers and staff meetings and regularly caring for the same patients. PeaceHealth’s continued disrespect towards local nurses and their patients is driving nurses to leave–threatening our community’s health and exacerbating the care shortage. 

Since PeaceHealth let nurses’ contract expire last year, more than a quarter of home care nurses have quit. Another one-third of nurses plan to leave this year if PeaceHealth continues shortchanging patients and providers. 

“I voted yes to strike because I feel it is important for me to advocate for myself, my colleagues and my community. We deserve equal pay for equal work and our community needs a robust home care services team that can provide the care it needs. This fight is bigger than just myself and I am committed to standing firm against corporate greed,” said Cathy Smith, ONA member and nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services. 

In a series of unfair labor practice charges, PeaceHealth is accused of waging a campaign of interference, intimidation and threats against nurses for exercising their rights; refusing to meet and bargain in good faith; and threatening to terminate health insurance for home care nurses and their families.

• Click here to learn about unfair labor practices. 

PeaceHealth also faces serious allegations from workers about its failure to properly care for local home health and hospice patients during a previous strike including missed care, cancellations, hospital readmissions and scab workers quitting.  

The community has rallied around its nurses over the past few months as patients, healthcare providers, elected officials, and community allies have joined strike lines and pickets and contacted PeaceHealth executives to show their support for local nurses.

“Nurses providing home care and hospice care are among the most important members of our health care workforce, serving on the frontlines of care for many of the most vulnerable and fragile people in our community. Their work allows patients to live in their homes with dignity while their medical needs are being addressed—and their work also allows patients and their families to face the end-of-life process with that same level of care and dignity. By giving these nurses our full support, we are in turn supporting those in our community who urgently need this type of care,” said Oregon House Speaker and Eugene resident Julie Fahey in a letter to PeaceHealth executives earlier this month. “These frontline workers deserve financial stability and safe working conditions, which will also protect their vulnerable patients. Our community deserves nothing less.” 

Nurses' strike vote authorizes the bargaining team to call a strike. If a strike is called, ONA will provide our community and PeaceHealth with a 10-day notice to allow PeaceHealth executives adequate time to connect patients to alternate care options or to join us at the table and reach a fair agreement. 

The next mediation session is scheduled for April 24. The nurse bargaining team intends to work towards a positive resolution but will call for a strike if they believe it is necessary to move PeaceHealth to meet the needs of patients, providers and our community.

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

Alyce Butrick, age 15, is a child who went missing from Tigard on April 9. She was found April 16.  

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

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

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Contact: Craig Birnbach, 360-604-4164. aig.birnbach@evergreenps.org">craig.birnbach@evergreenps.org

Evergreen Public Schools Superintendent John Boyd Announces Retirement

The veteran educator has served as interim superintendent since February 2022

Vancouver, Wash. (April 17, 2024) – John Boyd, whose leadership has guided Evergreen Public Schools through a time of significant challenges that have hit public schools throughout the region and country, announced Wednesday that he will retire as Superintendent at the end of the school year.

Superintendent Boyd’s retirement, on June 30, will close an education career that spans over three decades as a teacher, principal and administrator. He has served as EPS Superintendent since February 2022.

“This was a difficult decision but after speaking with my family, we have decided this is the right time for me to retire,” Boyd said. “I appreciate the EPS Board of Directors trusting me to lead this district. It has been a privilege to serve the Evergreen community and work alongside a staff that is dedicated to serving and supporting our amazing students.”

The Board of Directors will convene a special board meeting Monday (April 22) at 6 p.m. to discuss the process and timeline for hiring the next superintendent. Hiring the superintendent is one of the elected board’s main responsibilities.

“As a Board, we would have liked for Superintendent Boyd to stay on longer but we wish him the best in his retirement,” said Rob Perkins, Board president. “We want to thank John for his hard work and the dedication he has shown our students and our entire school community. John has led us through some challenging times and he has done so with compassion, integrity and a focus on making decisions that best serve our students.” 

Superintendent Boyd was hired as interim superintendent in February 2022 and was named the permanent superintendent in February 2023. Under his leadership the district passed an Educational Programs and Operational levy in April 2022. He helped bring the district back to normal learning after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also oversaw the creation of a new Strategic Plan that will guide the district’s work through 2027 and the opening of five new state-of-the-art school buildings that replaced aging structures and were paid for by the 2018 Envision Evergreen Bond initiative. He also navigated leadership challenges, including a teachers’ work stoppage and budget reductions.

Boyd plans to spend time with his wife and his three grown children.

“While I am looking forward to my retirement, my wife and I will continue to be strong advocates for Evergreen Public Schools and the Vancouver community,” Boyd said. “Even though we faced a great deal of adversity together, we have aligned our system with a Strategic Plan that prioritizes belonging and success to support students. I am excited to watch Evergreen’s talented staff continue this critical work.”

About Evergreen Public Schools: With more than 22,000 students in 38 schools in the city of Vancouver, Evergreen Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the state of Washington. The district was founded in 1945, when nine schools from eight different districts came together.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 17, 2024

CONTACT INFORMATION:
umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist 
(971) 301-3771
Video and Audio available at 10 a.m.
David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Rises by 1,400 in March

In March, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 1,400 jobs, following a revised gain of 2,800 jobs in February. March’s gains were largest in professional and business services (+2,400 jobs); government (+1,000); and wholesale trade (+600). Monthly declines were largest in construction (-2,300 jobs); retail trade (-600); and manufacturing (-600).

Hiring trends diverged during the first three months of the year. Several major industries expanded by at least 1,500 jobs, while others contracted. Health care and social assistance continued its rapid growth of the past two years with gains totaling 3,300 jobs during January, February, and March. Administrative and waste services added 2,700 jobs during those three months, which was an abrupt shift following this industry’s loss of 4,600 jobs during 2023. Government added 1,500 jobs so far this year as it continued its recovery and expansion of the past three years.

The industry that dropped the most during the first three months of the year was construction, which dropped by 3,300 jobs, following a relatively flat year in 2023 when it gained only 900 jobs. Meanwhile, accommodation and food services dropped 1,900 jobs so far this year, which nearly erased its gain of 2,000 jobs last year. 

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.2% in both February and March. Its rise from a record low of 3.4% in May 2023 is a sign of a loosening labor market. Another indicator of a loosening labor market was the rise in the number of Oregonians employed part time for economic reasons, which rose to 73,000 in March from a low of 48,200 in September 2022. 

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Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the March county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, April 23, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for April on Wednesday, May 15.

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to the officer-involved shooting on April 13, 2024 in Vancouver.

This individual died on 04/13/2024 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Woods, Benjamin Steven  Age: 41 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Prineville, OR

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Multiple gunshot wounds

Manner of death:  Homicide

How the injury occurred: Shot by other person(s)

Place of injury: Community hall

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

Media release issue date: 04/17/2024

April 17, 2024

Savor renowned artwork by Kiki Smith, Ann Hamilton, Matthew Day Jackson and Wangechi Mutu while exploring, “Near, Far, Gone: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his Family Foundation” 

BEND, OR — Step into a world where art, nature and humanity intersect in the captivating new exhibition Near, Far, Gone: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, opening at the High Desert Museum on April 20, 2024. 

Featuring extraordinary works by Kiki Smith, Ann Hamilton, Matthew Day Jackson and Wangechi Mutu, this exhibition explores the intricate relationship between humans, wildlife and the environment. With each piece drawing inspiration from the natural world, these acclaimed artists delve deep into themes of symbolism, allegory and human-animal connections. 

“We are thrilled to show the dynamic and thought-provoking works of Kiki Smith, Ann Hamilton, Matthew Day Jackson and Wangechi Mutu,” says Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., “Through the diverse perspectives of these four acclaimed artists, Near, Far, Gone offers a profound meditation on the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world.”

Four of the pieces featured in Near, Far, Gone are from prominent German-born American artist,  Kiki Smith. Smith’s art often explores themes of embodiment and the natural world, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources including folklore, religious iconography and scientific illustrations. Her work is characterized by its raw emotional power and intimate exploration of the human experience. Throughout her career, Smith has exhibited extensively internationally and has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to contemporary art. In 2006 Smith was recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the “Time 100: The People Who Shape Our World.” 

Smith’s featured pieces, titled “Pool of Tears II” “Fortune” “Carrier” and “Companions,” take inspiration from folklore and transform the natural world into an almost dreamlike reality. While viewing her work, visitors will have the opportunity to reflect on their relationships with animals—particularly those who act as close companions.

Another Near, Far, Gone featured artist, Ann Hamilton, is a highly respected American visual artist known for her immersive installations. Raised in Ohio, Hamilton studied textile design before earning her MFA in sculpture from the Yale School of Art. Hamilton uses everyday materials such as fabric, paper and sound to create experiential environments that engage the viewer on a profound emotional and intellectual level. Her art has been exhibited extensively worldwide, including prestigious institutions like the Guggenheim Museum and Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Venice Biennale. With her innovative creations, Hamilton continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, inviting audiences to reconsider their perceptions of space, materiality and the human experience.

Hamilton’s Near, Far, Gone featured screenprint, Peregrine Falcon, is partially blurred suggesting a narrative of conservation and preservation success. In the United States, peregrine falcons are a clear conservation success story. In the 20^th century, they disappeared in high numbers due to the insecticide DDT, a chemical that poisoned their food and habitat. The federal government listed the falcon under the Endangered Species Act in 1973. Reintroduction programs and the banning of DDT have aided the bird’s comeback. Now delisted, peregrine falcon populations are stable. After exploring Near, Far, Gone, visitors may have the opportunity to meet a real peregrine falcon during the Museum’s Bird of Prey Encounter. Happening daily at 11:00 am, visitors can meet some of the non releasable raptors in the Museum’s care as wildlife staff explain their unique adaptions.

Matthew Day Jackson—another Near, Far, Gone featured artist—is celebrated for his diverse and thought-provoking work spanning sculpture, installation, painting, and video. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship and innovative use of materials, Jackson's pieces evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation, challenging viewers to confront the complexities of their existence. His work has been featured in major exhibitions worldwide, including a significant showcase at the Pace Gallery in New York City.

Twelve pieces by Jackson will hang in Near, Far, Gone, titled “There Will Come Soft Rains #1-#12.” In the creation of this series, he transformed 1930s copper plates [GU1] etched with Audubon's birds, adding vibrant colors and layers of images. The portfolio's title is drawn from Sara Teasdale's poem "There Will Come Soft Rains," evoking nature's resurgence after devastation. Jackson incorporated one stanza of the poem onto each plate. Notably, several birds depicted in the portfolio are now extinct or critically endangered, like the carrier pigeon and the ivory-billed woodpecker, due to human activities.

The final Near, Far, Gone featured artist is contemporary Kenyan-born American [GU2] artist Wangechi Mutu. In 2019, the Metropolitan Museum of Art debuted her groundbreaking exhibition The NewOnes, will free Us as its inaugural Facade Commission — a prestigious initiative inviting contemporary artists to create temporary installations for the museum's exterior facade. This innovative display marked a historic moment as Mutu’s four bronze sculptures, titled “The Seated I, II, III, and IV” took their place in the museum’s exterior niches which had been vacant for 117 years. [GU3] 

Mutu’s works in Near, Far, Gone titled “Seanimal I, II, III, and IV” merge animals with human and monster-like features, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Through these fantastical creations, Mutu prompts contemplation on humanity's relationship with nature and the ethical implications of scientific specimen collection and preservation practices.

Through these 19 evocative works, visitors are prompted to contemplate the delicate balance of our coexistence with endangered, threatened and evolving animal species. As we witness creatures transition nearer or farther from human influence, Near, Far, Gone ignites a poignant dialogue about the survival of diverse species and the sustainability of our shared planet.

Near Far, Gone: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation will be on exhibit at the High Desert Museum through September 8, 2024. It’s made possible by the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund and the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation with support from Republic Services, Tonkon Torp and Vista Capital Partners.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

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

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SALEM, Ore. — The names of two fallen law enforcement officers were added to the Oregon Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial during an engraving ceremony on Tuesday, April 16. An honor guard stood watch as the names of Jared J. Miller of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Joseph W. Johnson of the Nyssa Police Department were added to the memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.

The additions of Sergeant Miller, end of watch Dec. 9, 2021, and Reserve Corporal Johnson, EOW April 15, 2023, were approved for addition to the state memorial by the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training. The memorial honors Oregon officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.

Sergeant Miller, Reserve Corporal Johnson and 194 previously fallen officers will be honored during the annual Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Tuesday, May 7 at 1 p.m. at the academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Highway SE in Salem.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is proud to host the ceremony in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and various statewide law enforcement associations.

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Tuesday, April 16, 2024–Woodland, WA—The Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) of Woodland Public Schools extends heartfelt gratitude to the Assistance League of Southwest Washington for their unwavering commitment and support of students in need. The Assistance League donated socks, leggings, and more than $1,000 worth of shoes for Woodland students in need.

The Assistance League’s generosity ensures that students facing economic challenges have access to essential items. “Their donations and ongoing partnership has made a significant impact on the lives of our students as proper attire is crucial for students’ self-esteem and academic success,” said Jonathan King, Coordinator of the FCRC. “By providing warm clothing and comfortable shoes, the Assistance League has empowered our students to focus on their studies without worrying about basic necessities.”

The Assistance League’s dedication to education and well-being aligns perfectly with the mission of Woodland Public Schools. “We are deeply grateful for the Assistance League’s kindness,” said King. “Their support directly benefits our students, fostering a positive learning environment.”

About the Assistance League: 

The Assistance League is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of children and families through philanthropic programs. Their impact reaches far beyond material donations, as they inspire hope and empower communities. To learn more, visit their website at https://assistanceleague.org/southwest-washington

About Woodland Public Schools’ Family Community Resource Center:

The Family Community Resource Center supports students and families by providing essential resources, including food, clothing, and counseling services. We believe that every child deserves a chance to thrive. To learn more, visit their website at https://www.woodlandschools.org/fcrc

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Basic Parole & Probation Curriculum Workgroup

Meeting Scheduled

Notice of Scheduled Meeting

The DPSST Basic Parole & Probation Curriculum Workgroup will hold a scheduled meeting on April 18, 2024, at 2:00p.m., at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Brie Murphy at 503-689-6054.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Review Curriculum

     a) Topics that are good

     b) Topics that can be tailored down

     c) Topics that can be replaced

     d) Topics we are missing

     e) Topics that are not currently relevant

3. Next steps for next meeting

4. Next Workgroup Meeting –TBD

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and will be recorded in the form of minutes.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT), led by the Vancouver Police Department, is continuing the investigation of the officer involved shooting that occurred on February 20, 2024, involving deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Results of DNA and firearms analysis are still pending from the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab. 

At the completion of the SWIIRT investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.
 

Additional information will be released as it becomes available. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

April 16, 2024   

The Black Business Association of Oregon Partners with 

Black-Owned Arena Football Team

805 SW Broadway, Suite 2470

Portland, Oregon 97205

Portland, Ore.: The Black Business Association of Oregon (BBAO) partners with the Oregon Blackbears Arena Football Team, marking a historic collaboration as the first Black-owned football team in the Salem Pavilion Arena. The first preseason game is on April 20, followed by the inaugural home game on April 27 against the Washington Wolf Pack. 

FourSight Strategic Investments leads the ownership group for the Blackbears, and the franchise is managed by newly hired President & Chief Operating Officer and former University of Oregon Athletics Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion Pat Johnson. "It is a dream come true to work with the Blackbears organization in its inaugural season. Fulfilling my dream of having the opportunity to give back to Oregon in this manner where my football career blossomed, brings me immense happiness and humility," says Johnson.

The Arena Football League (AFL) is returning after being absent from the area since 2019, with 16 teams announced earlier this year, including Oregon and others like Iowa Rampage, Wichita Regulators, Salina Liberty, Southwest Kansas Storm, Rapid City Marshals, Albany Firebirds, Orlando Predators, Billings Outlaws, and the West Texas Desert Hawks.

"We're thrilled to bring Arena Football back to the great state of Oregon and the Salem community," says Justin Butler, FourSight Strategic Investments Partner. "We know that there has been some time since the sport has been played here but we're building a team based on community involvement, fan engagement and a family atmosphere." 

A portion of pre-season tickets are free in a partnership between the Black Business Association of Oregon (BBAO) and the Blackbears. "A Black-owned arena football team is significant for Oregon because it promotes diversity, representation, and economic empowerment within the sports industry," says Lance Randall, Executive Director of the BBAO. "We see this partnership as an opportunity to contribute to advancing underrepresented communities in the sports industry and promoting positive social change."

The Oregon Blackbears are thrilled to offer various sponsorship opportunities tailored to fit any brand's objectives and budget with partnership packages designed to maximize brand exposure, connect with fans in meaningful ways, and engage with the vibrant community of Oregon and beyond. Key opportunities include premier, in-game, media exposure, community engagement, and exclusive hospitality sponsorships. 
 

For tickets, visit oregonblackbears.com, and for more information on sponsorship opportunities, email tnerships@drbmn.com">partnerships@drbmn.com or call (971) 208-5166.
 

About The Oregon BlackBears: The Oregon Blackbears are an Arena Football League (AFL) franchise that plays its home games at the Salem Fairgrounds. For more information, visit https://oregonblackbears.com

About Black Business Association of Oregon: The Black Business Association of Oregon (BBAO) is an economic development organization striving to achieve economic equity that is sustainable and lasting for Black-owned businesses in Oregon. For more information, visit bbaoregon.org.   

BBA-Oregon    

805 SW Broadway, Suite 2470

Portland, Oregon 97205

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Salem, Ore., September 15, 2022 — Chemeketa Community College has partnered with local indigenous teachers to provide instruction in indigenous arts.  what we did ~and are~ doing with many thanks
 

Interweaving Indigenous Art: Co-Teachers-in-Residence embeds artists and Indigenous Art Practices inside foundational art classes at Chemeketa. This co-teaching model intentionally works within the existing curriculum based on artist and tribal guidance. 

We graciously thank s'gʷi gʷi ʔ altxʷ: The House of Welcome at the Longhouse and members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde for their trust and guidance with this important work. 

Stephanie Craig  (Santiam and Yoncalla Kalapuya, Takelma Rogue River, Cow Creek Umpqua, and Clackamas Chinook) and Nakoosa Moreland (Umpqua, Rogue River, Shasta, Kalapuya, and Clickatat) and have brought this program to life. We are honored to work with them. Thank you!

Angela Fasana, Education Manager at the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. advised and supported us from the very start in 2022. Thank you!

What we did...

2023-2024 classes

Fall
 

Beadworking In ART115 Basic Design-Two Dimensional 

Nakoosa Moreland (Umpqua, Rogue River, Shasta, Kalapuya, and Clickatat) and Kay Bunnenberg Boehmer (2 sections, 43 students)

 

Winter

Traditional Cedar Basket Weaving In ART117 3D Design-Construct & Recycle

Stephanie Craig (Santiam and Yoncalla Kalapuya, Takelma Rogue River, Cow Creek Umpqua, and Clackamas Chinook) and Heidi Grew (1 section, 18 students)

 

AND (see photos below)

2, FREE, COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: Chemeketa Makes. (funded by the Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery Endowment)

Necklace Making with Nakoosa Moreland (8 students)

Traditional Juncus Basketmaking with Stephanie Craig (at Yamhill Campus!) (9 students)

Spring 

(Upcoming Co-Teaching in Residence)

Beadworking In ART115 Basic Design-Two Dimensional 

Nakoosa Moreland and Kay Bunnenberg Boehmer (2 sections, 66 students and possibly an intern!)

Parfleche: Hide Painting with Natural Pigments In ART281 Painting

Stephanie Craig and Laura Mack (1 section, 19 students and possibly an intern!)

AND did you know...

Nakoosa (above with baby Darryl in left photo) and Stephanie (above on the right in right photo) are teaching workshops AGAIN this spring! These workshops are sponsored by Chemeketa's Office of Diversity & Equity. The photos above are from the winter term community workshops. Thank you to all the participants!

And...We plan a celebration with students after their Basic Design and Painting classes on May 22. This is the last class day of the year for both Nakoosa and Stephanie. We have so much gratitude for this time together. Thank you!

And speaking of the celebration...Tamarro Gabbert (above) who catered the  Chemeketa Makes: Interweaving Indigenous Arts workshops and does a terrific 3 Sisters Soup or Elk Stew will cater the May 22 party with traditional foods. Thank you!

And...Chase Huntley, a Chemawa Indian School teacher has arranged for Nakoosa and her husband Nakeezaka Jack to visit the school when they come to present and teach in May. (They are also invited as head dancers at the U of O POWWOW that weekend, too!) Chase will also bring his students to visit Nakoosa and Kay's Beadworking Design class in May. Thank you!

And... Since fall, Melissa Palanuk in the Education Department at Grande Ronde has received info and flyers for the Interweaving Indigenous Arts classes. She got the word out to enrolled members attending Chemeketa and on the Grand Ronde Facebook page. Thank you!
 

And... Lyle Cairdeas (curator at Chachalu Cultural Center and Museum, in the orange shirt above right) and Terry Kowing (Frank's brother in the khaki pants) shared Frank Kowing's body of work in the Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery. It was a pleasure to work with them in that collaboration. And students LOVED that show. This show was funded by the Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery Endowment. Thank you!

And...Elaine Labonte Robertson (Grand Ronde Tribal Member and part time faculty in BIO102) wrote a piece about Interweaving Indigenous Art: Co-Teachers in Residence for the March Grand Ronde Tribal Newsletter. It includes interviews with both Nakoosa and Stephanie.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: April 16, 2024

Second arrest in mail theft investigation

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit detectives have arrested a second suspect in the ongoing investigation of mail theft occurring in Salem.

Brett Todd Regimbal, age 49, of Salem was arrested yesterday as a part of a search warrant served at his residence in the 1200 block of 14^th AV NW. Due to firearms concerns in multiple investigations involving Regimbal, the Salem Police SWAT team assisted with the service of the warrant. 

Regimbal did not immediately exit the residence. After nearly seven hours and all attempts by the Crisis Negotiations Team to communicate with him were exhausted, the house was cleared with a police canine resulting in the location and subsequent apprehension of the suspect.

Detectives, with the assistance of the United States Postal Inspection Service, located further evidence of mail theft, including counterfeit mail keys, as well as evidence of identity theft and fraud, and small quantities of methamphetamine and a substance suspected to be fentanyl. 

After receiving medical clearance for his bite from the police canine, Regimbal was lodged at the Polk County Jail on the following charges connected to the mail theft investigation, as well as charges from a concurrent domestic violence investigation:

• Strangulation
• Possession of a burglary tool or device
• Identity theft
• Criminal possession of a forged instrument, first-degree
• Interfering with a peace officer

Regimbal also had two outstanding warrants out of Marion and Yamhill counties. 

The investigation remains active; however, with Regimbal’s arrest, all further inquiries into this case should be directed to the Polk County District Attorney’s Office. 

As reminder, residents who are victims of mail theft are urged to immediately file reports with the Salem Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Proactive measures to prevent mail theft are also encouraged through the use of notifications for standard mail and package delivery services.

# # #

Open House to Showcase New Partnership and Provide Prospective Students 

and Kubota Dealers Opportunity to Meet Staff, Tour Facilities 

WHAT:           Chemeketa Community College is holding an open house event to mark the launch of their new Kubota Tech and National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) partnership. The new NC3 & Kubota Tech partnership provides students with a pathway to earn industry-recognized certifications focused on the repair and service of Kubota equipment, giving them the knowledge and skills for employment as a diesel technician in the off-road diesel industry. NC3, Kubota and college faculty will be on hand to share information about the partnership, answer questions and provide tours of the facility.

                        “Kubota Tech training supports our commitment to preparing students for careers in the off-road diesel sector," stated Kevin Ruby, Diesel Technology Program Chair at Chemeketa Community College. "This partnership not only aligns with the industry's expansion but also presents an exciting avenue for hands-on training, empowering our students with the skills needed to excel in this high demand field.”

“Through the NC3 & Kubota Tech program, students have the opportunity to learn an in-demand technical trade, receive hands-on training, earn industry-recognized certifications and develop highly marketable skills that will help set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive workforce,” said Jeff Wagley, manager of educational partnerships for Kubota Tractor Corporation.

WHEN:           Tuesday, April 23, 2024 

10:30 - 10:45 a.m. PT – Welcome

10:45 - 11:55 a.m. PT – Dealer meeting and lunch + dealer catch-up

11:55 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. PT – Ribbon cutting + dealer/student meet-and-greet

12:10 - 12:45 p.m. PT – Facility tour

12:45 - 1:00 p.m. PT – Wrap-up and departures

WHERE:        Chemeketa Community College Brooks

4910 Brooklake Rd. NE

Brooks, OR 97305

WHO: 

• Rep. Andrea Salinas, Congresswoman, Oregon’s 6^th District
• Dr. Amy Loyd, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Education 
• Jessica Howard, President, Chemeketa Community College 
• Kevin Ruby, Diesel Technology Program Chair, Chemeketa Community College
• Ashley Likes, Chief of Staff, National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)
• Jeff Wagley, Manager, Educational Partnerships, Kubota Tractor Corporation

______________________________________________________

CONTACTS:       Kevin Ruby

                                Diesel Technology Program Chair

                                (503) 365-4744

uby1@chemeketa.edu">kruby1@chemeketa.edu

Brooks Regional Training Center

(503) 485-2131

brooks@chemeketa.edu

About Chemeketa Community College

For more than 50 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 30,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI). Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution. Learn more at chemeketa.edu.

About Kubota Tractor Corporation

Kubota Tractor Corporation, Grapevine, Texas, is the U.S. marketer and distributor of Kubota-engineered and manufactured machinery and equipment, including a complete line of tractors of up to 200 Gross hp, performance-matched implements, compact construction equipment, consumer lawn and garden equipment, hay tools, commercial turf products and utility vehicles. For product literature or dealer locations, contact: Kubota Tractor Corporation, 1000 Kubota Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051, (888) 4-KUBOTA [(888) 458-2682], Ext. 900, or visit KubotaUSA.com. 

About NC3

NC3 was established to help build a workforce prepared to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s industries by connecting employers and educational institutions in synergistic partnerships that foster effective training, elevation of skilled careers, and employment opportunities. In fulfilling its mission, NC3 builds deep industry-educational partnerships and develops, implements and sustains industry-recognized portable certifications built on national skills standards. We envision an industrial labor market where all workers have jobs they need to thrive, and all companies have well-trained employees they need to operate and grow. Learn more at www.nc3.net.

 

Vancouver, Wash. – Starting April 18, the intersection of Northeast 72nd Avenue and Northeast 239th Street will become an all-way stop-sign controlled intersection. Prior to the change, traffic on Northeast 239th Street has been controlled by stop signs as it approaches Northeast 72nd Avenue. This change will add stop signs to Northeast 72nd Avenue as it approaches Northeast 239th Street, creating an all-way stop-sign controlled intersection. This change will improve safety and mobility at this intersection. Requiring all vehicles to stop at the intersection will help reduce the risk of collisions and crash severity. This change will also help facilitate improved mobility by reducing delays at the Northeast 239th Street approaches. 

Changes drivers should expect beginning Thursday, April 18 include: 

• Stop signs with red flashing beacons for the Northeast 72nd Avenue approaches. 
• “Stop ahead” warning signs approaching the new stop signs on Northeast 72nd Avenue. 
• White stop-bar striping on all four legs of the intersection, indicating where drivers must stop. 
• Yellow no-passing zone centerline striping on Northeast 72nd Avenue, leading up to the intersection. 

Additional temporary measures to alert drivers to the change beginning Thursday, April 18 include: 

• High visibility flags on all new stop and stop-ahead signs, for two months. 
• Orange “Traffic revision ahead” signs, for two months.
• Portable electronic message signs on Northeast 72nd Avenue for two weeks. 

Drivers may notice increased police presence in the area in the coming weeks as they assist with safe operation and traffic control. 

Area residents were notified about the change several weeks ago, by mail. 

More information is at clark.wa.gov/public-works/northeast-72nd-avenue-and-northeast-239th-street.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

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

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

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

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

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VANCOUVER, Wash. – The PeaceHealth Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Carol Aaron as the new chair. Aaron succeeds Karl Carrier who resigned from his appointment as the chair after more than eight years of service.

Aaron, a highly regarded member of the PeaceHealth Board since joining in January 2021, has a deeply held commitment to community health and organizational development – caring for PeaceHealth’s caregivers. 

Aaron retired in 2019 after more than 30 years of healthcare experience, most recently serving as executive vice president, chief administrative officer at PeaceHealth. In addition to her service at PeaceHealth, she also held executive leadership roles at St. Joseph Health System and Sutter Health. 

“Helping launch initiatives to improve governance, leadership and organizational development to advance a culture of high engagement in the communities she served, Carol will seamlessly and gracefully step into the chair role,” said Liz Dunne, PeaceHealth president and chief executive officer.

“I am deeply humbled to accept the responsibilities of the Board chair,” said Aaron. “We are continuing to cultivate an environment where every decision reflects our commitment to caregiver, patient and community well-being.”

Additionally, PeaceHealth appointed Ione Adams, MD, and Lorraine Arvin to its Board of Directors.

Dr. Adams has served as the chair for the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Community Health Board in Bellingham, Washington, since 2020 after joining the Board as a member in 2016. Dr. Adams’ career is a testament to her commitment to community health, particularly as it relates to serving those most vulnerable — a priority she shares with PeaceHealth. In 2021, she retired from practicing family medicine and service as the medical director of Sea Mar Community Health Center, a role she held since 1989.

“Dr. Adams continues to demonstrate her passion for community health – reaching outside the walls of the hospitals and clinics to work collaboratively with communities to improve the overall health and well-being of everyone,” said Aaron.

Arvin is an experienced chief financial officer with expertise in aligning financial strategies and resources with organizational goals and developing long-term financial plans. Arvin served as the vice president and treasurer for Reed College from 2014 until she retired in 2021. During her tenure, Arvin skillfully managed an expansive portfolio of responsibilities comprised of overseeing the college’s finances, including the college’s endowment, facilities services, human resources, environmental health and safety and auxiliary operations.

“With her extensive financial acumen and dedication to helping non-profit organizations thrive, Lorraine will be a valuable addition to the PeaceHealth System Board,” said Aaron.

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, more than 3,000 clinicians, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

It has been estimated that babies use between six and ten diapers per day, or about 2,800 diapers, during their first year. Families with financial challenges face not only the cost of diapers but also all the other expenses associated with a newborn. 

To help low-income families in need, the Rotary E-Club of the Willamette Valley/South Salem Rotary Foundation is hosting a collection event called the “Community Baby Shower.”  Gifts or financial donations will be accepted on Sat., May 4, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Willamette Vital Health Memory Garden at 1015 Third St. NW, Salem, OR 97304.

The Rotary Club hopes to collect items primarily for newborns, especially diapers and new or handmade clothes, blankets, and quilts. The Department of Human Services (DHS) and other agencies working with parents and children will distribute these items to low-income families and parents in crisis. 

Event coordinator and Rotarian Marcy Crenshaw said, “These donations make a difference to those in need throughout our community. The families deeply appreciate the items they receive. It touches their hearts that strangers cared enough to give them items for their babies.”

Donations via credit/debit or PayPal are accepted on the club website at rotaryeclubwillamettevalley.org. Checks can be mailed and payable to South Salem Rotary Foundation, c/o Marcy Crenshaw, 1537 Meadowlark Dr. SE, Stayton, OR 97383. Items can also be purchased from the Amazon Wishlist by searching for Rotary Club Baby Shower Wishlist. For more information, contact Marcy Crenshaw at (503) 507-4770

The Eclub of the Willamette Valley meets each Tuesday on Zoom. For membership information or to visit as a guest, visit https://www.rotaryeclubwillamettevalley.org.  

Marion County Environmental Services Hosts Free Community Event for Earth Day

KEIZER, OR – Join Marion County Environmental Services on April 26, 2024, from 3-7p.m. for a free community event held at Spong’s Landing Park. This year’s theme “Build a Brighter Future,” will highlight reduce, reuse, recycle, and repair efforts to help protect the environment.

This family-friendly event will include interactive presentations from local agencies, bird house building, guided nature walks, face painting, a baby goat petting zoo, arts and crafts, and more. Free ice cream from On Any Sundae will be served in reusable containers that participants will get to take home as souvenirs. 

For those looking to celebrate Earth Day before April 26, Marion County Environmental Services has launched a Passport to Sustainability program. This digital passport contains 24 activities with tips and actions to help the environment every day. For each completed activity, participants will earn points that they can redeem for sustainable prizes while supplies last. For kids interested in Earth Day activities and earning fun prizes, the Passport to Sustainability for Kids is full of learning opportunities and encouragement to get outside and explore natural spaces.

For more information on this event, including additional resources on how to help the environment in Marion County, check out the event website.

#  #  #

HILLSBORO, Ore- On April 11, 2024, Benjamin Lance Bowers, age 39, pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, and Attempted Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison. Deputy District Attorney Matt Wise prosecuted this case. 

The defendant was a licensed massage therapist when he sexually assaulted two female patients and an 11-year-old girl in separate incidents. The first victim was assaulted while receiving a massage from Mr. Bowers at a Hillsboro business in 2021. The second incident occurred in 2022 when the defendant was working at a different massage studio in Beaverton. The child, who was known to the defendant, was assaulted around this time as well.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the work of Hillsboro and Beaverton police on these cases and acknowledges the bravery shown throughout this process by the victims. 

In addition to his prison sentence, Mr. Bowers was ordered to register as a sex offender and to undergo treatment. He is also barred from practicing as a licensed massage therapist in the future. 

On behalf of Westport Fire this information is being shared to the media:

PRESS RELEASE

Contacts:

Greg Brody, Fire Chief

Date: April 12, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Division Chief David Russell Coombs – Active Duty Death

Westport, Oregon - Westport Fire and Rescue is mourning the death of our Division Chief,

Dave Coombs who passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Dave was 53.

Having served faithfully in the fire service for more than 30 years, Dave’s passion for the

medical field started in his early high school years. Dave was a member of American Red Cross

Medical Explorers Post in Eugene, Oregon. Through that program he volunteered and provided

advanced first aid at events such as rodeos, walk-a-thons, and the county fair. In his early adult

years he attended Chemeketa Community College where he gained additional knowledge in the

trade. He worked for Mercy Flights in Medford and Buck Ambulance in Portland, as well as

Premier Jets as an international flight paramedic. Dave went on to work for Columbia River Fire

& Rescue and achieved many accomplishments during his nearly 30-year career. While working

Dave attended Eastern Oregon University and received a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science,

which was a very proud accomplishment for him. Dave retired as a Battalion Chief in July of

2021 from Columbia River Fire & Rescue. Upon retiring from Columbia River Fire & Rescue,

he joined Westport Fire & Rescue and has served as a Volunteer Division Chief for the past 3

years.

Dave also spent a significant amount of time in other fulfilling roles as both a licensing officer

and an examiner for the Oregon Health Division testing EMT’s and Paramedics. He spent many

years as a liaison and leading a medical team as a paramedic at multiple local concert events to

assist when there were medical needs. Since 2013 he had also served on an Incident Management

team for the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office that he retired from in early 2024. He also

volunteered his medical skills for various other events around the state of Oregon.

Dave had an extreme passion for travel and spent a lot of his life immersed in the culture of other

countries. Dave’s yard and his garden at home was immaculate, he especially loved growing

fruits, vegetables and pumpkins along with raising chickens. Dave was also a motorcycle

enthusiast and a former member of the International Association of Firefighters Motorcycle

group. Dave was the happiest however, spending time with family and friends.

Dave is survived by his lovely wife, RayAnn Coombs of Warren, Oregon along with many

beloved family members, friends and his fire family.A procession and a public memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The

procession of fire department vehicles will take place from Westport Fire and Rescue in

Westport, Oregon to Grace Baptist Church in Warren, Oregon, beginning at 10:45am and

expects to arrive to the church by 12:00pm. The memorial service will begin at 1:00pm at Grace

Baptist Church at 58690 Ross Road, Warren, Oregon 97053.

If you are a uniformed fire service personnel, please utilize staff vehicles as there are parking

limitations at the Grace Baptist Church.

RayAnn wants to send a heartfelt thank you to each person who has reached out to offer their

love and support. Each message shared either directly or through family and friends has been

relayed and they mean the world to the Coombs family.

For individuals who wish to support the family, they are asking that in lieu of flowers, donations

be made to the Boulder Crest Foundation.

Website: https://support.bouldercrest.org/BCFOneTime

For general information, please contact Westport Fire and Rescue by phone at: 503-455-0727 or

send an email to Fire Chief, Greg Brody at: brodyg@westportfireor.com.

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Vancouver, Wash. – The Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA) has selected the Clark County Auditor’s 2023 Performance Audit of Public Works Project Management, Delivery, and Oversight for a Knighton Award. 

The Knighton Awards recognize the best local government performance audit reports from across the United States and Canada. Audit reports are evaluated for clarity, conciseness, persuasive conclusions, and their potential to improve government efficiency and effectiveness or have other significant impacts. The reports are compared against those from peer audit organizations of similar sizes.

Clark County’s audit received the Distinguished Knighton Award in the small shop category. In making the award, judges commented that the report was highly effective in its use of graphics, making it both easy to understand and visually engaging. They also noted that the report demonstrated a firm grasp of strategic planning by employing a maturity model to help managers prioritize issues with insightful recommendations. 

This is the sixth time that Clark County Audit Services has been recognized by ALGA for its audit reports. The previous honors included two Exemplary Audit Awards and with the addition of this year’s, four Distinguished Audit Awards.

“This award from the Association of Local Government Auditors highlights the quality of work and the impact of our Audit Services team,” said Auditor Greg Kimsey. “Their audit of Public Works has already improved transparency for the public and helped the department plan organizational development. Full implementation of the audit recommendations will result in more effective and efficient delivery of capital transportation projects and better services for citizens.” 

Clark County performance auditor Michael Nash, who led the audit, will accept the award at the association’s national conference in Seattle in May.

This year’s Distinguished Award report, Performance Audit of Public Works Project Management, Delivery, and Oversight, and the other Knighton Award-winning audit reports can be viewed at https://www.clark.wa.gov/auditor/audit-reports.

HILLSBORO, Ore- On April 12, 2024, Brett Church Michie, age 47, pleaded guilty to three counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Sodomy in the First Degree, and Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct. He was then sentenced to 300 months in prison under Jessica’s Law. Deputy District Attorney Matt Wise prosecuted the case against the defendant. 

In January of 2023, a social media company reported the defendant was downloading and sharing Child Sexual Abuse Materials over the internet. Members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program contacted the Beaverton Police Department to alert them to the defendant’s actions. Investigators confronted the defendant who admitted to trading Child Sexual Abuse Materials with others on the internet. He consented to a search of his phone which uncovered hundreds of disturbing images involving the abuse of children. Investigators also found images of the defendant sexually abusing a young child. The defendant shared those materials with others on the internet. The defendant was arrested and made a failed attempt to kill himself while in custody. 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the investigative work of the Beaverton Police Department on this case. 

Mr. Michie will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence. 

What: Habitat Home Dedication 

When: Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 2pm 

Where: Johnson Village  
Parking at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 
16001 NE 24^th St., Vancouver, WA 98682 

Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, a local non-profit organization committed to providing affordable housing solutions in Clark County, is proud to announce the completion of the next two homes in Johnson Village. The organization cordially invites the local community to join the celebration of these home dedications for the next two Habitat homebuyers.  

Scheduled for Sunday, April 21^st at 2-3:30pm, the ceremony will provide attendees with the opportunity to hear heartfelt stories from the families who will be the new homeowners. Additionally, guests will have the privilege of witnessing the moment when the keys to their new homes are officially handed over. Following the dedication, there will be an opportunity for visitors to take tours of the new homes. 

The event will take place at the Johnson Village subdivision, with parking available at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church located at 16001 NE 34th St. Vancouver, WA 98682. Members of the media and the public are encouraged to join in the celebration and witness the positive impact Evergreen Habitat for Humanity continues to make in the lives of families within the community. 

For media inquiries and further information, please contact Leah Middleton, Marketing and Development Coordinator, at leah@ehfh.org.   

About Evergreen Habitat for Humanity   

Since 1991, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity has been strengthening the community by building homes and hope for families across Clark County. We believe in a world where everyone has a decent place to live, and our work unites people from across sectors to come together to build community. To date, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity has built 54 homes serving 211 children and adults. Your support makes this happen.  

For over 50 years, Kelso and Longview secondary art students have come together to showcase their works of art. Students’ paintings, drawings, pastels, sculptures, ceramics, and photography will be on display in the 2024 Celebration of the Arts, held at Cowlitz County Event Center next week.

With three high schools and five middle schools participating, the number of art pieces is substantial. There will be close to 200 pieces from Kelso High School, alone. The event is free and open to the public.

2024 Celebration of the Arts

Cowlitz County Event Center

• Artists & Teachers Reception Monday, April 22, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
• Exhibit open for viewing: 
  • Tuesday & Wednesday, April 23 & 24, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, April 25, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

While the show is more an exhibit than a sale, if interested in possibly buying a work of art, patrons can express their interest by filling out a compliment card and including their email. Students may or may not be willing to sell their work.

About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.

The Arts in Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a wide variety of visual and performing arts options for students.  Our robust program gives students a pathway for personal expression while providing them with lifelong skills and the opportunity to share their talents with their communities through performance and competition.

Lab recognized with national award for sustained excellence

(Salem, Ore. – April 16, 2024) – Salem Health Laboratories has been named Lab of the Year 2024 by Medical Laboratory Observer (MLO) magazine – an industry journal for lab professionals since 1969 – earning this distinguished honor for commitment to continuous and sustained improvement. 

“Staff constantly work to increase efficiency, which improves patient care,” said Karl Kamper, System Director, Clinical Support Operations, Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics. 

“This recognition speaks to the work and dedication of our incredible team,” said Jamie Rouse, Director of Lab Services, Salem Health Laboratories, Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics. “It truly takes a team effort to realize our vision of delivering an exceptional experience every time.”

Salem Health Laboratories employs 226 people and handles 1.6 million test requests at its three high-complexity laboratories; the laboratories also support and oversee all point-of-care testing across Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics. 

Kamper is quick to credit Salem Health’s lean culture, an organizational philosophy and practice which is centered on the customer and their needs, finding value and looking for better ways to provide it. The laboratory staff believe that if they have good processes and well-designed systems, they will consistently achieve high-quality outcomes.

Labs across the country were judged on achievement in five areas: customer service, productivity, teamwork, education and training, and strategic outlook.

Examples of improvement and excellence which led to this top honor include improving timing and availability of blood products at the time of infusion patient appointments to 100 percent of the time. Another project improved on-time completion of morning rounds specimen collection by better predicting the resources needed. This improvement accelerated patient discharges from the hospital by having lab results ready for physician review before seeing the patient.

In addition to contributing to the quality of patient care, improvements also saved money. All staff quality projects combined saved Salem Health Laboratories more than $4 million last year.

Education and training are areas which set Salem Health Laboratories apart in its promoting career growth and building stronger teams. In 2023, 82 percent of the laboratory’s leadership positions were filled with internal candidates. Last year, Salem Health Laboratories launched an internal development pathway for all its employees.

“We are an example that culture combined with strategy can propel an organization to excellence,” said Kamper. “When that happens, our community wins. Our work has a direct impact on everyone – from patients and families to clinicians.”

Medical Laboratory Observer’s April 2024 cover pictures some of the Salem Health Laboratories team, and the issue features the full article about the award, “Salem Health Laboratories at Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics – Continuous and sustained commitment to excellence.”

About Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics

Salem Health offers exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. It comprises hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other affiliated services. Visit us at www.salemhealth.org; “Like” us on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at www.youtube.com/salemhealth. 

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BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum will receive $500,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities, one of 10 in the nation selected for funding for the exceedingly competitive Public Humanities Projects: Exhibition category, the agency announced Tuesday.

The funding will support the Museum’s revitalization of its permanent exhibition dedicated to the Indigenous cultures of the region. By Hand Through Memory opened in 1999, supported in part by NEH funding. Hand in hand with Native partners, the Museum has been working on a new version of the exhibition for several years.

This award is the second grant for the project: In 2019, NEH awarded the Museum $45,000 to support the planning of the renovation. The agency also awarded the Museum $500,000 in 2023 to support an associated expansion of the Museum, bringing the total commitment to the Museum’s future to $1,045,000.

“For more than four decades, the High Desert Museum has set the gold standard for showing and telling both Oregonians and visitors our state’s history,” U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said. “Indigenous history is essential to that mission, and I’m gratified this Central Oregon treasure has secured such a significant federal investment to enable it to update and expand the permanent exhibition devoted to Native perspectives and experiences.”

“We’re immensely grateful to NEH and Senators Wyden and Merkley for this transformational investment,” said High Desert Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “The revitalized exhibition will be centered in Native voices and knowledge, sharing the rich stories of Indigenous communities throughout the Plateau region. The NEH funding is vital for realizing our vision.”

The Museum is presently working on exhibition design with Ralph Appelbaum Associates, a firm that has handled museum projects ranging from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History in Washington, D.C. to the First 

Americans Museum in Oklahoma City, an effort sharing the stories of the 39 Tribes in Oklahoma that opened in 2021.

The exhibition renovation is part of the long-term vision for the future of the Museum, which includes more capacity for educational programming, immersive experiences to bring visitors into the forest canopy, a permanent art exhibition space and a gathering space for Museum events. The Sisters-based Roundhouse Foundation helped launch work on this vision with a $6 million gift in 2021.

The Museum opened in 1982. Founder Donald M. Kerr envisioned the space as an immersive experience that highlights the wonder of the High Desert, often saying that its mission is to “wildly excite and responsibly teach.” He also intended for the Museum and its programs to spark dialogue and bring people together in conversations about what they want for the region’s future.

Today, the Museum shares up to nine rotating temporary exhibitions, serves more than 8,600 participants with school field trips, and provides free and reduced-price admissions to more than 25,000 visitors. It welcomed more than 216,000 visitors in 2023.

The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent federal agency that supports cultural institutions in their efforts to facilitate research and original scholarship, provides opportunities for lifelong learning, preserves and provides access to cultural and educational resources, and strengthens the institutional base of the humanities throughout the nation.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

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

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Red Cross, Marion County Fire District 1 to install free smoke alarms during Sound the Alarm event in Salem.  

The event will feature players from the Salem Capitals Professional Basketball Team. (Ladders optional) 

[SALEM, OR April 16, 2024] — On April 20,2024, volunteers and members of the Red Cross, Marion County Fire District No.1. State Fire Marshal, and the Salem Capitals (https://salemcapitalsbasketball.com/) will team up to install free smoke alarms for local families vulnerable to home fires during a Sound the Alarm event in Salem. This effort is part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save more than 2060 lives since launching in October 2014.   

 WHAT: Sound the Alarm kickoff with remarks and volunteer training, followed by smoke alarm installations at area homes where volunteer teams will also discuss home fire safety with families.  

WHERE: Marion County, Fire District #1, 3820 Cordon Rd NE, Salem, OR 97305  

WHEN: April 20, 2024, kickoff at 9am; smoke alarm installations at area homes until 4 pm  

WHO:   Priscilla Fuentes, Cascades Region CEO 

            Kyle McMann, Fire Chief Marion County Fire District No. 1 

            Mariana Ruiz-Temple, Oregon State Fire Marshal 

Interviews available with speakers following the kickoff.  

VISUALS: Opportunities for photos and b-roll of kickoff remarks, volunteer training and volunteers installing smoke alarms and meeting with local families. We will also feature players from the Salem Capitals professional basketball team installing alarms with or without the need for ladders.  

B-roll. Sample smoke alarm installation can be found here and here.  

SALEM JOINS THE NATIONAL SOUND THE ALARM EFFORT This Sound the Alarm event is part of a national Red Cross initiative to install 50,000 free smoke alarms with partners in more than 50 at-risk communities across the country. Sound the Alarm events are a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save 2,060 lives since launching in October 2014, including 24 here in the Cascades Region.   

This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from regional partners:   

About Tektronix:  

Tektronix designs and manufactures test and measurement solutions to break through the walls of complexity and accelerate global innovation. Together they empower engineers to create and realize technological advances with ever greater ease, speed, and accuracy. Tektronix solutions have supported many of humankind’s greatest advances of the past 70 years. With offices in 21 countries, they are committed to the scientists, engineers, and technicians around the world who will define the future. Read more at www.tek.com. 

About Mountain House:  

At Mountain House, they’ve been making deliciously satisfying meals for outdoor adventurers since 1969. Every recipe starts with wholesome ingredients, cooked in small batches, then freeze dried to lock-in all the flavor of your comfort food favorites. So, every meal tastes like it should – guaranteed – whether it’s sunrise at hunting camp, midday along the trail or beside the campfire at the end of an epic day. For more information visit www.mountainhouse.com  

About Leatherman:  

Founded in 1983 by Tim Leatherman, Oregon-based Leatherman Tool Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of high-quality multipurpose products with distribution in more than 80 countries. The company is built upon three principles: unwavering perseverance, ingenious design, and the ability to save the day. Leatherman has empowered people around the world to solve problems, big and small. Proudly based and manufactured in Portland, Oregon, the brand’s factory is in the same building as the company headquarters. For more information visit www.leatherman.com   

MEDIA ALERT  

Central City Concern Mobile Health Launch Celebration 

Portland, OR – On April 16, Central City Concern (CCC) is inviting the media and public to attend our Mobile Health launch party to formally celebrate the launch of a new Mobile Health program serving those experiencing homelessness. 

To raise awareness of those experiencing difficulties accessing traditional healthcare, CCC is moving the front door of healthcare to a mobile setting. Services will be offered at Temporary Assistance Shelter Sites (TASS), sanctioned encampments and congregate shelter sites, unsanctioned encampments and locations where unsheltered community members are located, and service hubs like day centers, food/meal resource sites, and community events. 

WHAT:  Mobile Health Launch Celebration 

WHEN:   Tuesday, April 16 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.  

WHO: 

• Dan McMillan, President & CEO, The Standard 
• Sarah Kelley Brewer, Plan President & CEO, Trillium Community Health Plan 
• Dan Field, Executive Director, Multnomah County Joint Office of Homeless Services 
• Dr. Sejal Hathi, Executive Director, Oregon Health Authority 
• Jill Ewanchuk, Oregon Program Manager, Medical Teams International 
• Mike Goodwin, Interim CEO, Medical Teams International 
• Dr. Andy Mendenhall, President and CEO, Central City Concern 

WHERE: Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland, OR 

About CCC     

Located in Portland, Oregon, Central City Concern (CCC) provides a comprehensive continuum of affordable housing options integrated with direct social services including health care, recovery, and employment. Founded in 1979, CCC has a staff of over 1,200 and an annual operating budget of $130 million. CCC serves more than 14,000 individuals annually. Up to 30,000 people across the tri-county region are affected annually by homelessness.  Learn more at https://centralcityconcern.org/ Learn more about Mobile Health at https://centralcityconcern.org/health-care-location/mobile-health/ 

April 15, 2024

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Antony Kassab, 20, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of Murder II and Unlawful Use of a Weapon related to the stabbing death of Cody Funk, 35, in Gresham on December 26, 2023. Kassab is also presently charged with the stabbing assault and attempted murder of another victim on February 9, 2024 (24-CR-09504).

Case Facts

On the morning of December 26, 2023, Gresham Police were notified of an unresponsive individual found near the intersection of SE 190^th Ave. and SE Division St. The victim–quickly determined to be Cody Funk– had been experiencing homelessness at the time of his murder. An autopsy indicated that he had died from multiple stab wounds. Investigators with the Gresham Police Department and the East Multnomah County Major Crimes Team diligently collected and reviewed evidence in the case to identify a suspect.

Indictment

The case was referred to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for review. Upon consideration of the evidence provided by law enforcement, DDA Sean Hughey presented the case to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on April 12, 2024, for the following charges:

• Murder II 
• Unlawful use of a weapon
   

Please note that a charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Kassab is innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

Gresham, Ore.— A Gresham man has been charged with murder for the December 2023 killing of Cody Funk.  Funk’s body was found near the intersection of SE 190^th Ave. and SE Division St. on the morning of December 26, 2023.  An autopsy determined he died of multiple stab wounds. Funk was experiencing homelessness when he was killed.

Investigators with the Gresham Police Department and the East Multnomah County Major Crimes Team have been collecting and reviewing evidence in the case.  Their findings were presented to a Grand Jury last Friday.  As a result, 20-year-old Antony Kassab, of Gresham, was charged with Murder in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. 

Kassab was already in custody, charged with Attempted Murder for stabbing David McQuown in February 2024.  McQuown was also homeless at the time he was attacked. 

“This suspect targeted particularly vulnerable members of the community.  His behavior has no place in Gresham.  Our detectives worked tirelessly to seek justice for Mr. Funk and Mr. McQuown,” said Police Chief Travis Gullberg. 

Housing and houselessness support are priorities for the City of Gresham.  Gresham operates a homeless services program, which connects people experiencing homelessness with resources.  Anyone experiencing homelessness in Gresham can request assistance by calling 503-618-2441 or by visiting greshamoregon.gov/services/homeless-services. 

UPDATE

As a result of this morning’s demonstration, 52 people were arrested for disorderly conduct. Two individuals were additionally charged with conspiracy and theft 2. All suspects are in custody at the Lane County Jail. 

Six vehicles were towed from the scene. 

Today’s incident required a significant law enforcement response. Responding agencies included: 

• Eugene Police Department – 31 officers; 1 transport van 
• Springfield Police Department – 22 officers; 1 transport van
• Lane County Sheriff’s Office – 20 deputies; 2 jail vans    
• Oregon State Police – 48 troopers 
• Oregon Department of Transportation Incident Response – 6 personnel 
• Springfield Fire Department and Eugene Fire Department  

OSP would like to thank area law enforcement agencies for their partnership and response to this incident. 

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LANE COUNTY, Ore. 15 April 2024 – At approximately 10:00 a.m., Oregon State Troopers responded to I-5 southbound at milepost 194 in Eugene to reports of protesters blocking the interstate. Protesters blocked all southbound traffic lanes near the Barlow Bridge. 

Throughout the incident, demonstrators were given continuous lawful orders to disperse before dozens of people were arrested for disorderly conduct. At least one individual was discovered to be in possession of a firearm.

The interstate traffic was stopped for approximately 45 minutes. Southbound lanes are now open; however, law enforcement remains on the scene while observers continue to gather along the highway. 

Oregon State Police supports an individual’s right to lawfully protest and express concerns over world events. However, today’s actions put Oregon’s motorists in danger as well as the protestors who blocked the roadway.

At this time, future comments will be limited due to the ongoing criminal investigations. 

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About the Oregon State Police

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

Vancouver, Wash. – The Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT), led by the Vancouver Police Department, is conducting the Independent Investigation of the officer-involved use of force incident involving deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, which occurred on April 13, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the American Legion located at 14011 NE 20th Avenue in Clark County. 

As part of the investigation by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office to locate a possible second suspect related to the carjacking crimes, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office contacted and arrested Lyndsey D. Jones for Residential Burglary. The investigation of the underlying crimes that occurred prior to the use of force are being investigated by the SWIIRT. 

Nothing additional is releasable at this time.  Additional information will be released as it becomes available and will be sent out via media release.

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(Salem) – This year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month theme, Doing Things Differently: Moving from the Challenge to the Change, emphasizes the importance of innovative prevention-based approaches to supporting children and families. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to advancing programs that address poverty and other challenges families face that could put children at risk. 

As Governor Tina Kotek’s proclamation states, “Child abuse is a preventable public health issue, and Oregon's children and families deserve intentional, sustainable investments in their health and wellbeing.” 

Prevention-based approaches link families in Oregon to voluntary assistance programs from community organizations and ODHS such as food benefits, cash assistance and services for domestic violence survivors. The goal of prevention is to keep children safe by providing support that stabilizes families and prevents unnecessary child welfare involvement.  

To expand the agency’s child abuse prevention efforts, ODHS is working with the Doris Duke Foundation to establish the Opt-in for Families initiative in Oregon which will be supported by a $9 million investment by the foundation. The grant will help develop and test a pilot program serving families who have been the subject of reports to the ODHS Child Abuse Hotline but whose circumstances are not considered child abuse as defined in Oregon statute. Opt-in for Families will refer these families to voluntary programs for economic and other supports, evaluating their effectiveness in improving child safety and family stability. Similar programs that support families’ economic stability are being piloted in Klamath Falls and are being introduced throughout the state.  

As a result of these and other efforts, the number of children in foster care in Klamath County has dropped by 60 percent with a 72 percent drop in Tribal children in the system.  

April also marks the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline’s (ORCAH) fifth anniversary. ODHS centralized ORCAH in 2019 to change the former model of localized child abuse reporting, multiple hotline numbers and lack of operational coordination to an updated model based on national best practices. The new model has improved child safety, screening consistency and coordination with law enforcement, as well as employee retention.  

With centralization of the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline, wait times to report abuse reduced by an average of one minute, 59 seconds, down from the 2022 average wait time of two minutes, 42 seconds. The hotline team answered 6 percent more calls compared with 2022. Timely answering of calls ensures rapid response and Child Protective Services assessment to ensure child safety. Other key improvements related to child safety are detailed in the recent 2023 ORCAH annual report. 

In addition to centralizing the hotline, ODHS initiatives to prevent and address child abuse include family coaching programs and improved tracking of caseload ratios to ensure caseworkers have adequate time to connect families to prevention-related services. For more information on 2023 work to support children in families in Oregon, see the Oregon Child Welfare Assessment Findings Report published by Public Knowledge. 

Oregon needs everyone to contribute to preventing child abuse. Children and families are stronger when communities come together to support them before they reach crisis.  

“As individuals and as a community, we play a part in preventing child abuse. We encourage everyone to make a commitment this month to learn new ways to strengthen child and family well-being,” ODHS Child Welfare Director Aprille Flint-Gerner said. “Together, we can make a difference.” 

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, ODHS asks everyone in Oregon to be aware of help available to families to meet their basic needs which is critical in preventing conditions that can result in child abuse. This includes sharing information about food banks, unemployment benefits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) availability, and educational resources. ODHS values its collaboration with community organizations to prevent child abuse and ensure families in Oregon know about the resources available to help them.  

If you suspect a child is being abused, please contact the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.  

More information for resources and support: 

• To learn more about food resources including SNAP visit NeedFood.Oregon.gov. 
• 211info.org (also by dialing 211) offers connection to local and regional resources for food banks, housing assistance, and mental health services. 
• Lines for Life, a nonprofit dedicated to substance abuse and suicide prevention: call or text 988. 
• Friends and neighbors can help break the social isolation some parents may experience or encourage parents to seek support when needed by calling the Oregon parent helpline: 971-221-5180. 
• Oregon Child Abuse Solutions: https://oregoncas.org/ 
• Prevent Child Abuse Oregon: https://preventchildabuseoregon.org/ 
• Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries: https://www.oregonreliefnurseries.org/ 

Other resources 

• ODHS Family Preservation information.    
• Summary of 2023 Child Welfare accomplishments.
• Announcement of Doris Duke Foundation grant.

About the Oregon Department of Human Services 

The mission of ODHS is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity. 

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POLICE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Police Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. May 16, 2024, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Samantha Kossa at (971) 209-8235.

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training will be live streaming all public meetings via YouTube. Meetings will no longer be streamed on Facebook. To view the Police Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

1. Introductions

2. Approve the February 22, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

    a) Steven Bellshaw; DPSST No. 22870
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, Management, and Executive Police Certifications

    b) Emigdia Camas; DPSST No. 51141
        Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police and Basic and Intermediate Corrections Certifications

    c) Anthony Christensen; DPSST No. 55811
        Basic Police Certification

    d) Summer Danneker; DPSST No. 58025
        Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certifications

    e) Travis Grindle; DPSST No. 43070
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisory Police Certifications

    f) Matthew McCandless; DPSST No. 55017
        Basic and Intermediate Police Certifications

4. Andy Ashpole; DPSST No. 47945; Newport Police Department
   Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

5. Katelyn Bailey; DPSST No. 56238; Wasco County Sheriff’s Office
   Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

6. Matthew Barbee; DPSST No. 47086; Tigard Police Department
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

7. Carl Bell; DPSST No. 55552; Gladstone Police Department
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

8. Shawn Carnahan; DPSST No. 39921; Columbia County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

9. Sean Considine; DPSST No. 64682; Central Point Police Department
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

10. Robert Gorman; DPSST No. 36970; Oregon State Police
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

11. Sterling Hall; DPSST No. 58719; Pendleton Police Department
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

12. Paul Johnson; DPSST No. 39931; Klamath Falls Police Department
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

13. Kevin Lanier; DPSST No. 57215; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

14. Quinn Lindley; DPSST No. 56901; Monmouth Police Department
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

15. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0500
     Agency Name Change Correction
     Presented by Jennifer Howald

16. Agency Update

17. Next Police Policy Committee Meeting – August 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

The Willamette Intake Facilities Commission (WIF) Board meeting will be held Monday, April 22, 2024 at 6:00pm.

Location: This meeting will not be held at a physical location. If you wish to attend remotely, please contact annette.rehms@tvwd.org or call 971-222-5957 for dial-in information by 4:00pm on April 22. 

If you wish to address the WIF Board, please request the Public Comment Form and return it 48 hours prior to the day of the meeting.  

The meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities and those who need qualified bilingual interpreters. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired, a bilingual interpreter or for other accommodations should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting to the contact listed above.

The Board meeting agenda packet and additional information regarding the Willamette Intake Facilities are available on the WIF Commission website: 

https://www.tvwd.org/district/page/willamette-intake-facilities-commission

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELLED

Notice of Meeting Cancellation

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for April 24th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., has been cancelled.
 

The next Applicant Review Committee meeting is scheduled for May 22nd, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking applicants for two seats on the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission. The three-year terms will begin on July 1, 2024. The seats will be appointed by the county council.

The seven-member volunteer commission is responsible for:

• Reviewing nominations to the National Register of Historic Places
• Reviewing nominations and designating properties to the Clark County Heritage Register
• Conducting design review for changes to buildings and sites on the local register
• Reviewing and deciding applications for the Special Valuation Tax Incentive for historic properties
• Overseeing education and outreach.

The commission typically meets at 6 pm the first Wednesday of each month at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. Meetings are currently conducted in a hybrid format via Webex and in person.

The county is looking for people who can bring:

• Interest, experience, or knowledge in history; historic preservation, rehabilitation or restoration; architecture or related disciplines such as planning, American studies or cultural anthropology, archaeology, or geography
• Ethnic, cultural, social, and geographic diversity to the group; and
• Outstanding strategic communication and public speaking skills and experience meeting with a wide range of individuals and organizations

All applicants must be available for an interview with a committee of current Historic Preservation Commissioners. A follow-up interview with the county council may be required. 

To apply, submit a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager's Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.

The application deadline is 5 pm Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

For more information about the commission and the Historic Preservation program, please visit  www.clark.wa.gov/planning/historic.

April 15, 2024

On April 11, 2024, Joseph Beard, 52, was convicted on charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle (UUV), possession of a stolen vehicle (PSV), and theft I related to the Auto Theft Task Force’s work to address the issue of automobile theft in Multnomah County. This conviction stems from an ongoing large-scale investigation, dubbed “Operation MistleTow'' by the Auto Theft Task Force and Portland Police Bureau.

Law enforcement’s investigation revealed that Maters Auto Recycling–the company with which Beard was affiliated–had a history of falsifying purchase paperwork for stolen vehicles before selling them to Rivergate Scrap Metal. Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office investigators identified dozens of vehicles that had been sold by Maters Auto Recycling to Rivergate, many of which were crushed shortly after being sold. 

In December 2023, a woman witnessed Beard tow her legally parked car, following his truck and eventually boxing it in. Other members of the community became involved and Beard promised to tow the car back to the woman’s apartment. Beard did return the vehicle and promptly left the scene before a stolen vehicle report was created. Law enforcement was notified and a warrant was issued for Beard’s arrest on December 22. He was arrested while again driving his tow truck on January 5, 2024 and was subsequently charged with 22 felonies. Several of the stolen towed vehicles involved in the larger scheme were traced back to Beard, who now has five open cases related to auto theft that are actively being pursued by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. 

Sentencing in this case has been set for Friday, April 19, 2024, at 9am. 

The DA’s Office would like to thank the Auto Theft Task Force, and the many officers whose work contributed to this case. 
 

#MCDA#

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Green Business program invites the business community to learn about sustainability opportunities related to reuse and safe refill of consumer-owned food and beverage containers at a free educational event. 

The Morning Blend event is 8:30-10 am Wednesday, May 1 at Fourth Plain Community Commons, 3101 E Fourth Plain Blvd., Suite 101, in Vancouver. Morning Blend is a monthly event hosted by Clark County Green Business to encourage businesses to network, discuss green business efforts at their workplaces and learn about solutions for reducing their impact on the environment. 

The May Morning Blend event will feature presentations by Bold Reuse and Okapi Reusables, two companies working with local businesses to reduce the amount of single-use products that end up in the landfill. A member of Clark County Public Health’s Food Safety program will also discuss how businesses can create a plan for refilling consumer-owned food and beverage containers that meets regulatory standards and safety guidelines. 

“Both businesses and consumers are looking for solutions to reduce waste by avoiding single-use packaging and disposables,” said Celina Montgomery, senior environmental outreach specialist with Clark County Green Business. “This event will be a great opportunity for local businesses to learn how they can potentially save money on their garbage costs by strategically reducing their waste.” 

To attend the May Morning Blend event, please register at www.clarkgreenbiz.com/morning-blend. 

The Green Business program represents a growing community of businesses committed to making a positive impact on the environment. To learn more, visit www.clarkgreenbiz.com. 

HILLSBORO, Ore- In 2020, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office helped launch the Rapid Fitness to Proceed program which is designed to increase the efficiency of the fitness to proceed process. Since its inception, the program has reduced the pre-trial jail time for defendants with mental health disorders which has saved millions in taxpayer dollars. This office is pleased to report the program was successful again in 2023. 

In 2023, there were 100 successful fitness determinations. The median time to make those determinations was just 17 days, down from 91 days under the state’s system. On average, this increased efficiency helped save 74 days of jail time served per defendant, leading to a total approximate savings of more than $1,932,214.00 to the taxpayer.

“I’m proud to see that once again our Washington County Rapid Fitness to Proceed program has produced amazing results,” said Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton. “This collaborative program ensures people receive mental health evaluations sooner while saving money and resources for our community. This program should be a model for the entire state.” 

Under Oregon law, when the court has reason to doubt a defendant’s fitness to proceed by reason of incapacity due to a qualifying mental disorder, the court may order an examination to determine whether the defendant is unable to understand the nature of the proceedings, assist and cooperate with their attorney, or participate in the defense. Commonly referred to as an “Aid and Assist,” “Fitness to Proceed” or a competency evaluation, this process can take months to complete, which creates costly delays and inefficiencies. Under the Rapid Fitness to Proceed program, the timeline has been reduced from months to weeks. This increased efficiency benefits all participants as defendants arrested for lower-level crimes will spend less time in jail pre-trial, thereby freeing up limited jail space for more dangerous offenders. It also increases the efficiency of the courts and provides cost savings for the entire public safety system in Washington County.

The Rapid Fitness to Proceed program accomplishes this increased efficiency by establishing partnerships with two private practices that specialize in forensic competency to stand trial evaluations, NW Forensic Institute and Lithia Forensics and Consulting. These certified forensic evaluators are trusted by the defense and the state. In fact, in some situations, these private evaluators also work on contract for the Oregon State Hospital to provide competency evaluations. Using this public-private partnership, expedited evaluations are typically produced within 12 days from the date the referral is accepted. 

“The massive success of the Rapid Fitness to Proceed program in Washington County has helped to move defendants through the court system more quickly, reducing jail time and helping to get them into much-needed treatment promptly,” said Washington County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Rebecca Guptill. “This is beneficial in multiple ways – it helps defendants to get treatment that they need rather than sit in jail, it frees up jail space for those who should really be in custody, it also frees up defense attorneys more quickly to represent other defendants who are in need of counsel, and it helps both defendants and victims to achieve resolution of their cases in a more timely fashion. As a result, the Rapid Fitness to Proceed program is a huge benefit to our court and our community.”

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is also a key partner in this effort. 

“The Rapid Fitness to Proceed program has proven beneficial to the Adults in Custody of the Washington County Jail,” Washington County Sheriff Caprice Massey said. “By expediting the process for these individuals to access therapeutic treatment settings, we have prevented unnecessary languishing in jail. This collaborative effort has produced healthier, Justice Involved Individuals who are ready for a successful transition into our community.” 

This program would also not be possible without the support of Washington County Behavioral Health.

“Because of this program’s effectiveness, many adults with the greatest behavioral needs are now able to get much-needed treatment at the State hospital more quickly,” said Robert Colpean, Aid and Assist program coordinator with Washington County Behavioral Health. “We attribute much of this program’s success to collaborative efforts among key partners who work to find solutions on both individual cases as well as on a systemwide level.”

To learn more about this program and to access a referral form needed to initiate an evaluation, visit our website.

The Keizer Police Department is staffing extra traffic safety patrols which are funded by an Oregon Department of Transportation grant and they will run through April 30^th. While the focus will be on distracted driving awareness, officers will also educate drivers and enforce other traffic-related violations.  Last month, these extra patrols issued (23) warnings and (7) citations for speed and other various traffic violations.  

The Oregon State Marine Board will convene its quarterly meeting in Astoria on April 24, 2024. The meeting will be held at the Astoria Public Library Flag Room, 450 10th Street, beginning at 8:30 am. Preceding the board meeting, agency staff and board members will take a boating facility tour of nearby access, first visiting the recently completed Westport Park mixed-use boating facility and ending with the Columbia River Maritime Museum. 

The Board agenda includes the following items:

• Director’s Report
• Key Performance Measures (KPMs) Update for the Legislature
• Agency Budget Overview
• Legislative Concepts
• Facility Grants for Board Approval

Public comments for this meeting will be accepted in writing or by attending the public comment portion at the beginning of the hybrid meeting. To provide oral testimony, register with Jennifer Cooper no later than 5 pm on April 21, 2024. Public comments will also be accepted in writing until the end of the day on April 21, 2024. Register to speak or send written comments t.cooper@boat.oregon.gov">o jennifer.cooper@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. Mail to Oregon State Marine Board, Attn: Jennifer Cooper, 435 Commercial St NE Ste 400 Salem, OR 97301. 

To view the agenda and board materials and for a link to the meeting live stream, visit the agency’s Public Meetings page. Meetings are conducted using Microsoft Teams and viewing may require the installation of a free Teams app for mobile devices.

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VANCOUVER, WASH. — Washington State University Vancouver will present its 2024 awards for equity, service, research, student achievement and teaching at this year’s Commencement ceremony on May 4. The following will each receive a Chancellor’s Medallion:

Chancellor’s Award for Equity—Pavithra Narayanan, Professor of English; Academic Director and Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence—Praveen Sekhar, Associate Professor, School of Engineering and Computer Science

Chancellor’s Award for Service to WSU Vancouver—Workforce Southwest Washington

Chancellor’s Award for Student Achievement—Juan Carlos Garcia Gonzalez, B.A., Humanities

Students’ Award for Teaching Excellence—Debra Wilmington, Associate Professor, Career Track, School of Biological Sciences

CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR ADVANCING EQUITY

This annual award honors a faculty or staff member for excellence in contributing to a community of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging at WSU Vancouver.

Pavithra Narayanan advocates passionately for equitable treatment for students, faculty and staff alike. She introduces students to Indigenous and non-Western histories, texts and authors who are not part of the regular course material. Guided by her philosophy of justice, equity and inclusion, Narayanan has increased WSU Vancouver’s cultural diversity at all levels. She has recruited and hired both staff and faculty of color, and supports professional development and career growth of all employees. She advocates not only for faculty and students but also for graduate students, adjunct faculty and support staff. 

Narayanan, who joined WSU Vancouver in 2004, has an eclectic educational background. She completed most of her education in India, with an undergraduate degree in zoology. Prompted by a love for books and writing, she earned a master’s degree in English, a second master’s in American literature and a third in mass communication, as well as a Ph.D. She is an affiliate of the Collective for Social and Environmental Justice and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, focusing on economic and social policies, civil liberties, gender and globalization.

CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

Each year, WSU Vancouver gives its highest research honor to recognize a faculty member’s exemplary research quality and quantity as well as positive influence on the broader community. 

Praveen Sekhar’s research is grounded in the interdisciplinary field of electrochemical gas sensors, which intersects disciplines such as electrical engineering, chemical sciences, applied physics and materials science. He has achieved the heights of international recognition in his field while remaining down to earth: His research is aimed at making people safer and the world a better place to live.

Sekhar directs WSU Vancouver’s Nanomaterials-Sensor Laboratory, where he and his students are working on solutions related to environmental pollution, national security, energy security and Internet of Things applications. He is the principal investigator on a project that addresses the need for a flexible wireless gas sensing device at high temperatures for many applications—notably for use by first responders during emergencies such as forest fires and terrorist attacks.

Sekhar is committed to diversity in engineering research through collaborating with and mentoring women, immigrants and persons of color. He joined WSU Vancouver in 2011.

CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR SERVICE TO WSU VANCOUVER

The award recognizes dedication and commitment to the WSU Vancouver community through leadership on behalf of the university and dedication of time, talent and resources toward advancing the university’s mission.

Much of what Workforce Southwest Washington does aligns with WSU Vancouver’s mission and values. WSW works to transform lives across the region and serves as a cornerstone for economic vitality. Its mission is to lead a regional workforce development system where every individual has access to high-quality employment and every business has access to a highly skilled workforce. 

At the heart of WSW’s mission is a profound belief in the power of education and skill development. This is where WSU Vancouver and WSW have found a sweet spot for collaboration. Through partnership on multiple initiatives, WSW and WSU Vancouver work to strengthen the economic resiliency of Southwest Washington and provide students with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving job market. 

Since 2020, WSW and WSU Vancouver have collaborated through a partnership contract that funds a full-time position in WSU Vancouver’s Engaged Learning and Career Action Center. Its purpose is to bridge the gap between the higher education system and the workforce development system.

CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

The student achievement award annually recognizes one student’s love of learning, persistence to overcome barriers in pursuit of academic goals, leadership potential and involvement in campus life.

During the pandemic, Juan Carlos Garcia Gonzalez noticed that Clark College had online classes. “We were sitting around and thought we needed to do something or go nuts,” he said, “so I enrolled in Clark.” That led to WSU Vancouver.

He was 50 years old and had spent his life on the move, growing up in Mexico and living in California, Oregon, Chicago and New York, mainly doing mission work on behalf of his church. He moved to Vancouver in 2015. Having inherited a genetic kidney disease that requires dialysis three times a week, he has been unable to work. The disease also raises havoc with other parts of the body. But he doesn’t let it set him back. He studies diligently and, even though English is his second language, maintains high grades. Because he is approachable and easy to talk to, many students look to him as a paternal figure.

Garcia Gonzalez chose a fine arts focus for his humanities degree. His house in Vancouver serves as a studio for him and his daughter Samantha, also a WSU Vancouver student and an artist. “Not to get sappy, but I really don’t think I could be enjoying my time as much as I am at WSU Vancouver if my dad were not here,” Samantha said.

STUDENTS’ AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

Students honor a faculty member each year with the teaching excellence award. The award recognizes exceptional dedication to students and infectious enthusiasm for the subject matter. 

Debra Wilmington always has time for her students. Her classes in physiology, genetics and nutritional science, among others, are “fun and engaging,” students say. She strives to make class material relevant to students’ lives and goals, to meet students where they are and to be flexible. She brings “tools” such as blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes to class to let them learn by doing, and she tries to get to know each student “to understand the best way to connect to and teach them,” she said.

In addition to teaching, Wilmington is an advisor for students working toward biology and pre-health majors. She is also the faculty advisor to the Pre-Health and Pre-Dental clubs. 

Wilmington, who joined WSU Vancouver in 2012 after earning a doctorate in biomedical science from the University of Texas, is also taking part in a project to improve the transfer process for STEM students from community college to WSU Vancouver.

COMMENCEMENT DETAILS

Commencement will be held at 1 p.m. May 4 at the RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater located at 17200 NE Delfel Road, Ridgefield, WA 98642. The event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. It will also be livestreamed on WSU Vancouver’s YouTube channel.

ABOUT WSU VANCOUVER

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

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

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Alyce Butrick, age 15, a child in foster care who was last seen in the Tigard area of Washington County on April 9, 2024, at 9 p.m. She may be with a person named Danny. She is believed to be in danger.

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

Alyce may be in the Portland-metro area, near NE 82nd Avenue. 

• Name: Alyce Butrick (sounds like “Alee-see”)
• Preferred Pronouns: she/her
• Date of birth: June 27, 2008
• Height: 5-foot-7-inches
• Weight: 150 pounds
• Hair color: Black
• Eye color: Brown
• Other identifying information: no known tattoos; she is Tongan and Alaskan Native
• Tigard Police Department (may be Washington County Sheriff's Office) case #24-0007162
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2017024

Alyce is supposed to be taking medications but does not have them with her.

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College is gearing up for its first Emergency Preparedness and Safety event, inviting students, staff, and the wider community to join in and learn vital preparedness measures. The affair, scheduled across multiple campuses from April 25 to May 2, aims to educate attendees on various aspects of emergency preparedness, including personal and pet readiness, campus safety, and more.

Schedule

• Thursday, April 25 – Southeast Campus (2305 S.E. 82nd and Division)
• Friday, April 26 – Rock Creek Campus (17705 N.W. Springville Rd)
• Wednesday, May 1 – Sylvania Campus (12000 S.W. 49th Ave.)
• Thursday, May 2 – Cascade Campus (705 N. Killingsworth St.)

Among the highlights of this initiative is the presence of Freya, the Preparedness Pup, who will assist in demonstrating first aid techniques for pets. Additionally, PCC Emergency Preparedness Manager Lorraine Churchill and the college’s Department of Public Safety team will be on hand to provide guidance and information.

“Our preparedness and safety events serve to help each person gain greater personal strength through preparedness, information sharing and activities,” said Churchill, who has given talks internationally on disaster preparedness and response.

The event also offers opportunities for attendees to learn about signing up for emergency alerts, acquiring essential supplies, and engaging with volunteer opportunities in disaster management. Local first responders will participate as their schedules allow, further enhancing the educational experience.

With the Pacific Northwest prone to various hazards, the event emphasizes the importance of preparing for all types of disaster. Attendees are encouraged to participate actively in these sessions to enhance their safety and resilience in the face of potential crises. For more information or inquiries, contact epare@pcc.edu">prepare@pcc.edu, or visit https://www.pcc.edu/public-safety/emergencies/.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

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

SALEM, Ore. – April 15, 2024 – This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, an annual event that honors the essential role emergency response coordination professionals play in keeping the nation’s communities safe and secure. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed April 14-20 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the state and encouraged all Oregonians to join in the observance.

Oregon has 43 standalone 911 centers known as Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) that serve as the first and single point of contact for people seeking immediate relief during an emergency. Nearly 800 dedicated telecommunicators across the state answer at least 2 million emergency calls annually for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services. These 911 professionals respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance during intense personal crises and community-wide disasters.

“Oregon’s 911 telecommunicators are heroes devoted to public safety and helping others. They work long hours, remaining calm in all types of situations and quickly constructing plans of action based on limited information,” said Oregon Department of Emergency Management State 911 Program Manager Frank Kuchta. “These individuals are lifelines in an emergency, and this annual observance honors their skills, dedication and commitment to helping Oregonians.”

Many 911 professionals are certified as Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMD) and receive training on how to process requests for medical assistance and how to dispatch medical providers. Some go on to receive specialty training in crisis intervention, law enforcement support and tactical dispatching, while others receive intermediate and advanced certifications and become leaders in the field. All 911 professionals work diligently behind the scenes to help people during emergencies ranging from mental health crises, car accidents, missing person reports, burglaries and domestic violence disturbances. 

Since early 2020, Oregon’s public safety telecommunicators have had the added responsibility of serving throughout a pandemic, historic wildfires, heatwaves, winter storms, floods and severe staffing shortages.

“On any given day, our public safety dispatchers have an incredibly stressful job; during the last several years, that’s been compounded as they’ve responded to unprecedented disasters in which they were the first to answer the call,” said Kuchta. “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week brings well-deserved attention and recognition to these invaluable professionals.”

The critical work of Oregon’s public safety telecommunicators directly supports the operations of federal, state and local government agencies, including emergency management, highway safety, and search and rescue. Oregon’s 911 program was established by the 1981 Oregon Legislature and is managed by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. Learn more at oregon.gov/OEM.

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Photo Caption: Oregon's 911 telecommunicators serve as the first and single point of contact for people seeking immediate relief during an emergency. (Oregon Department of Emergency Management)

Photo Caption: Oregon Governor Kotek proclaimed April 14-20 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the state and encouraged all Oregonians to join in the observance. (Oregon Department of Emergency Management)

Salem, OR—Midnight tonight, April 15, 2024, is the deadline to file tax year 2023 state and federal personal income tax returns and the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to remind taxpayers of the tools available to make the experience easier for both those who haven’t yet filed their 2023 return and those who have.

Through April 14, Revenue has processed 1.67 million of an expected 2.2 million returns and issued nearly 1.4 million refunds.

Free filing options

Revenue reminds those who haven’t yet filed, that filing electronically is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund. Oregon Free Fillable Forms performs basic calculations and is ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. The IRS offers a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically.

New this year, the department is also offering Direct File Oregon, which allows taxpayers to file their Form OR-40 through Revenue Online. Direct File Oregon is not currently linked with the IRS Direct File. Taxpayers will need to file a separate federal return with the IRS before filing an Oregon return with Direct File Oregon through Revenue Online.

Information about other available free tax preparation tax preparation software is available on the Revenue website, along with a list of organizations providing free or reduced cost assistance.

What’s My Kicker? calculator

In 2024 Oregon is returning $5.61 billion in surplus revenue to taxpayers in the form of a “kicker” tax credit. Taxpayers will receive their kicker as part of their refund, or the kicker can reduce the tax they owe.

Taxpayers, who have not filed their 2023 return, should not guess at their kicker amount. They can determine the amount of their kicker using the What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the tool, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2022 and 2023.

Where’s my refund? tool and video

Taxpayers wondering about the refund on their 2023 tax year return, can use the Oregon Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check its status and, if they want more information, watch a video outlining the refund timelines to better understand the process.

Doug, the new virtual assistant

The agency’s new virtual assistant Doug is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on Revenue Online to answer general tax questions. 

Doug, an avatar Oregon fir tree, is located in the upper right hand corner of the Revenue Online homepage.  With just a few clicks of the keyboard, users will be able to access instant, helpful, insightful answers. It's important to note that Doug does have some limitations. The virtual assistant is pre-programmed with answers to common questions, therefore, users with detailed questions pertaining to their unique circumstances are encouraged to consult their tax preparer or contact the department directly.

If you file a paper return

Taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their 2023 return and file a paper return should make sure it’s post-marked by today or place it in one of the drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Gresham, Eugene, Medford, and Bend.

DOR staff will be on hand in the atrium of the Salem headquarters building today until 5 PM to accept and stamp tax returns as having been filed timely.

Filing an extension. 

Individuals who are not able to file by midnight can file an extension directly with the Oregon Department of Revenue or with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If the IRS extension is granted, the Oregon extension is automatically granted. A timely filed extension moves the federal tax filing deadline and the Oregon filing deadline to October 15, 2024.

Taxpayers should only request an Oregon extension if they:

• Don’t have a federal extension.
• Owe Oregon taxes.
• Can’t file your return by April 15, 2024.

Remember that having a filing extension is not an extension to pay any tax owed. Taxpayers who can’t pay the full amount they owe, should pay what they can to avoid late payment penalties.

First quarter 2024 estimated payments due today

Today is also the due date for first quarter estimated payments. In most cases, taxpayers must make estimated tax payments for tax year 2024 if they estimate their tax after withholding and credits (including refundable credits) will be $1,000 or more when they file their 2024 Oregon return. Taxpayers can make their payments on Revenue Online or mail their payment with a voucher. Taxpayers mailing their payment should mail it separately from their return or other correspondence. Oregon Estimated Income Tax Instructions, Publication OR-ESTIMATE, can be found on the Revenue website. 
 

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, see a list of approved tax preparation software products, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments. For questions not answered on our website, call 800-356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times.

a new “front door” to healthcare opens to those experiencing homelessness 

April 15, 2024, Portland, OR – Tomorrow, Central City Concern (CCC) formally launches a new Mobile Health program as part of our new 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. A launch party, including speakers and the unveiling of two new, custom built healthcare vans will be held on Tuesday, April 16 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Speakers honoring the new program include Dr. Andy Mendenhall, CCC President and CEO; Dan McMillan, President and CEO, The Standard; and Dr. Sejal Hathi, Director, Oregon Health Authority; among others. The event is sponsored by The Standard. 

People experiencing homelessness are constantly on the move, which can make traditional “brick and mortar” service delivery challenging. CCC has partnered with Medical Teams International (MTI) to move the front door of traditional healthcare, making it easier to offer services in a mobile setting. CCC will now offer a range of expanded primary care which includes behavioral health care, improving access to services and housing resources, while MTI is offering dental services. CCC’s two new, large, custom-made vans allow our teams to directly provide wound care, physical exams, infectious disease screening, vaccinations, and medications.  

CCC operates two teams, each staffed with a combination of roles including a Primary Care Provider (Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, or Naturopathic Doctor), behavioral health specialist, and a community health outreach worker. The teams are visiting the Temporary Assistance Shelter Sites (TASS), sanctioned encampments and congregate shelter sites, unsanctioned encampments and locations where unsheltered community members are located, and service hubs like day centers, food/meal resource sites, and community events. 

We are so proud to celebrate this milestone event,” says Dr. Andy Mendenhall, President and CEO. “Folks need access to the right treatment at the right time. Sometimes that means bringing services to their front door, wherever that may be. We know a lot of folks in our community have felt unseen or marginalized by traditional healthcare services. Our hope is that by bringing healthcare to our neighbors' door, we can treat problems immediately and prevent future complications or hospitalizations. Timely treatment is a core to building trust and getting folks connected with other necessary services. If you see one of our vans going down your street, give a little wave and say hi!

Funding for the program has been provided by Multnomah County’s Joint Office of Homeless Services, Oregon Health Authority, Trillium Community Health Plan, the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, and the City of Portland. Community partners include Medical Teams International, Urban Alchemy, All Good Northwest, Transition Projects, Inc., Blanchet House, JOIN, and Portland Street Medicine. Learn more about CCC's Mobile Health program https://centralcityconcern.org/health-care-location/mobile-health/

Trillium Community Health Plan is proud to partner with Central City Concern to advance health equity, remove barriers to care, and meet unhoused community members where they are through this Mobile Health Program,” said Trillium Community Health Plan President & CEO Sarah Kelley Brewer. “Together we’re transforming the health of the communities we serve and increasing access to care for all Oregonians.

About CCC     

Located in Portland, Oregon, Central City Concern (CCC) provides a comprehensive continuum of affordable housing options integrated with direct social services including health care, recovery, and employment. Founded in 1979, CCC has a staff of over 1,200 and an annual operating budget of $130 million. CCC serves more than 14,000 individuals annually. Up to 30,000 people across the tri-county region are affected annually by homelessness. Learn more at https://centralcityconcern.org/ 

In the early hours of this morning, Longview Fire Department responded swiftly to a significant fire at 2715 Fir St. The incident, which involved a fully engulfed detached garage, was reported to emergency services at approximately 2:01 AM. The fire posed an imminent threat to neighboring residences.

Firefighting units and Longview Police arrived at the scene within five minutes of the initial 911 call, at 2:06 AM, to find the garage ablaze, with the potential to spread. Crews deployed hose lines and quickly knocked down the fire, preventing spread to the nearby homes.

While the structure of the garage sustained severe damage, damage to surrounding property was minimal. A vehicle parked in front of the garage suffered minor damage. No injuries were reported among civilians or firefighting personnel.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

“This fire was moments away from spreading to occupied homes.  In the face of a fire, every second counts. Smoke detectors play a crucial role in providing the early warning that can mean the difference between life and death. They allow occupants vital time to escape and avoid tragedy. I cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring that your home is equipped with functioning smoke detectors to protect both lives and property," said Battalion Chief Eric Koreis.

At 1244 am on April 14, 2024, Bend Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 21910 Rickard Rd.  Initial reports were of a barn fire that was spreading to a nearby residence.  On arrival, crews found an approximately 1,400 square foot shop/storage building fully involved in fire, with extension to nearby trees, vegetation, and the exterior of a small house nearby.  The fire was quickly knocked down, with crews taking a defensive stance on the shop and protecting nearby structures.  The shop and contents were a complete loss.  The fire had extended to the exterior of the small house, and while it did not do significant damage to the interior, the structure was not livable due to the damage.  The occupant declined Red Cross assistance.  Total damage is estimated at $200,000.  

UPDATE:

Due to the severity of the damage to the shop building, the exact cause of the fire could not be determined.  The damage estimate remains at approximately $200,000 and includes damage to the exterior of small residential structure, the shop/storage building, one small tractor, one passenger car, two pickup trucks, and two small travel trailers, along with personal belongings stored in the building.  

Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community that working smoke alarms save lives.  In this case, only a single smoke alarm was present in the home, the other having been removed when it malfunctioned recently. Fortunately, the occupant was awakened by the fire when they heard what sounded like a large object falling outside, but a working smoke alarm is still the best way to get an early warning and have time to safely evacuate.  Not sure if yours work?  Check them today, and if they're more than 10 years old, replace the entire alarm.  For more information on home fire safety, visit our website at https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/safety-tips-emergency-preparedness.

For Information Contact: 

Stephanie O’Dell

360-608-3395

StephanieOdellCamas@gmail.com

District 19N Lions Co-Conference Chair

District 19N Lions and Longview Pioneer Lions Welcome International Officer

Longview, WA -- Lions Club members from the District 19N Lions and Longview Pioneer Lions will welcome Past International Director, Ken Ibarra of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization. Director Ibarra, from San Bruno, CA, will address the Lions during their annual District Convention on Saturday, April 20. “We are happy to welcome Director Ibarra and his partner-in-service Amy Fink to the Pacific Northwest,” said District Governor, Lisa Ikeda. “We look forward to sharing with them all that our District 19N Lions have accomplished in the area.” Lions clubs conduct a variety of projects and events concerning vision, the environment, hunger, and youth scholarships. 

District 19N is comprised of 78 clubs with approximately 2,275 working on projects of their own choosing based on the needs in their communities. Clubs in our area include:  Camas, Washougal, Longview Pioneer, Longview-Kelso Early Birds, Vancouver, Salmon Creek, Ridgefield, Peninsula (Long Beach & Ocean Park), Lyle, White Salmon, Kalama, Battle Ground, La Center, and more!  Lions clubs are groups of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with a Lions Club in the District, please visit https://district19nlions.weebly.com/clubszones.html.

Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. Its 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs are serving communities in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the globe. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and strengthened local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit lionsclubs.org. 

###

Vancouver, Wash. – The Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT), led by the Vancouver Police Department, is conducting the Independent Investigation of the officer-involved use of force incident involving deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, which occurred on April 13, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the American Legion located at 14011 NE 20th Avenue in Clark County. 

Clark County Sheriff’s deputies were attempting to locate two carjacking suspects, one reported to be armed with a firearm.  Deputies observed the male suspect enter the American Legion building, made contact with him inside, and the officer-involved shooting occurred. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The investigation of the officer-involved shooting is being led by the Vancouver Police Department. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and will be sent out via media release.

###

On 04/13/2024, a hiker from the Newport area located human remains in a dispersed campsite just outside the city limits of Newport, OR. The hiker reported the incident to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the area and were directed to the campsite, which was located approximately 100 yards into thick foliage from the roadway. The remains appeared to have been exposed to the environment for a prolonged period of time. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Detectives conducted a death investigation before the Lincoln County Search and Rescue Team assisted in removing the remains. The remains have been tentatively identified but will undergo advanced testing to make a final determination. No identifying information is being released at this time. No suspicious circumstances have been determined and there is no concern for community safety.

If anyone has any information relating to this incident, please call the Sheriff’s Tip Line at 541-265-0669. Reference case number 24S-06357.

####

UPDATE-4/13/24 4:50pm

Around 3:25 p.m., CCSO Deputies located and arrested the female suspect near NE 144th Street and NE 20th Avenue. 

Any additional updates on this investigation will come from the SW Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT).

Update- 4/13/24 2:45pm

At 10:38 a.m. on April 13^th, 2024, Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputies responded to a reported carjacking in Hazel Dell (9200 Block of NE 15^th Avenue).

The victim reported that two suspects, a male and a female, had stolen his van. The witness also stated that the male suspect was armed with a handgun. The suspects reportedly left the scene in the stolen van.

At 10:54 a.m., CCSO Deputies were dispatched to a suspicious circumstance near Goodwill in Salmon Creek, located at 14300 NE 20^th Avenue. Witnesses stated that a male and female had attempted to carjack a vehicle with a person inside.

Descriptions of the suspects near Goodwill matched the descriptions of the armed suspects in the Hazel Dell carjacking.

Deputies responded to the scene and set up a containment area to search for the suspects. Deputies located the stolen van from the Hazel Dell carjacking behind the American Legion at 14011 NE 20^th Avenue. Deputies observed the male suspect enter the American Legion.

Deputies contacted the suspect inside the American Legion, where an officer-involved shooting took place. The male suspect is deceased.

No deputies were physically injured.

Law enforcement searched the area using K9 and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) but were unable to locate the female suspect. She is currently outstanding. 

Four CCSO deputies are now on Critical Incident Leave, per standard protocol. 

The information is preliminary, and this is an ongoing investigation. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office notified the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations. The SW Washington Independent Investigation Team (SWIIRT), led by the Vancouver Police Department, will be investigating the shooting.  

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

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

• All future communications will be sent via the SWIIRT.
• The SWIIRT will release the names of the involved deputies.
• The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the name of the deceased.
• Once the SWIIRT investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

No further information is available at this time.

Clark County Sheriff’s Deputies have been involved in a shooting in the Salmon Creek area near the Walgreens at 139^th Street and 20^th Avenue. There is a large police presence at the scene; please avoid the area. More information will be released soon.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on April 16, 2024.  At the end of the Regular Session meeting, the Board will move to Executive Session under (ORS 192.660(2)(i)) -To review and evaluate the employment-related performance of the chief executive officer, employee or staff member who does not request an open hearing and (ORS 192.660(2)(d))-To conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to carry on labor negotiations. 
This meeting will be held virtually through Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/83429503975?pwd=61JrLob6htb8E0iQ99ab8hQ7VopCNa.1
Passcode: 135207

February 12, 2024

PORTLAND, Oregon – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released a list of cases impacted by the public defense crisis. The list includes felony cases dismissed by the JC3 court as a result of the crisis. 

In November, DA Mike Schmidt called the public defense crisis– defined by a lack of public defenders to provide counsel to defendants– an urgent threat to public safety. Individuals charged with a crime have a constitutional right to defense counsel. Victims have a right to justice. Absent counsel, criminal prosecutions cannot lawfully move forward, and throughout the counsel shortage, cases issued by the office have been routinely dismissed over prosecutors’ objections.

DA Schmidt also declared that MCDA would publish cases dismissed due to the crisis each week to increase transparency and advance the public’s understanding of the scope of the crisis. Here is an updated breakdown of the types of cases being dismissed.

There were 13 cases dismissed by the court as a result of the public defense crisis between 4/5/24 and 4/11/24:

24-CR-00886

23-CR-56073

23-CR-57383

24-CR-00303

23-CR-48379

24-CR-01131

23-CR-47772

23-CR-30864

23-CR-17686

23-CR-39899

23-CR-39086

23-CR-05108

21-CR-55496

Friday, April 12, 2024-Woodland, WA-Woodland High School’s agriculture department announces the 34th Annual FFA Plant Sale featuring in-person shopping on Friday, May 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Plant Sale is open to anyone who wants to peruse the amazing plants grown by Woodland High School’s horticulture students.

While horticulture students learn about the growing process of plants from germinating seeds to harvesting the full-grown plants, the plant sale provides the real-world life experience of operating a commercial greenhouse as students operate and manage the greenhouse throughout the annual plant sale. Students take on all of the related business roles including customer service; marketing and advertising; communicating with the public; managing inventory and more. “The plant sale is a community tradition that offers students and community members the opportunity to interact and share their passion for horticulture,” said Kendra Pearce, Horticulture Teacher for Woodland High School. 

At the start of the school year, students choose what type of plants they want to grow and care for the plants without the use of pesticides or herbicides. Students begin by learning the process of how to grow the plants themselves while developing their skills in plant science including plant biology and physiology; conducting lab experiments; proper care and management of commercial plant crops; and integrated pest management. In addition, students learn about careers and professional development opportunities within the horticulture industry with curriculum designed around industry standards, all aligned with state science requirements including common core.

“During the second semester, as students prepare for the plant sale itself, we focus on the professional skills required to operate a commercial greenhouse including marketing techniques; providing excellent customer service; leadership and communication skills; and retail sales including pricing, budgeting, and inventory," explained Pearce. "The skills they learn in the agriculture and other CTE classes at WHS are designed to prepare them professionally for the future, whether they are college-bound, pursuing technical or apprenticeship opportunities, joining the armed forces, or entering the workforce.”

This year's plant sale features a wide variety of vegetables, geraniums, bedding plants, succulents, hanging baskets, and much more - just in time for Mother's Day.

The plant sale will take place Friday, May 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Woodland High School’s greenhouse located at 1500 Dike Access Road, Woodland, WA 98674. The student store accepts payment in the form of cash, personal check, and credit cards.

For more information including an inventory and price list, visit www.woodlandschools.org/whs-plant-sale.

###

Detectives Seek Witnesses After Bar Shooting

April 12, 2024

On Saturday, March 30^th, 2024 at approximately 2:00 a.m., Forest Grove Police Department Officers responded to a shooting at a bar located in the 1900 Block of Main Street.   It was reported the suspect fired a handgun multiple times before fleeing the scene.  No injuries were reported. The suspect was arrested and remains in custody.  The identity of the suspect is not being disclosed at this time.

Forest Grove Police Department Detectives are working to identify two victims in this incident.  If you can identify either victim or have information about this incident please call the Forest Grove Police Department at 503-992-3260 or Non-Emergency Dispatch at 503-629-0111.

Detectives are not releasing any further information about this case at this time.

Salem, Ore. — In accordance with City Charter, Keith Stahley, Salem City Manager has finalized the Proposed FY 2025 Budget. The Proposed FY 2025 Budget will be distributed to Citizen Budget Committee members Friday, April 12, 2024. The Proposed FY 2024 Budget will also be available online late Friday afternoon.  

This budget proposal comes at a time of uncertainty. Over the past 10 years Salem’s population has grown by over 23,000 people, driving a demand for more and different City services. Some City services have funding that meets the growing needs of the community. The General Fund has not kept pace with increasing demand. In 2023, voters did not approve a new revenue source for the General Fund to continue services causing us to adopt a mid-year supplemental budget eliminating vacant positions. The reductions in the Proposed FY 2025 Budget reflect difficult choices made after thorough deliberation to move toward fiscal sustainability. 

The formal submittal of the City Manager’s Proposed FY 2025 Budget marks the beginning of the deliberations process for the Citizen Budget Committee. Comprised of resident members, the Mayor, and City Council, the 18-member Citizen Budget Committee is the fiscal planning advisory board. Its role is to review quarterly financial reports and the five-year financial forecast, then to analyze and recommend a budget to the City Council and adopt the City’s property tax levy rate.  

The City’s $724.6 million proposed budget for 2025 covers the period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, and includes estimates of revenue and costs of services and capital projects.  

Salem’s Citizen Budget Committee begins their work on the City Manager’s proposed 2025 budget at the first of four scheduled meetings Wednesday, April 17, at 6 p.m. at Salem Council Chambers, 555 Liberty Street SE., in Salem. Weekly Wednesday meetings continue April 24, May 1, and May 8. All will be held at Council Chambers. The April 24th meeting will include a public hearing for the proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and review of the Salem Urban Renewal Agency (URA) budget. 

Any person may provide written testimony on the City and Urban Renewal Agency budgets for consideration by the Budget Committee. Send written testimony to budgetoffice@cityofsalem.net by 3 p.m. the day of the meeting. In-person public comment will also be available at the meeting. To provide testimony through video conference, sign up online the day of the meeting between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The meetings are available to view online through the CC:Media YouTube channel or Comcast channel 21.  

Budget Process Overview 

The City’s Budget Document is the primary tool to determine program and policy priorities. 

Early September 2023– Leadership Team begins discussion of potential budget scenarios 

Developed Budget Operating Principles

September 18, 2023 – City Council continues discussion of structural budget imbalances and receives a five-year reduction scenario 

October 2023 –five-year financial forecast begins development  

January – March  2024 – City Departments develop budgets and submit for review and approval by the City Manager 

January 2024 – financial forecast presented to Budget Committee 

Budget Committee meetings, 6:00 PM Council Chambers  

March 14, 2024 - Proposed Reduction Scenarios presented to Budget Committee 

March 21, 2024 

April 17, 2024 

April 24, 2024 

May 1, 2024 - Budget Committee deliberates on a Budget Recommendation 

May 8, 2024 – Budget Committee recommends budget to the City Council 

May – Community presentations regarding Recommended Budget  

June - City Council hold a public hearing and adopts Annual Budget 

Clark County Sheriff John Horch will host a town hall on Thursday, April 25th, starting at 5:30 pm. Sheriff Horch would like to invite the community to discuss public safety topics and hear updates on CCSO. 

Sheriff Horch and members of his leadership team will be available to answer questions.

The town hall will occur at CCSO's West Precinct at 505 NW 179th St., Ridgefield, WA, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

This will be the Sheriff's fifth community engagement event, following events last year in Five Corners, Camas, Salmon Creek, and Battle Ground. 

See the attached flyer for more information.

Portland, Oregon - March 18, 2024 - Portland Fruit Tree Project and the vibrant community of nonprofit organizations housed within the Leaven Community Center are excited to announce a collaborative street festival, spring plant sale, community forum and fundraiser aimed at promoting climate justice and community resilience. The event, Earth Every Day at Leaven Community, will take place on April 20th from 11am to 8pm at the Leaven Community Center, located at 5431 NE 20th Ave.

Sparrowhawk Native Plants will be present to fulfill pre-ordered plant pickups, and for those who missed the pre-order deadline, there will be a FLASH SALE of leftover plants at incredible prices starting at 2pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore an array of garden plants, fruiting trees, and shrubs offered by Portland Fruit Tree Project throughout the day.

In addition to plant sales, attendees can indulge in refreshments from 2Towns Ciderhouse, Deschutes Brewery, a Lavender Lemonade Stand, and food for sale from Leaven Community. Family-centric activities, facility tours, and informational booths hosted by neighborhood nonprofits will provide entertainment and education on topics ranging from wildlife tracking to eco-justice initiatives.

Guests will have the chance to win prizes generously provided by Freeya, Portland’s Homegrown Free Marketplace. Furthermore, all attendees will receive a Pro membership to Freeya via email after the event, valued at $60.

The event schedule is packed with engaging activities including crafting for kids with SCRAP PDX, wildlife tracking with Cascadia Wild, a meet and greet with Pyxis the Miniature Therapy Unicorn, and live music by Jessa of Jessa Campbell & The Saplings, among others. A community forum hosted by Leaven Community at 3:30 pm will ask neighbors to imagine what a neighborhood rooted in community resilience and climate justice would look like for them. The day will culminate in a Downtown Portland Raffle Package drawing and a rock concert from 6 to 8pm, donated generously by local group Paper Plane.

"We're thrilled to partner with Leaven Community Center and our fellow nonprofits to bring this dynamic event to the Portland community," said Heather Kessler-Fornes, Executive Director of Portland Fruit Tree Project. "It's an opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our shared values, and take meaningful action towards community resilience."

Founded in 2013, Leaven Community is dedicated to igniting the power of relationships within neighborhoods for more equitable, diverse, and thriving communities. Portland Fruit Tree Project annually harvests and donates over ten thousand pounds of fruit, contributing to the community's food security while reducing waste.

"We invite everyone to join us for a day of fun, learning, and community building," said Alison Killeen, Director-Organizer of Leaven Community Center. "Together, we can make a difference and create a more resilient future for all."

Sliding scale tickets are available starting at a $5 donation, and children under 5 are admitted free of charge. Additionally, free tickets are available upon request, as inclusivity and accessibility are priorities for the event organizers.

For more information about the event, visit https://www.merctickets.com/events/150358067/leaven-community-earth-every-day-celebration-with-portland-fruit-tree-project or follow Portland Fruit Tree Project and Leaven Community Center on social media.

About Portland Fruit Tree Project: Portland Fruit Tree Project cares for the trees that feed and shade the community, annually harvesting and donating over ten thousand pounds of fruit that would otherwise go to waste.

About Leaven Community: Anchored in the Vernon and Alberta neighborhoods, Leaven Community ignites the power of our relationships in our shared stories and spiritual wisdoms by acting collectively with our neighbors for more equitable, diverse, thriving neighborhoods.

About Sparrowhawk Native Plants: Sparrowhawk Native Plants offers premium-quality native plants through online sales and neighborhood pop-up events, supporting local communities and wildlife conservation efforts.

About Freeya: Freeya is a marketplace app that simplifies the process of giving and getting free items within neighborhoods, promoting sustainability and community connection.

This event is generously sponsored by Metro, TriMet, Freeya and a gift from the Oregon Synod Disaster and Climate Resilience Initiative.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Kathryn Howard

Event and Partnership Manager

Portland Fruit Tree Project

ynh@portlandfruit.org">kathrynh@portlandfruit.org

503.902.8550

OR

Alison Killeen

Director-Organizer, Leaven Community

alison@leaven.org

Kelso School District invites the Kelso community to preview the proposed high school social studies materials for adoption during a two-week-long open house at the Ruth E. Clark Instructional Services Building.

The district encourages community members to leave their feedback regarding the materials once they have been reviewed. The building will be open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from April 15-26, 2024.

The Ruth E. Clark Instructional Services Building is located at 601 Crawford St. in Kelso.

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 19 in the Screen Shop, at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 3561 Klindt Dr., The Dalles. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov. 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• ODF updates and member training requirements
• Updates and informing post-disturbance harvest rulemaking
• HCP update
• Planning and priority for guidance development
• Forest Practice Technical Guidance comment review

The public may attend in-person or online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting by emailing estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law – that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. In 1971, the legislature enacted Oregon’s Forest Practices Act which includes three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Eastern, Northwest, and Southwest regions of the state. Under Oregon law, a majority of the committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

Oregon’s forests are among the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic, and social benefits. View more information on the RFPC webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: April 12, 2024

Two-vehicle collision in southeast Salem leaves one dead

Salem, Ore. — Just before 11:00 p.m. Thursday night, April 11, emergency responders were called to the intersection of Kuebler BV and Battle Creek RD SE on the report of a two-vehicle collision.

The preliminary investigation indicates the two vehicles crashed when the driver of a Honda sedan traveling eastbound on Kuebler BV initiated a northbound turn onto Battle Creek RD in front of a Mercedes sedan traveling westbound on Kuebler BV. The two vehicles collided with the Honda coming to rest on the north-west corner of Kuebler BV and Battle Creek RD, leaving that driver deceased.

The driver of the Honda is identified as David Joel Luna, age 22, of Salem. 

The driver of the second vehicle is identified as Hunter Dillon Quinn, age 20, of Salem. He was transported to Salem Health with non-life-threatening injuries. Quinn is cooperating with the investigation.

Travel along Kuebler BV between Battle Creek RD and 27^th AV SE was affected for approximately three hours for investigation and clearing of the scene.

Electrical power in the area was affected due to the impact from one of the involved vehicles into utility boxes in the area. Portland General Electric continues their work today. Customers should contact the company directly for updates.

Temporary stop signs for traffic control at the intersection of Kuebler BV and Battle Creek RD are in place until electricity is restored.

The incident remains an active investigation, and as such, no arrest or citation has occurred. 

# # #

Just after midnight on April 12th, Vancouver Fire Department responded to a house fire at 10419 NE 50th Ave.  First arriving units found a heavily involved single story home.  Crews quickly deployed fire attack hose and performed a rapid search of the home.  Fire Command Officers then determined the structural integrity was too compromised and withdrew crews to continue fighting the fire from the exterior.  1 resident was displaced from the home but fortunately uninjured.  A total of 25 fire personnel from Vancouver Fire Department and Clark County Fire District 6 worked laboriously to extinguish the fire.  Cause is under investigation by the Clark County Fire Marshals Office.   

At 1:53pm on April 11th, Vancouver Fire Department responded to a livestock barn fire at 6010 NE 214 Ave.  Arriving units found a 20x50 foot barn fully involved.  The space was filled with livestock feed and cover for the animals.  Residents were fortunately home and able to get all of the animals out safely.  13 personnel from Vancouver fire and Fire District 3 stayed on scene for up to 6 hours battling the deep seeded fire that required the assistance of a City of Vancouver excavator.  Cause of the fire was investigated by the Clark County Fire Marshals Office.

On Monday, April 8, 2024, at approximately 3:30 AM Lincoln City Police Officers responded to the 1300 block of N Highway 101 on the report of gunshots. Officers learned that an intoxicated male had exited a bar in that area, walked to a nearby vehicle, retrieved a handgun, and then fired several shots into the air before leaving in a different vehicle.

Thanks to eyewitness statements and video surveillance, Officers were able to identify the male as 38-year-old Hugo Melo Garcia of Woodburn, Oregon.  Officers attempted to locate Melo Garcia but were unable to do so.

On April 8, 2024 at approximately 9:00 PM LCPD Officers located a male matching Melo Garcia’s description returning to the initial vehicle, but he was determined not to be Melo Garcia nor directly involved in the incident.

On April 9, 2024 at approximately 6:00 PM Melo Garcia came to the Lincoln City Police Department to turn himself in.  He was taken into custody on charges of Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and transport to the Lincoln County Jail.

The Lincoln City Police Department would like to thank the local businesses in the area for their assistance with this case.

Looking for a fun, touching feature story?

Well, look towards Klineline pond, where, for the next two days thousands of kids 5-14 will be catching thier first fish and going home with new memories.  

It's the Klineline Kids Fishing Festival.  

Open today from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the festival aims to teach kids how to fish, enjoy the great outdoors, and learn how to be safe around bodies of water.

Clark County Fire District 6 is not the organizer of the event, but we do provide EMS coverage of the event in case of a medical emergency.  

Today is the day for special needs kids and tomorrow the event is open to all kids in Clark County.  Klineline pond is located at 1112 NE 117th Street, Vancouver, WA.

Get ready to experience an exhilarating performance by the Jefferson Dancers, showcasing a range of dance styles from classical ballet to tap, modern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and African dance. From graceful and fluid movements to high-energy and dynamic routines, the show features nine new works that will leave you in awe. And don't forget the student-choreographed piece that won top honors at the Regional High School Dance Festival in February!

JEFFERSON DANCERS 2024 SPRING CONCERT

Portland'5 Newmark Theatre

Thursday, April 18 and Friday, April 19 @ 7:30 P.M.

Saturday, April 20 @ 2:00 & 7:30 P.M.

GET TICKETS: $27 adults / $12 students + seniors

ABOUT THE JEFFERSON DANCERS

The Jefferson Dancers (known informally as "the JDs") are the elite dancers of the nationally renowned dance department at Jefferson High School. For nearly 50 years, the company has comprised the school's most advanced dance students who come to Jefferson High School for dance training. It is a multi-ethnic company of dancers, ages 14-18. Under the longtime tutelage of Artistic Director Steve Gonzales, the Jefferson Dancers rehearse every school day for three hours, in addition to taking a 90-minute dance instruction class. The JDs perform myriad dance styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and African. 

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, at approximately 5:20 p.m., an incident occurred near the Jacob Wismer Elementary and Stoller Middle School complex in Bethany. A male student, who is not enrolled in the Beaverton School District, was approached by an unidentified male while walking home from spending time with friends at Jacob Wismer.

The suspect, who was near the bus pick-up lanes at Stoller Middle School, falsely claimed to be a friend of the student's mother and stated he was there to pick the student up. The student did not recognize the individual and wisely ran from the area, safely reaching home shortly after.

The student described the suspect as a large male in his 70s with a white beard two to three inches in length. The suspect was wearing large Pit Viper-style sunglasses, a T-shirt, and a hat with the American flag. The student believes that the man was driving a silver Mercedes SUV.

Deputies are working closely with Beaverton School District Public Safety officers to review surveillance footage and further investigate the incident. We urge the community to be vigilant and report any information related to this suspect to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 503-629-0111.

Safety Recommendations for Students:

- Stay Alert: Avoid distractions from cell phones and maintain awareness of surroundings.

- Limit Headphone Use: Ensure you can hear external sounds when wearing headphones, especially in public areas.

- Walk-in Groups: There is safety in numbers. Try to walk with friends whenever possible.

- Regular Check-ins: Always inform a family member or friend of your departure and arrival when moving about.

- Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately notify an adult or school staff member about any unusual or suspicious behavior.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Beaverton School District are committed to the safety of all students and community members. We thank you for taking these precautions seriously and helping to maintain a safe environment for our children.

On 04/11/24, at approximately 12:33, an unknown suspect committed an armed robbery of the Starbucks located within the Safeway at 13023 NE Highway 99. The suspect was described as a white male in his forties, over six feet tall, and around 200 pounds. He wore a light blue hoodie with black writing, dark blue sweatpants, black shoes, a black stocking cap, and a black COVID-style mask. The suspect was armed with a long knife similar to a fillet or long paring knife.

The suspect fled the scene on foot and possibly got into a vehicle a short distance away.

An employee of Safeway was knocked to the ground by the suspect as the suspect fled. The employee was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. 

Deputies conducted a K9 and unmanned aircraft system search for the suspect, and there was a heavy police presence in the area during that time.

At 14:18 hours, the Walgreens at 8511 NE 162nd Avenue was also robbed at knifepoint by a suspect matching the same description. Again, the suspect fled the scene on foot and possibly got into a vehicle a short distance away.

The area around Walgreens was searched, but the suspect was not located. A heavy police presence was in the area during that time.

The suspect in today’s robbery matches the physical description and nature of a robbery at the same Safeway on 4/8/24. 

In the robbery on 4/8/24, the suspect was described as a white male, approximately 6-00 tall, medium build, wearing a dark-colored sweater, sweatpants, a black COVID-style mask, and a gray beanie.

These incidents are being actively investigated. No photos are available at this time. This release will be updated if more information becomes available.

SALEM, Ore. — Santiam Canyon wildfire survivors have something to celebrate this month as Senate Bill 1545 was signed into law. 

Senate Bill 1545 addresses the urgent need to reset property tax assessments for Santiam Canyon residents affected by the devastating 2020 Labor Day wildfires. Marion County worked diligently alongside the bill’s sponsors to get it across the finish line this legislative session.

“As a Commissioner, I have witnessed firsthand the immense challenges faced by individuals and families who lost their homes in the fires and subsequently had to rebuild,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron, Chair. “Senate Bill 1545 offers a lifeline to those struggling to rebuild by mitigating the burden of increased property taxes.”

Under Oregon's current tax laws, property tax assessments are subject to certain limitations, with the maximum assessed value of unchanged properties increasing by no more than 3% each year. However, legal or physical changes to the property, such as rebuilding after a wildfire, are exceptions to this limit, often resulting in significant property tax increases for affected residents.

Senate Bill 1545 provides much-needed relief to fire-impacted residents by allowing them to reset their property taxes to the homestead's real market value for the 2020-2021 tax year, based on the original square footage of their original residence. This measure has the potential to lower property taxes back to pre-fire rates for those who have rebuilt or plan to rebuild their homes on the same lot.

“This bill will be monumental for survivors already struggling to make ends meet after the fires,” said Senator Fred Girod, the bill’s chief sponsor. “Resetting the assessed value of homes rebuilt after being destroyed in the wildfires acknowledges the financial hardship faced by property owners who have already endured the trauma of losing their homes.”

While SB 1545 grants counties the discretion to reset assessed values, it does not mandate it. However, providing counties with this option is a crucial step toward ensuring fairness and equity for fire-affected residents. It is imperative that we support these individuals and families as they work to rebuild their lives and communities in the aftermath of such devastating loss.

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The February Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board meeting will be held Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. 

If you wish to attend this meeting remotely or in person, please email sam.kaufmann@tvwd.org or call 503-848-3094 by 4:30 p.m. on April 17, 2024.

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

About TVWD 

TVWD serves about 217,700 customers in parts of Washington County, Oregon. Our service area covers more than 41 square miles including portions of Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard and unincorporated Washington County.

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

The next regular public meeting of the FVRLibraries Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, April 15, 6:00 pm at our Washougal Community Library. It will be a hybrid (in-person/online) meeting. 

https://www.fvrl.org/board-trustees

Clatsop County, Ore. 10 Apr. 24- On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 12:43 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 13, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated southbound traffic was stopped for a vehicle attempting to turn left onto Turlay Ln. A southbound Toyota Sienna, operated by David Timothy Schalk Jr. (53) of Astoria, crossed the double yellow line and began passing the stopped traffic in the northbound lane.  The Toyota struck the northbound guardrail and was redirected back into the northbound lane where it struck a northbound Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Marti Ree Lindhorst (68) of Salem. The collision caused the Dodge Ram to roll into the southbound lane and collide with a Kia Soul, operated by Tara Lynne Ragan (55) of Astoria, which was stopped in the southbound lane.

The operator of the Toyota (Schalk Jr.) was injured and transported to a local hospital. 

A passenger in the Toyota, Kaleb Allen Shaffer (48) of Warrenton, was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Dodge (Lindhorst) was injured and transported to a local hospital.

The operator of the Kia (Ragan) and passenger, Wendy Lee Sides (53) of Seaside, were injured and transported to a local hospital. 

The highway was impacted for approximately 5.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. 

OSP was assisted by the Gearhart Police Department, Clatsop County Sheriff's Department, Warrenton Fire, and ODOT.

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

The Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel officially transferred the Queen of Angels Monastery in Mt. Angel, Oregon, to Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast (CCS) on March 20.

At this historic transfer ceremony, held in the monastery chapel and Agatha Hall, CCS staff, the sisters, friends, family members, and supporters gathered to pray, celebrate, and share stories of the important role the sisters and their monastery have played in the lives of those present and in the broader community. 

The ceremony included a symbolic transfer of items representing the sisters’ legacy and a blessing for the CCS staff, board members, and volunteers who will sustain that legacy.

“The Benedictine Sisters have owned the historic monastery and grounds of Queen of Angels Monastery since 1887 when they purchased the property from Mount Angel Abbey. Now they entrust the mission and use to Catholic Community Services,” said Sister Jane Hibbard, Pastoral Administrator of the Benedictine Sisters. “The sisters look forward to seeing what develops and promise to pray daily for what will emerge for the future use of the buildings and property. They are deeply grateful for the partnership with and commitment of CCS to the people of Mount Angel, Marion County, and beyond, as well as to the people who continue to support the Benedictine Sisters,” she said.

The monastery, dedicated in 1888, has been the home of the Benedictine Sisters. They are credited with an impressive number of endeavors, including the Shalom at the Monastery retreat ministry, the Benedictine Nursing Center, and St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict. 

In 2017, the sisters transferred day-to-day operations of the St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict, ministries which they founded in 1988, to Catholic Community Services. The sisters are now living next door at the Orchard House, an assisted living facility of Providence Benedictine Nursing Center in Mt. Angel. They maintain their administrative offices in the monastery, where they host retreats and continue to help guide and sustain St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict.

“We are honored and humbled by the confidence the sisters have placed in us, and we look forward to our continued partnership to sustain the ministries they founded and to preserve the monastery as a place of hope and healing,” said CCS Chief Executive Officer Josh Graves.

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About the Benedictine Sisters and the Queen of Angels Monastery

The Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel are a Catholic religious community established in Oregon in 1882. Queen of Angels Monastery, the sisters’ historic home, dates to 1887. The sisters’ major ministries are hospitality, prayer, service to the local community, and Shalom at the Monastery retreats. At present, the Benedictine Sisters have 17 professed members and 80 oblates.

About Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast

Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast is a non-profit, faith-based organization. Founded in Salem in 1938, today, CCS offers nine programs across 10 Oregon counties and serves more than 5,500 people each year. They operate with fidelity to the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which call them to work for the common good and to serve their neighbors who are the poorest and most vulnerable. CCS envisions a caring, resilient community full of hope and connection where all people flourish.

Finalized rule to further promote responsible solar and wind energy development on public lands, including through 80% lower fees

WASHINGTON — The Biden-Harris administration today announced a series of historic milestones and actions to promote responsible clean energy development on public lands and help achieve President Biden’s goal of creating a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035.  

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today announced that the Department has now permitted more than 25 gigawatts of clean energy projects – surpassing a major milestone ahead of 2025 – enough clean energy to power more than 12 million homes across the country. This includes solar, wind and geothermal projects, as well as gen-tie lines on public lands that are essential for connecting clean electricity projects on both federal and non-federal land to the grid.

“Since Day One, the Biden-Harris administration has worked tirelessly to expand responsible clean energy development to address climate change, enhance America’s energy security and create good-paying union jobs. Surpassing our goal of permitting 25 gigawatts of clean energy by 2025 underscores the significant progress we have made in helping build modern, resilient climate infrastructure that protects our communities from the worsening impacts of climate change,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “The Interior Department will continue to advance projects that will add enough clean energy to the grid to power millions more homes and help ensure a livable planet for future generations.”

The Department today also announced a final Renewable Energy rule from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that will lower consumer energy costs and the cost of developing solar and wind projects, improve renewable energy project application processes, and incentivize developers to continue responsibly developing solar and wind projects on public lands. Consistent with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to create high-quality jobs in the clean energy economy and support American manufacturing, the final rule includes additional incentives for use of project labor agreements and American-made materials.  

“Our public lands are playing a critical role in the clean energy transition,” said Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis. “Finalizing the Renewable Energy Rule is a significant milestone that will allow the Interior Department to continue leading the way on renewable energy while furthering President Biden’s commitment to building a clean energy economy, tackling the climate crisis, protecting lands and waters, promoting American energy security, and creating jobs in communities across the country.”

In addition, the BLM announced that two solar projects – the Arica and Victory Pass projects in California – are now fully operational, adding 465 megawatts of clean electricity to the grid. With these two projects coming online, more than 10 gigawatts of clean energy are currently being generated on public lands, powering more than 5 million homes across the West.

“Renewable energy projects like Arica and Victory Pass on public lands create good-paying jobs and are crucial in achieving the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “Investing in clean and reliable renewable energy represents the BLM's commitment to addressing climate change. BLM personnel are working tirelessly to efficiently review and approve projects, with significant and thoughtful engagement from states, Tribes and other partners, to ensure we supply families and communities with clean energy that will lower costs and help tackle climate change.”  

Surpassed President Biden’s Goal of 25 Gigawatts by 2025 
The Department and BLM have worked diligently to review and approve dozens of new clean energy projects, including solar, wind, and geothermal projects, as well as interconnected gen-tie lines that are vital to clean energy projects proposed on non-federal land.

Today’s announcement that the Department has surpassed the goal to permit 25 gigawatts of renewable energy includes the approval of more than double the number of projects than were approved during the previous Administration. The Department has now permitted nearly 29 gigawatts of clean energy – enough to power more than 12 million homes across the country. In addition to specific project approvals, the Department has also leased eight new areas in Solar Energy Zones with the capacity to generate nearly 2.5 gigawatts of additional clean energy.  

As the Department continues its momentum to spur a clean energy future, the BLM is currently processing permits for an additional 66 utility-scale clean energy projects proposed on public lands in the western United States. These projects have the combined potential to create thousands of good-paying jobs, add more than 32 additional gigawatts of renewable energy to the western electric grid and power millions of more homes. The BLM is also undertaking a preliminary review of about 200 applications for solar and wind development, as well as more than 100 applications for solar and wind energy site area testing. The BLM continues to track this clean energy permitting progress through an online dashboard.  

These investments in a clean energy future help further the President’s Bidenomics strategy and Investing in America agenda, which are growing the American economy from the middle out and bottom up – from rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, to driving over half a trillion dollars in new private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, to creating good-paying jobs and building a clean energy economy that will combat the climate crisis and make our communities more resilient.  

Finalized Renewable Energy Rule to Continue Responsible Development 
The Department today also announced the update of its renewable energy regulations to promote the development of solar and wind energy on public lands. The final Renewable Energy Rule will reduce capacity fees for these projects by 80 percent and facilitate development in priority areas by streamlining application review, delivering greater certainty for the private sector and the opportunity for more clean energy for American households.

The Energy Act of 2020 authorized the BLM to reduce acreage rents and capacity fees to promote the greatest use of wind and solar energy resources. The BLM initially reduced these fees through guidance in 2022. Today’s final rule codifies further reductions, improving financial predictability for developers pursuing long-term projects on public land.

The final Renewable Energy Rule will facilitate development in identified priority areas for wind and solar energy while maintaining appropriate flexibility to ensure a fair return for the use of public lands. It expands the BLM’s ability to accept leasing applications in these priority areas without first going through a full auction but retains the BLM’s ability to hold competitive auctions where appropriate.  

The final rule continues the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to creating American manufacturing jobs while helping to build a clean energy economy, including by providing financial incentives for developers to use project labor agreements and domestic materials. The BLM sought comment on these additional incentives in last year’s proposed rule and developed the final provisions following public feedback, including from labor unions and a wide range of clean energy industry stakeholders.  

Today’s rule also complements the BLM’s ongoing efforts to advance responsible clean energy development by updating the Western Solar Plan. The BLM is currently taking comment on a draft analysis of the Utility-Scale Solar Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, with the goal of streamlining the BLM’s framework for siting solar energy projects across the West in order to support current and future national clean energy goals, long-term energy security, climate resilience, and improved conservation outcomes.  

Announced California Solar Projects are Fully Operational 
In another step towards achieving President Biden’s vision of a fully carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, the Department today announced the Arica and Victory Pass solar projects are both fully operational. These projects, the first two approved under the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP), are located in eastern Riverside County, California. With the completion of these two solar projects, the BLM has also surpassed 10 gigawatts of renewable energy generation from projects on public lands.

The two projects represent a combined infrastructure investment of about $689 million, will generate $5.9 million in annual operational economic benefit, provide power to nearly 139,000 homes, and add up to 465 megawatts of clean energy generating capacity and 400 megawatts of battery storage. The Department issued final approval for construction of the Arica and Victory Pass solar projects in 2022.  

The DRECP is a landscape-level plan created in collaboration with the State of California for more than 22 million acres, focused on 10.8 million acres of public lands, in the desert regions of seven California counties that balances renewable energy development with the conservation of unique and valuable desert ecosystems and outdoor recreation opportunities. To approve these sites for renewable energy projects, the Department and the BLM worked with Tribal governments, local communities, state regulators, industry and other federal agencies.

The BLM today also announced the beginning of construction for the Camino Solar project in Kern County, California. The 44-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility is expected to power nearly 13,400 homes. The project will employ around 150 people during peak construction, include a 34.5-kV underground electrical collector line, and connect to the existing Southern California Edison Whirlwind Substation through the Manzana Wind Substation and associated 220 kV generation-tie line.

-BLM-

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

Salem, Ore – The State Library Board will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in room Santiam 4 at the Salem Convention Center at 200 Commercial Street SE Salem, Oregon 97301. This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Ashley Wilsey at ashley.wilsey@slo.oregon.gov.

Question or concerns can be addressed to Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian at 503-378-4367 or nelisen@slo.oregon.gov">wendy.cornelisen@slo.oregon.gov.

STATE LIBRARY BOARD MEETING

April 24, 2024

Greg Williams, Chair

Agenda

The State Library of Oregon cultivates, preserves, and delivers library and information services to foster lifelong learning and community engagement.

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

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

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 alternate formats 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to Ashley Wilsey at ashley.Wilsey@slo.oregon.gov.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver Native American Programs and Collective for Social and Environment Justice invite the public to attend a three-day conference entitled, SJCon: Health and Environmental Justice: Constructing Coalitions at the Intersections of Extraction, Militarism, and Climate Collapse. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 19 and 20, and from 3:30 to 8 p.m. April 21. Most content will be presented on Zoom with some in-person sessions as noted on the conference agenda.

"At this conference we will examine the very real human and climate impacts of U.S. militarism and settler colonialism playing out in the U.S. and globally, and consider pragmatic pathways to transforming the permanent war economy in the U.S.—and the carbon-intensive corporate food system—into an economy that works for all," said Desiree Hellegers, professor of English and director of the Collective for Social and Environmental Justice.

The free conference features a variety of keynote speakers and breakout sessions. The detailed agenda and registration link can be found on the conference website: labs.wsu.edu/thethingreenlineispeople/announcing-the-5th-annual-sjcon/

At the end of day one, attendees are invited to an Indigenous Garden Dedication from 5:15 to 7 p.m. in the field adjacent to the Clark College Building on the WSU Vancouver campus. The event will feature Indigenous drumming and refreshments, and will be followed by a 30-minute talk by Celilo Wy'am activist Lana Jack on her experience as a water protector at Standing Rock.

The fifth annual SJCon will wrap up with an Evening with Activist Women in Film: The Fight for a Livable Planet from 3:30 to 8 p.m. April 21 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4505 E. 18^th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661. The event will feature films by Misty Grace, Jan Haaken and Heidi Hutner. All three filmmakers will be on hand to speak about their work. Donations will be accepted at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. All proceeds will help fund a student organizer for the Collective for Social and Environmental Justice.

Questions about SJCon: Health and Environmental Justice: Constructing Coalitions at the Intersections of Extraction, Militarism, and Climate Collapse may be directed to julian.ankney@wsu.edu or ee.hellegers@wsu.edu">desiree.hellegers@wsu.edu.

About WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134^th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-TRAN bus service. Find a campus map at vancouver.wsu.edu/map. Parking is available at meters and in the Blue Daily Pay lot for $4 a day, $2 after 5 p.m. and free after 7 p.m. and on weekends.

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

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

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Portland Oregon, April 10, 2024 –Rocky Butte Farmers Market (RBFM), Portland’s dog & kid friendly neighborhood market with a block party vibe, will re-open June 1, 2024 at its new more visible and convenient location on the border of the Roseway and Madison South neighborhoods at NE Siskiyou, between 80th & 82nd Avenues.

RBFM will be open every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through September 28. The iconic urban neighborhood market features affordable locally grown foods and artisan products, as well as weekly children's activities, live entertainment, giveaways, market bingo and more. The Market began as a pop-up in the Madison South neighborhood during the summer of 2019, became a monthly market in 2021, and expanded to a weekly market in 2022 and 2023. 

Market organizers are thrilled to announce new and returning vendors, offering everything from local produce, meat & flowers, to pottery and handcrafted goods.

“One of our major goals during the offseason was to relocate the market to make it more central and accessible for neighbors and those coming from further away,” said Benjamin Cutler, co-founder and board President. “Our site selection team succeeded thanks to a new partnership with PBOT! We are excited to recreate the magic we cultivated with our vendors and volunteers at the highly visible location on Siskiyou Street beside Glenhaven park this June. We’re looking forward to celebrating local food, crafts and community as we continue to grow RBFM!” 

Well-behaved dogs on-leash are allowed in all areas of the market, which offers fresh water and treats at the info booth for pups. Fun and educational children’s programming is offered weekly and is suitable for all ages. The first 25 market-goers ages 3-13 who stop by the Kids Patch each get a FREE $5 token to spend during their visit! 

Rocky Butte Farmers Market proudly accepts Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), matching up to $20 per market day with Double Up Food Bucks through a partnership with the Farmers Market Fund. 

Learn more about the market, this year's vendors and the weekly entertainment schedule at www.rockybuttemarket.com, and follow market happenings via Instagram and Facebook at @rockybuttefm.

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Gresham, Ore.— A local 17-year-old has been arrested for a kidnapping and shooting that occurred in Gresham and led to a two-county vehicle pursuit.

Gresham Police responded to a report of a possible kidnapping just after 7:30 Tuesday evening.  The caller reported the victim’s boyfriend had taken her from her workplace against her will. When members of the victim’s family tried to stop the kidnapping, the suspect shot at them before driving away. 

Police began tracking the suspect as he drove out of Gresham.  Deputies with the Multnomah and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Offices responded to assist.  A Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputy located the suspect’s vehicle near Dodge Park in a rural area of Clackamas County.  When the Deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect drove away. 

The suspect led Deputies and Officers on an almost 6-mile pursuit, before driving off the roadway near Barlow High School.  The suspect fled into a nearby wooded area.  A Gresham Police unmanned aircraft system was used to monitor the suspect from a distance while East Metro SWAT responded.  The suspect was taken into custody shortly after SWAT arrived on scene.  

The victim was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries.  The suspect sustained cuts and scrapes from running through thick brush.

The suspect was charged with Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, and several other crimes constituting domestic violence.  Because the suspect is a juvenile, no additional information can be released at this time. 

Yesterday, April 10^th, 2024, Anthony Wessel, age 41, was sentenced by Judge Cody Weston to life in prison without eligibility for parole until he has served 25 years. 

On November 13^th, 2023, Mr. Wessel entered the lobby of the Oregon City Police Department and turned himself in for killing his wife, 37-year-old Anna Wessel.  Officers found Anna deceased at the Wessel home.  While on scene, officers also discovered a note Mr. Wessel had written that was directed to police.  In the note, Wessel wrote he had planned to commit a murder-suicide.  A subsequent note in the margin stated Mr. Wessel decided to turn himself in.  Other written materials were found indicating Mr. Wessel had planned the crime.

First and foremost, the Oregon City Police Department sends our heartfelt condolences to Anna’s family and all the community members who have been forever impacted by Mr. Wessel’s actions.  We will continue to keep you in our thoughts as you navigate the grief associated with losing Anna.

We also extend our gratitude to our officers, detectives, and the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office, for their role in swiftly resolving this matter.

Clark College announces honor students on All-Washington Academic Team

Four Clark College scholars to be recognized at state ceremony 

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Four honor students will represent Clark College at the 27^th annual All-Washington Academic Team ceremony on April 25 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey. The annual event recognizes students from Washington State for their academic excellence and community service. The All-Washington Academic Team is a program of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges. 

These Clark students are among 92 PTK honor students from across the state named to the All-Washington Academic Team. They are pursuing transfer and workforce pathways at Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges.  

The ceremony will be livestreamed at 12:30 p.m. on April 25 on the SPSCC YouTube channel.  The keynote speaker is Governor Jay Inslee. 

Each student will receive a medal and a $250 scholarship from Key Bank. They also are eligible for additional scholarships from private sponsors and transfer scholarships for four-year colleges and universities. 

The four Clark College scholars are Alexander Cole, Addison Johnson, Ethan Mahan and Lisa Segretto. 

Alexander D. Cole 

Alexander D. Cole did not attend school until he was 15 years old. With determination, he taught himself to read and write, and graduated from high school. While learning to repair his car, he found his future career. Alexander is enrolled in the T-TEN automotive technician program at Clark College and is apprenticing at a local Toyota dealership garage. After he earns an associate of applied technology degree in June 2025, he will be a full-time repair technician at the same dealership. His dream career is to work on vehicles for Toyota.  

Addison Johnson  

Addison Johnson’s mother and grandmother encouraged her to work passionately toward her goals. The Running Start student will earn her diploma from Camas High School and her associate degree from Clark College in June. She plans to transfer to Oregon State University to earn a baccalaureate degree in bioengineering. Next, she plans to pursue medical school and a career as an orthopedic surgeon.   

Ethan Mahan  

Ethan Mahan’s high school teacher inspired him to pursue a career in healthcare. Ethan will earn an associate in applied technology degree in Medical Assisting with an additional certification in Phlebotomy from Clark College in August 2024. He plans to work as a medical assistant, gain healthcare experience, and eventually, continue his education to become a physician’s assistant. It has been challenging balancing work, assignments, and a phlebotomy internship, but worth it as he prepares to begin his career.  

Lisa Segretto 

After breaking free from generational cycles of abuse and neglect, Lisa Segretto was inspired by her daughter to seek therapy and attend college. She’s graduating from Clark with a 4.0 and her associate degree and plans to attend either Portland State University or Washington State University to pursue a Bachelor of Psychology. She dreams of earning her Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Psychiatry, eventually opening a mental health practice for children and adults who have experienced childhood trauma. 

About All-Washington Academic Team Program

The All-Washington Academic Team is a program of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. Sponsors of the All-Washington Academic Team program are Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges, Washington State Association of College Trustees, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges. 

Scholarship sponsors are Key Bank ($250 awarded to every member); Washington State Employees Credit Union ($750 awarded to the top 16 members); and Washington State Association of College Trustees ($1,000 awarded to the top three team members). 

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90^th year, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

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A total of 464 students made the Clackamas Community College honor roll and 1,085 students made the president's list for winter term 2024.

To be named to the honor roll, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or better. To be named to the president's list, students must earn a 3.75 grade-point average or better.

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Note: Attached are the honor roll and president’s list and cities of residence.

EDITORS: Dr. Paul Cieslak of OHA is available for interviews until noon today. Contact OHA External Relations at PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov to set something up.

April 11, 2024

Media Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Babies, baby chicks don’t mix: OHA article highlights Salmonella risks of backyard poultry for newborns

PORTLAND, Ore. — Outbreaks of Salmonella infection linked to backyard poultry have been well documented, but a recent Oregon public health investigation highlights the risks of home chicken flocks for newborn babies.

An Oregon Health Authority (OHA) report in today’s edition of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) details an investigation into a case of salmonellosis – the disease caused by Salmonella bacteria – in a newborn whose parents kept backyard poultry.

OHA and Crook County epidemiologists investigated the case as part of a routine, multi-state review of backyard poultry-associated salmonellosis outbreaks reported to CDC from across the country during 2023.

According to the report, the baby boy was born at a hospital about 150 miles away from his parents’ home. The newborn was discharged with his mother to a relative’s home the day after his birth, but four days later was readmitted to a second hospital with bloody stool and lethargy, prompting health care providers to collect a stool sample for analysis. The sample tested positive for a strain of Salmonella known as Thompson.

Neither parent had symptoms of salmonellosis, nor had they been diagnosed with the disease. However, the baby’s father, who tended the family’s backyard poultry at the family’s home 150 miles away, was present at the hospital during the child’s birth and stayed with the child and the child’s mother at the relative’s home when the baby fell ill.

The newborn had not traveled to the home where the backyard poultry were kept during the time between his birth and his hospital admission for his illness.

Nearly a month after the newborn was admitted to the hospital with salmonellosis symptoms, state and county epidemiologists collected environmental samples from the chicken bedding in the family’s backyard poultry coop, where the child’s father had previously had contact. Two of the samples matched the Salmonella Thompson strain found in the child.

Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division and co-author of the MMWR article, said epidemiologists don’t know the exact mechanism by which the newborn was exposed to the Salmonella Thompson strain. But it’s telling that the newborn’s family started keeping backyard poultry only about a month before the child’s birth.

“It’s possible one of the parents was shedding the organism even though they weren’t showing symptoms and exposed the baby during or after his birth,” Cieslak said. “The bacteria also could have been carried from the family home to the newborn on clothes, shoes or other belongings. Once it’s on surfaces, it can be transported and transmitted fairly easily.”

The case is a strong reminder about the importance of hygiene when tending backyard poultry, “especially when persons at risk for exposure are newborns and young infants whose intestinal flora and immune systems are still developing,” the article’s authors wrote. “In addition to adhering to recommended hygiene practices, families contemplating raising backyard poultry should consider the potential risk to newborns and young infants living in the household.”

The CDC has the following recommendations for backyard flock owners:

• Always wash hands with soap and water immediately after touching backyard poultry, their eggs or anything in the area where they live and roam. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available. Consider having hand sanitizer at your coop.
• Don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don’t eat or drink around them. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick. Keep your backyard flock and supplies you use to care for them (such as feed containers and shoes you wear in the coop) outside of the house. You should also clean the supplies outside the house.
• Always supervise children around backyard poultry and make sure they wash their hands properly Don’t let children younger than 5 touch chicks, ducklings or other backyard poultry. Young children are more likely to get sick from germs such as Salmonella.
• Collect eggs often. Eggs that sit in the nest can become dirty or break. Throw away cracked eggs. Germs on the shell can more easily enter the egg through a cracked shell. Rub off dirt on eggs with fine sandpaper, a brush, or a cloth. Don’t wash eggs because colder water can pull germs into the egg. Refrigerate eggs to keep them fresh and slow the growth of germs. Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm, and cook egg dishes to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill all germs.
• Call your health care provider right away if you have any of these severe symptoms:
  • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F.
  • Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving.
  • Bloody diarrhea.
  • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down.
  • Signs of dehydration, such as not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.

The article’s lead author was Stephen Ladd-Wilson, Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section, OHA. Other co-authors included Karen Yeargain, Crook County Health Department; Samuel Myoda, Ph.D., and Mansour Samadpour, Ph.D., Institute for Environmental Health Laboratories, Seattle; and Karim Morey, Oregon State Public Health Laboratory, OHA.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: March 26, 2024

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

Detectives arrest one in connection with mail theft, multiple federal charges pending

Additional personal documents discovered, list updated

Updated 04/11/2024 | 10:30 a.m.

The effort to return documents to more than 200 people continues. As the investigation has progressed, detectives discovered additional documents belonging to more individuals. 

The list of persons whose documents are ready for return has been updated.

Residents or business owners who suspect they may have lost documents through theft are urged to review the list on the weblink at salempd.info/document-return.

To begin the recovery of the property, the document owner must:

• Complete the online form.
• Pick up the property at the Salem Police Station, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The address is 333 Division ST NE.
• Bring valid identification, such as your government identification or driver license.

Further instructions are available on the webpage.

# # #

Police to return personal and financial documents collected in the investigation

Updated 03/28/2024 | 2:00 p.m.

Felony Crimes Unit detectives finished sorting through all the documents seized as part of a lengthy mail theft investigation which resulted in the arrest of Ross Benjamin Sierzaga, age 33, of Salem on March 25. 

To help expedite the return of hundreds of personal documents to their rightful owners, a webpage with information has been created. Residents who suspect they may have lost documents through theft can determine if they are on the list of individuals who can recover their property.

Things to know:

• The web address for the page is salempd.info/document-return
• If your name is listed, complete the form to start the process of retrieving your property.
• Items must be picked up by the owner. 
• The owner must present valid identification, such as your state-issued ID or driver license.
• You may pick up your property at the Salem Police Station, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The address is 333 Division ST NE.
• Additional instructions are available on the webpage.

All residents should note, any unopened mail collected as part of this investigation will be returned by the US Postmaster. 

Any Salem residents who have been a victim of mail theft but have not yet reported it, should do so at salempd.info/online-report. Theft of mail should also be reported to the US Postal Inspection Service online or by calling 1-877-876-2455.

Detectives urge any victims of identity theft to visit the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft website, www.identitytheft.org, for helpful information and recommend an identity theft alert be registered with the three major consumer reporting companies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

# # #

Originally published 03/26/2024 | 1:30 p.m.

Salem, Ore. — A 33-year-old Salem man was arrested yesterday, March 25, during the service of a warrant at an apartment in southeast Salem.

Salem Police patrol officers arrested Ross Benjamin Sierzega on Monday afternoon without incident on multiple warrants stemming from a nearly two-year investigation by Felony Crimes Unit detectives into incidents of mail theft and related crimes in the Salem area. 

Following the arrest, a search warrant was served in partnership with the United States Postal Inspection Service at Sierzega’s apartment in the 3300 block of Crawford ST SE. The search of the dwelling resulted in the seizure of two lock cores from community mailboxes, several counterfeit mailbox keys and tools to manufacture the counterfeit keys, multiple checks, bank cards, and financial documents not in Sierzega’s name, and approximately 30 pounds of mail. In addition to the evidence collected, detectives seized a short-barreled shotgun and home-made body armor.

Sierzega is currently in custody of the US Marshals Service on federal charges related to this investigation. In addition to 11 outstanding Oregon warrants, Sierzega was charged with the following:

• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun
• Felon in possession of body armor
• Identity theft
• Forgery, first-degree
• Criminal possession of a forged instrument, first-degree
• Possession of burglary tools

Sierzega will make his initial appearance in federal court today, March 26, on a federal warrant which was based on charges of mail theft, aggravated identity theft, and bank fraud. Under US Code, manufacture of a counterfeit mail key carries a maximum sentence of 10 years upon conviction. 

Of the investigation, Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack noted, “I know so many residents have been directly impacted in recent years all across our city as victims of this far too prevalent and pernicious crime. The suspect’s arrest hopefully brings some sense of justice to victims and signals to those who would steal mail and commit fraud that we take these crimes seriously.”

The chief of police also commended the collaborative work done by Salem Police detectives and the US postal inspectors involved, “My thanks to the detectives who were relentless in their investigative efforts. I am also grateful for the excellent working relationship we have with the US Postal Inspection Service.”

Felony Crimes Unit detectives will spend the next several weeks reaching out to victims to return stolen property seized in the investigation. The US Postal Inspection Service will handle the processing and return of the stolen mail.

# # #

EDITORS: Dr. Paul Cieslak of OHA is available for interviews until noon today. Contact OHA External Relations at PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov to set something up.

April 11, 2024

Media Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA study: No link between COVID-19 vaccine, cardiac deaths

Article published in CDC’s MMWR finds no deaths attributed to mRNA shots

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 vaccination is not linked to death from cardiac causes among previously healthy young people, according to an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The study, appearing today in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), examined nearly 1,300 deaths among Oregon adolescents and young adults – ages 16 to 30 – occurring over 19 months during 2021 and 2022. It found that none of the fatalities that happened within 100 days of receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose was attributed to vaccination.

The findings answer a question that’s lingered since early 2021 as state and federal public health agencies rolled out new mRNA vaccines during the pandemic: Do rare cases of myocarditis associated with COVID-19 vaccination put people at increased risk for cardiac death?

Study co-authors Paul Cieslak, M.D., and Juventila Liko, M.D., M.P.H., of OHA’s Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section, say suggestions of an association between receipt of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose and sudden cardiac death among healthy adolescents and young adults are not supported by the Oregon data they reviewed.

“According to information recorded on death certificates, among 1,292 deaths of persons 16 to 30 years of age from June 2021 to December 2022, none was found to have been caused by COVID-19 vaccination,” said Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations.

Of 40 deaths that occurred among persons who had received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose, only three occurred within 100 days after vaccination. However, two of the deaths were attributed to chronic underlying conditions, and the cause was undetermined for one. No death certificate attributed death to vaccination.

Cieslak noted there were 30 deaths among persons this age that were caused by COVID-19. Among these 30 decedents, he said, the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS) database had records for 22 (73%), only three of whom had received any COVID-19 vaccination.

“Studies have shown significant reductions in COVID-19-related mortality among vaccinated persons; during the first 2 years of COVID-19 vaccine availability in the United States, vaccination prevented an estimated 18.5 million hospitalizations and 3.2 million deaths,” Cieslak and Liko wrote in their report.

The researchers acknowledged two limitations in their findings.

First, they could not exclude the possibility of vaccine-associated cardiac deaths more than 100 days after COVID-19 vaccination. They also pointed out that published data indicate potential adverse events associated with vaccinations tend to occur within 42 days of vaccination.

Second, although nearly a million adolescents and young adults had received a COVID-19 vaccination during the period of the study, the research could not exclude a rarer event among vaccinees in this age group.

“Nevertheless,” Cieslak said, “it is clear that the risk, if any, of cardiac death linked to COVID-19 vaccination is very low, while the risk of dying from COVID-19 is real. We continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all persons 6 months of age and older to prevent COVID-19 and complications, including death.”

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SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Travel Information Council and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee will hold a Hertiage Tree Dedication Ceremony highlighting a giant grand fir tree that will become 84^th Oregon Heritage Tree.  The event will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Clatsop State Forest’s Northrup Creek Horse Camp. A heritage designation recognizes trees with statewide or national significance. The giant grand fir is 19.8 feet in circumference, 208 feet tall, and approximately 200 years old. 

The tree is part of the Department of Forestry’s Big Tree Trail.

“ODF created the Big Tree Trail in 2012 when they identified numerous large conifer and deciduous trees in close proximity to one another. Inducting the Big Tree Trail as an Oregon Heritage Tree helps honor this special trail of trees that are believed to be among the top five largest in the state,” said Brad Catton, ODF’s Astoria District Operations Coordinator. 

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Northrup Creek Horse Camp is located at 87644 Northrup Creek Road, Clatskanie, Oregon, 97016. 

The Oregon Heritage Tree Program is the first state-sponsored heritage tree program in the country. It was established in 1995 to increase public awareness of the important contribution of trees to Oregon’s history and the significant role they play in the quality of our daily life. The program is administered by the Oregon Travel Information Council and a committee of dedicated volunteers from across the state. For more information regarding the Heritage Tree program visit www.oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees. 

For more information on recreation opportunities in Oregon’s state forests visit Oregon Department of Forestry : Recreation : Recreation : State of Oregon

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH AND ROOFIE AWARENESS

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and is a significant reminder that sexual assault, roofie awareness, and personal safety are important topics throughout the year. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. You can find additional statistics and resources such as “Understanding Consent”, “Safety and Prevention”, and more at www.rainn.org.

The best tip for preventing sexual assault is: don’t sexually assault someone. While this is the best way to prevent sexual assault, below are some tips to help prevent exposure to date rape drugs and predators with harmful intentions. 

There are more than fifty predatory drugs that can be used to sedate someone. These drugs, including rohypnol, ketamine, and GHB, are often known as “roofies” or “date rape drugs”. These predatory drugs relax the body and can feel similar to being drunk. As they pass through your system their effect increases. This can lead to confusion, breathing trouble, blurred vision, and memory loss. These drugs stay in the bloodstream for approximately four hours and testing for them often yields little or no evidence. This makes it very difficult to prove and even harder to prosecute. 

Below are some tips to help prevent exposure to these drugs and predators with harmful intentions. If you are drinking: 

• Be Aware of Strange Smells or Flavors. 
  If the drink is hazy or doesn’t taste like it normally should, don’t drink it. Be sure to pour it out so that no one drinks it.
• Cover Your Cup. 
  Never set down or lose sight of your drink. Hold the cup by covering it with your palm.
• Order Your Own Drinks. 
  Don’t accept any beverages from strangers or people you don’t trust. It is safer to only accept drinks directly from the bartender.
• Avoid Community Containers.

Say no to drinks made in a punch bowl or pitchers. Instead, go for a canned or bottled beverage that hasn’t been opened.

• Don’t Share Drinks with Others.
  You don’t know if your friend has kept a watchful eye on their cup. People can have very different reactions to the same drug. This means they could have ingested something harmful and not feel it’s effects yet.
• Sip Your Drink Slowly.
  Taking time to consume your beverage gives you more time to become aware of any symptoms which can indicate your drink has been altered.

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

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PORTLAND, Ore.—The owners of ConsoliDebt Solutions, LLC, a debt consolidation service that operated in Oregon and other locations between April 2019 and April 2024, have been indicted in federal court for knowingly and intentionally defrauding their customers.

Javier Antonio Banuelas Urueta, 54, and Dalia Castilleja Saucedo, 38, both residents of Oregon and Washington State, have been charged in a seven-count indictment with conspiring to commit and committing mail and wire fraud.

According to the indictment, from approximately April 2019 and continuing until their arrests, Banuelas and Castilleja are alleged to have devised and carried out a scheme whereby they used ConsoliDebt Solutions to collect money and property from various clients in exchange for purported debt consolidation or reduction services. Banuelas and Castilleja directed their clients to deposit funds directly into ConsoliDebt bank accounts, transfer funds to the company, or mail in personal checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders. 

Banuelas and Castilleja are further alleged to have used client funds to pay for various personal expenses such as car leases, loan repayments, residential rent, and various wire transfers.

Banuelas was arrested Tuesday in Portland, Oregon. He made his first appearance in federal court the same day and was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending further court proceedings. Castilleja is still at large.

Mail and wire fraud are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release per count of conviction.

Anyone with information about Banuelas, Castilleja, or ConsoliDebt Solutions, LLC, are encouraged to contact Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) by submitting a tip online at  https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form or by calling (866) 347-2423.

This case was investigated by HSI. It is being prosecuted by Rachel K. Sowray, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Portland, Ore., April 11, 2024 – The Oregon Spring Cleanup, presented by Portland General Electric, kicks off this Saturday. From April 13 to April 22, more than 100 volunteer opportunities are open for registration in celebration of Earth Day. Families, community members, neighborhood associations, and environmental enthusiasts are invited to participate in the biggest event on SOLVE's annual calendar. 

Everyone is invited to join SOLVE, event leaders, and partners from across the Pacific Northwest in a collective celebration of Earth Day. The SOLVE calendar showcases a variety of events throughout Oregon and SW Washington between April 13 and April 22, with the majority of events culminating on April 20. Diverse initiatives address specific environmental needs with opportunities ranging from beach cleanups to neighborhood and city litter pickups. Further activities include restoring natural habitats through native tree and shrub plantings, weed pulls, and mulching projects. Each project contributes to the enhancement of our shared surroundings.

With over 100 projects to choose from, the Oregon Spring Cleanup invites enthusiastic volunteers to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and brighter planet. Interested individuals can browse the map of projects to find events near them, learn about each opportunity, and sign up for a meaningful contribution to the environment. Participating in the Oregon Spring Cleanup provides an excellent opportunity to bond with family members, coworkers, and neighbors, while collectively contributing to preserving some of Oregon's most stunning locations.

As SOLVE anticipates another successful event, valued partner Portland General Electric, shares their commitment to the cause: " PGE proudly supports SOLVE's efforts to make our communities cleaner and greener. In 2023, our employees and their families volunteered with SOLVE for more than 220 hours. We're excited to join community members again this Earth Day to help improve our beautiful state." said Kristen Sheeran, Senior Director of Policy Planning and Sustainability, Portland General Electric.

Anyone who cannot attend an Oregon Spring Cleanup event this year can support SOLVE by individual giving. A donation of any size will help SOLVE host more events year after year and provide volunteers with free supplies, event leader training, and all the support they need to run a successful event.

For more information, please visit www.solveoregon.org/oregon-spring and be part of the collective effort to create a cleaner, greener planet.

Along with Portland General Electric, other event sponsors include Clean Water Services, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, KOIN, The Standard, Swire Coca-Cola, Holman, Demarini-Wilson, TriMet, and PepsiCo.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. – Portland Community College is one of 15 parks and nature projects that were recently awarded grants totaling $2.3 million by the Metro Council. Made possible by the 2019 parks and nature bond measure, PCC received $166,667 for capital improvements provided by Metro funds while the college is awarding $83,333 matching funds.

The three-year project at the Rock Creek Campus (17705 NW Springville Rd) will primarily focus on enhancing accessibility and cultural relevance within the Rock Creek Environmental Studies Center (RCESC) and the campus’ learning garden. Major components include trail accessibility improvements, trailhead enhancements, installation of Indigenous artwork, and the cultivation of culturally significant plants.

Val Brenneis, faculty coordinator of the RCESC, and Miriam Latzer, coordinator of the Rock Creek Learning Garden, will oversee the implementation.

“Our goals are to build healthy and reciprocal relationships, support land stewardship and healing, increase educational opportunities, and provide space and access for cultural connections with the land,” Brenneis said. “The community choice grant process has provided an exciting opportunity to engage with more of our neighbors. Together, we imagined how this public resource could become more accessible and welcoming to all through trail improvements, new signage, artwork, and culturally significant plantings.

“Underlying all of this is a commitment to highlight and strengthen the deep connection between the land and local Indigenous communities,” she added.

Brenneis teaches environmental studies and serves as the RCESC faculty coordinator for the 100-acre natural area. In this capacity, she works with agency, non-profit, and Indigenous community partners to care for the land, coordinate monitoring efforts, maintain safe trail access, and engage in outreach activities with local schools and community groups – the PCC Oaks Partners. 

Led by this coalition, the project supports accessibility improvements, community learning and visitor experiences at several locations across the campus. Organizers will plant culturally significant plants and First Foods at the learning garden. 

On the north side of campus, the grant funds will be used to improve the accessibility of existing trails through conifer forests to Oregon oak woodland. New informational signage will be created and installed at the trailheads and along the trails to welcome the community and reflect Indigenous cultural and ecological knowledge. In the learning garden, access to a covered gathering area and raised beds will be improved in collaboration with PCC's Accessible Education and Disability Resources team. Finally, artwork by Indigenous artists will be commissioned for the site

The grant will allow staff to build upon the work of the PCC Oaks Partners, which includes Clean Water Services, the Five Oaks Museum, Wisdom of the Elders and Friends of Tryon Creek, Tualatin Soil and Water District, Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District, and more. Facilitated by PCC alum Serina Fast Horse of Kimimela Consulting, the group aims to foster healthy relationships, support land stewardship, expand educational opportunities, and facilitate cultural connections with the land.

These community grants mark the culmination of the pilot round of Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods Community Choice Grants Program, an initiative placing community members at the forefront of decision-making. The 15 grants are directed towards projects in Metro Council District 4, encompassing Washington County cities and neighborhoods along Highway 8.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Avenues for Youth 14^th Annual Scoop-A-Thon to Prevent Youth Homelessness

Local nonprofit celebrates with free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to raise awareness and funds 

PORTLAND, Ore. – 3.29.23 - On Tuesday, April 16^th, local nonprofit New Avenues for Youth will hold the 14^th annual Scoop-A-Thon from 12 pm to 8 pm at its Ben & Jerry’s PartnerShop on Yamhill across from Pioneer Square (524 SW Yamhill St, Portland, OR 97204) with all proceeds helping fund their programs for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. This event is presented by long-time partner, Bank of America.

In effort to provide tangible job training skills, New Avenues operates two social purpose enterprises in the Portland Area. Their screen-printing shop, New Avenues INK, has been printing high-quality items for businesses and individuals in our community for more than 8 years providing internships to young people. Their Ben & Jerry’s PartnerShop on Yamhill opened its doors in 2004 and remains the only non-profit owned and operated shop in the country. Through these enterprises hundreds of young people gained skills and work experience they need to thrive.

Additionally, our Promoting Avenues to Employment (PAVE) program supports young people seeking professional guidance. This one-stop-shop provides opportunities for job exploration, resume development, career coaching, and connections to internship and job opportunities. An astounding 118 youth have received job training and employment services from PAVE this program year alone!

Scoop-a-Thon takes place on Ben & Jerry’s annual Free Cone Day providing joy and celebration to the community for more than 40 years. We will be scooping up delicious flavors with our Presenting Sponsor, Bank of America, and our incredible Scooper Sponsors: KGW Media Group, NW Natural, Quantum Fiber Internet, The Greenbrier Companies, and Brews for New Avenues. Additional support for this event came from our Sundae Sponsors: TMT Development, R&H Construction, West Bearing Investments, and Canopy.

Although the ice cream served on Free Cone Day is free, donations are gladly and gratefully accepted in the PartnerShop and online at www.newavenues.org/donate.

“The Scoop-a-Thon event is a great way for Bank of America and our community to support the impactful work that New Avenues for Youth does to help combat youth homelessness in Portland by providing paid job opportunities and valuable workplace skills,” said Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America President for Oregon and SW Washington. 

For more information, go to www.newavenues.org/scoopathon. News organizations are also invited to cover this event on the day of and can schedule by contacting Lauren Eads, leads@newavenues.org

About New Avenues for Youth

New Avenues for Youth is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and intervention of youth homelessness. Since 1997, our programs and services have impacted more than 30,000 young people as they work to overcome barriers, pursue their goals, and realize their potential. From supporting basic needs like meals and counseling to providing opportunities for education, job training, employment, and housing, we meet youth where they are—and help them get where they want to go. For more information, go to www.newavenues.org.

CONTACT:

Lauren Eads
Director of Development & Communications
She/Her/Hers

leads@newavenues.org
P: 503.517.3909

 

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is hosting an event on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 6-7 p.m. PDT. This event provides a convenient opportunity for the public to comment on NW Natural’s proposed increase to natural gas rates.

NW Natural filed a request to increase overall revenues by $154.9 million. If approved, residential customers living in single-family homes using an average of 55 therms per month would see a bill increase of $14.38. Actual percentage increases will vary depending on customer type, usage, and the rate paid. NW Natural’s proposed impacts for Oregon customers are noted below.

 NW Natural asserts these proposed rate increases are necessary to account for the construction of seismically resilient regional resources, addressing capacity constraints on the system, actions to comply with federal pipeline and safety requirements, a meter modernization program, modernization of information and technology service systems, and inflation. Additionally, NW Natural may have other rate changes on or after November 1, 2024, such as rates associated with the company’s Purchase Gas Adjustment, that could increase or decrease the overall rate impact for customers.

NW Natural’s general rate case filing is undergoing a nearly year-long review and will be fully investigated on behalf of natural gas customers by the PUC, the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, and others. These public comment events are part of that investigation, which will conclude in October when the Commissioners rule on the request. The Commissioners may approve or modify NW Natural’s request and will only approve rate increases if fully justified by the company. New rates, if approved, are expected to go into effect November 1, 2024.  

Ways to Comment

Interested individuals may participate in the live event listed below to provide verbal comments to the Commissioners and the Administrative Law Judge presiding over this case as well as submit written comments. 

Comment via Zoom or phone 

When: Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 6-7 p.m. PDT
This meeting may go beyond the scheduled end time to allow more people to comment. The Commission will attempt to accommodate all individuals arriving before 7 p.m. PDT and may close the meeting at 7 p.m. if there are no members of the public waiting to comment at that time. Members of the publish who want to comment are encouraged to sign into the meeting as close to 6 p.m. as possible. This event will not be livestreamed.

Access the Zoom link and phone-in details at: https://bit.ly/3xi2Ycp

Spanish translation services are available for community convenience at no cost. For those individuals needing translation services, log into the Zoom platform and select English or Spanish on the bottom of the page. Translation services are not available for the meeting phone-in option.

Submit comments to the PUC by April 23, 2024

• Public Comment Form online
• email licComments@puc.oregon.gov">PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov  
• Call 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 (all relay calls accepted) 
• Mail comments to: Oregon Public Utility Commission, Attn: AHD – UG 490, PO Box 1088, Salem OR 97308-1088
   

Stay Informed

To stay informed throughout this case, individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents. Submit requests by email to ings@puc.oregon.gov">puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or by calling 503-378-6678. Please specify Docket No. UG 490 in the request.

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The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.

PORTLAND, ORE. (April 11, 2024) − Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center has been recognized for its success in supporting Black maternal health by U.S. News & World Report for Black Maternal Health Week 2024.

“We are proud that Kaiser Permanente is being recognized for its excellence in maternity care for Black and African American patients,” said Elizabeth Melendez, M.D., Chief of Hospital Obstetrics, for Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Our care model includes certified nurse midwives, family medicine physicians, obstetricians, and perinatologists. Our integrated team approach is key to closing health disparity gaps, improving maternal health outcomes, and providing equitable care for everyone, while supporting the individual needs of our patients throughout pregnancy and delivery.”

U.S. News’ analysis of all High-Performing Maternity Care Hospitals in the U.S. identified just 26 hospitals nationwide achieving excellent outcomes for cesarean section and unexpected newborn complications among Black patients.

U.S. News identified hospitals that were rated High Performing in U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care and served at least 20 Black patients per year. They had newborn complication rates of less than 2.62% and c-section rates of less than 23.9% (among hospitals providing a higher level of care) or 23.6% (among hospitals not providing a higher level of care) among Black patients.

“For Black Maternal Health Week 2024, we celebrate these hospitals' success in their important work supporting and advancing Black maternal health as part of U.S. News’ ongoing commitment to health equity and our support of women’s access to maternity care,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News.

A hospital that has earned a High Performing designation may be a good option for parents, in consultation with their medical provider, to consider.

Founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), Black Maternal Health Week is held every April as part of National Minority Health Month; this year is the seventh annual observation of Black Maternal Health Week. Join the conversation for Black Maternal Health Week 2024 from April 11-17, 2024, using #BMHW24 on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.