The June Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board Work Meeting will be held Wednesday June 18, 2025 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 June 18, 2025.

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

About TVWD 

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 17, 2025

Jessica Roberts
Executive Director, Communications
Vancouver Public Schools
oberts@vansd.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Jessica.roberts@vansd.org

Hudson’s Bay High School Track to Close June 18 for Resurfacing

Vancouver, Wash. — The Hudson’s Bay High School track will be closed starting June 18, 2025, for resurfacing. The closure is expected to last until the week of August 4, 2025. The track will be unavailable for use during the renovation.

Resurfacing the track is necessary to maintain the safety, performance, and longevity of the facility. 

During this time, the track will be closed to all public use. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this important work.

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SALEM, Ore. — June 17, 2025 — Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell testified yesterday before the Oregon State Legislature’s Joint Committee On Addiction and Community Safety Response, expressing frustration with House Bill 2005 and asking for a renewed focus on House Bill 2467 as the more effective path to support vulnerable individuals in the community.

Commissioner Bethell emphasized the urgent need for real solutions in mental health care, saying that current legislative efforts are failing to adequately address this ongoing crisis.

“House Bill 2005 puts two systems of work together and harms one or both,” said Commissioner Bethell. “The counties are not being heard at all in the aid and assist space.

“As a County Commissioner, I am responsible for vulnerable individuals in my community, and I take that work very seriously.”

Commissioner Bethell spoke of the recent stabbing at the Union Gospel Mission, where a man who was presumably experiencing a crisis violently attacked 12 people at the shelter.

“That same gentleman has over 100 pages of interactions with the City of Bend Police Department,” said Bethell. “He had already been at the state hospital for attempted murder in the past.

“Why he had to attempt murder in order to get help is beyond me. The fact that we're trying to smash these two things together to get to an outcome because we have a federal court order over our heads seems asinine to me at best, especially when our community has done such great work on House Bill 2467.”

According to Commissioner Bethell, House Bill 2005 attempts to combine two distinct systems of work, ultimately hindering progress and failing to incorporate crucial input from county leadership. She urged with the Legislature to take a step back and not rush the bill through.

“There is still work to be done,” said Bethell. “And I would like to be at the table to help you get there because we can do it together."

Watch the Full Testimony: https://youtu.be/iVrCOgoxrjM.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sam Tenney, Communications Coordinator
sam.tenney@dpsst.oregon.gov
503-931-4069

Fallen Oregon firefighters honored during annual remembrance ceremony in Salem

SALEM, Ore. — A ceremony held Tuesday, June 17 commemorated Oregon fire service who have died in the line of duty. The Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Ceremony honored the brave individuals who gave their lives to protect communities and natural resources around the state.

The annual event is held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, site of the Oregon Fire Fighters Memorial. The memorial commemorates 182 fire service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice since 1881, including career, volunteer, wildland and structural fire fighters. 

Tuesday’s ceremony remembered three fallen fire service members whose names were recently added to the memorial: Benjamin Sapper of the U.S. Forest Service, Nicholas Berg of Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District, and Larry Dean of Salem Fire Department.

In his keynote address, Chief Benjamin Stange of Polk County Fire District #1 spoke of the enduring legacies of the firefighters whose names are engraved on the wall, ensuring their survivors that they will never be forgotten, and their memories will be synonymous with service and sacrifice.

“Their names will be used to send greater messages, to communicate commitment, to set expectations, and to inspire,” he said. “I promise you this: their service, their impact, their inspiration to the fire service will continue.”

Firefighter Benjamin Charles Sapper was killed in an on-duty vehicle accident near Powers on Aug. 4, 2023. Firefighter Sapper was a first-year firefighter working on the Gold Beach Ranger District hand crew for the Forest Service. Originally from Boulder, Colorado, 21-year-old Firefighter Sapper had recently obtained his bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and was looking forward to starting graduate school at the University of British Columbia.

Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District Division Chief Nicholas “Nick” Berg passed away in his home on June 6, 2024 after assisting in setting up a draft site on his private farm for a drill night training session the night before. Division Chief Berg was a loyal Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD volunteer for 47 years and leaves behind his wife, Ann, four children, four grandchildren, as well as his sister and many nieces and nephews.

Retired Salem Fire Department Captain Larry Dean died on Sept. 13, 2024, after battling occupational esophageal cancer. Captain Dean served with the Salem Fire Department from 1987 to 2018, during which time he worked on several specialty teams and held various leadership roles. He is survived by his wife, Kaare, his three children, two grandchildren, mother, sister, and two brothers.

The ceremony was attended by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and public safety professionals from throughout the state. Governor Kotek spoke in tribute to the fallen, heralding their service and sacrifice and acknowledging the grief felt by those they left behind.

“Let us hold their surviving family members, friends, and colleagues in our hearts and thoughts and prayers,” she said. “We should share their stories every opportunity that we have, because to do so allows their spirits and stories to live on and serve as inspiration to all of us.”

The ceremony is a significant event that the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) hosts annually in partnership with the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard. For more information on the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial, including the names of the fallen, history of the memorial, and the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard’s involvement, please visit DPSST’s Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial website at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/Memorials/Firefighters/Pages/default.aspx.

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About DPSST
 

The mission of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is to pursue excellence in training and accountability for public safety professionals.

DPSST certifies and licenses police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, as well as regulatory specialists, emergency telecommunicators and medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, fire service professionals, and polygraph examiners in the state of Oregon.  DPSST works with public and private safety agencies around the state to provide basic, leadership and specialized training at the 237-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon defendant made a first appearance in federal court today after being charged with failing to obey a lawful order Monday near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Eli Victor McKenzie, 21, has been charged by information with a misdemeanor offense.

McKenzie made a first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released on conditions pending future court proceedings.

Misdemeanor failure to obey a lawful order is a Class C misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in custody.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

An information is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

Please be advised that the Bulletin does not include all calls for service to which officers respond.  Many calls do not require that a report be written; such as:

•Traffic Stops

•Advising/Referring a Person to the Proper Agency to handle their request

•Restoring the Peace

•Premise Checks

•Welfare Checks

•Flagged Down by Citizen

Vancouver, Wash. – At Monday’s regular Council Meeting, the City Council accepted two grants totaling $2.7 million to strengthen the City’s response to unsheltered homelessness. These new resources will bolster the City’s efforts tied to the declared homelessness emergency, including enhanced outreach for HART and support for capital costs related to the planned Bridge Shelter’s kitchen.

Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, Community Foundation of Southwest Washington

Last year, the City was awarded a $1,912,000 grant from the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund through the Community Foundation of Southwest Washington to fully fund up to eight additional limited-term members of the City’s Homeless Assistance and Resources Team (HART).

“This temporary grant-funded expansion of HART will enable the City to build on our progress on this community priority,” said Homeless Response Manager Jamie Spinelli. “We are grateful for the support of the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund that will enable us to continue to address this complex, humanitarian issue.”

In addition to addressing the immediate crisis, the additional staff will also help facilitate referrals into the future Bridge Shelter when it opens.

HART is a multi-disciplinary City team that addresses the impacts of unsheltered homelessness by providing compassionate outreach and assistance to those living unsheltered and serving as a single point of contact for community members with concerns related to unsheltered homelessness.

PeaceHealth Community Health Improvement Plan Grant

PeaceHealth awarded a $800,000 Community Health Improvement Plan grant to support the capital costs of building a commercial kitchen for the future Bridge Shelter. Once built, the commercial-grade on-site kitchen will enable the City and its service provider to provide fresh, nutritious meals for shelter residents.

“Thanks to this grant, we will be able to build a commercial-grade production kitchen that delivers more than just meals—it brings opportunity and consistency,” said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. “Once built, it will help us serve high-quality food efficiently, meet dietary needs, and open doors to job training and connection. We are grateful to PeaceHealth for their partnership and support of one of the most important issues facing the community.”

“At PeaceHealth we seek out opportunities to support programs addressing the Social Drivers of Health (SDOH), specifically addressing the critical need for access to housing, food, community connection, and mental health resources,” said Liz Cattin, Community Health Director, PeaceHealth Columbia Network. “We are proud to support the bridge shelter knowing it will address these critical needs for members of our unhoused community.“

The Bridge Shelter is being designed to provide a low-barrier, trauma-informed, 24/7 shelter with integrated wraparound services such as mental health care, substance use treatment, peer support, and pathways to safe, stable, and sustainable housing. Accepting this grant will help the City address the homelessness emergency while also helping PeaceHealth achieve its community health goals.

The City declared an emergency related to homelessness in 2023 to accelerate the City’s work to address the crisis and the impacts on both the unhoused and housed.

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Media Invitation - Video & Interview Opportunity 

Event:  2025 Portland Metro Fire Camp 
Date:  Saturday, June 21, 2025 
Time:  9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 
Location:  TVF&R Training Center, 12400 SW Tonquin Road, Sherwood, 97140 
RSVP To:  Corrine Haning, Public Information Officer, rine.Haning@tvfr.com" target="_blank">Corrine.Haning@tvfr.com  
 
Please join us Saturday, June 21, anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to see professional female firefighters coaching young women on what it takes to be in the fire service.  This is the seventh year that Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue has hosted a camp at their Training Center in Sherwood, Oregon, with several of the Metro Fire Camp’s trailblazers helping run the camp this weekend.

Interview opportunities with one of the professional firefighters will be at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.  

In partnership with Portland Fire & Rescue, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue will be hosting the Metro Fire Camp starting Friday, June 20, through Sunday, June 22. The camp is organized and led entirely by professional female firefighters from multiple agencies across the West Coast. The camp’s mission is to recruit and support women in considering a rewarding fire service career. There will be 50 young women between the ages of 16 to 22 participating this year. 

The free camp is designed to instill confidence and build teamwork skills in those who identify as female through hands-on firefighter training. The camp itinerary consists of various stations and scenarios each day such as taking hydrants, hose practices, controlling nozzles, standpipe evolutions, rope operations, ladders, search and rescue, vehicle extrication, forcible entry, emergency medical skills, nutrition, physical fitness, confidence course and interview techniques.  

For questions day of please call 503-259-1111 or email pio@tvfr.com. Please park in the lot directly to the left of the entrance gate.  

Photos from the 2024 Metro Fire Camp available for media use. 

Salem – Oregon’s workers’ compensation rates remain among the lowest in the nation, according to an analysis released today by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). This reflects the state’s ongoing success in making workplaces safer and keeping costs under control.

The biennial study ranks all 50 states and Washington, D.C., based on premium rates that were in effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Oregon had the 14th least expensive rates in 2024. Oregon fell in the rankings by four spots from the 2022 study, despite having a lower premium index rate, because rates in other states dropped further. Oregon’s index rate is 89 cents per $100 of payroll, down from 93 cents from 2022 and its lowest rate in the history of the study.

Oregon workers’ compensation rates have declined another 3.2 percent since the 2024 effective date used in the study. Workers’ compensation pays injured workers for lost wages and medical care for job-related injuries.

“What makes Oregon’s workers’ compensation system truly effective is that our low premium rates are not achieved by cutting corners on worker benefits,” said Matt West, Workers’ Compensation Division administrator. “We have shown that it’s possible to maintain strong protections for workers while keeping rates affordable for employers.”

In recent years, rates have dropped all over the country, which has led to a compression of the scores in the survey. The premium index rates are bunched up at the low end, so that small changes in the index rates can lead to big jumps in the ranking.

The study shows Hawaii had the most expensive rates, followed by New Jersey, New York, and California. Meanwhile, North Dakota had the least expensive rates. In the Northwest, Washington’s rates were the 12th most expensive and Idaho was the 25th most expensive.

Oregon researchers also compared each state’s rates to the national median (the 26th ranked state) rate of $1.09 per $100 of payroll. Oregon’s rate of 89 cents is 82 percent of the median.

To produce a valid comparison of states, which have various mixes of industries, the study calculates rates for each state using the same mix of the 50 industries with the highest workers’ compensation claims costs in Oregon.

Oregon has conducted these studies in even-numbered years since 1986, when Oregon’s rates were among the highest in the nation. The department reports the results to the Oregon Legislature as a performance measure. Oregon’s relatively low rate today underscores the success of the state’s workers’ compensation system reforms and its improvements in workplace safety and health.

Oregon has long taken a comprehensive approach to making workplaces safer, keeping business costs low, and providing strong worker benefits. This approach includes enforcing requirements that employers carry insurance for their workers, keeping medical costs under control, and helping injured workers return to work sooner and minimize the impact on their wages.

It also includes efforts to prevent on-the-job injuries by enforcing workplace safety and health rules, and advising employers about how to improve worker safety and health.

The study can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/DCBS/DCBSPubs/reports/general/prem-rpt/24-2083.pdf.

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About Oregon DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. The department administers state laws and rules to protect consumers and workers in the areas of workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, financial services, insurance, and building codes. Visit dcbs.oregon.gov.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputy involved in the shooting of a suspect on Friday, June 13, 2025, in Gresham, is Deputy Adam Suboh. Deputy Suboh is a 6-year veteran police officer who joined MCSO in December 2024. Deputy Suboh remains on critical incident leave, which is standard protocol. The Gresham Police Department (GPD) is investigating the incident and is supported by the East County Major Crimes Team.

GPD Press Release Originally Published June 14, 2025:

ARMED SUSPECT SHOT AND KILLED IN GRESHAM. (PHOTO)

News Release from Gresham Police Dept

Posted on FlashAlert: June 14th, 2025 3:09 AM

Downloadable file: Handgun.jpg

Downloadable file: 25-24140 - Deputy Involved Shooting.pdf

Gresham, Ore.— On June 13th at about 7:30pm, Gresham police officers, assisted by deputies from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a report of a physical disturbance on NE 162nd Ave near NE Glisan St.  Witnesses reported one of the people involved in the disturbance was armed.  Officers developed probable cause to arrest the armed suspect for assault and other crimes.  When they attempted to contact him, he fled on foot.

During the ensuing search, a sheriff’s deputy located the suspect in a nearby neighborhood, and an officer-involved shooting occurred.  During the incident, a Gresham police officer also deployed a 40mm less-lethal projectile.  Officers provided emergency medical care for the suspect until an ambulance arrived.  A handgun was recovered near where the suspect fell. The suspect was pronounced deceased after being taken to a local hospital.

The deceased is not being identified at this time.  The involved deputy has been placed on critical incident leave, which is standard practice in officer-involved shootings and other critical incidents.  Because of the ongoing investigation, no further information can be released at this time.

The East County Major Crimes Team, a multi-agency team comprised of detectives from the Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Port of Portland Police Department, is investigating the incident.  When the investigation is complete, it will be reviewed by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact Detective Martin Daly at Martin.Daly@GreshamOregon.gov or Detective Dylan Lerch at Dylan.Lerch@mcso.us.

SALEM, Ore. – Earlier this year a spruce aphid outbreak was detected around Yachats on the central Oregon coast. ODF will be assessing the spread of this damage to determine where else it might be occurring along the coast.

Spruce aphid is a long-established exotic and invasive insect that experiences periodic outbreaks that injure Sitka spruce along the West Coast, including Oregon. Spruce aphid (Elatobium abietinum) sucks moisture and nutrients from older needles on Sitka spruce trees, causing them to turn yellow, red, and then drop. The aphids don’t feed on new needles. This insect actively feeds in February and March. By early summer when   needle drop begins to be seen it is too late to do anything about outbreaks, as populations of this insect have already declined. 

Although trees are injured, they don’t often die from this damage because this insect is only periodic, does not feed on current year needles, and does not kill buds. However, trees that have other underlying stress issues will be more heavily impacted. Sitka spruce is often stressed by flooding and brackish water if growing too close to the coastline, therefore those trees might be more at risk from the additional impact of spruce aphid.

“We don’t typically see back-to-back outbreaks in the same areas, but because outbreaks often occur after a particularly warmer than usual winter or when we don’t get a late cold snap - and these are becoming more common with climate change - it is possible that we will eventually see more outbreaks one after the other,” said ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl.

Able to tolerate salt spray, Sitka spruce grows in moist coastal forests seldom more than a few miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Typically growing between 125 and 180 feet tall, they are long-lived trees capable of living several centuries. Many of the largest old-growth Sitka spruce were cut down to build airplanes in the early 20^th Century or to make violins, guitars, and pianos.

More info: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/documents/forestbenefits/Spruce_aphid_2017.pdf

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SALEM, Oregon— SALEM, Oregon— This weekend kicks off the official summer camping season, but the work to prepare Oregon’s more than 250 state parks and campgrounds has been going all year long.

Behind the scenes, park rangers have moved mountains of sand, cleared thousands of downed trees and repaired roofs, bridges and trails around the state to keep

parks well maintained and ready for visitors.

Visitors might think that parks stay pristine because they look just like they did last year, but maintaining beautiful landscapes in some of Oregon’s harshest climates takes some work:

• Cape Lookout State Park cleared more than 1.5 million pounds of sand after winter winds buried one camp loop in six-inch drifts. The park is not alone. Many coastal parks must dig out campsites, sidewalks and parking lots after the winter season.
   
• Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area removed a dump truck load of slime, algae, branches, leaves and trash, which coated the campground when lake water receded. The lake floods every year, and rangers clean up the muck left behind.
   
• In the Mountain Region and other areas where it freezes, rangers reinstall plumbing components and restart the plumbing to the campgrounds, buildings and picnic shelters, which includes restarting water to thousands of campsite spigots.
   
• At Fall Creek State Recreation Area east of Eugene, rangers cleared eight dump truck loads of fir needles, cones, branches and debris to make the roads passable at Winberry Park when it reopened this spring.
   
• Nehalem Bay State Park cleared nearly 180 downed trees in one winter storm alone. Parks across the state repaired winter storm damage, including clearing downed trees, repairing roads, fixing roofs and mending bridges. 
   
• In the Columbia River Gorge, parks cleared thousands of pounds of woody debris from paved trails. They created chips from the debris and spread it around trees and shrubs.

Overall, Oregon State Parks rangers spend nearly 800,000 hours a year cleaning bathrooms, building and repairing trails and bridges, fixing old and new pipes and wiring, keeping parks safe, preserving Oregon’s history and natural resources and sharing knowledge on everything from mushrooms to the night sky.

“Rangers work tirelessly to keep these landscapes beautiful and accessible for the approximately 56 million visits each year at Oregon State Parks. We’re thankful for the work they do every day,” said Oregon Governor Tina Kotek.

Oregon State Parks welcome as many as 17,000 guests on the busiest nights, which means moving a city roughly the size of Canby in and out of campgrounds on almost a daily basis statewide.

“Oregon State Parks are like small cities. They run sewer, water and electrical systems; maintain roads and structures, all while managing campgrounds. When one system goes down, our staff manage the necessary emergency repairs to keep parks open. I’m proud of the work they do to keep parks safe, welcoming and ready for everyone to enjoy,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Sumption.

Help rangers this season by following all safety signs and barriers; staying on trail and checking campfire restrictions in advance at stateparks.oregon.gov. Interested in what rangers do? Check out the Oregon State Parks episode of “Odd Jobs” by SAIF Corporation at https://youtu.be/NUqCmEe38Uw?feature=shared or the Join Us page on the website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=get-involved.jobs

Celebrate the 4th of July at Oaks Amusement Park's annual 4th of July Spectacular, presented by Coca-Cola.  Enjoy rides all day, then settle in for the annual fireworks display when the sun goes down.  Pack a picnic to enjoy in the lush and beautiful picnic grounds along the banks of the Willamette River!

• Friday, July 4, 2025
• Gates Open: 11 AM
• Rides Operate: Noon-Midnight
• Fireworks: Approximately 10 PM
• All picnic areas are first-come, first-served
• Admission: $38.50 per person ages three and older; guests two and under are free
• Parking: $4 per vehicle

The admission price includes unlimited rides. Ticket quantities are limited and typically sell out.  Tickets must be purchased online in advance; there are no tickets available onsite on the day of the event. 

For this special event, everyone ages three and older must have an admission ticket to enter the park, including those who opt not to ride the rides.

Outside alcohol and fireworks are prohibited.

The Roller Rink is closed on July 4, 2025.

Visit oakspark.com for tickets and full info.

Nearly half of businesses expect the economy to improve in the next 12 months, including 60% of middle market companies and 44% of small businesses—a four-year high

• Small Business: 12-month outlook jumps 14 points; key growth indicators rebound from 2024
• Middle Market: Strong optimism persists as 69% prioritize growth over cost-cutting
• Tariff Impact: 5 in 10 plan to stockpile inventory, absorb cost increases
• Generative AI: Adoption leading to increased staffing levels
• Cybersecurity: 3 in 10 feel very well prepared to prevent attacks

TACOMA, Wash., (June 17, 2025) – Umpqua Bank today released the findings of its seventh annual Business Barometer, a nationwide study into the mindset and priorities of small and middle market businesses. Despite a mixed outlook over the economic headwinds, including the potential impact of global tariffs, businesses across the U.S. report measured optimism about the direction of the economy and their 12-month prospects for growth compared to a year ago.

Umpqua Bank’s 2025 Business Barometer survey polled nearly 1,300 small businesses ($500K-$10M) and middle market companies ($10M-$500M) across the U.S. about their economic outlook, business prospects, investment opportunities and adaptions to a range of issues including AI, cybersecurity and tariffs.

While inflation persists as a top concern for 60%, and 51% expect negative impacts from tariffs, overall optimism about the current economy remains strong for middle market companies (62%) and is up slightly for small businesses (32%). The 12-month outlook also spiked to near or at four-year highs for both sectors. Nearly 5 in 10 of all businesses surveyed anticipate improved conditions, and a record number of middle market (66%) and small businesses (36%) will likely seek financing for growth in the year ahead.

“This year’s survey reminds us once again why small and middle market businesses are the backbone of our economy. Their grit and determination are sturdy enough to withstand current economic and global trade uncertainty,” said Umpqua Bank President Tory Nixon. “After optimizing their businesses through a pandemic and the ensuing challenges of the past few years, decision-makers remain clear-eyed about potential headwinds and clear-headed about what’s needed to move forward.”

2025 Business Barometer Highlights:

• Nearly half of all businesses expect the economy to improve in the next 12 months, including 60% of middle market companies and 44% of small businesses—a four-year high.
• Inflation (60%), recession (42%) and tariffs (41%), rank as the top three concerns.
• 5 in 10 expect revenue and demand for products and services to increase.
• 69% of middle market companies and 34% of small businesses are prioritizing growth over cost-cutting.
• Roughly half, including 72% of middle market companies and 41% of small businesses, are likely to stockpile inventory over the next 12 months in response to potential tariffs.
• 52% of middle market companies say reshoring manufacturing operations would take at least three or more years; 1 in 5 small businesses say it’s not feasible to do so.
• 85% of middle market and 50% of small businesses plan to invest in or adopt additional generative AI capabilities in the year ahead.
• 25% of middle market companies and 16% of small businesses were impacted by cybersecurity attacks in the past year.

Still Cautious, More Small Businesses Plan for Growth

Small businesses are more likely to cut costs this year than make investments (55% vs. 32%), and 82% plan to conserve cash. However, compared to a year ago, they are significantly less likely to prioritize managing financial concerns (27% vs 45% in 2024) and more likely to focus on growth opportunities (28% vs. 18% in 2024). Their improved mindset bears out across key growth indicators as they are more likely this year than last to finance expansion (+11 points), invest in digitization (+8) and financial safeguards (+7), add real estate (+7) and either merge (+9) or acquire (+4) another business.

Still Optimistic, Middle Market Balances Growth and Fiscal Management Priorities

Down slightly from last year, overall optimism remains near an all-time high for middle market companies, and most expect increases in product demand (65%), revenue (62%) and profitability (56%). Nearly 7 in 10 will prioritize investments over cost-cutting, though 82% also plan to conserve cash. More this year are also focused on managing financial challenges (+4 points) primarily due to increased concern over tariffs and other external factors.

Tariff Response: Measured Steps Not Drastic Changes

Businesses of all sizes believe any tariff impacts are more likely to be negative than positive, and 41% rank tariffs as a top three concern. In response, those with operations, sales or supply chains directly impacted have already taken measured steps to manage potential impacts: 54% have plans in place for managing price fluctuations, 50% have strengthened relationships with existing customers, 46% have looked for new domestic suppliers and 34% have moved up the timeline for planned sales. Moving forward, 53% are preparing to gradually increase prices, with 47% intending to absorb as much of the increased costs as possible. Nearly half, including 72% of middle market companies, are also likely to stockpile inventory in the near term.

While many enterprises with international operations are adjusting manufacturing or supply chains, more than 7 in 10 still plan to maintain or increase their current levels of foreign trade activity and exposure.

Generative AI Adoption Continues, Positively Impacts Employment Levels

For the second straight year, AI is the top investment priority for the middle market. More than 8 in 10 middle market and half of small businesses plan to invest in new generative AI tools over the next 12 months. Both segments feel confident in their pace of AI adoption compared to peers: Roughly 7 in 10 small businesses and nearly 9 in 10 middle market companies report keeping up with or surpassing competitors. Only 5% of all businesses surveyed say adoption is leading to decreased staffing levels. By contrast, 57% of middle market and 22% of small businesses say adopting AI actually is leading to increased staffing levels.

Businesses Move to Prevent Cybersecurity Attacks; 3 in 10 “Very Well Prepared”

In the last 12 months, most businesses have prioritized cybersecurity and anti-fraud enhancements, a trend most pronounced among middle market companies. Safeguards for all businesses surveyed include employee trainings (67%), using bank fraud prevention solutions (61%), tightening internal controls (60%) and conducting regular audits to identify vulnerabilities (53%). While 82% feel at least moderately well prepared to prevent an attack, just 3 in 10 feel very well prepared.

Survey Methodology

The Umpqua Bank 2025 Business Barometer, conducted annually, surveyed 1,290 owners, executives and financial decision-makers from U.S. small and middle market companies. The online survey was conducted in partnership with DHM Research, a public policy and business research firm, and targeted leaders at companies with $500,000 to $500 million in annual revenue. The survey, which did not filter for Umpqua Bank customers, has a 2.7% margin of error and was fielded from April 21 to May 2, 2025.

About Umpqua Bank

Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB), is an award-winning regional financial institution supporting businesses of all sizes and consumers across eight western states. With more than $50 billion in assets, Umpqua is the largest Northwest-based and third largest publicly traded bank on the West Coast. Through a network of nearly 300 branches and a full suite of commercial and retail capabilities, Umpqua is taking its celebrated brand of relationship banking across the West into some of the most dynamic and economically vibrant markets in the country. For its commitment to exceptional customer service and thriving communities, Umpqua has been named one of “Oregon’s Most Admired Companies” for 20 straight years.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: June 17, 2025

Detectives search for suspect in two sexual assaults

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police Special Victims Unit detectives are looking for a suspect wanted in two sexual assaults that occurred in the last two days in southeast Salem.

The first incident occurred on Sunday, June 15, at about 4:30 p.m. in the area of Commercial ST and Barnes AV SE. A woman reported walking in the area when the suspect approached, and he assaulted her. The victim was able to escape, and the suspect fled.

A general description of the suspect is as follows: a Black male adult with dark hair, a thin to medium build, between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 7 inches tall, and approximately 20 to 30 years of age.

Detectives believe the same suspect was involved in another assault in the same area the next day, June 16. On Monday, shortly after 4:00 a.m., a teenager was walking and approached and assaulted by a similarly-described man. A passerby intervened and confronted the suspect, who then ran away.

In each incident, an immediate and extensive search for the suspect was conducted, but he was not located.

Detectives are following up on all available leads. Anyone with information about the cases is asked to call the Salem Police tip line at 503-588-8477.

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Vancouver, Wash. – The Parks and Nature division of Clark County Public Works is leading the formation of a group to identify models for sustainable parks funding. The group will be composed of representatives from local governments, nonprofit organizations, youth sports organizations, land conservation organizations, interest groups and community leaders. They will explore, identify, and recommend sustainable funding strategies for the region to preserve, maintain, and enhance public parks and natural areas. This effort will include evaluating potential funding options and providing a report and recommendations to elected officials, including county and city councils.

Clark County Parks and Nature initiated this effort after recognizing that local park systems face increasing budgetary challenges. The county alone is responsible for 7,166 acres across 111 parks and sites. The national median cost per capita for operating expenses for park systems of similar size is $57.61, according to the National Recreation and Park Association. Clark County Parks and Nature receives $15.62 per capita, which is substantially less than operational costs. Clark County receives $1,136 per acre for park operating expenses. The national median is $4,421 per acre for similarly sized park systems.

Rising costs, an increasing population, and stagnant revenues have created an unsustainable financial situation for the operation and maintenance of Clark County's parks, as well as for many other local jurisdictions. While Clark County actively works with the community to identify ways to ensure a financially sustainable future for parks, irrigation will be reduced to lower costs and conserve water. Starting July 5, irrigation of natural turf areas in Clark County-owned and operated parks will stop. Irrigation will continue at sports fields used for league play, and water will remain on at restrooms, water fountains, picnic shelters, and the splash pad at Klineline Pond. This will reduce water usage by 40% and save between $175,000 and $200,000.

As the region’s summers become increasingly hot and dry, Clark County's population grows, and water utility rates increase, conserving water is becoming more critical than ever. Conserving water, a renewable but limited resource, and staying within budget are essential ways Parks and Nature is stewarding public resources responsibly. 

More information is available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/parks.

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

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

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

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

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

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Portland, Ore., June 17, 2025 – Summer is here, and with it comes more opportunities to enjoy the PNW’s beaches, parks, and rivers. However, the increased outdoor activity also leads to more litter and strain on the environment. To combat this, SOLVE is launching its Summer with SOLVE campaign, designed to take action, connect communities, and celebrate the beauty of our region through environmental action.

“Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but it's also a time to ensure these spaces remain clean and sustainable for future generations,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “Together, we can create cleaner, more inviting spaces that reflect our pride in our region and our commitment to caring for the environment. By working together, we can make a significant impact and inspire others to join in the effort to protect our natural spaces that we love to enjoy, especially during summer.”

SOLVE kicked off summer with Pick It Up, Portland!, a citywide celebration on World Environment Day, June 5. The event focused on four different locations across Portland: Market Street Downtown, Holladay Park, Sellwood Riverfront Park, and Eastbank Esplanade. This was the first of many volunteer opportunities offered by SOLVE this summer, with more projects planned throughout the season, including the ongoing Waterway Cleanup Series, protecting the health of local rivers, streams and creeks.

What You’ll See This Summer

As outdoor recreation increases, SOLVE volunteers will:

• Remove litter from parks, neighborhoods, beaches, and riverbanks
• Maintain recreation sites and public green spaces
• Mulch around native trees and shrubs
• Remove invasive plant species that thrive in summer months like Japanese knotweed, Himalayan blackberry, and Scotch broom

Key Summer Events:

• Afterglow: Post-4th Cleanups (July 5-6): Volunteers will tackle the debris left behind from holiday celebrations to help restore outdoor spaces and shorelines.
• Willamette River Cleanup (August 9): A focused cleanup of the Willamette River, combating litter both on the water and along the riverbanks.
• Waterway Cleanup Series (ongoing through September): A series of cleanup efforts dedicated to preserving Oregon’s rivers and streams during the peak outdoor season.
• Monthly Detrash Portland Events: Community cleanups in Portland's business districts, focusing on revitalizing key areas in the city.

Looking ahead, SOLVE is also preparing for its annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 20-28, part of the global International Coastal Cleanup, World Rivers Day and National Public Lands Day initiatives.

Join Summer with SOLVE

This summer, SOLVE invites you to take part in protecting and preserving the natural spaces that make our region special. Whether you're volunteering at a cleanup event, leading your own group, or taking on a DIY project, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.

Try the Trash Bag Challenge—pick up a bag of litter, then challenge friends or coworkers to do the same. Pass the bag, spread the impact, and inspire others to take action.

Every effort counts. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods, parks, and waterways clean and beautiful for generations to come.

For more information about Summer with SOLVE and how to get involved, visit solveoregon.org/seasons or follow us on social media.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

Elections staff member Luba Ross receives Rising Star of the Year Award

Vancouver, Wash. – Washington State Secretary of State Steve Hobbs earlier this month presented Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey with the state’s Auditor of the Year Award during the Washington State Association of County Auditors 2025 Elections Conference.

Here are Secretary Hobbs’ comments he made during the award presentation: “The successful 2024 election cycle was a culmination of years and years of hard work and preparation. However, no one could have predicted the events that occurred in October 2024, as we saw multiple ballot drop boxes attacked. These attacks began a chain of events to protect our voters and elections administrators who all too often have found themselves in dangerous situations from this unprecedented threat. I’m grateful for the response and support we received from the FBI, our Congressional delegation, Governor’s Office, and the National Guard. However, in the center of all of this was a County Auditor. This County Auditor not only was providing on-the-ground response to a frightened community. They were also on the scene retrieving burned and destroyed ballots directly from the targeted ballot drop boxes. Following these events, this County Auditor improved their fire suppression systems and shared that new system so that others could be better prepared in the future.   In addition to these attacks, this County Auditor was also administering an election for a tightly contested congressional district seat that was in the national spotlight. It is my honor to present this year’s County Auditor of the Year to Greg Kimsey, Clark County Auditor.”

“I’m honored by the recognition. However, it’s the efforts of the Elections Office staff that deserve the credit,” said Kimsey who has served as Auditor since January 1999.

Rising Star of the Year Award

Secretary Hobbs also presented Luba Ross, Elections Coordinator at Clark County Elections with the Rising Star of the Year Award. This award is presented to an individual that, regardless of their position, rose above others and has earned the respect of their peers within the election community.

Secretary Hobbs said Ross received multiple nominations. Hobbs also stated, “Within the nominations I received, this individual was described as, ‘an absolute rockstar with a true passion for election administration,’ and ‘deeply committed to the challenge of ensuring that citizens are confident that election results accurately reflect voters’ collective decisions.’”

At the conference, Secretary Hobbs commended attendees saying, “As Secretary of State, I’m proud of you -- county and state election officials. Together, we ensure that elections in Washington state are conducted fairly, transparently, and accessible to all voters.”

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. [June 17, 2025] — Starting Monday, June 23, Columbia County residents may receive a text message inviting them to sign up for FlashVote, a quick and easy way to share feedback with the County through one-minute surveys.

FlashVote helps local leaders make better decisions by gathering real input from the community. Surveys take less than a minute to complete, and participants can choose to receive them by text, email, or phone. All responses are anonymous, and personal or demographic information is never shared with the County.

If you get a text from FlashVote, we encourage you to sign up. You can also register anytime at www.flashvote.com/colcoor or by calling 775-235-2240 to participate via phone or text only.

“FlashVote gives us a simple, secure way to hear directly from the people we serve,” said Commissioner Margaret Magruder. “These quick surveys will help us make better decisions for Columbia County.”

Watch for a text invitation starting June 23—and take a moment to make your voice heard. Your opinion matters, and it only takes a minute.

# # #

Salem, Ore. – For the fourth year in a row, Oregon Lottery is highlighting the natural beauty of Oregon State Parks with new “Adventures” themed Scratch-its. The $5 tickets feature three designs of Oregon State Park landscapes with a top prize of $50,000. The tickets are available at Oregon Lottery retailers statewide.  

Lottery game play helps ensure that our state parks are continuously maintained and improved, with Oregon State Parks receiving more than $1 billion in Lottery funds since 1999.

The tickets were designed by Oregon Lottery staff and highlight the diversity of the region through scenes featuring the coast, high desert, and the forest and mountain ranges. On the back of each ticket, players will find facts and tidbits about parks and natural areas that correspond to each scene.

“Oregon’s state parks offer everyone the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors – whether that’s exploring a challenging trail or a relaxing picnic with a scenic view,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are proud to support Oregon’s park system, which showcases Oregon’s natural beauty.”

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery, visit www.oregonlottery.org.

The event includes interviews with families dealing with Sickle Cell Disease, Red Cross Sickle Cell Advocate and Medical Advisor Dr.Yvette Miller.

PORTLAND, Ore. (June 21, 2025) — The American Red Cross announces the 20th annual Dr. Charles Drew Blood Drive, highlighting the need for a diverse blood supply, Saturday, June 21, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Red Cross Portland Blood Donation Center, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave. The blood drive also honors World Sickle Cell Day, an international effort to increase public knowledge and an understanding of sickle cell disease.

Blood & Diversity

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong inherited blood disorder that can cause anemia, tissue and organ damage, strokes, and terrible pain. Sickle cell patients often receive blood transfusions on an ongoing basis to help prevent and treat symptoms. A sickle cell patient in need is more likely to find a compatible blood match from a donor of the same race or ethnic group.

Diversity among blood donors is critical because red blood cells carry markers that determine blood type, and certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. In addition, sickle cell disease affects as many as 100,000 people in the U.S. More than 90% of those individuals are of African descent. 

About Dr. Charles Drew

Dr. Drew, known as the “father of the blood bank,” was an African American surgeon, educator and scientist who helped shape the blood services industry. In the 1940s, he laid the groundwork for today’s modern blood donation program through his innovative work in blood banking. The Red Cross blood program started in 1940, under the leadership of Drew, who became the first medical director for the Red Cross.

Read more about Dr. Drew HERE.

The Dr. Charles Drew Blood Drive occurs at a time when the Red Cross urges donors – especially those who have never given blood before –to make an appointment to give. The Red Cross needs donors of all blood types to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients.

All donors will receive a special Dr. Charles R. Drew T– Shirt Join Sistahs4Life Soul Line Dance in the Atrium at 11:00 am.

Special guests include:

Dr. Marcia Taylor

Executive Director of Oregon’s Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation.

Pastor Taylor founded the Sickle Cell Foundation of Oregon in 1985, in honor of her late daughter, Ramona, who passed away due to sickle cell complications. Because of her work, Oregon began testing for sickle cell trait and disease. The Sickle Cell Foundation of Oregon program educates the community via workshops and dissemination of sickle cell educational materials, radio, television, newsletters, and social media.

Willie Leffall:

The Chapter President for Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) who also shared his story with his two daughters about living with Sickle Cell seven years ago. The girls are now 12 and 16.

Dr. Yvette Miller:

A powerhouse in transfusion medicine, Dr. Yvette Miller is helping to shape clinical practices, broaden awareness and understanding into the plights of those living with sickle cell disease and how blood donors who are Black can help. With a long-distinguished career at the American Red Cross, she serves as the executive medical officer of the donor and client support center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Charletta Malone:

Charletta Malone has been a dedicated Red Cross employee since 1991. She takes pride in educating her community about the importance of donating blood. She is particularly passionate about informing African Americans of the need for blood. She is also an advocate for sickle-cell anemia patients.

Partners:

Thank you to our partners who have made this blood drive successful over the past 20 years.  These groups include Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta, Zeta Phi Beta, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha pKappa Alpha and Portland Links.

Sign up to donate at RedCrossBlood.org. (Sponsor code: “CharlesDrewPDX.”)

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood and provides blood to 65 regional hospitals; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on social media at @RedCrossCascades

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Update: June 17th, 2025.  Please see additional photographs of the suspect from the Geeks and Games burglary.  If you have any information about this burglary, please call the Oregon City Police Tip Line at 503-905-0505.  Please reference OCPD case number 25-010791.

Original Press Release:

On May 24th, 2025, at about 1:07 a.m. the Oregon City Police Department responded to a burglary in progress at the Geeks and Games store located at 1656 Beavercreek Rd.

During the investigation, it was determined that a subject had forcibly made entry into the building and had stolen numerous items valued in excess of $1,000. Notably, among the stolen items were Pokémon Destined Rivals cards, which were not set for release until May 26th.

The suspect in this case is believed to be an adult male, who was wearing all black and had a mask covering his face. The suspect is further described as having a heavier build and estimated to be 6’ to 6’2’’ inches tall.

The attached collage is an assortment of the stolen items and is being shared in hopes that someone might identify them.  It is possible the suspect could attempt to sell these items to another gaming store.  If you have any information about this burglary, please call the Oregon City Police Tip Line at 503-905-0505.  Please reference OCPD case number 25-010791.

For over a year, ONA members have bargained with management at Legacy Unity Center for Behavioral Health, but they still haven’t reached a fair contract. Due to the slow pace of negotiations, RNs, pros and techs (e.g. clinical social workers, behavioral health technicians, therapists) are making their concerns public and holding a rally to raise community awareness. 

When: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Rally and Sign Waving from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
ONA-represented employees of Unity will be available for interviews
 

Where: Sidewalks near Legacy Unity Center
1225 NE 2nd Ave, Portland

Why: The care provided at Unity Center is essential to patients and their loved ones throughout Oregon. People come from across the state and SW Washington for psychiatric and mental health treatment. The specialized care means that caregivers at Unity Center treat adults and adolescents with the most complex needs. High-quality treatment enables patients to return to their homes and communities and keeping everyone safe. However, management’s lack of respect and hostility at the bargaining table have left workers demoralized.

Registered nurses (RNs) are bargaining a successor agreement. In addition to asking for respect from management, they are also asking for improvements to education funds, wages and differentials, health and safety, and staffing.

The pro and tech unit includes clinical social workers, crisis intervention specialists, therapists, behavioral health technicians and other essential employees. These workers need Legacy management to recognize the vital role they play, address wage and differential increases, education funds, health and safety, safe work assignments, and more. This will be their first contract.

ONA members will return to the bargaining table the week of June 23.

After opening in 2017, Unity Center was the subject of multiple Oregon Health Authority (OHA) investigations, which uncovered problems that jeopardized patient safety and threatened Unity’s federal health care certifications. Unity Center was also fined by Oregon’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration for violating safety rules and faced several lawsuits by people who said they were retaliated against or ignored after alerting management to safety issues. 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 23,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sammuel Hawkins
Outreach & Public Programs Manager
Clark County Historical Museum
360-993-5679 | outreach@cchmuseum.org
More info: cchmuseum.org

Clark County Historical Museum Presents: “The Blacklist Era and Hollywood” with Film Critic Robert Horton

Vancouver, WA — The Clark County Historical Museum, in partnership with Humanities Washington and the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission, is proud to host acclaimed film critic and historian Robert Horton for a compelling presentation titled “The Blacklist Era and Hollywood.” The event will take place Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Battle Ground Event Center (912 East Main Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the presentation running from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, but advance registration is required due to very limited seating.

At the height of the Cold War, a single question cast a long shadow over American cinema: “Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?” This thought-provoking presentation examines the impact of the 1940s Red Scare, when the House Committee on Un-American Activities thrust actors, writers, and directors into the national spotlight, forcing them to either “name names” or face blacklisting and career ruin.

Illustrated with iconic film clips, Horton explores how patriotism, fear, and politics collided in Hollywood through the experiences of industry legends like Humphrey Bogart, Elia Kazan, and Charlie Chaplin. He concludes with a provocative question for today's audiences: Could it happen again?

Robert Horton (he/him) is a nationally respected voice in film criticism. With bylines in the Seattle Weekly, the Everett Herald, and on KUOW, he is a member of the National Society of Film Critics and author of several books, including a study of Frankenstein. Horton has also served as a Fulbright specialist, Smithsonian Journeys speaker, and educator at Seattle University and London’s Architectural Association. He currently hosts The Music and the Movies radio show and resides in Seattle.

Please note: This event will not be held at the Clark County Historical Museum.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Venue: Battle Ground Event Center
Address: 912 East Main Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Program: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Admission: Free (registration required)

For more information and to reserve your seat, visit www.cchmuseum.org.

Date: June 17, 2025          

For Immediate Release                                                          Contact:

media@lhs.org

Randall Children’s Hospital free Touch-A-Truck event on June 21^st for families and children, 9 am - noon

What: Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel is pleased to invite families and children of all ages to the third annual Touch-A-Truck event.  Children can visit the safety stations and enjoy a variety of vehicles on display.

Each family will leave with supplies and education to ensure children stay safe. This year’s event was made possible by generous donations made to the Randall Children’s Hospital Foundation.

When/Where: Saturday, June 21, at Clackamas Community College, located at S.E. Harmony Road in Portland, Or 97222.

Time: 9 am – Noon. Free and all age-friendly

Why: Members of the Randall Children’s Hospital Child Injury Prevention team will be there to help families learn more about water safety, car seats, and boosters at a child passenger safety station. They will also get home safety tips to keep children safe and avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital. Health educators and certified child passenger safety technicians will be available to answer questions and provide parents and caregivers with hands-on demonstrations. Lots of giveaways!

Visuals:

• Vehicles: tow trucks, fire engines, ambulances, a bus, cars and more
• Children and families
• Many vendor booths with safety and injury prevention information

Interviews: Amber Kroeker and Emily Dicksa with the Randall Children’s Hospital

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. We care for patients of all ages when and where they need us across the Portland/Vancouver metro area and mid-Willamette Valley. With an eye toward a healthier community, our partnerships tackle vital issues such as housing and mental health. Legacy strives to help everyone live healthier and better lives, with the vision of being essential to the health of the region. For more information, visit www.legacyhealth.org.

The Lincoln City Police Department will be utilizing our grant funds to conduct a Pedestrian Safety Operation on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 on Hwy 101 in the area of South 29th Street.

The primary focus of the operation is to raise pedestrian safety awareness. With the use of a decoy pedestrian, the Lincoln City Police Department hopes to raise awareness of drivers and pedestrians through education and enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws. The operation will be conducted between the hours of 11:00AM and 3:00PM. Warning signs will be posted prior to entering the pedestrian safety operation zone.

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are dedicated to enhancing the safety of our citizens and guests of the city, and these safety operations are conducted in an effort to reduce the potential for injuries or death to pedestrians in our city.

Funding for the pedestrian safety operations are made possible through a grant provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

Submitted By:

Sgt Torin Liden

Under Authority Of:

Chief David Broderick 

PF&R responds to large grass fire in N. Portland

At just before 7PM, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a possible grass fire with a caller reporting seeing smoke from a grass field. The location of the field is to the North of the Cintas Warehouse located in the 12300 block of N. Columbia. Engine 22 arrived to a large field (400’x600’ with a distinct slope heading to the west with a few deciduous trees randomly placed throughout) to have fire running nearly the length of the field in light fuels that was beginning to impinge upon the cyclone fencing surrounding the warehouse.

With the large amount of fire, the command officer balanced this vegetation fire to a Wildland Box Assignment to have enough personnel with the correct equipment to address the fire. With the location of this incident, all help is coming from the south and in one case, a rig responded SW Portland with their specialized brush unit used to gain access to fire across soft soils.

There was a light wind out of the north that pushed the fire up against a cyclone fence and ignited a large wooden storage shed on the interior of the warehouse property. Crews diverted from the grass fire to address this structure to prevent this from growing to consume an additional structure or the fleet of Cintas vans in the adjacent parking lot. With heavy fire and the unknown contents of the interior of the shed, the command officer directed a defensive fire operation to use large streams of water to extinguish the fire from the exterior. The wooden roof structure collapsed to reveal 2 large metal con-ex containers that were housed in what was now a burned up wooden shell. Crews kept the fire to the shed structure and prevented the extension of fire to adjacent structures and vehicles.

As the engines were addressing the shed, the brush units and personal ATV’s extinguished the fire in the grass field. Within an hour the crews totaling nearly 30 firefighters had eliminated all the flames present and had ensured the shed was completely extinguished.

Portland Fire Investigations Unit has responded and is performing their forensic investigation to determine cause. It was determined the contents of the large steel storage containers were paper products and metal valves and do not pose an environmental hazard. No reported injuries.

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Vancouver, WA – This summer, the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) invites you to take a break from your desk and step into the stories of our community with Explore Clark County—a brand-new walking tour series led by longtime museum team member and local historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly.

These free lunchtime tours will take place on select Fridays from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., offering a quick but fascinating dive into the people, places, and events that have shaped Clark County. Each week, Tracy will lead guests through a different neighborhood or historical theme, featuring her favorite hidden gems, newly uncovered stories, and beloved sites that help paint the rich tapestry of our region’s past.

“This is a wonderful way to reconnect with local history in under an hour,” says Brad Richardson, CCHM’s Executive Director. “Tracy brings an incredible passion for storytelling and deep knowledge of our community. These tours are perfect for locals, downtown workers, or anyone curious about Clark County’s past.”

2025 Tour Schedule:

• June 20 – Women’s HerStory: Librarians, Merchants, YWCA + Clubs
  Meet at the Clark County Historical Museum (1511 Main St, Vancouver)
• July 11 – Downtown Neighborhood: Upper Main / Hough West
  Explore Vancouver’s early housing developments and neighborhoods
  Meet at the Museum
• July 18 – Kauffman Ave: Urban + Rural
  Uncover the origins of the Fruit Valley Neighborhood
  Meet at John Ball Park (2300 E 20th St)
• August 15 – Horrible Homicides vs Early Churches + Revival Grounds
  A dramatic tour of the Courthouse District
  Meet at the Clark County Courthouse (1200 Franklin St)
• August 22 – Arnada: Who Are Margaret Ranns, Anna Eastham, and Ida Elwell?
  Discover the lives of the women behind the neighborhood
  Meet at Arnada Park (2404 H St)
• September 12 – Old City Cemetery: Find This Summer’s People
  Explore stories of early residents and summer discoveries
  Meet at the corner of 13th & Z St, near Grand Blvd & Mill Plain

All tours are under one hour and designed to fit perfectly into your lunch break. No registration required—just show up ready to explore!

For more information, visit www.cchmuseum.org or call (360) 993-5679. Follow CCHM on Facebook and Instagram for updates and weather-related announcements.

Media Contact:
Sammuel Hawkins, Public Programs & Outreach Manager
Clark County Historical Museum
Email: each@cchmuseum.org">outreach@cchmuseum.org
Phone: (360) 993-5679
Website: www.cchmuseum.org

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a June 2, 2025 collision involving a bicyclist on Highway 14.

This individual died on 06/02/2025 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Geraci, Gregory Sam   Age: 61 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): unknown

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Blunt trauma

Manner of death:  Accident

How the injury occurred: Pedestrian that was involved in motor vehicle collision

Place of injury: State highway

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 Washington State Patrol.

Media release issue date: 06/16/2025

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a body recovered from the Columbia River on May 30, 2025.

This individual was found on 05/30/2025 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Fred, Franky Chris   Age: 18 years

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

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Pending

Manner of death:  Pending

Place of injury: Flushing channel between Vancouver Lake and Columbia River

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: 06/16/2025

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Gresham, Oregon man made his first appearance in federal court today after he was charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer during a declared riot Saturday near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Ginovanni Joseph Brumbelow, 21, has been charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, thousands of people engaged in peaceful protests in Portland. In the afternoon, several hundred people gathered in protest at an ICE office in South Portland where some individuals targeted the building with mortar fireworks, rocks, bricks, and glass bottles. The gathering was later declared a riot by local law enforcement. At approximately 5:50pm, individuals breached the exterior door of the ICE office before being pushed back by federal officers. Additional federal officers, including Customs and Border Protection Tactical Unit (BORTAC) agents, were dispatched to the location.

At around 8:00pm the same evening, a BORTAC agent was assisting with the arrest of a rioter when he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head. The agent released the individual he was arresting and turned to observe a male rioter, later identified to be Brumbelow, directing a pointed wooden stake at him. Surveillance footage later reviewed by investigators confirmed the positions of Brumbelow and the agent amid the riot when the assault occurred.

Brumbelow made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released on conditions pending his arraignment on July 16, 2025.

Assaulting a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—An Oregon City, Oregon man made his first appearance in federal court today after he was charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer during a declared riot Saturday near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Joshua Ames Cartrette, 46, has been charged by criminal complaint with misdemeanor assault of a federal officer.

According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, thousands of people engaged in peaceful protests in Portland. In the afternoon, several hundred people gathered in protest at an ICE office in South Portland where some individuals targeted the building with mortar fireworks, rocks, bricks, and glass bottles. The gathering was later declared a riot by local law enforcement. At approximately 5:50pm, individuals breached the exterior door of the ICE office before being pushed back by federal officers. Additional federal officers, including Customs and Border Protection Tactical Unit (BORTAC) agents, were dispatched to the location.

Later the same evening, a BORTAC agent observed Cartrette push another agent and kick multiple deployed tear gas canisters toward other agents.

Cartrette made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released on conditions pending future court proceedings.

Misdemeanor assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to one year in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.— Kielan Robert Eugene Fitzsimonds, 33, of Eugene has been charged with willful depredation of government property for breaking the window of a federal government vehicle.

According to court documents, on June 8, 2025, Fitzsimonds is alleged to have intentionally thrown rocks at a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) vehicle parked at a federal building in Eugene. The rocks shattered the vehicle’s back window and dented its trunk and hood.

On June 10, 2025, a federal agent discovered the damaged vehicle and found a large rock in the back seat. Investigators obtained surveillance footage from the building which showed a man, later identified as Fitzsimonds, attempting to enter the building and throwing objects at vehicles in the parking lot.

Fitzsimonds made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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

# # #

Salem, OR – The Salem Multicultural Institute proudly announces that Turtle Island: People of the Land will be the featured culture at the 28th annual World Beat Festival, June 27–29, 2025, at Salem’s Riverfront Park.

One of Salem’s most treasured traditions, the World Beat Festival celebrates global cultures through music, dance, food, crafts, customs, and storytelling. This year, the focus is on Turtle Island—a term used to describe North and Central America. The festival will honor the traditions and contributions of Indigenous peoples through performances, cuisine, art, and educational exhibits.

Festival Highlights:

• Headliner Supaman - Supaman’s one-of-a-kind presentation combines Native American culture, comedy, and urban hip-hop culture, which dazzles audiences and captivates listeners. 

• International Food – Authentic global flavors

• Artisan Vendors – Handmade crafts and goods

• Dragon Boat Races – Thrilling river competition

• Beer & Wine Garden – Local beverages in a relaxed setting

• Children’s Parade – A festive kickoff celebrating world cultures

The festival begins on Friday, June 27, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., with Friday Night at the Beat, featuring the Severin Sisters, Wamba, and a fire dance show at the amphitheater.

The full festival opens on Saturday, June 28, and kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with the Children’s Parade. Kids receive a World Passport to explore cultural tents and enjoy games and activities. Professional storytellers will share tales from Ghana, Mali, Japan, the Philippines, Cambodia, Ukraine, and the Klamath-Modoc tribe.

More than 400 volunteers make the festival possible each year, helping with setup, logistics, and stage coordination. Their dedication powers this vibrant community event.

For the full schedule, volunteer sign-ups, or more info, visit www.worldbeatfestival.org or call (503) 581-2004.

Admission:

• $10/day for adults

• $15/weekend pass

• Free for children (0–14), SNAP cardholders, Veterans, and Gilbert House members

Festival Hours:

• Friday, June 27: 5–10 p.m. (Friday Night at the Beat)

• Saturday, June 28: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.

• Sunday, June 29: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Location: Salem Riverfront Park, 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Parking: Downtown Salem offers five multi-level parking garages. Details available online.

Follow the World Beat Festival on: Facebook: facebook.com/WorldBeatFestival and Instagram: instagram.com/worldbeatfestival

About the Salem Multicultural Institute: The Salem Multicultural Institute (SMI) is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting intercultural understanding and celebrating diversity. Through programs like the World Beat Festival, SMI fosters a vibrant and inclusive community.

Learn more at www.salemmulticultural.org.

Overcoming the odds, all 20 Kelso High School seniors currently experiencing homelessness (students who qualify under McKinney-Vento) graduated with their peers on Saturday, June 7.  Together, they earned an average GPA of 2.80 and reported a collective $21,750 in scholarships. Two of the 20 seniors graduated with honor cords, and all 20 have post-graduation plans of college, military, trade school, or an internship.

This is the second year in a row (and third time ever) Kelso School District has a 100% graduation rate for students experiencing homelessness in their senior year.

The grad rates of 2025 (and 2024) Kelso High School (KHS) seniors experiencing homelessness outpaces the 2024 grad rates of Washington State McKinney-Vento students at 61.9%, all WA students at 82.8%, and all Kelso School District students at 91.4%.

This amazing group has persevered through challenges children shouldn’t have to. Some examples include:

• One unaccompanied youth worked full-time while maintaining an A average and taking advanced courses. This student is going to a four-year college in the fall.
• One unaccompanied youth worked at two jobs for over 50 hours a week into early morning hours to support two siblings while couch surfing. This student is going to a four-year college in the fall.
• One unaccompanied youth experiencing the loss of all family and bouncing from place to place will be going into the military to serve our country while making a life for themselves.

The district credits this outstanding achievement to the entire staff supporting the district-wide goal of 100% graduation and the focused work of the Family & Community Resource Center (FCRC) team. Founded in the fall of 2021, Kelso’s FCRC works to assist the whole child and whole family with a unified system of supports addressing overall health and well-being through three key areas: behavioral health, physical health, and basic needs.

One of the keys to success of the FCRC team’s efforts is the strong network of supports they build and maintain in the surrounding community. That network includes private organizations, public agencies, individual donors, community members, and former and current district staff.

“We could not do this by ourselves,” said Nancy Baldwin, Youth & Family Support Specialist and McKinney-Vento/Unaccompanied Youth/Foster Care Liaison. “It does take a village, and we have a great village. So many people who care as much as we do about these kids and refuse to let circumstances define outcomes.”

Kelso’s 2025 FCRC by the numbers:

• 412 McKinney-Vento youth served (20 of which are seniors)
• 51 unaccompanied youth
• 34 youth in foster care
• Directly coordinated housing for 24 families resulting in 68 youth staying in Kelso schools
• Provided over 10,000 lbs of food for Kelso youth and their families
• Assisted 2 parents with getting jobs in the Kelso School District

“Our goal is for every student to graduate ready for their next step, and this achievement exemplifies what’s possible when we rally around that goal with focus and dedication,” said Mary Beth Tack, Kelso School District Superintendent. “These students faced extraordinary challenges and still crossed the finish line — with purpose, pride, and plans for the future. It’s a testament to their grit and the unwavering commitment of our staff and community.”

OSPI data for “homeless” graduates includes all students who have ever experienced homelessness even if they are currently housed, making their data appear differently.

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.  When we asked students and staff what makes Kelso strong, with 45 voices, there was one clear answer (bit.ly/ksd-strong).

PORTLAND, Ore. (June 16, 2025) – On the evening of June 13, 2025, troopers from the Oregon State Police Drug Enforcement Section and Mobile Response Teams partnered with the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) and Linn County Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (LINE) for a targeted mission in downtown Portland aimed at disrupting illegal drug activity.

The enforcement effort focused on street-level dealers in Portland’s Old Town neighborhood. In total, the teams made five arrests on charges related to distributing and possessing controlled substances, as well as firearms-related offenses.

During the three-hour operation, officers seized 60.3 grams of methamphetamine, 11.7 grams of fentanyl, and 25 grams of Xanax pills. A privately made firearm, commonly referred to as a ghost gun, was also recovered.

Arrests and charges included:

• Michael Yarborough, 60: Distribution of a controlled substance
• Lawrence White, 51: Distribution of a controlled substance
• Willie Waller, 50: Distribution of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule II substance
• Lawrence Serban, 54: Distribution of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl
• Candrew Post, 24: Distribution of a controlled substance, felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm

Waller and Post were lodged at the Multnomah County Detention Center.

# # # 

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

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

Polk County, Ore. 16 June 2025- On Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 7:07 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 18, near milepost 27, in Polk County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Nikita P Sukhodolov (19) of Salem, made a left hand turn into a gravel lot and entered the path of a westbound Kawasaki ZX-18 motorcycle, operated by Joseph Nicholas Grammer (50) of Grand Ronde. The Kawasaki struck the side of the Freightliner during the collision.

The Kawasaki operator (Grammer) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Freightliner (Sukhodolov) was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

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

# # #

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

Final tally of the blood drive competition:

House 9 units of blood. 

Senate 9 units of blood.

A tie! 

See you next year.  

B-Roll Soundbites and pics

Saving lives through blood donation is one thing all lawmakers can agree upon, especially as we head into the summer months. Join us for this friendly blood drive competition where everyone wins!

• When: Monday June 16, 2025, 8:30am to Noon.
• Where: Red Cross Bloodmobile on Salem Street near the South entrance to the State Capitol.
• Who: Drive sponsor Senator James Manning (D-Eugene), Secretary of State Tobias Read (available at 8:30am, donating at 9am), Red Cross Cascades CEO Priscilla Fuentes, and Red Cross Board Chair Darrell Fuller.
• Why: The need for blood increases in the summer because of a rise in trauma injuries.  Blood drives like these help us support our local hospitals with lifesaving blood.

“We are thrilled to see our lawmakers in Salem stepping up to save lives. Even during this busy time at the capital, they recognize that blood donations drop in the summertime because of a reduction in school blood drives, an increase in summer vacations, and travel,” says Red Cross Cascades CEO Priscilla Fuentes.  

Blood stats:

• Every 2 seconds someone in this country needs blood.
• Every 15 seconds someone needs platelets.
• Blood has a shelf life of 42 days.
• Platelets have a shelf life of only 5 days.
• Type-O blood (the universal blood type) is most needed, but ALL blood types are welcome and needed.
• Your single blood donation can help more than one person, and it takes only an hour to complete the process.
• One-in-seven trips to the hospital require a blood transfusion.
• One trauma patient can require up to 100 units of blood.

Sign up to donate by going to: RedCrossBlood.org (Sponsor Code: StateCapitol) or by calling 1-800-RedCross.

Those who come to give June 1-30, 2025, will get a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email and will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. Terms apply.

Download the Blood Donor App today to book your next appointment, track your lifetime donations, and follow your donation on its way to the hospital.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood and provides blood to 65 regional hospitals; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on social media at @RedCrossCascades.

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Clatsop County, Ore. 16 June 2025- On Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 3:58 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 26, near milepost 2, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Toyota Avalon, operated by a male juvenile (16), crossed the centerline for unknown reasons and struck a westbound Toyota Camry, operated by Lynette Marie Love (50) of Othello (WA), head-on.

The operator of the Toyota Camry (Love) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Toyota Avalon (male juvenile) and passengers, Ricardo Brooks Gorwood (19) of Canby and Jacob William Dahl (18) of Molalla, suffered serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately seven hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Cannon Beach Police Department, Seaside Police Department, Seaside Fire Department, and ODOT.

# # #

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

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Opioid Abatement Council recently awarded monies from an opioid settlement to several local organizations that provide drug prevention and treatment programs as well as recovery services.

Clark County in 2018 filed a lawsuit in federal court against several pharmaceutical companies that sell opioids. Clark County joined more than 400 jurisdictions nationwide seeking to hold the companies accountable for harm opioid addiction inflicted on their communities.

As part of the settlement, jurisdictions must establish an Opioid Abatement Council that will make decisions on awarding grants to applicants. The Clark County Opioid Abatement Council awarded grants to seven local organizations for a total amount of more than $5.3 million.

The largest grant was awarded to the City of Vancouver. The grant provides partial funding for the construction of a Bridge Shelter in the Vancouver Mall area. The goal of the shelter is to provide a stable environment for those experiencing homelessness which include services such as addiction treatment and housing support. The Opioid Abatement Council awarded the City of Vancouver $2.75 million for the Bridge Shelter Project.

Several other organizations also received grants. Below are the grant amounts and a brief description of how they will be used.

• Clark County Jail Services: $1,1 million; Expansion of the Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Program to include prescription and recovery support services.
• Couve Collective: $101,708; Continued support for the Couve Opiate Response Effort including naloxone distribution, case management, and a dedicated communication line for participants.
• ESD 112: $338,405; Collaborative projects with local schools for opioid prevention education, safe storage initiatives, medication disposal coordination, and naloxone access improvement.
• Recovery Café Clark County: $400,000; Enhancement of services including new recovery coaches and training for peer workers in collaboration with emergency responders and community courts.
• Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health: $410,794; Support for the Narcan vending machine project, aiming to improve accessibility to opioid overdose reversal medication.
• Vancouver Public Schools: $199,663; Establishment of a Prevention/Intervention Specialist to focus on early intervention and prevention in elementary schools.

The county has contracted with Carelon Behavioral Health to administer the settlement funding. The settlement requires Carelon to establish a dashboard to provide a public space for opioid settlement data. Carelon is in the process of finalizing contracts with the organizations receiving the grants.

The grants approved by the Opioid Abatement Council are for the 2025 process. Requesting grants from the settlement funds will be an ongoing annual process that begins each March. 

CORVALLIS, Ore. – A task force assembled by Benton County has concluded the first phase of work on a regional Sustainable Materials Management Plan. Representatives of the group will present their findings to the Benton County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, June 17 in a meeting scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

The meeting will be held at the County’s Kalapuya building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or virtually. More information is available on the Board of Commissioners Meeting Portal.

Sustainable development and environmental stewardship are priorities for Benton County leadership and the Board of Commissioners. In spring 2024 they committed to searching for ways to dramatically reduce the amount of solid waste at the end of the materials life cycle — trash, recycling and compost — by addressing the beginning (production) and middle (reuse and repair) of that life cycle. The County began assembling a group of experts and decision-makers from throughout the region.

The resulting SMMP task force includes City and County government elected officials and staff, state agency representatives and experts and innovators in sustainable materials and solid waste management. At a kickoff meeting in October 2024, four subcommittees were created to consider policy initiatives, necessary investments, cross-governmental collaboration and programmatic recommendations.

Subcommittees dedicated to food & organics, the built environment and products & packaging evaluated case studies of policies that state and local government can pursue to reduce life cycle material impacts. The resulting recommendations support the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality ’s Material Management Program priorities.

The fourth subcommittee, focused on regional solid waste management, looked at solutions to proactively prepare for the closure of the Coffin Butte landfill sometime around 2037. Coffin Butte receives waste from 11 counties in northwest Oregon.

“The time to act is now. Solid waste facilities are notoriously time-consuming to get site approval for,” said Bailey Payne, solid waste coordinator for Benton County. “Any facility investments recommended by this committee will take many years to come to fruition.”

Cost is another challenge that requires local and state governments working together. “Collaboration between communities will allow the region to look at solutions that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive to any individual jurisdiction,” said Payne.

A final report on the work of the SMMP task force will be developed in July. It will include context and data, key findings and recommendations for each subcommittee and for systemic challenges facing our region. The recommendations will be organized to identify the key partners that have the greatest opportunity to implement systemic change. Actions need to be taken at all levels of government as well as private and non-profit sectors.

“It is in the best interest of the region — from Metro to Lane County — to continue the excellent work of this current SMMP task force,” says Marion County Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “We will need regional efforts and collaboration to take advantage of local opportunities.”

State Representative Sarah Finger McDonald, who represents Benton County, submitted legislation that would create a solid waste task force in the Willamette Valley to continue this much-needed work. Under House Bill 3794, this new group would move ahead with the findings and recommendations of the current task force to submit a report to the Oregon Legislature in 2026.

Learn more about the regional SMMP Task Force at https://boc.bentoncountyor.gov/smmp-task-force/.

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. [June 16, 2025] – Columbia County Public Health, in collaboration with Columbia Health Services and multiple community partners, recently completed a spring series of Bridges & Beyond: Youth Prevention Fair and Family Night events across local school districts.

The expanded series reached students and families in Rainier, Clatskanie, St. Helens, Scappoose, and Vernonia, offering substance use prevention education and cessation support. The expansion of these events was developed with input and guidance from Youth Era’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC), ensuring that programming reflects a youth-led approach to prevention. Events featured guest speakers, engaging activities, and information about local resources.

“This year’s events provided students and families with valuable prevention and cessation tools,” said Haley Schimmel, Health Promotion Specialist for Columbia County Public Health. “We’re grateful for the many partners who helped make these expanded events possible.”

“This year's prevention fair was a great community collaboration. The Bridges & Beyond event gave voice to youth SUD prevention for parents and students,” said Leyla Duechle, Community Health Worker for Columbia Health Services. “As a community, we are more aware of youths’ needs around prevention and support. I am excited for next year’s events.”

In addition to Columbia County, prevention events were also held in Jewell, located in Clatsop County, where Columbia Health Services operates a school-based health center. Clatsop County Public Health and other local agencies assisted with these outreach efforts.

Community partners supporting this year’s prevention events included Columbia Health Services, Youth Era, Columbia Community Mental Health, The New Drug Talk Oregon, Clatsop County Public Health, and others.

The final event of the season was held on May 21 at Vernonia Schools, concluding this year’s multi-week series.

# # #

Images:

1. Community partners together at Rainier's Youth Prevention Fair.
2. Students participate by adding to the "I AM ONE" banner, describing their “one choice” to be drug-free at Vernonia's Youth Prevention Fair.
3. Community partners together at St. Helens' Family Night Event.

Photography Credit: Leyla Duechle, Columbia Health Services

Salem – With hotter, drier conditions arriving early this year, Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is urging residents to prepare now for an active 2025 wildfire season. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, fire activity has increased gradually since May, droughts have intensified in the Northwest already, and several significant fires have broken out recently.

“We are anticipating an active fire season,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “Many people may not realize this, but more acres burned in Oregon last year than in the 2020 wildfires. Fortunately, there was not the same loss of life or structures. But it is extremely important for Oregonians do what they can to prepare their properties for this summer and fall. The weather is getting much warmer, and drier, which means the risk of wildfires is high.”

In the 2020s alone, Oregon wildfires have caused nearly $3 billion in estimated losses, which is more than the previous four decades combined.

The National Interagency Fire Center anticipates that in July, August, and September, most of Oregon will be above normal in its fire activity.

What can you do to prepare? DFR has created a disaster toolkit on its website, which includes how to financially prepare for wildfire season, wildfire preparation for your home, and evacuation tips. The Oregon Department of Forestry also has good information on active wildfires in the state.

To save time, money, and stress, consider these steps before disaster strikes:

• Review your insurance policies with your agent or company to ensure you are adequately protected. Many homeowners are unknowingly underinsured.
• Build a home inventory. Take a video of the personal property in each room of your home and describe the items as you record. You can also use a home inventory app or a home inventory tool provided by your insurance company.
• Gather copies of important documents such as titles, insurance policies, tax records, birth and marriage certificates, and Social Security cards. Store them in a password-protected cloud or with your emergency kit.
• Make a list of account numbers and customer service contact information for insurance companies, banks, lenders, utilities, and landlords.
• Set aside enough cash to get you and your family through the first several days after an emergency.

For more information, go to dfr.oregon.gov/preparenow.

“The more you can do before a wildfire hits your home, the better the recovery process can be,” Keen said. “When a fire strikes, there’s a lot of emotions involved, including fear, anger, and confusion and having the right insurance policy, an inventory list, and an overall plan can alleviate a lot of those fears.”

DFR also has a webpage dedicated to wildfire insurance resources. One area that often gets overlooked is how to make your home as fireproof as possible by creating defensible space by removing dry leaves, dead brush, debris, and pine needles from yards and gutters. Trim trees away from your home, barns, and sheds, and place screens over open vents on homes. These tasks reduce the fuels that enable wildfires to spread and give firefighters more time to slow the blaze. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website has more information about defensible space.

If damaged by wildfires, our consumer advocates are available to help with any insurance questions. You can reach them at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

(CASCADE LOCKS, Ore.) – Herman the Sturgeon is kind of a big deal in Oregon and we’re celebrating their birthday on Sunday, June 22, at Bonneville Fish Hatchery in the Columbia River Gorge! The festivities begin at 10 am and wrap around 2 pm.

This is an all-ages experience to celebrate the passing of another year in Herman’s long and storied life. Come join us to sing Happy Birthday, have a cupcake, join the scavenger hunt, and take an “ussie” with a legendary fish!

We are also pleased to announce that our partner, Ferment Brewing, is releasing another round of “High Five, Herman” IPA, available to those 21 years of age and older at their tasting room on Hood River’s waterfront and in 4-packs at select stores throughout the greater Portland metro area. 

“High Five, Herman!” was brewed using regional, environmentally responsible ingredients from mission-driven suppliers. Mainstem Malt, a company that works directly with farmers in the Columbia River Basin to supply Salmon-Safe grains, provides the malt for this beer. The hops, sourced from Crosby Hops in Woodburn, are also Salmon-Safe, meaning they are grown using watershed-friendly and climate-resilient stewardship practices to protect water quality and wildlife habitats.

Herman’s story includes trips between the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife’s (ODFW) Roaring River Fish Hatchery near Scio and the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem. Beginning in the 1930s and up until the 1980s, one Herman or another was a mainstay at the State Fair’s Animal Village exhibit. Life on the road is hard on a fish, so ODFW stopped trucking Herman places and started planning for a permanent home. 

To provide Herman with a safe and healthy environment, a campaign was launched in 1997 to build him a suitable habitat at Bonneville Fish Hatchery. In collaboration with ODFW, Oregon Wildlife Foundation (OWF) raised the money needed, more than $350,000, to construct the Sturgeon Viewing & Interpretive Center at the hatchery. Dedicated on Sept. 27, 1998, the Center is one of Oregon’s top visitor attractions. 

The Center has served its purpose well for over 26 years, but prolonged exposure to Gorge weather and the passage of time have taken a toll on the building. In addition, Herman’s habitat needs some improvements and the interpretive signage, designed for an early internet audience, needs updating.

Birthday gifts, aka tax-deductible donations to assist us with this renovation campaign, are most welcome! You can make a gift using the following link: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/oregon-wildlife-foundation/sturgeon-interpretive-center

"We hope that Herman’s fans will join us in supporting improvements to the Center, but also within the pond that is their home," said Tim Greseth, Executive Director of the Foundation.

Oregon Wildlife Foundation also owns and operates gift stores at the hatchery and in downtown Hood River. The store at Bonneville features coffee drinks, treats, local and regional gift items, and, of course, Herman the Sturgeon memorabilia. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise at the Foundation’s gift stores support fish and wildlife conservation efforts throughout Oregon. During the month of June, donations made at checkout at either of our stores are dedicated to the Center’s renovation expenses.

Sturgeon Conservation

Herman the Sturgeon is approximately 10 feet long, weighs over 500 pounds, and is more than 80 years old, but who cares, age is just a number! There are records of larger and older white sturgeon in the Columbia River and elsewhere in Oregon, but Herman is an excellent example of this large and long-lived species. Worldwide, there are 23 sturgeon species, with seven found in North America. Only two, white and green sturgeon, are found in Oregon and along the West Coast. Both are classified as “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” in Oregon’s State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP).

In the Columbia River basin and elsewhere, white sturgeon face serious challenges, including habitat fragmented by dams, rising water temperatures, and more frequent low-flow years. These impacts, taken together, threaten the long-term survival of this ancient species in Oregon.

Bonneville Hatchery and Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center

The Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center is located at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, 70543 NE Herman Loop, in Cascade Locks. From I-84, take Exit 40 to Bonneville Dam/Fish Hatchery. Follow the signs to the hatchery and park in the parking lot. For more information on the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center, visit www.myodfw.com/bonneville-hatchery-visitors-guide.

Oregon Wildlife Foundation

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

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Herman’s Birthday Schedule

10 am - birthday celebration kickoff

  meet OWF staff,

             scavenger hunt!

             self-guided tours of the hatchery

11 am - sing “Happy Birthday” to Herman

12 pm - cupcakes/drawing of Herman raffle

  1 pm - sing “happy birthday” to Herman

  2 pm - end of celebration

Here are some ways you can help conserve sturgeon:

• Take care of our natural resources for present and future generations
  • Properly dispose of trash and waste materials
  • Think about activities that impact our streams, including pollution from:
    • Motor oil leaking from vehicles or its improper disposal
    • Detergents from washing vehicles in driveways
    • Using phosphate-based fertilizers on lawns or in farming operations
• Use less water and electricity - that’s good for your pocketbook and the environment.
• Follow fish and wildlife regulations. 
• Report the illegal take (poaching) of sturgeon to Oregon State Police or through the Turn In Poachers hotline: 1-800-452-7888

June 16, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov  

Oregon third worst for hepatitis C deaths in U.S., according to reports 

PORTLAND, Ore.—As national data show Oregon’s hepatitis C rates are among the worst in the nation, state officials are emphasizing a need for increased community-based screenings and prevention and treatment services in the most affected populations.

According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people in Oregon are 2.7 times more likely than people who live in other U.S. states to die from hepatitis C--the leading cause of preventable death from reportable disease in Oregon.

The rate of hepatitis-caused deaths in Oregon is 6.76 per 100,000 population, compared with the nationwide average of 2.52 per 100,000.

That is the second-worst rate among U.S. states and ranks behind only Oklahoma and the District of Columbia, according to the CDC’s recently released 2023 Viral Hepatitis Surveillance Report and the 2025 Viral Hepatitis National Progress Report.

“Hepatitis C is common, causes serious illness and leads to a lot of hospitalizations and deaths. The good news is that we can now treat it and spare people a lot of suffering,” said Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division.

“My hope is that public health can play the important role of linking people with hepatitis C to appropriate care,” he said.

Additional resources for bolstering community-based hepatitis C screening, prevention and treatment would be devoted to:

• Developing proven peer-supported services.
• Connecting those afflicted with hepatitis C to life-saving care.
• Training and assisting communities and health care partners in developing systems to eliminate hepatitis C within affected populations.
• Developing systems at the state and local levels to track progress from testing through cure.

The two CDC reports summarize hepatitis A, B and C surveillance and mortality data, which inform the nation’s viral hepatitis response and monitor progress toward national elimination goals.

Hepatitis is liver inflammation, most commonly caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common hepatitis viruses are A, B and C. Each produces similar symptoms, but only B and C can cause chronic (long-term) infection. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and death.

Effective vaccines exist for hepatitis A and B; there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, but it can be cured with medication.

Analysis of CDC’s hepatitis C data for Oregon found that:

• People who use illicit drugs run the highest risk of hepatitis C infection.
• Hepatitis C is most common in people 20–29 years of age.
• Due to systemic challenges increasing risk factors, members of the Black, American Indian and Alaska Native populations are twice as likely to contract hepatitis C, compared with the state average.

In this video, Cieslak explains why hepatitis is a significant public health threat.

Hepatitis C used to be very difficult to treat, but it can now be cured with a short course of treatment. However, additional resources are needed for public health to increase community-based hepatitis C screening and linkage to prevention and treatment services in affected populations.

An Oregon Health & Science University study published in March 2025 showed that significant success in treating hepatitis C could be achieved in rural Oregon by using a combination of peer support services and telehealth. But these are not available statewide.

Peer support from people with lived experiences in drug use, shown to build trust and reduce barriers to care, and easy access to care using telemedicine led to a 63% cure rate compared to just 16% with enhanced usual care, the study found.

National goals for 2030 call for at least 80% of people with hepatitis C to be cured. Data from 2013–2022 show only 27% of Oregonians with hepatitis C have been cured, compared with a national average of 35%.

“We’d love to be able to implement peer support services and telehealth for hepatitis C systematically across the state,” Cieslak said.

OHA maintains a dashboard tracking reportable communicable diseases, including hepatitis.

Increasing awareness and education about primary prevention, public health risks and preventive health services are among actions OHA is taking as part of its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.

The plan further supports expanding access to vaccines and other health resources for children, parents and families in all communities in Oregon. 

To learn more about viral hepatitis in Oregon, visit OHA’s webpage.

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Vancouver, Wash. – The Parks and Nature division of Clark County Public Works invites the community to participate in planning for improvements to Orchards Community Park. A survey is available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/orchards-community-park for community members to submit their ideas and feedback. The survey is also available in Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian. Community members can also request a paper survey by contacting Parks and Trails Planner Michael Chau at michael.chau@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.5886.

Community input will help guide the selection and design of the future improvements. Engagement with the survey will also support Parks and Nature’s applications for grants from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. Grants will support funding for park improvements.

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

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

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

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

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

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The Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) proudly recognizes the 19 bankers who comprise the 2025 graduating class of the Northwest Bank Operations School. A cornerstone of OBA’s professional development offerings for almost 30 years, the program remains one of the association’s most respected and enduring resources for bank operations professionals.

Over the course of four, 1.5-day sessions from March through June, students received practical, real-world instruction on key aspects of bank operations. Topics included the business of banking, regulatory structure, fraud prevention, elder financial abuse, workplace safety, customer experience, compliance, new accounts, employee supervision, and the rapidly evolving payments landscape. Sessions also focused on leadership, ethics, and strategies for navigating change in a complex and regulated industry.

The school concluded last week in Wilsonville with a graduation ceremony and a panel discussion with bank leaders on the future of banking and the importance of community engagement. Students were joined by mentors, supervisors, and senior bank leaders in celebrating the milestone.

“The Northwest Bank Operations School equips bankers with the essential tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s fast-changing financial services landscape,” said Scott Bruun, president and CEO of the Oregon Bankers Association. “We are proud to celebrate these graduates for their commitment to operational excellence and their vital role in strengthening Oregon’s banking industry.”

OBA congratulates the following 2025 graduates and thanks all participating banks, instructors, and volunteers who contributed to the success of this year’s program. The Northwest Bank Operations School will return in 2027.

• Annie Boatwright, Pioneer Trust Bank
• Nichole Boggs, Bank of Eastern Oregon
• Katie Field, Pacific West Bank
• Lindsay Fleming, Clackamas County Bank
• Crystal Holmes, Citizens Bank
• Ruth Israel, Bank of Eastern Oregon
• Austin Kometz, Citizens Bank
• Josie Miles, Bank of Eastern Oregon
• Dona Morales, Evergreen Federal
• Bethany Olsen, Bank of Eastern Oregon
• Abel Perez, People's Bank of Commerce
• Dana Porter, Bank of Eastern Oregon
• Jennifer Schlaht, Bank of Eastern Oregon
• Sara Schmadeka, Citizens Bank
• Kristin Short, Oregon Pacific Bank
• Hannah Silva, Pioneer Trust Bank
• Kayla Stram; Oregon Pacific Bank
• Noelle Swee, Summit Bank
• Kemble Tsoi, Citizens Bank

SILVERTON, Oregon— Silver Falls State Park is now accepting camping reservations for stays June 18 through Sept. 30. The campground reopened early after a nine-month construction closure.

All tent and RV campsites in addition to cabins 19, 21, 23 and 24 are now reservable online for stays June 18 through Sept. 30. Typically, camping reservations are released six months in advance, but these sites were held back due to planned construction. (Cabins 1-10 remained open through construction.)

Campers will return to a new accessible restroom/shower building with adult changing tables in the B-Loop and new pavement in A-Loop as part of the construction work.

“We’re excited to welcome campers back to Silver Falls State Park. We appreciate their patience as we worked to improve the park experience for everyone,” said Silver Falls Park Manager Chris Gilliand.

In addition to the Silver Falls State Park campsites and cabins reopening, the Smith Creek Village is now accepting reservations again through a new concessionaire. The South Falls Café and 10 Falls Supply Co. are now open daily, and the Bigleaf Market & Grill at Smith Creek Village will open soon. You can find more information about the restaurant, dining area, and lodging including 13 cabins, four group lodges and two ranches at https://visitsilverfalls.com/

June 16, 2025 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

OREGON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TO OPEN NEW OFFICE IN EASTERN OREGON

Expansion to Baker City Reflects Commitment to Rural Communities

BAKER CITY, Ore. — Oregon Community Foundation is expanding its presence in Eastern Oregon with a new regional office in Baker City, deepening its long-term commitment to Oregon’s rural communities. 

The new office reflects OCF’s belief that regional partnerships matter — especially in communities where distance, geography and lack of resources can be barriers to opportunity. By opening a hub in Eastern Oregon, the foundation aims to better connect with partners, respond more directly to community needs and amplify the region’s strengths. 

“We know that thriving communities begin with local voices and shared vision,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “Opening a regional office in Baker City brings us closer to the people and places we serve in this region so that we can deepen our partnerships together.”

Local Partners Welcome Announcement

The Baker City office is the latest example of OCF’s regional approach. It builds on decades of rural partnerships and collaborative initiatives with fellow funders such as The Ford Family Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, The Roundhouse Foundation and The Collins Foundation. In Baker City, OCF has worked closely with the Leo Adler Foundation.

“The Leo Adler Foundation board is thrilled Baker City was selected as a hub for their Eastern Oregon outreach,” said Carrie Folkman, Chairperson of the Leo Adler Foundation, which is based in Baker City and supports nonprofits in the region. “We look forward to the partnerships, collaboration and awareness this will bring to our rural communities.” 

For more than 50 years, OCF has helped donors make meaningful contributions to communities across Oregon. The foundation has prioritized funding in rural areas through its Community Grants program and partnered to address shared challenges such as housing, education and economic opportunity. 

“OCF is a remarkable partner for the Oregon nonprofit sector and is one of the largest community foundations in the country,” said Ginger Savage, Executive Director of Crossroads Carnegie Art Center and Board Member of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon. “I can think of no better place to have this regional office than Baker County. Welcome to Baker City!” 

Hiring and Community Events Coming Soon

As OCF works to finalize a location for the new office in Baker City, the foundation plans to hire staff locally later this year to support outreach and engagement across eight counties in Eastern Oregon. The goal is to create a shared space for community partners and other funders that will continue reflecting the foundation’s statewide mission.

“This is more than an office,” said Maurizio Valerio, Senior Field Coordinator for The Ford Family Foundation. “It is a philanthropy hub — that we have been building towards for many years — with OCF as its anchor, bringing multiple funders under one roof to encourage a deeper level of connection and a more efficient way of serving our community.”

More details, including job opportunities and future community events, will be announced in the coming months. 

About OCF

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 million in grants and scholarships in every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org. 

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Just after 6:45 PM, 9-1-1 received a call to an industrial area of the St John’s Neighborhood in North Portland. Initial reports from the caller stated that a large pile of wood products was on fire and that no homes or structures were threatened.

The first arriving Engine and Truck Companies from St John’s arrived within minutes of being dispatched. The Engine officer took command of the incident and reported a large pile of pallets and wood debris with smoke throughout the pile. Crews were very aware of this location as a year ago, in April 2024, a similar fire broke out. With this prior knowledge and experience, the first due Truck immediately set up its aerial ladder for an elevated master stream. This elevated master stream allows firefighters to direct water to the seat of the fire from above.

As additional units arrived, the first Chief Officer took Command. Incident Command then assigned the on-scene resources to the following tasks: establish a water supply, recon the area to ensure no exposures were present, confirm the best access to the different areas of the wood pile, and set up for additional aerial master streams.

Fire crews worked with site personnel, who were called back to the site, to spread out the wood pile and extinguish any hot spots. This was accomplished with the use of some heavy machinery and excavators that were already on site and were operated by the location’s employees. Three engines and three trucks remained on the scene for an additional time after the incident was recalled to ensure extinguishment. There were no injuries reported during this incident and no residents were displaced.

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to thank our partners with the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC), Portland Water Bureau, and Port of Portland Terminal 4. At the height of the incident, the following fire resources responded:

                Engines – 7

                Trucks – 3

                Chief Officers – 3

                Rehab Unit – 1  

                PIO – 1

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At about 3:30 this afternoon, multiple emergency crews were dispatched following reports of flames engulfing the back half of a two-story home at Sourthwest Leann Court in Washington County. Neighbors noted heavy smoke, explosions, and rapid fire spread toward nearby properties.

When crews from TVF&R and Hillsboro Fire & Rescue were dispatched, there was a visible column of smoke from the road, and they arrived and found heavy fire. The incident was upgraded from a first alarm to a second alarm to bring additional resources to the scene.

Fire crews quickly established a water supply and began knocking down active flames in the attic and throughout the home. Firefighters conducted a search and confirmed that all occupants of the home had evacuated and were unharmed.

With help from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, neighbors were also evacuated from adjacent homes. Several homes nearby were at risk of also catching fire, requiring firefighters to defend several structures at a time. At one point, a roof across the street from the incident caught fire from floating embers. Crews acted swiftly and suppressed the fire before it was able to cause damage to the interior of the neighboring home.

The initial fire was largely brought under control within an hour, with remaining time spent overhauling the home and salvaging items that could be saved. In total, three people were displaced from the home and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Fire investigators responded to the scene and are working to determine the cause.

TVF&R was assisted by Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, American Medical Response, Washington County’s Sheriff’s Office, Portland General Electric, and Northwest Natural.

Simultaneous Barn Fire on Southwest Midway Road

Coinciding with the house fire, dispatch also received a 911 call at 3:39 p.m. reporting a barn fire near the 16600 block of Sourthwest Midway Road in rural Washington County.

Crews found a two-story barn fully involved, with flames threatening nearby trees and vehicles. Water supply was established using water tenders to provide a consistent supply of water to the fire engines.

Crews worked to contain exposures and fought heavy fire conditions. The barn’s roof partially collapsed. The barn was a total loss, and crews transitioned to mop-up work within an hour.

A fire investigator determined the fire was unintentional and caused by a mechanical problem with a vehicle that was inside the barn. Cornelius Fire, Gaston Fire, Lake Oswego Fire, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted on scene.

No injuries were reported from either incident, and no additional structures were compromised.

Both of today’s incidents underscore how quickly fire can spread—especially in dry conditions or when nearby materials are combustible. We encourage all property owners, especially those in suburban and rural areas, to create and maintain defensible space around their homes and outbuildings. Keeping grass trimmed, removing dead vegetation, and spacing out flammable plants and materials can dramatically reduce the risk of fire spread and improve firefighter access and effectiveness during an emergency.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Photos included, videos emailed directly upon request. 
June 14, 2025

Happy Valley Breaks Records at Annual Dumpster Day Event

Happy Valley, OR — The City of Happy Valley proudly hosted its annual Dumpster Day event this weekend, providing residents with an opportunity to dispose of unwanted household items responsibly while promoting environmental sustainability and community involvement. This year’s event saw a record-breaking turnout, with 625 vehicles passing through—making it the most successful Dumpster Day to date.

Thanks to the support of key community partners, the event featured robust recycling, disposal, and donation services. A total of 23 disposal containers were made available by Waste Management, Recology, and Kahut, who generously donated all fuel, trucking, and driver time to support the event.

Metro was on site collecting hazardous household materials, safely gathering:

• 70 pounds of sharps

• 53 pounds of CFL bulbs

• 384 pounds of batteries
  Additionally, Metro distributed 10 free sharps containers to promote safe at-home disposal practices.

Other contributions included:

• Hoodview Disposal & Recycling: Secure shredding of approximately 3,000 pounds of sensitive documents

• Goodwill: Collection of around 400 reusable household items

• Reborn Bikes: Donation of more than 60 used bicycles for repair or parts recovery

• Les Schwab Tires: Recycling support for 300 tires and roughly 40 car batteries

• Scouts of America Troop 611: Collection of 20 U.S. flags for proper and respectful retirement

The event would not have been possible without the dedicated volunteers from the National Charity League (NCL), Boys Team Charity (BTC), the Happy Valley Youth Council, and the U.S. Army National Guard, who spent the day unloading vehicles, directing traffic, and assisting residents. Their commitment and enthusiasm helped ensure a smooth, safe, and welcoming experience for all participants.

“This event demonstrates what can happen when partners, volunteers, and residents unite for a common cause,” said Steve Campbell, Community Safety Director. “Dumpster Day is not only about cleaning up—it's about community pride, environmental stewardship, and teamwork.”

Dumpster Day continues to be one of Happy Valley’s most popular annual events, reflecting the city’s strong commitment to sustainability and civic connection.

For more information about future Dumpster Day events and other environmental programs, please visit www.happyvalleyor.gov.

Donna was located this morning around 5 a.m. 

Deputies with the Marion County Search and Rescue team are assisting the Salem Police department in locating 36 year old Donna Marie. Donna was last seen today at approximately 5:30 p.m. from the Lancaster Drive Walmart store. Donna Marie is developmentally disabled and autistic and unable to care for herself. Donna is described as 5' 10" tall with sandy blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a blue hooded sweat shirt,dark shorts,black and white sneakers,and was carrying a gray back pack. If you see Donna Marie, please call 911. 

Gresham, Ore.— On June 13^th at about 7:30pm, Gresham police officers, assisted by deputies from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a report of a physical disturbance on NE 162^nd Ave near NE Glisan St.  Witnesses reported one of the people involved in the disturbance was armed.  Officers developed probable cause to arrest the armed suspect for assault and other crimes.  When they attempted to contact him, he fled on foot. 

During the ensuing search, a sheriff’s deputy located the suspect in a nearby neighborhood, and an officer-involved shooting occurred.  During the incident, a Gresham police officer also deployed a 40mm less-lethal projectile.  Officers provided emergency medical care for the suspect until an ambulance arrived.  A handgun was recovered near where the suspect fell. The suspect was pronounced deceased after being taken to a local hospital. 

The deceased is not being identified at this time.  The involved deputy has been placed on critical incident leave, which is standard practice in officer-involved shootings and other critical incidents.  Because of the ongoing investigation, no further information can be released at this time.

The East County Major Crimes Team, a multi-agency team comprised of detectives from the Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Port of Portland Police Department, is investigating the incident.  When the investigation is complete, it will be reviewed by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. 

Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact Detective Martin Daly at tin.Daly@GreshamOregon.gov">Martin.Daly@GreshamOregon.gov or Detective Dylan Lerch at ch@mcso.us">Dylan.Lerch@mcso.us.

CORVALLIS, Ore. – On June 13, 2025, at 1:22 p.m., deputies from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Scenic Drive in Albany.

Upon arrival, deputies located a black 2010 Subaru Forester that had left the roadway and traveled down a steep embankment before colliding with a tree. The vehicle’s sole occupant, 36-year-old Ethan Ward Glaser of Albany, was pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

A preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling southbound on Scenic Drive when, for reasons yet to be determined, the driver lost control and exited the roadway. There were no signs of additional passengers or other vehicles involved.

Scenic Drive between Pineview Drive and Valley View Drive was closed for approximately three hours while investigators processed the scene.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Benton County Crash Team.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the family and friends of Ethan and would like to thank the Albany Fire Department, Albany Police Department, and Corvallis Police Department for their assistance.

If you have any additional information or witnessed the crash, please contact BCSO at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or their tip line at 541-753-8477, re: case #2025-1500.
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SALEM, Ore. — Starting next week with Liberty Street NE, City of Salem Public Works will begin strengthening four area bridges using funds from the voter-approved 2022 Safety and Livability Bond.

Beginning June 16 and continuing through November, workers will strengthen the bridges to allow heavier trucks to safely pass over local waterways. These bridges are:

• Liberty Street NE over Mill Creek
• 17^th Street NE over Mill Creek
• 15th Street NE over Mill Creek
• Mission Street SE over Pringle Creek

Liberty Street NE over Mill Creek will be the first bridge under construction. The contractor will close the southbound lane to allow for equipment and materials staging to perform the work. Traffic Alerts and other information will be released as other projects begin.

Drivers and pedestrian should use caution, expect some delays and follow traffic control signage. There will be lane shifting on 17th Street NE and Mission Street SE during construction, single lane closure on Liberty Street NE during construction, and street closure on 15th Street NE.

Site specific information for each bridge can be found at https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/shaping-salem-s-future/safety-and-livability-bond.

Please continue to monitor the Current Road Conditions Map on the City of Salem website to receive up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem: https://public-construction-salem.hub.arcgis.com/

For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net.

The Centennial School District Governing Board will convene for a Regular Business Meeting and Budget Hearing on Wednesday June 18, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. 

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

The Board and key staff will attend in-person at CSD's District Office - 18135 SE Brooklyn St., Portland, OR 97236.

If you are interested in joining the meeting, please click on the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84627197937?pwd=Zkh1VVZqRS8vUG16K0lkNWdERVZUUT09
Passcode:292746

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

Webinar ID: 846 2719 7937
Passcode: 292746

NOTE: An Executive Session will take place during the business meeting, on June 18th at approximately 7:30 p.m. The executive session will be held pursuant to (ORS 192.660(2)(i) - To review and evaluate the employment - related performance of the chief executive officer, of the public body, a public officer, employee or staff member who does not request an open hearing.

The Board and key staff will attend in-person at CSD's District Office.  Authorized parties may join the meeting virtually, by clicking the link below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82242306021?pwd=BQDnVLFK2CRGg81EpkG5inlsoP2OEw.IDtRehfnOQiyUlHC
Passcode:407264

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

HILLSBORO, Ore- On June 13, 2025, Jack Patrick Hauser, age 47, pleaded guilty to trafficking in persons and failure to report as a sex offender. Judge Brandon Thompson sentenced the defendant to 24 months in prison. Deputy District Attorney Christina Luedtke prosecuted this case.
 

The victim in this case is a 26-year-old man with intellectual disabilities. After the death of the victim’s mother, the defendant saw an opportunity to take advantage of the victim’s circumstances. Over the course of several years, Mr. Hauser began exercising control over all aspects of the victim’s life. He required him to live in unsanitary and unsafe conditions in the backyard of the defendant’s residence in Vernonia. Beginning in 2023 until approximately August 2024, he took the victim to the Hillsboro Esplanade shopping center daily, where the victim was required to sell various small items to motorists, in all sorts of extreme weather conditions, utilizing a cardboard sign. The defendant would then demand and retain the majority of the proceeds.
 

Concerned community members attempted to intervene, but the defendant repeatedly thwarted those efforts. Law enforcement was eventually alerted and executed search warrants on the defendant’s home and car. He had the victim’s identification, debit card, and bank slips. Investigators also documented the unsanitary and inadequate space where the victim had been living. Hillsboro police determined the defendant had moved to his parents’ home in Hillsboro without notifying law enforcement, which was a violation of his sex offender registration requirements. The defendant had been convicted of third-degree statutory rape in 2002.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the Hillsboro Police Department for their extensive investigation in this case and the community members who intervened to protect this vulnerable victim. 
 

We are also dedicated to combating all types of human trafficking in our area. If you suspect someone is being trafficked, call 9-1-1, your local law enforcement agency, or report it to the Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
 

Mr. Hauser will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence. 

On June 3, 2025, Lincoln County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Sheryl Bachart sentenced Daniel Stuebgen (54-year-old) to 495 months (41.25 years) in prison for repeated sexual abuse of a 12-year-old child, who volunteered at Green Acres Beach & Trail Rides (Pacific City) and Happy Trails Feed & Tack (Lincoln City) in 2023, two businesses owned by Stuebgen and his ex-wife, Teresa Stuebgen.

Judge Bachart sentenced Stuebgen to a total of 495 months at the Department of Corrections for the convictions of 4 counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, 3 counts of Rape in the Second Degree, 2 counts of Sodomy in the Second Degree, and 4 counts of Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct, all ORS 137.700 Measure 11 offenses.

On May 1, 2025, after a five-day trial, Stuebgen was found guilty by a 12-person Lincoln County jury of nine separate incidents of child sexual abuse (five sexual assaults and four photographs of child sexual abuse material). This case began in August 2023 when the Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) received a tip from the Child Abuse Hotline, which raised concerns regarding a sexual relationship between Stuebgen and a child volunteer at Happy Trails Feed & Tack. On August 11, 2023, LCPD and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) responded and began investigating the allegations. While the investigation was pending, Stuebgen was advised by LCPD to not have any contact with the child, however, approximately a month later, the child was reported as a runaway and located at Happy Trails Feed & Tack, Stuebgen’s place of business and residence. Evidence demonstrated that Stuebgen was actively trying to conceal the child from police and had assisted the child in running away.

At sentencing, Judge Bachart stated, “There is no sentence that I am going to impose today that is going to be proportionate to the harm that your actions inflicted on the victim in this case…This was a vulnerable child, and you exploited those vulnerabilities for a sexual purpose. You were able to get away with it for a very long time. I don’t know how long this would have gone on if she hadn’t found the courage to report. Even when you knew the investigation was pending, you still continued to pursue her.” Stuebgen declined to make any statement at sentencing.

This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jenna Wallace and investigated by Detective Bud Lane, LCPD. The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank Detective Lane for his relentless commitment to investigating crimes against children to ensure justice, accountability, and community safety. Detective Lane brings decades of experience in sexual abuse investigations that was vital to a successful prosecution. The District Attorney’s Office would also like to thank the Lincoln City Police Department for prioritizing sexual abuse investigations to not only end abuse, but to protect vulnerable populations from predators in our community. 

During this month of appreciation for fathers, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is highlighting the critical role fathers play in a child’s physical, emotional and social development. ODHS is working to better support fathers involved in the child welfare system through two programs that provide peer mentorship, parenting skills and supports for incarcerated fathers, as well as a Father’s Advisory Board that provides regular input to ODHS Child Welfare leadership and frontline workers.

The two programs focus on peer mentorship and advocacy to help fathers navigate the system and reconnect with their children. Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) runs the Incarcerated Fathers Program serving African American men during incarceration and post-release. Fathers receive skill building classes to strengthen their parenting skills and build strong relationships with their children. ODHS also partners with Morrison Child and Family Services to connect fathers with open child welfare cases to peer mentors for support and encouragement.

ODHS is investing in these programs because of the expressed need for services and training that do a better job of locating and engaging fathers, and keeping fathers connected to their children after a child welfare intervention. When children enter the child welfare system, fathers are often sidelined or overlooked due to negative perceptions about their interest or capacity to be involved in their children’s lives. National studies show that caseworker bias against fathers can prevent equal outreach to fathers after a child welfare intervention. Yet national child welfare experts say father-inclusive practices in child welfare are essential to child safety and well-being and can minimize the amount of time children are separated from their family. Children with involved fathers are more likely to do well in school, have high self-esteem and avoid high risk behaviors, according to a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Head Start Bureau. 

Negative bias toward fathers is particularly strong if fathers are in recovery or have been/are currently incarcerated. This, in addition to racism and disproportionate numbers of Black, American Indian and Alaska Native children in the foster care system add to the challenges facing fathers who want to stay connected to their children.

“Fathers are vital to a child’s well-being, and it is our job to engage fathers and invite them into the process of reunifying their families. We do that through concerted efforts that show respect and value for the role fathers play as a nurturers and resources for their children,” said ODHS Child Welfare Director Aprille-Flint Gerner. “We are grateful to our community partners for leading culturally responsive programs that support fathers for long-term success.”

After a child welfare case is opened, caseworkers begin working with parents to establish a plan for a variety of services, supports and a plan for reunifying the family when a child has been removed from the home due to safety issues. When parents are separated, do not live together, or a father is incarcerated or in recovery, the mother is the primary contact for child welfare. The perspective of the father is often absent in discussions related to their children, and most resources and supports are designed with the assumption that mothers are the primary caregivers. These assumptions can keep fathers from having a voice in critical decisions related to child welfare cases, visitation, and input into case planning to prepare for the child’s return to their family.

Services and programs for fathers are also minimal compared to those available for mothers. Statewide, there are 250 residential treatment beds for mothers in substance use disorder treatment to be with their children while in treatment. For fathers, there are just 10 beds available through the OnTrack Rogue Valley Dad’s Program in Medford. ODHS awarded OnTrack a grant in 2022 to renovate the Cobblestone Village Complex in Medford to add six more beds for fathers in treatment, among other design upgrades and residential facilities to serve families. The renovated complex is due to open in 2026.

The ODHS Father’s Advisory Board members, many of whom work as peer mentors through Morrison Child and Family Services, are making a difference by advocating for the perspective of fathers in ODHS caseworker trainings, and by regularly advising ODHS Child Welfare staff and leadership in Multnomah County.

One peer mentor and Father’s Advisory Board member stated, “Child welfare programs have made progress, but we still need more active outreach and connection with dads. Sometimes dads are informed about a decision, not consulted as an equal parent. The system is confusing and can be really discouraging for fathers who feel judged as deadbeat dads,” he said. “But as advocates, we are here to give other dads hope and let them know, you can do this, you can be there for your kids. It is about making life better for the kids. If I can do it, you can do it.”

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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.

Resources

Programs for incarcerated fathers or fathers involved with child welfare

• Videos about Self Enhancement Inc.’s Incarcerated Fathers Program and Fatherhood Engagement Program
• Morrison Family Services Parent Mentor Program
• OnTrack Rogue Valley Dad’s Program

Other community programs for fathers

• Squires Empowering Young Dads
• Healthy Birth Initiatives Father Involvement Program
• 4Fathers Program (mentoring, support groups, job readiness)

On Monday, June 9, 2025, at around 10:40 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an assault at a home near SW Bridle Hills Drive and SW 161st Drive in Beaverton. During the investigation, deputies learned that an unidentified man entered the victim’s home and assaulted her, both physically and sexually. The woman did not recognize the assailant, as he took steps to conceal his identity and fled the home prior to deputies being called.

Deputies conducted an extensive search for the suspect, which included using K9s and drones, but did not find anyone. Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit were called out to investigate and learned that the victim had been receiving threats from Luis Alberto Garcia, age 31, of Cornelius. Garcia did not match the physical description of the suspect in this case, and detectives confirmed his whereabouts during the attack.

Although Garcia was not the person who carried out the assault, investigators believe that Garcia is connected to the incident. On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, investigators served a search warrant at a home in Cornelius and arrested Garcia on unrelated charges. The investigation is ongoing, and Garcia may face additional charges related to this incident.

At this time, investigators believe this was a targeted attack, and a description of the suspect is not being released to the public.

Detectives are asking area residents to check their surveillance cameras for activity on 6/9/25 from 10:00 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. and contact the Sheriff’s Office so investigators can collect the footage. Investigators would also like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious during that time frame.

Additionally, detectives are seeking information on Garcia and his connection to this event. Anyone with information about Garcia is asked to contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111, referencing case number 50-25-8016.

The release of Garcia’s booking photo is for law enforcement purposes and is in accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273 for the identification of additional criminal activity.

The Gervais School District #1 School Board, Gervais, Oregon, will convene in a Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. at the District Office Conference via ZOOM on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.  The agenda for the Regular Session meeting includes, but is not limited to, the following business:

Reports:

Action Items:

• Adopting the 2025-2026 Budget 
• Making Appropriation for the 2025-2026 Budget
• Imposing & Categorizing the Tax
• Appropriation Transfer for 2024-2025 Budget
• Regular Sessions Meetings Calendar for 2025-2026
• Certification of Elections-Marion County
• FCA Performance Review
• MIDCO Contract & MOU
• Approve Classified Bargaining Agreement 2025-2027

Discussion Items:     

• Bond Project Update
• Board Self-Evaluation Timeline
• Board Training in August

You are invited to a Zoom webinar!

When: Jun 18, 2025 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Topic:  Gervais School District #1 Board of Directors Budget and Regular Session

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81617884597?pwd=v89pJwEx3hLBFhgm4s0X4LMex6ayyF.1

Passcode:157495

Phone one-tap:

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Webinar ID: 816 1788 4597

 Passcode: 157495

 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kt2x6fGPv

SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will meet virtually in executive session on Monday, June 16 at 11:15 a.m. to consider employment of the Department of State Lands Director, as authorized by ORS 192.660(2)(a).

During a future meeting open to the public, the Land Board will consider appointing a Director and accept comment. This meeting will be scheduled and noticed at a later date.
 

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State Tobias Read, and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.

ROWENA, Ore. – Firefighters working on the Rowena Fire overnight, although continuing to be challenged by the wind, were able to push forward on progress around the town of Rowena and along Highway 30. Sustained winds of 20-30 miles per hour were observed across the fire, however little fire growth was seen. An Infrared (IR) flight was ordered and placed the fire around 3,831 acres. More accurate mapping will be available as firefighters continue to work along the fire line and gather data.

Goals for today are centered around holding the fire in its current footprint, limiting growth and protecting homes and natural resources. Aircraft will continue to remain a critical asset on the fire, and more have been ordered. With more resources arriving to the incident, firefighters will be able to deploy more direct tactics, working at the fire’s edge to create a control line and hold the fire. As this work progresses, containment will increase.

Structural resources will continue to work around homes near the fire’s perimeter, mopping up areas that have seen fire. Firefighters will also be removing hazardous trees to increase safety in the area while work is ongoing and ahead of any residents returning. Firefighters are working as quickly and safely as possible with current evacuations in mind, as well as future fire potential across the state.

“It’s very early in fire season for us to be dealing with a large, fast-moving fire like the Rowena Fire, and deploying one of our incident management teams,” Craig Pettinger, ODF Team 2 Deputy IC said. “It doesn’t bode well for what’s ahead of us knowing we already expect an active fire season. We have a lot of fire season ahead of us, and long seasons take a toll on our firefighters and communities across the state.”

Temperatures will be slightly cooler today in the 70s, and relative humidity will be higher, predicted to reach the mid-30s, meaning more moisture will be in the air. These conditions may help to naturally lower the intensity of the fire behavior, however winds will remain steady and create smoky conditions.

A community meeting will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at The Dalles High School auditorium, 220 E 10th St The Dalles, Oregon 97058, to provide a current fire update to the public. A recording of the meeting will be later posted on YouTube and Facebook for those who can’t attend in person.

Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations remain in effect under the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office’s direction. You can search for specific addresses here: https://perimetermap.com/wascocounty-or. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://perimetermap.com/wascocounty-or

The Red Cross has opened a shelter at The Dalles Middle School at 1100 East 12th Street. Livestock and horses can be taken to the Wasco County Fairgrounds at 81849 Fairgrounds Road.

I-84 remains open, however firefighters are continuing to work near the roadway; be aware of crews when driving through the area.

Closures: Due to the fires, Mayer State Park is closed to the public. More information is available here: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=117. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=117

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 6500 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_2600. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_2600. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.

A daily media availability will occur at Mayer State Park East at 1p.m. until further notice. Please RSVP to imt2.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov or call Natalie Weber at 541-621-4005 .

Vancouver, Wash. – The Parks and Nature division of Clark County Public Works is removing some of the play equipment at Lewisville Regional Park. Older play equipment located in several areas of the park no longer meets current safety standards. Play equipment near the beach area south of the softball fields and equipment near the Alder shelter will not be removed.

Later this year, Parks and Nature will begin a process to update the park plan for Lewisville Regional Park. This process will identify a location for a new play area. Opportunities for input on the park plan update will be announced at a later date.

Removal of the older play equipment is scheduled to begin in late June and is expected to be completed by early July. Visitors may encounter short traffic delays and construction noise during the removal process. Visitors are reminded to stay out of work zones. Work is weather-dependent, and the schedule is subject to change. For more information, contact Park and Trails Planner Lynde Wallick at lynde.wallick@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.5882.

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

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

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

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

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

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SALEM, Ore. — Road work on Lone Oak Road SE will include weekday lane closures and one weekend total road closure June 21-22.

Starting June 9, the southbound lane of Lone Oak Road SE is closed between Kuebler Boulevard SE and Khartoum Street SE weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additionally, Lone Oak Road SE will be closed between Kuebler Boulevard SE and Khartoum Street SE June 21-22 for the installation of a gas line. Traffic will be detoured to Liberty Road S and then Holder Lane SE.  

These closures will allow for NW Natural Gas to install a new high-pressure regulator. This work is projected to be completed by the end of August. 

Drivers are urged to be cautious while traveling, follow all signage and watch for workers in the area.

Please continue to monitor the Current Road Conditions Map on the City of Salem website to receive up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem: https://public-construction-salem.hub.arcgis.com/

For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) issued the following statement in response to Providence's announcement that it is laying off 600 workers systemwide. 

"Providence’s announcement of layoffs, including clinic staff in Seaside, OR, continues the harmful disinvestment in rural healthcare in Oregon. Providence’s misguided reduction in nursing staff once again proves its priorities need to be reexamined. Layoffs lead to reduced quality of care, short staffing, unsafe patient loads, and a deterioration of care. At a time of unprecedented attacks on our healthcare system from the federal government—especially for rural Oregonians—Providence should be working to help solve the problem, not inflaming it.

Making matters worse is Providence’s public statement which blames the layoffs, in part, on Oregon’s historic safe staffing law.

Let’s be clear: Providence was part of the coalition that passed hospital nurse safe staffing legislation in Oregon in 2023. The law mandates safer nurse-to-patient ratios to address a crisis that led to nurse burnout, unsafe patient loads, and preventable harm across Oregon. Providence blaming a law which does not apply to clinics as the reason for its layoffs is not only nonsensical and disingenuous; it is dangerous.

Providence is a $30 billion corporation which pays its top executives 7 and 8 figure salaries and has ample resources to meet safe staffing standards. Their decision to reduce frontline caregivers in rural Oregon while protecting executive salaries and profits is a deliberate choice, not a financial necessity. Providence patients and our rural communities deserve better. Our caregivers deserve better. 

ONA calls on Providence to reverse these harmful layoffs, fully comply with safe staffing standards, and engage in good-faith dialogue with their workers to build a healthcare system that puts care—not cost-cutting or profits—at its center."

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Vernon “Bud” Robertson has been located in Washington by the Washington State Patrol. Bud is safe and will be reunited with family members soon.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Washington State Patrol and the community for their assistance in locating Bud. 

Original Release: Deputies Ask for Assistance in Locating a Missing Person 

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 8:36 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a missing person near the 20000 block of SW Turin Court in Beaverton.

The caller reported that 75-year-old Vernon “Bud” Robertson left his home around 10:15 a.m. on June 12th in a gray 2020 Honda CR-V with license plate 779 MGL. Bud’s clothing description is unknown, but he commonly wears a blue button-up shirt, blue jeans, a baseball cap, and brown leather shoes. Bud is 5'9” tall and weighs approximately 170 lbs. He has brown eyes and gray hair.

Bud does not carry a cell phone and may appear lost or disoriented due to a cognitive impairment.

Deputies are asking anyone with information on Bud’s whereabouts to contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111. 

Drivers advised to use public transit, bikes or ride share alternatives to travel to and from the event.

Tichner Drive remains closed during the event.

PORTLAND, OR – Planning to attend the sneak peek of the Washington Park reservoir on Saturday, June 14? Plan ahead. Road closures in the area and limited parking will make visits easiest by bus, train, shuttle and bike.

The SW Tichner Drive entrance to Washington Park remains closed to motor vehicle traffic between W Burnside and SW Kingston Ave due to a landslide. This means there will be heavier than usual traffic at the Park Place entrance to the event.

Everyone is encouraged to travel by public transit, bike or rideshare. Here are the easiest options:

•  TriMet Trip Option #1: MAX + Free Shuttle Loop. Hop on the MAX Red or Blue Line and ride to Washington Park Station. From there, the Washington Park Free Shuttle takes you right to the Oregon Holocaust Memorial stop, just steps from the celebration at the Reservoir. Pro tip: Park for free at a TriMet Park & Ride like Sunset Transit Center (600+ free parking spots), then ride one stop on MAX to Washington Park Station.
•  TriMet Trip Option #2: MAX + Trail Walk. Take the MAX to Goose Hollow and walk the Madison Street Trail into Washington Park. It’s a peaceful, 20-minute uphill walk that leads straight to the Reservoir site.
•  TriMet Trip Option #3: Direct Bus from Downtown. Ride TriMet Line 63 from Pioneer Courthouse Square for a direct trip to the park. Buses drop off at the Park Place Entrance and the International Rose Test Garden/Portland Japanese Garden, and they depart hourly from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• TriMet Trip Option #4: Bus + Trail Walk. Catch Lines 15 or 20 to NW 23rd & Burnside, then enjoy a one mile walk through the Park’s winding paths to the Reservoir. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.

The public is invited to join the City of Portland’s Public Works Service Area as we unveil the yearslong restoration of the Washington Park Reservoir. This once-in-a-generation project provides a seismically resilient water supply for 360,000 westside water users and a beautiful new reflecting pool and plaza for the entire community to enjoy.

Learn about project benefits from elected officials and stay for tours of the new plaza’s educational elements and historic features. Tours are available to members of the public and the media. Visitors are invited to walk the grounds and explore the city’s newest attraction before it is officially open to the public.

When:             Saturday, June 14, 2025, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
 

Where:            Washington Park Upper Reflecting Pool and Main Plaza

More details about the celebration are available on our website here: Washington Park Reservoir Sneak Peek | Portland.gov

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

About the Public Works Service Area

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, and the Portland Water Bureau, maintaining over $60 billion in assets, a $2 billion annual budget, and 2,500 employees. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

Hines, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management will host a walk-up adoption event June 25–27 at the Oregon Wild Horse Corral Facility, offering the unique opportunity to give a wild horse a new home.

This event features 10 yearlings from the South Steens Herd Management Area and 15 geldings, all five years old or younger, from the Murderer’s Creek Wild Horse Territory. It marks the first in-person chance to adopt these horses since they were gathered in the summer and fall of 2024.

Adopter registration and animal viewing will take place Wednesday, June 25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adoption begins at 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday, June 26 and 27, and will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis for registered, approved adopters. To streamline the process, potential adopters are encouraged to apply in advance at wildhorsesonline.blm.gov/HowToGuide or by emailing their application to cpresley@blm.gov before June 25.

“We encourage anyone who loves horses to come out and consider adoption,” said Kayce Faulkner, Facility Manager. “These mustangs are looking for safe, caring homes. They’re tough, smart, full of heart. And they make great partners whether you’re working, riding, or just spending time with them.”

South Steens horses are often recognized for their distinctive coloring and above-average conformation, while Murderer’s Creek horses tend to be bay, black, or brown with a smaller saddle-horse build. The adoption fee is $125. The Oregon Wild Horse Corral Facility is located at 26755 US-20 in Hines.

The Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse and Burro Program protects and manages wild horses and burros on public lands across the western United States. Through gathers, adoption, and partnerships, the program works to maintain healthy herds and healthy rangelands, ensuring these iconic animals continue to thrive for generations to come.

For more information, visit www.blm.gov/or/resources/whb/index.php.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In Fiscal Year 2015, the BLM generated $4.1 billion in receipts from activities occurring on public lands.

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports yesterday, June 12, 2025, at 7:32 p.m., Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a crash at the intersection of Lacomb Drive and Bond Road.  An additional caller stated power lines were on top of the vehicles.

Deputies’ investigation showed Marion Johnson, 69, from Albany was driving a black Chevrolet Tahoe northbound on Bond Road when he approached the stop sign.  Johnson had his wife, Valda Johnson, 67, as a passenger.  When Johnson proceeded through the stop sign his vehicle was struck by a grey 2014 Dodge Ram pickup driven eastbound by Cole Russell Allen, 32, from Lebanon. Cole Russell Allen was the only occupant in the Dodge Ram pickup.  When deputies and fire personnel from the Lebanon Fire Department arrived, they had power disconnected and extricated the Johnson's from the vehicle.

Marion Johnson suffered life-threatening injuries and died at the scene.  Valda Johnson sustained non-life-threatening, but serious injuries and was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis by ambulance.

Deputies interviewed witnesses who reported Allen was driving at a high rate of speed moments before the crash.  Deputies also found through their investigation Allen was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

Allen suffered minor injuries and was taken to jail where he was charged with Manslaughter II, Assault III, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) and Reckless Driving.

The crash caused both power and internet outages in the area.

Linn County Deputies were assisted by the Lebanon Fire Department, the Linn County Road Department and Pacific Power.

Anyone with information on the crash or Allen’s driving of the Dodge Ram pickup yesterday, please contact Detective Scott Tennant at (541) 967-3950.

At approximately 7:32 PM on June 12, Lebanon Fire District was dispatched to a motor vehicle collision in the 39000 block of Lacomb Drive. Upon arrival, crews found two vehicles with significant damage, one of which was on its roof with occupants trapped inside.

Downed power lines were draped across both vehicles, creating a hazardous scene and igniting a small brush fire that was initially inaccessible. Firefighters were unable to begin rescue efforts until power was confirmed to be shut off by utility personnel.

Once the area was deemed safe, crews worked rapidly to simultaneously extricate the victims and suppress the brush fire. One patient was airlifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.

Power was restored to the area around 3:00 AM. 

Zainab Alothman has been located in Multnomah County and is safe.

The Sheriff’s Office is grateful for all the community support. 

Investigators learned that Zainab boarded public transit in Beaverton and has been seen on surveillance cameras in multiple areas across the Portland Metro Area. If encountered in public, she may appear disoriented or lost.

Community members are encouraged to immediately contact law enforcement with information regarding Zainab's whereabouts through non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111. 

Investigators assisting with locating Zainab are releasing updated information. A community member most recently saw Zainab on SW 135th Avenue in Tigard, near SW Scholls Ferry Road, at about 07:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10th.

The included picture is the most recent photo of Zainab, showing the clothing she was wearing when she went missing.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking the community to review home security video if you live near SW 135th Avenue and SW Scholls Ferry Road, looking for Zainab between 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10th, and Wednesday, June 11th.

If you have information regarding the whereabouts of Zainab Alothman, please contact the Sheriff's Office at 503-629-0111. 

Original Media Release: June 10th, 2025

Deputies Ask for Assistance in Locating a Missing Person 

On Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:42 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a missing person near SW 150th Avenue and SW Sophia Lane in Tigard.

The caller reported that 47-year-old Zainab Alothman had not returned from her daily walk. Zainab left her home around 11:00 a.m. wearing a green shirt, a black jacket, gray pants, and black shoes. She is 5'6” tall and weighs approximately 170 lbs with brown eyes and brown hair.

Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate Zainab. She does not carry a cell phone, is not known to ride public transportation, and may appear lost or disoriented.

Deputies are asking anyone with information on Zainab's whereabouts to contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111. If you live in the area, please review any security camera footage for Zainab. 

The Washougal School District is accepting applications to fill a position on the Washougal School Board of Directors. The successful applicant will serve Director District 5, succeeding Chuck Carpenter, who will resign from the board on June 30, 2025. 

Applicants must be a registered voter and reside within District 5. This appointment will be in place through the November 2025 election. 

School Board members are responsible for policy and governance of the Washougal School District and for providing direction to the superintendent.

The application deadline is July 24, 2025. For more information about the position, residency requirements, and application process, please contact Kori Kelly, (360) 954-3014 or i.kelly@washougalsd.org" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">kori.kelly@washougalsd.org. Interested applicants can apply online through the district website. Applicants who are not able to use an online application can request one from Kori Kelly. 

Director District 5 includes areas south of Blair road on both sides of the Washougal River and stretches to the east across Mt. Norway.  Citizens interested in applying can find a map of the board director zones on the district website at www.washougal.k12.wa.us.

Bend Fire & Rescue was called to a brush fire near the Stillwater Crossing apartments on Bend’s southside around 4pm Thursday. Multiple callers indicated the fire was spreading in brush and trees near buildings and homes. Fire crews arrived and were able to quickly stop the fire and keep it to 1/10^th of an acre. Bend Police assisted with traffic control and the investigation during the incident. The fire burned mostly in the pine needle duff below the trees and was just getting into the brush and trees when fire crews arrived. No homes or structures were directly threatened by the fire, the closest being more than 100 feet from the fire.

The fire was determined to on private land just to the north of the apartments off of Romaine Village Dr. Though the fire is considered human caused, a direct cause was not able to be determined. There are no indications incidental or natural causes such as lightning, powerlines, etc. in the area. There were no encampments or similar noted in this area.

We are into High fire danger currently and summer is just starting to heat up. Take some time to review you house again for defensible space and ensure you’re prepared for wildfire. More information can be found at www.bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone

The City of Troutdale, Oregon, has designated four finalists for the position of City Manager: Heidi Bell, Aaron Palmquist, Eric Underwood, and Mike Weston.  

The Troutdale community is invited to participate in facilitated roundtable group conversations with the finalists the evening of Monday, June 23rd from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at Sam Cox Building, Glenn Otto Community Park, 1106 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060.  

Participants are asked to attend for the entire time period to be able to meet with all of the finalists. Please contact Emily Rehder at Jensen Strategies for additional language or accessibility accommodations at emily@jensenstrategies.com.

HEIDI BELL
Heidi Bell most recently served as City Manager for the City of Sheridan, OR. Ms. Bell previously served as City Manager for the City of Donald, OR; City Clerk for the City of Amity, OR; and Planning Clerk for the City of Tualatin. Ms. Bell holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oregon, a Master Certificate of Not-For-Profit Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Linfield College. 

Ms. Bell said of her candidacy, “I’m honored to be a finalist for Troutdale City Manager and look forward to meeting community members at the upcoming reception. I’m excited about the opportunity to support the City Council and staff in advancing their goals and promoting thoughtful economic development that enhances the quality of life in Troutdale.”

AARON PALMQUIST

Aaron Palmquist currently serves as City Manager for the City of Irrigon, OR. He previously served as Operations and Quality Manager with the Central Oregon Health Board; Command Sergeant Major for the US Army Special Operations; Community Manager of Crooked River Ranch in Terrebonne, OR, and Senior Management Analyst for the City of Springfield, OR. Mr. Palmquist has a Master of Business and Public Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Communication from Corban University and has proudly served in the United States Army. 

Mr. Palmquist said of his candidacy, “I am a proactive and creative leader that gets people to yes and where character matters more than image. I look forward to working with the City Council, staff, and consultants providing safety and service to members and visitors of the community.”

ERIC UNDERWOOD

Eric Underwood currently serves as City Manager for the City of Donald, OR. Mr. Underwood has previously served as Local Government Affairs Manager for Portland General Electric; Economic Development Manager for the City of Oregon City, OR; Development Manager for the City of Tualatin, OR, and Economic Development Specialist for the City of Fairview, OR. Mr. Underwood holds a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Tech/Portland State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Radford University, and has proudly served in the United States Navy. 

Mr. Underwood said of his candidacy, “I’m honored to be selected as a finalist for the Troutdale city manager position. It’s a privilege to be considered for this exciting opportunity to serve such a vibrant community and to support its continued growth, transparency, and long-term success.” 

MIKE WESTON

Mike Weston currently serves as City Manager for the City of King City, OR. He previously served as Director of Business Development and operations, and Interim Executive Director for the Port of Astoria; County Planner for Clatsop County, OR; Economic Development Coordinator for Lane County, OR; and he is the CEO and Co-Founder of Frog Consulting LLC. Mr. Weston holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Oregon and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Planning, Public Policy, and Management and proudly served in the United States Navy. 

Mr. Weston said of his candidacy, “I am excited and incredibly honored to be selected as a finalist for the City Manager position. Troutdale is an amazing community with dynamic and inspiring opportunities, and I hope to contribute to its rich history, ongoing growth, and future success."

See the full announcement at troutdaleoregon.gov

UPDATE 4; 6/12/25  3:55 PM

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced the conclusion of a criminal investigation related to the officer involved shooting by two Milwaukie Police Officers of Hunter Newton in September of 2024. Oregon DOJ was asked by Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth to assume all prosecutorial responsibilities arising from the investigation, which was conducted by the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team (MCT). The Milwaukie Police Department learned the grand jury returned a “not true bill,” meaning the grand jury believed criminal charges against the two law enforcement officers were not warranted.

We recognize and respect the decision of the grand jury and defer to the Oregon DOJ’s process regarding contact with the Newton family and subsequent release of body worn camera (BWC) footage.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Hunter Newton and his family, and we recognize the deep and lasting impact this event has had. This incident also has been troubling and difficult for our officers, support staff, city employees and this community. We do not take lightly the impact a significant use of force has on so many.”  -Ryan Burdick, Chief of Police.

This week’s grand jury response means the criminal aspect of this incident has concluded.  As part of the use of force and policy review process, the Milwaukie Police Department will request the grand jury transcript and independent investigator’s reports from the Oregon DOJ to begin an internal administrative review of the incident.Sergeant Sanchez and Officer Akom will remain on administrative leave pending the completion of that internal review.

Link to Oregon DOJ statement and BWC footage: https://www.doj.state.or.us/media-home/news-media-releases/clackamas-county-grand-jury-finds-insufficient-evidence-for-criminal-charges-in-milwaukie-shooting-involving-police/

Clackamas County major crimes team investigating Officer Involved shooting (Updated) | City of Milwaukie Oregon Official Website

UPDATE 3;  10/2/24 4:45 PM
 

On behalf of the Milwaukie Police Department, I want to express our sincere thoughts and prayers to the family of Hunter Newton, who is currently in the vital care of medical staff and surrounded by family and friends.

This fact-finding process is ongoing. The Milwaukie Police Department is fully committed to cooperating with outside agency investigators and the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office. 

As part the Milwaukie Department’s commitment to transparency, we embraced the implementation of Officer’s body-worn cameras several years ago. We believe the moments these cameras preserve are a source of documentation, accountability, and can help bring clarity to critical situations. Milwaukie Officers were wearing body-worn cameras during this incident, and they were activated at the time of the encounter. The Milwaukie Police Department has released all body-worn camera footage to investigators and Clackamas County District Attorney Office for their use and review in this matter.  

As this is an ongoing investigation and to respect the integrity of that process, we will not be sharing further information at this time. The investigation remains active and is being conducted by the Interagency Major Crimes Team and the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office. Body worn camera recordings of this incident will be shared with the community at the earliest permissible time.
 

Ryan Burdick, Chief of Police

Milwaukie Police Department

UPDATE 9/30/24 5:30 AM

During this incident at least one Officer discharged their firearm and a male suspect was struck. The person was taken to a local hospital and their condition is unknown at this time, no Officers were injured and there is no continuing danger to the community. This is an ongoing investigation, further questions about the investigation should be directed to the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office.

https://www.milwaukieoregon.gov/police/clackamas-county-major-crimes-team-investigating-officer-involved-shooting

Milwaukie OR- On 9/30/24 at approximately 12:55 AM, Milwaukie Officers were involved in a traffic investigation at the 11000 block of SE Oak St. During this investigation at least one Officer discharged their firearm. Clackamas County major crimes team and the Clackamas County district attorney's office are processing the scene. Additional Information will be shared as it becomes available.

https://www.milwaukieoregon.gov/police/clackamas-county-major-crimes-team-investigating-officer-involved-shooting

Clark County Fire District 3 is proud to recognize the outstanding actions of American Medical Response (AMR) personnel during the June 10 residential fire in a manufactured home community in southwest Battle Ground. While this incident demanded a coordinated effort between fire and EMS personnel, the actions of AMR crews stood out and merit special acknowledgment.

“Our teams operated in sync across two evolving emergencies,” said Fire Chief Chris Drone. “The window rescue carried out by AMR occurred simultaneously as our crews initiated interior rescue operations. That kind of coordination is what saves lives.”

Key Roles During the Incident:

• While providing care on an unrelated medical call, AMR’s M1620 crew observed a nearby structure fire, contacted dispatch, and rescued a trapped occupant through a window before fire units had transitioned fully to the fire response.
• At the same time, FD3 personnel were coordinating a rapid entry and interior search, ultimately rescuing a second occupant from deeper within the home.
• Additional AMR crews took over care of the original medical patient, allowing FD3 firefighters to focus on fire suppression and search.
• Together, AMR and FD3 team members revived two unresponsive dogs, later coordinating with Northwest Vet ER for continued care.

This was a dynamic and rapidly evolving scene, and all personnel involved performed with skill, speed, and shared purpose. The successful outcome was a direct result of this coordinated response.

Recognized AMR Personnel:

Camille Burgess, Adam Lengvenis, Ruben Kovalenko
Kelly O’Loughlin, Taylor Baines
Spencer Brown, Adrian Nelson
Damin Martin, Ashlynn Staley

We thank our AMR partners for their decisive action and continued commitment to the health and safety of the communities we serve.

OREGON CITY, Ore. – On January 30th, 2025, at about 03:46 AM, the Oregon City Police Department (OCPD) and The Clackamas Fire Department were dispatched to reports of a fire at the former Blue Heron Paper Company site, currently owned by The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, located at 419 Main St. in Oregon City.

Multiple callers reported seeing flames coming from an abandoned building at the site. Clackamas Fire responded and took command of the scene. Police officers from the Gladstone Police Department, Canby Police Department, and deputies with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist OCPD with traffic control, scene management, and searching the area for possible suspects.

Clackamas County Fire Investigators were able to determine the location where the fire was started and turned over the criminal investigation to Oregon City Police Detectives. Police detectives were able to identify several people who were living at the site and located them for interviews. Through the course of their investigation, a suspect was identified and interviewed.

Today, June 12th, OCPD Detectives arrested 21-year-old Christian Gannon Dukes of Oregon City for Arson in the Second Degree based on probable cause. Mr. Dukes is alleged to have started the fire intentionally. He was lodged at the Clackamas County Jail and the case has been sent to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

If you have any additional information, please call the Oregon City Police Tip Line at 503-905-3505 or Clackamas County Dispatch Non-Emergency at 503-823-3333. Please reference OCPD case number 25-002122.

PORTLAND, Ore., June 12, 2025 – Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel is pleased to invite families and children of all ages to the third annual Touch-A-Truck event, which will be held from 9 am to noon on June 21, at Clackamas Community College, located at S.E. Harmony Road in Portland.

This is a hands-on-event where children of all ages will be able to explore trucks and vehicles of all sizes, from fire engines, ambulances, school buses, and more. Meet firefighters, talk to a first responder, and hear from numerus community organizations that will be on hand to provide education and hands-on safety demonstrations for families.

Members of the Randall Children’s Hospital Child Injury Prevention team will be there to help families learn more about water safety, car seats, and boosters at a child passenger safety station. They will also get home safety tips to keep children safe and avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital. Health educators and certified child passenger safety technicians will be available to answer questions and provide parents and caregivers with hands-on demonstrations.

Children can visit the safety stations and enjoy a variety of vehicles on display. Each family will leave with supplies and education to ensure children stay safe.

Details:

Activity: Randall Children’s Hospital Free Touch-A-Truck Event

Date/Time: June 21, 2025, 9 am - noon.

Location: Clackamas Community College – Harmony Campus

Address: 7300 S.E. Harmony Road, Portland, OR 97222

Https://www.clackamas.edu/

Fee: FREE

Phone: (503) 413-4005

About Legacy Health

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

The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) in partnership with Crime Stoppers of Oregon is asking for the public’s help in identifying a person-of-interest in a series of non-injury shootings in North Portland.

The depicted individual is a person of interest in three (3) non-injury shootings around Delta Park.  These shootings are believed to be directed at houseless individuals.  The incidents occurred on Saturday, May 31st at 1:28pm in the 3500 Block of N. Victory Boulevard, Saturday, June 7th at 2:42pm in the 1300 Block of Schmeer Road, and Sunday, June 8th at 1:41pm in the 1600 Block of N. Schmeer Road.  The person-of-interest is described as a white male in his 50’s riding a black electric bike.

If you know who this individual is or have any related information – Crime Stoppers is encouraging the community to provide an anonymous tip.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 for information reported to Crime Stoppers of Oregon that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime, but tipsters must remain anonymous. 

Secure and anonymous tips can be left at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com or you can visit the app store and download P3 tips for smartphones or tablets.

Vancouver, WA – On June 9, the Vancouver City Council adopted a resolution to place a proposed amendment to the City Charter on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot.

If approved by the voters, the amendment would add Section 2.19 to the City Charter to allow election by district for some members of the Vancouver City Council.

As part of the ballot measure process, Washington State law, RCW 29A.32.280 requires cities to seek residents to be appointed to serve on either the Pro or Con committee for each ballot measure. To be eligible for appointment, individuals must reside within the jurisdictional boundaries of Vancouver.

"Residents may wonder why we are appointing committee members seeming so early in the electoral process," said Communications Director Laura Shepard. "This is because we must submit committee member names to the County Elections Office by August 5, followed by statements on August 15. We want to ensure the community has ample time to volunteer for these important roles.”

Once appointed, both committees work independently of the City to prepare a written statement advocating either approval or rejection of the ballot measure to appear in the Clark County Voter’s Pamphlet. Committee members’ names will be included with the statement. The committees will also have an opportunity to prepare and submit a rebuttal in response to the statement prepared by the opposition.

Interested residents can apply for either the Pro or Con Committee by contacting the City Manager’s Office at CMO@cityofvancouver.us by Monday, June 30 at 5 p.m. City staff will present the committee member appointments to the City Council at the July 14 Council Meeting.

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On June 10, 2025, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into a reported sexual assault that occurred in the Nestucca River Recreation Forest, rural Yamhill County. During the investigation, investigators learned that the victim accepted a ride from Cory Ryan Williams after he approached her while she was walking along a rural road near Willamina. An adult female known to Williams was also in the vehicle. Neither Williams nor the other female were known by victim.

The victim was taken to a wooded area in the Nestucca River Recreation Forest where Williams physically and sexually assaulted the victim while away from the other female.

On June 11, 2025, investigators learned that Williams was hiding in a specific area of the Nestucca River Recreation Forest and attempting to leave the area discreetly. Yamhill County detectives requested assistance from the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office. With their help, Williams was located and taken into custody.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the Yamhill County Special Investigations Unit and the Yamhill County Street Crimes and Narcotics Team (SCAN) executed several search warrants. Williams was booked into the Yamhill County Correctional Facility on charges of Rape in the First Degree (ORS 163.375) and Menacing (ORS 163.190).

Detectives are concerned there may be additional victims given the circumstances and what was learned during interviews. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit at (503) 474-6326.

Under Oregon House Bill 3273 Williams’ booking photo is being released to identify additional criminal activity he may have been involved in.

The next regular public meeting of the FVRLibraries Board of trustees will be held on Monday, June 16, 6:00 pm, at Ridgefield Community Library. It will be a hybrid (in-person/online) meeting. Agenda: https://www.fvrl.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/Board%20Agenda_2025_06-16.pdf 

You can view the Meeting materials at: https://www.fvrl.org/board-trustees

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works is seeking applicants for an open volunteer park host position at Moulton Falls Regional Park. Volunteer park hosts live at their assigned park and assist with creating a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors. This 387-acre park is located in Yacolt, at the confluence of the East Fork Lewis River and Big Tree Creek. It features two waterfalls and an iconic arch bridge more than three stories high. The next park host will help care for this park and its visitors.

Volunteer park hosts live at their assigned park and assist with creating a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors. Host duties include (but are not limited to):

• Cleaning park restrooms daily and as needed in response to messes
• Opening park gates by 7 a.m. and closing gates at dusk (one half-hour after sunset) daily
• Notifying park users when the park is closing
• Emptying park garbage cans at least once daily, and as needed
• Picking up litter daily
• Notifying staff of emergencies, urgent maintenance needs or impacts of severe weather
• Helping to identify and respond to safety and security concerns in the park

The park host at Moulton Falls Regional Park must reside in the county-owned residence at the park. Clark County provides basic utilities for the host including electricity, water, sewer and garbage/recycling.

All park host service terms are through Dec. 31. A host may be offered a term for the next calendar year based on results of a performance evaluation performed in the late summer or early fall.

Applicants offered positions must submit to state and federal background checks and fingerprinting, provide a rental history and proof of renter’s insurance. Successful applicants will not be able to move into the park and begin service until all required documents have been submitted, they’ve been cleared through the background check and fingerprinting process, and their agreement has been signed by the county manager. Due to the variable amount of time required for these processes, successful applicants must be prepared to not be able to move into their assigned site for several weeks.

More information about these positions, the volunteer park host program policies, requirements, minimum qualifications, duties, and more can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer#host.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer#volunteer-park-host. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Translated application materials and interpretation services available upon request to Cindy Gonzalez, volunteer program coordinator, at cindy.gonzalez@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.1679.

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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Spokane, Wash. —Bureau of Land Management officials have restricted certain activities on public lands to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires in these Washington counties: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima counties. With summer approaching and temperatures rising, dry and flashy fuels become increasingly susceptible to ignition. Fire restrictions help keep the public and first responders safe.

“Know Before You Go and be prepared before visiting your public lands this summer,” said Lonnie Newton, Fire Management Officer for the BLM Spokane District. “Pack a shovel and fire extinguisher and follow BLM’s fire restriction orders to help prevent fires.”

Visitors can stay up-to-date on fire restrictions by visiting https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions. Click or tap if you trust this link.">BLM Oregon/Washington’s fire restriction webpage. With 85% of wild fires being human caused, everyone has a role to play in protecting their communities and reducing the number of fires.

The public use restrictions go into effect June 13 and include a few small steps to prevent fires:

1. Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and other designated locations.
2. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, including charcoal briquette fire. Exception: Campfires (including charcoal briquette fire) within provided steel rings at certain improved campgrounds will be deemed legal. Contact local BLM Offices for guidance.
3. Operating any type of motorized vehicle off developed roadways. Parking vehicles off roadways must be done in an area barren of flammable materials.
4. Fireworks are prohibited on BLM public lands, along with exploding targets, metal targets, and firing tracer or incendiary devices.

For more information, please contact the BLM Spokane District at 509-536-1200 or LM_OR_SP_Mailbox@blm.gov">BLM_OR_SP_Mailbox@blm.gov.

-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.

June 12, 2025

Media contact: Erica Heartquist,  PHD.Communications@oha.state.or.us

Oregon Psilocybin Services publishes interactive data dashboard

Data show 1,509 clients received services between January and April 2025, with six experiencing behavioral, medical or post-session reactions

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) at Oregon Health Authority has published new data on a just-launched interactive online dashboard based on implementation of new legislation.

The OPS Data Dashboard includes data reported by licensed service centers in accordance with SB 303 (2023), now codified in Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 475A. See ORS 475A.372 and ORS 475A.374.

The dashboard contains multiple datasets that can be accessed on interactive pages related to safety, psilocybin product sales, licensing, compliance and demographic data. Each page includes an overview, a summary of data, methods and limitations, and data tables.

According to new data posted on the dashboard which became available following the passage of SB 303, a total of 1,509 clients received psilocybin services between January and April 2025. During that time, two clients experienced severe adverse behavioral reactions, three experienced adverse medical reactions, and one experienced post-session reactions.

Examples of other new data include client demographics such as the reasons for accessing services, county of residence, age and income level. Also included are the number of clients served, the number and type of administrative violations and the number and severity of adverse reactions.

For the complete list of available data, visit the OPS Data Dashboard.

Background:

The OPS Data Dashboard publishes available data on regulated psilocybin services in Oregon under the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act (ORS 475A). This data will be updated on a quarterly basis.

Senate Bill 303 and Data Collection Information: In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 303 (SB 303) which requires psilocybin service centers to collect and report this data beginning in 2025. In addition, SB 303 requires OPS to publish certain license and compliance data.

OPS Data Privacy and Security Fact Sheet: OPS prioritizes data privacy and security, ensuring accountability with OHA’s data standards before publishing on the OPS Data Dashboard.

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June 12, 2025

Media Contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA shares summer resources list for LGBTQIA2S+ youth

As school year ends, agency reaffirms support for queer young people

PORTLAND, Ore. — As the 2024-2025 school year wraps up statewide this week, Oregon Health Authority is sharing resources to promote well-being, safety, security and inclusion among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, questioning and (+) (LGBTQIA2S+) youth.

“We’ve shared this list of resources the last few years because young people in our state need to have access to resources that help them celebrate the diversity of their identities all year long, not just during the school year,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA.

Summer months can be a challenging time for queer youth and their families as many supports they have access to during the school year are no longer available. Since 2022, OHA has helped celebrate gender and sexual orientation diversity by highlighting resources available to LGBTQIA2S+ youth during summer.

June also happens to be Pride Month, Sidelinger noted, when OHA and its public health partners show support for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, families and organizations.

Communities, families and trusted adults play a critical role in supporting their LGBTQIA2S+ children’s well-being. When families promote self-esteem, overall health and strong, affirming relationships, they protect LGBTQIA2S+ young people against potential suicidal behavior, depression and substance use.

Many local, state and national resources are available for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and families to help them thrive all summer, and all year:

• The Oregon Youth Resource Map is designed to help young people ages 16-25 and their allies connect to youth-serving resources, organizations and leadership opportunities. The map centers youth needs and voices, and includes services for health and mental health care, housing, education and more.
• TransActive Gender Project at Lewis & Clark Graduate School works to empower transgender and gender-expansive children, youth and their families in living healthy lives free of discrimination through a range of services and expertise.
• PFLAG (formerly Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) offers quick tips to parents and caregivers for supporting their LGBTQIA2S+ children during the coming-out process. PFLAG also has eight chapters in Oregon, including in Eastern, Southern and Central Oregon and the Portland metro area.
• The Family Acceptance Project works to increase family and community support for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, decrease health and mental health risks, and promote well-being. An Oregon page also is available.
• The Trevor Project promotes suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ young people. Public education materials are available on its website, and it recently published the results of its 2023 National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People.
• Outside In (Portland) welcomes and encourages all from the LGBTQIA2S+ community to connect, feel seen and heard, and provides free resources such as counseling, medical services and wraparound support for homeless youth and other people that have been marginalized who meet diagnostic criteria. Call 503-535-3828.
• New Avenues for Youth’s Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center in downtown Portland provides culturally specific support for LGBTQIA2S+ youth. Also, its Youth Opportunity Center is open 24/7 for youth ages 9-17 in crisis or who need a safe place to stay. Drop-in hours are Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for youth ages 9-24. Call 971-754-4350.
• The Next Door provides youth outreach in schools, life skills training and mentoring programs such as Gorge Youth Mentoring. It supports a youth advisory council, gender-affirming locker rooms and, in partnership with Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance, promotes 30 Days of Gay events as part of Pride Month in June.
• Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living (EOCIL) provides safe spaces, community building and empowerment for two-spirit and LGBTQIA+ populations, including people with and without disabilities, and allies in 13 Eastern Oregon counties. As one of the largest and oldest two-spirit and LGBTQIA+ service providers and employers in Eastern Oregon, EOCIL proudly serves the two-spirit and LGBTQIA+ communities of Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler counties.

OHA works with other state agencies, counties, Tribal nations, communities and advocacy groups across the state to ensure youth in Oregon have access to support and services, including offering links and contact information to help lines and other resources:

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, is for people in any type of behavioral health crisis, such as mental health-related distress, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or substance use crisis. People can get help by calling 988, texting 988 or chatting online at 988lifeline.org.
• 988 offers specialized support for LGBTQIA2S+ youth under age 25 by calling 988 and pressing 3 or texting “Q” to 988.
• Oregon Alliance to Prevent Suicide is dedicated to preventing youth and young adults in Oregon from dying by suicide. Call 503-399-7201 for more information (not a crisis hotline).
• Oregon LGBTQ Support, from Oregon LGBTQ Youth & Family Resources, lists resources that focus on providing services and support to reduce mental health risks and promote well-being for LGBTQ young people.
• The YouthLine offers peer-to-peer help, support and crisis intervention for youth ages 10-24. Phone, text, and chat support are available where trained youth respond from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific Time, every day of the year (Adults are available by phone at all other times).  
  • Call: 877-968-8491
  • Text: teen2teen to 839863
  • Chat: theyouthline.org 

The new hire will offer guidance and support to local media covering the fair 

[Salem, OR]  – The Oregon State Fair is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Hasenstab as spokesperson and media contact for the event. Hasenstab brings six years of experience in broadcast journalism and two years in government communications to the team.

Hasenstab will be the fair's on-air personality, representing the fair during local radio and television spots. She will also act as liaison between the fair and local media; organizing interviews, setting up live shots and assisting reporters with finding stories and navigating the fair. 

"I'm excited to represent the Oregon State Fair during its 160th year and share details about the amazing entertainment, food and community it offers," Hasenstab said. 

Fair links:

Newsletter: (latest news and contests)  https://oregonstatefair.org/newsletter

Tickets: (Fair/Carnival/Concerts/Fast Pass/Parking) oregonstatefair.org/tickets

About the Oregon State Fair:

The Oregon State Fair is a public/private entity owned by the people of Oregon. The Fair began in 1861 in Oregon City. In 1862, the Fair moved to the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem, the State Capitol. The Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center hosts thousands of visitors from all over the world each year, with premier concerts, art, culture, rides, agricultural exhibits, and livestock exhibits. Throughout the year, the Fair and Expo Center works with multiple agencies to help facilitate emergency and disaster response needs. For more information, visit oregonstatefair.org or contact us at info@oregonstatefair.org.

MEDIA ADVISORY
June 12, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sam Tenney, Communications Coordinator

Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
sam.tenney@dpsst.oregon.gov
503-931-4069

Oregon Fire Fighters Memorial Ceremony to honor fallen fire service members

The annual Oregon Fire Fighters Memorial Ceremony, which honors the state’s fire service members who have died in the line of duty, will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. 

During an engraving ceremony held June 11, an honor guard stood watch as the names of three fallen firefighters were added to the memorial: Division Chief Nicholas A. Berg of the Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District, Firefighter Benjamin Charles Sapper of the United States Forest Service, and Retired Captain Larry Damon Dean of the Salem Fire Department.

Division Chief Berg, Firefighter Sapper, and Captain Dean will be honored along with 179 previously fallen fire service members during the ceremony at the academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Highway SE.

The ceremony is a significant event that the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) hosts annually in partnership with the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard. For more information on the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial, please visit DPSST’s Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial website at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/Memorials/Firefighters/Pages/default.aspx.

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About DPSST
 

The mission of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is to pursue excellence in training and accountability for public safety professionals.

DPSST certifies and licenses police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, as well as regulatory specialists, emergency telecommunicators and medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, fire service professionals, and polygraph examiners in the state of Oregon.  DPSST works with public and private safety agencies around the state to provide basic, leadership and specialized training at the 237-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

SUMMER BOATING AND WATER SAFETY

With nicer weather and summer vacations in full swing, many people are taking advantage of Oregon’s beautiful waterways. On a hot day, swimming and boating can be refreshing, but there are risks you should be aware of.

Be aware of water temperatures.

Cold water can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, changes in breathing, and can increase the risk of drowning. Water shock can happen within the first minute of exposure, leading to loss of muscle control and possibly hypothermia. Wearing a lifejacket may create extra time for help to arrive. See more information about the risks of cold-water hazards and resources on the National Weather Service page: www.weather.gov/safety/coldwater

Wear a life jacket.

Assign and fit each member of your onboard team with a life jacket before departure. Regulations vary by state, but children under 16 and all watersports riders should wear a life jacket on the water. Discover Boating has great guidelines for choosing the right flotation device: www.discoverboating.com/ownership/safety/life-jackets

Develop a float plan.

Whether you inform a family member or staff at your local marina, let someone else know where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone. A float plan can include the following information:

1. Name, address, and phone number of the trip leader and passengers
2. Boat type and registration information
3. Trip itinerary
4. Types of communication and signal equipment onboard, such as an Emergency Position
5. Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

Take a boating safety course.
New boaters and experts alike need to be familiar with boating rules. Boating safety courses are inexpensive, offered locally, and often completed in a day, in-person or online.

Get a free vessel safety check.
The Lincoln Sheriff’s Office Marine Team and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of specific safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. Free of charge, they also offer virtual vessel exams. Contact a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy to complete your boat inspection.

Follow a pre-departure checklist.
Utilizing a pre-departure checklist is a helpful way to check the boat and ensure the proper gear is onboard.

Be weather-wise.
Always check local, route, and destination weather and water conditions before departure and ensure it is safe to go out. When in doubt, reschedule your boating, floating, or water fun.

Never drink and drive a boat.
Operating a boat while intoxicated is illegal. Nearly half of all boating accidents involve alcohol. Designate a sober skipper before leaving the dock.

Be aware of carbon monoxide.
Maintain fresh air circulation throughout the boat. Educate all passengers about the symptoms of CO poisoning and where CO may accumulate.

Stay clear of the engine.
Drivers should always wear the boat’s engine cut-off switch lanyard. Keep watch around the propeller area when people are in the water. Never allow passengers to board or exit your boat from the water when engines are on or idling. Take extra precautions near boats towing skiers or tubers.

Never jump from a moving boat.

Passengers should never participate in boat jumping. Instead, wait to exit the boat once the captain has announced that the boat’s engine is off, and the boat is at a standstill. Jumping from a moving boat is extremely dangerous and can result in severe injury or death.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Marine Team can answer questions and offers free vessel safety checks. Have a safe boating season.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

Happy Valley’s Dumpster Day is back! This community event gives residents a chance to get rid of unwanted household items in a safe and responsible way—while also helping the environment and supporting community members in need.

This year’s Dumpster Day focuses on sustainability and smart recycling. With a variety of designated drop-off stations, residents will have the opportunity to learn how to properly dispose of common household items—ensuring materials are recycled rather than ending up in the landfill. Our community partner Metro will be on hand to safely collect items like household batteries, light bulbs, and sharps as well as Les Schwab will also be on-site to collect old tires, making it easy to dispose of them. Be sure to bring any sensitive paperwork for on-site document shredding—a free service that helps you protect your personal information and reduce the risk of identity theft.  Residents will also be able to swing by our public works department and drop off yard debris FREE of charge too. 

Residents are also encouraged to bring donations for Goodwill, who will be on site collecting gently used clothing, household items, and more. These donations help local families who may not be able to afford everyday essentials.

A new addition to Dumpster Day this year is a partnership with Reborn Bikes, a nonprofit that collects and repairs used bicycles. The bikes are then given to people in need, helping them get to school or work. If you have an old bike, you no longer use, this is a great chance to pass it along to someone who will.

Please note: This event is open to Happy Valley residents only. Proof of residency may be requested at the entrance.

This event is taking place on Saturday June 14^th from 8am-Noon at Happy Valley Park (13770 SE Ridgecrest Rd. Happy Valley, Or). Visit hv.city/dumpster-day for all the details.

The Portland Water Bureau continues to deliver clean and safe drinking water that meets or surpasses drinking water standards to nearly a million customers, according to our annual water quality report. And here’s how we know: We conduct more than 11,000 tests per year to track more than 200 potential contaminants. Tests are conducted throughout the system, all the way from the source to people’s taps.

Every year, the Portland Water Bureau issues the Drinking Water Quality Report to explain what’s in your water and what we do to keep it safe and flowing to your tap.

"We have some of the best drinking water in the world,” said Interim Portland Water Bureau Director Quisha Light. “And that’s thanks to decades of careful planning and ongoing investment in projects designed to keep our water safe and accessible.”

Read the online report to:

• Learn about your drinking water and our work to keep it safe
• Get answers to common drinking water quality questions
• Find updates on treatment improvements to your drinking water

How to read the report

As early as Wednesday, June 11, Portlanders will receive a flyer in the mail with an easy-to-scan QR code and web address that will take them to the full Portland Water Bureau 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report on the City of Portland website.

The report is accessible for people who use screen readers and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese. You can request a paper copy online or by phone at 503-823-9444. To request translations in additional languages or accommodations for people with disabilities, call 503-823-7525 (Relay: 711). Interpretation services available.

Public health is our top priority.

Portland’s drinking water is tested and safe, every step of the way. This starts with our two high-quality sources, which are the two largest drinking water sources in the state: the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field. Water Bureau staff test water from many locations around our water system, including our water sources, our treatment facilities, and around town.

This report includes test results for all known health-related contaminants detected in 2024. If a known health-related contaminant is not listed in this report, it was not detected in our drinking water. We are proud to share that we tested for 29 types of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in 2024 and did not detect PFAS in our drinking water.

The report also makes it easy for you to get updates on our excellent water sources, wise water system investments, and your drinking water.

Questions? Email WaterLine@portlandoregon.gov">WBWaterLine@portlandoregon.gov.

Investing to maintain reliable service

We are investing in system resilience, in part by bringing a new Bull Run Treatment filtration facility online. We achieved an important project milestone and started construction of the new water filtration facility and pipelines last year. A project this size takes multiple years to build, and keeping our momentum through construction is critical to having these water system improvements in place by September 2027.

“We continue to replace aging pipes, pumps, and valves to keep delivering reliable, safe drinking water,” said Light. “We are also committed to evolving our operations to respond to climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.”

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2025

Oregon’s Preschool Promise Program Celebrates Five Years of Statewide Impact, Serving More Than 5,200 Children This Year

Launched in 2016 as a small, regional pilot, the program expanded in 2020 statewide and now serves more than 5,200 children across all 36 counties

SALEM, OR — The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) marked a major milestone in its commitment to Oregon’s youngest learners: five years of statewide implementation of Preschool Promise, on of Oregon’s free, state-funded preschool program. DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee welcomed families, providers, and partners to celebrate the program’s growth and impact across Oregon’s communities at a Preschool Promise event hosted at North Salem High School’s Early Learning Center.

“We are proud to celebrate five years of keeping our bold promise to Oregon’s children and families,” said Chatterjee. “Preschool Promise has grown from a small pilot into a transformative statewide program rooted in equity, family choice, and community partnership.”

Preschool Promise serves Oregon’s three- and four-year-olds from families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Since launching statewide in 2020, the program has expanded to serve more than 5,200 children annually at nearly 330 locations across all 36 Oregon counties. Of the slots awarded by the Oregon Legislature, 96% of slots were filled in the 2024-2025 school year, a figure that has grown steadily since the program expanded statewide. 

Built on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive—regardless of income or zip code—Preschool Promise offers families a choice of home-based, center-based, school-based, and culturally specific early learning settings that reflect their values, language, and culture.

Preschool Promise is also strengthening Oregon’s early learning workforce by supporting competitive pay with kindergarten teachers and promoting the professionalization of the workforce. Many providers are women, people of color and emerging small businesses. A recent shift to awarding grants directly from the state helps providers thrive and build quality, sustainable programs. 

Families remain at the heart of Preschool Promise, which prioritizes family choice, inclusive practices, nutritious meals, high-quality curriculum, and dual-language instruction that honors families’ home languages.

“Each day, we get to spend quality time with children–most of whom may not have had access to preschool prior to Preschool Promise,” said Stephanie Whetzel, Director of Early Learning Programs, Salem-Keizer Public Schools. “We see the benefits and hear that our students we teach are more prepared for kindergarten.”

Preschool Promise’s success is powered by strong partnerships with 16 regional Early Learning Hubs across and 220 grantees statewide. The agency now uses local data to assign slots where they are most needed. As part of the agency’s commitment to transparency, the agency launched a public dashboard last year, and continues to make ongoing investments in provider tools and systems to improve efficiency and quality.

State leaders shared that Preschool Promise has evolved into a cornerstone of Oregon’s vision for a more just and equitable education system. The agency, which became a standalone agency in 2023, remains committed to improving access, supporting providers, and ensuring that every child in Oregon has the opportunity to succeed. Learn more at oregon.gov/delc.

For Media Purposes Only: Access photos from the graduation ceremony here.

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About Preschool Promise
Preschool Promise is Oregon’s free, state-funded preschool program serving three- and four-year-old children from families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Through a mixed delivery model, Preschool Promise offers families a choice of high-quality early learning settings statewide. Learn more at oregon.gov/delc. 

Test Press Release with Changes - PLEASE IGNORE

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

To view the Applicant Review Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve May 21, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Robert Gibney, DPSST No. 66390; Polk County Sheriff's Office

    Presented by Cindy Park

4. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – July 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

UPDATE:  Juvenile has been located and is safe.

The Tualatin Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in locating 14 year old Taylor Leyba.  Taylor was last seen riding a pink Nishiki brand mountain bike on June 11 at about 6:30 PM in the area of Byrom Elementary School located at 21800 SW 91^st Avenue in Tualatin.  Taylor is described as a white female standing at approximately 5 fee 3 inches tall, weighing approximately 100 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes.  She was last seen wearing a black short sleeved T-shirt, black jeans and a pink watch.

If anyone has information regarding the whereabouts of Taylor, please contact the Tualatin Police Department at 503-629-0111.

(photos of subject and bicycle attached)

The Red Cross has opened a shelter at The Dalles Middle School 1100 East 12th Street, The Dalles, Oregon. If you are affected by the wildfires burning in The Gorge, please come to the shelter. Pets are allowed and volunteers are in place to help.

Livestock and horses are to go to the Wasco County Fairgrounds at 81849 Fairgrounds Rd, Tygh Valley, OR.

For updated information, call 1-800-RedCross or download the free Red Cross Emergency App.

Thanks,
Rebecca

• Don’t miss the free 4^th of July Spectacular fireworks display at the fairgrounds.
• Celebrating at home? Follow these safety rules to avoid related injury and fire damage

Salem, Ore. – Summer temperatures, dry conditions and risk of injury make it important to use fireworks safely.  This July, enjoy a free 4^th of July Spectacular fireworks display at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center.

In Salem, we depend on the community to use fireworks responsibly and legally. Especially on the 4^th of July, fireworks complaints can overwhelm emergency call centers and stretch the limits of emergency responders. We need your help keeping emergency responders available for urgent life-saving needs in our community. 

To report Illegal fireworks at specific addresses, please call the Salem Fire Department’s non-emergency number at 503-588-6111 ext. 1.

As we near the 4^th of July festivities and celebrations, we ask you to limit fireworks-related 9-1-1 calls only to:

• Injuries
• Fires

Looking for a spectacular display? Visit the fairgrounds

The 4^th of July Spectacular at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center offers a free fireworks display. Gates open at 4 p.m., offering plenty of time for family fun before the fireworks begin at 10 p.m. You can buy fair food like corn dogs and cotton candy and enjoy rides on more than a dozen attractions provided by Rainier Amusement.

Tickets are also available for a Lil Jon concert with the Ying Yang Twins at the L.B. Day Amphitheater. General parking costs $10 per car, and VIP parking costs $20 per car.

The City of Salem funds the free fireworks show through a grant from Transient Occupancy Taxes. These taxes come from hotel and short-term lodging rentals.

Celebrating at home? Stay safe with these tips

Each year, Salem Fire responds to many fireworks-related incidents. Some cause significant damage to vehicles and buildings. More concerning are fireworks-related injuries. Children and teens are most likely to suffer a fireworks-related injury. Here are some tips to avoid injury or other damage:

• Use only legal fireworks purchased at licensed fireworks sellers between June 23 and July 6.
• Store fireworks out of children’s reach.
• Keep pets indoors so they won’t run away if frightened.
• Read and follow directions on the firework’s label.
• Allow only adults to light fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
• Don’t throw fireworks or hold them in your hand.
• Keep a garden hose and bucket of water nearby to quench used fireworks.
• Don’t pour this water into the street; it can carry fireworks debris untreated into local streams.

And please remember, fireworks are not allowed in city and state parks.

# # #

June 11^th, 2025

UPDATE:  GRINCH STEALS VEHICLE AND PROWLS SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES ON CHRISTMAS MORNING – ARREST MADE BY DETECTIVES.

Follow up investigation on this case was completed by the Camas Police Investigations Unit, who identified 23-year-old Jorge Reyes Ayala as the individual responsible for multiple thefts that occurred in the City of Camas on Christmas Day morning (12-25-24). On 6-11-25 detectives contacted Reyes Ayala at the Clark County Corrections Center and charged him with Auto Theft, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, nine counts of Vehicle Prowl in the 2^nd Degree, and Theft in the 3^rd Degree.

Original Post December 26^th, 2024

GRINCH STEALS VEHICLE AND PROWLS SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES ON CHRISTMAS MORNING - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CORRECTED LICENSE PLATE

On December 25, 2024, several vehicles were prowled, and a vehicle was stolen from the Woodburn Neighborhood. The crimes occurred between 8:30-9:30 in the morning when many families were celebrating the holiday and children were enjoying the presents Santa had delivered in the night.

A dark gray Mazda CX3 with Washington license plate BSD5166 was stolen by the suspect, then used to drive around the neighborhood to prowl other vehicles. The suspect stole a variety of items from seven vehicles including garage door openers, a gift card, cash, and a cell phone.

The suspect was wearing a dark colored beanie, black hooded sweatshirt with white stripes on the shoulders and arms, light gray pants, and bright orange or red shoes with black laces.

Help us catch this grinch! If anyone sees the stolen vehicle and it is occupied, call 9-1-1. If anyone sees the vehicles and it is not occupied, call the non-emergency dispatch number at 3-1-1. If anyone has tips or information about the identity of the involved suspect, email Officer Tim Fellows at tfellows@cityofcamas.us

Please remember to remove items from vehicles, secure vehicles by locking them and removing keys, and reporting any activity where it appears as if unfamiliar individuals are trying to access vehicles.

PRESS RELEASE                            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 11, 2025

Portland, OR- A Multnomah County jury today convicted 35-year-old Michael Anthony Mazzi of forcing his way into the home of a couple aged 76 and 85 years old. 

The jury convicted Mazzi of four counts of Burglary in the First Degree, Coercion, Menacing and Criminal Mischief

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Branden Meadows prosecuted the case for the state. After the conviction he said: “A home is where people deserve to feel the safest, and Mr. Mazzi violated that sanctity for the victims. The impact of this man’s crime is still being felt today by the victims. His actions earned him a significant prison sentence and the state will be requesting that.  Justice was served  with his conviction, and I hope the victims can finally begin to heal from this traumatic event.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Portland Police SERT team, and specifically Officer Andrew Feist, Officer Joshua Faris, and Officer Sara Gibbons for their thorough work on this case.

The DA’s Office would also like to highlight the work of MCDA Victim’s Advocate Allison Miller for the care and compassion they offered the victims in the case.

THE FACTS:

On March 13, 2023, the two victims were at their house on NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, when they observed a man taking their ladder.

Initially, they thought it was their gardener, but soon saw that it was the Defendant, Michael Mazzi. He began yelling at the couple to leave their house. Eventually, Mazzi

forced his way into their home, followed by his girlfriend and their dog. While inside, the male victim called 911, and Mazzi can be heard on the call screaming at them to “leave,” while also saying some nonsensical things, such as “I know who, I know

what, I know when.” Mazzi claimed the place was his house while he was inside. The female victim tried to grab her phone before she left, but Mazzi snatched it out of her hands. Mazzi then forced the couple out into the freezing rain. 

Police arrived but Mazzi refused to leave the home. Eventually SERT arrived and had to blow open the door to get inside and get Mazzi out.

In his defense, Mazzi testified that he accidentally took bath salts instead of methamphetamine.

The jury deliberated for 30 minutes and convicted him on all counts.

Sentencing will be held August 15, 2025.

Mazzi faces up to 10 years in prison.

June 11, 2025

Portland, OR- Multnomah County Circuit Judge Christopher Marshall today sentenced Darian McWoods to ten years of prison pursuant to a plea deal that resolved a child homicide investigation that started in December of 2013. 

Prosecution in this case first began in December 2016, when Mr. McWoods was indicted on charges related to the death of his daughter, Kamaya Flores, who was fifteen months old at the time. The charges included two counts of murder by abuse, three counts of manslaughter in the first degree, and one count each of criminally negligent homicide, criminal mistreatment in the first degree, and tampering with a witness. 

The child died on December 17, 2013, while in the care of her father, Mr. McWoods. An autopsy was performed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, which determined that her death was caused by methadone toxicity. A trace amount of methamphetamine was also detected in the child's blood. The autopsy revealed physical findings as well, including unilateral broken ribs with a laceration of the liver, facial bruising, and facial petechial hemorrhages. 

Mr. McWoods was first tried in this case in 2018, where the state’s expert witnesses testified that his daughter’s’ physical injuries were consistent with inflicted child abuse and compression asphyxia. Mr. McWoods was convicted of all charges on June 5, 2018. The jury was unanimous in convicting Mr. McWoods on all of the homicide allegations and charges associated with Kamaya’s injuries. On July 13, 2022, the Court of Appeals reversed the convictions and remanded the entire case back to the Multnomah County Circuit Court for retrial. 

On May 28, 2025, Mr. McWoods pled guilty to one count each of Manslaughter in the First Degree and Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree. As to the manslaughter charge, Mr. McWoods admitted that he recklessly, by neglect or maltreatment, caused the death of Flores, who was a child under the age of 14. As to the criminal mistreatment charge, Mr. McWoods admitted that he had assumed the care, custody and responsibility for Flores on December 17, 2013, and on that date intentionally and knowingly withheld necessary and adequate physical care and medical attention from Flores. 

The original prosecutors on the case were Multnomah County Chief Deputy District Attorney Amanda Nadell and former Senior Multnomah County DDA Amity Girt. Multnomah County Senior DDA Charles Mickley, alongside Ms. Nadell, has been on the case since it was remanded back for a new trial. DDA Jesse Hoffman also assisted with the prosecution following the remand. 

After the sentencing, Chief DDA Nadell said: “In her short life, Kamaya brought so much light and love to her family. Since her death, her family has remained steadfast in their commitment to ensuring justice was brought for Kamaya. I am grateful that Mr. McWoods took accountability for his role in Kamaya’s death, by pleading guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree and Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree. I hope that the finality of this resolution will provide closure to the victim’s family.” 

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank current Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office investigator Nathan Tobey for his excellent work on this case. He was a Portland Police detective assigned to the Child Abuse Team when the crime was committed back in 2013. He also worked on the case as a DA investigator after it was remanded.

            ###MCDA###

OREGON CITY – Clackamas Community College is hosting NW Cyber Camp, a unique opportunity for high school students entering grades 9-12 to explore the exciting world of cybersecurity – for free. The week-long camp does not require any prerequisites – just a curiosity about computers and a desire to protect them.

Camp curriculum is designed for students of all skill levels. Instruction includes core concepts in cybersecurity fundamentals, as well as more advanced topics for students with prior experience.

What will they learn?

• Essential cybersecurity concepts: confidentiality, integrity and availability (C-I-A)
• How to defend against real-world attacks through team simulations and hands-on activities
• Network security, forensics analysis and password cracking
• Career paths in cybersecurity from industry professionals

NW Cyber Camp runs July 14-17, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the Streeter Hall Annex on the Oregon City campus, 19600 Molalla Ave. Lunch and snacks provided. Registration closes Friday, July 11, and requires a completed application, teacher letter of recommendation and completed waivers. For more information and registration details, visit https://nwcybercamp.org/.

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OREGON CITY - Clackamas Community College President Dr. Tim Cook is lacing up his running shoes and setting out on a journey — running 1,500 miles across Oregon, connecting all 17 of the state’s community colleges. 

An avid marathoner, his goal is to run to each community college, averaging 32 miles per day. The campaign, Running for Oregon Community College Students (ROCCS) aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by students and advocate for increased state funding to support their basic needs.

At Clackamas Community College, 38% of students reported food insecurity in a survey this spring. They also shared challenges with affording child care and transportation. At the state level, a survey from The Hope Center reported:

• Food insecurity: Approximately 41% of students reported experiencing food insecurity.

• Housing insecurity: About 52% of students faced housing insecurity, which includes difficulties such as affording rent, utilities or the need to move frequently.

• Homelessness: Nearly 20% of students experienced homelessness, indicating a lack of stable and safe housing.

On Monday, June 16, Cook will start his run at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Ore. From there he will work his way across eastern and central Oregon, then south to Klamath Falls, up the Willamette Valley, over to the coast up to Astoria, down through the Portland metro area and finishing in Hood River where he plans to end his run with a jump in the Columbia River.

“Some have questioned why I’m doing this run and why I would subject myself to this, but our students deserve to be able to afford college and be able to pay for rent, child care, groceries and transportation,” Cook said. “If this run helps raise awareness and funding for basic needs, it will be worth every blister.”

Oregon's community colleges serve approximately 200,000 students, accounting for 52% of all public and private higher education enrollments in the state. The funds raised during the ROCCS campaign will be distributed to each community college, directly supporting students' essential needs. To donate or learn more about the run, visit run4orccstudents.org. 

ROCCS is supported by Rivermark Credit Union, Johnson RV, Daimler Truck North America, The Ford Family Foundation, Jim Laden and Rep. Rob Nosse, and the CCC Foundation.

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Salem, Ore. – Movies in the Park are returning to select Fridays at Riverfront Park’s Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater in July and August 2025! Here’s this year’s lineup of family-friendly movies:

• July 11, sunset (about 9 p.m.), Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, PG-13, 2 hours
• July 25, sunset (about 8:45 p.m.), Inside Out 2, PG, 1 hour 36 minutes
• Aug. 8, sunset (about 8:30 p.m.), The Wild Robot, PG, 1 hour 42 minutes
• Aug. 29, sunset (about 8 p.m.), Wicked, PG, 2 hours 40 minutes

Bring a blanket or low-back chair. Alcohol and smoking/vaping are not allowed.
 

Donations are collected at the amphitheater entrance for each show or donate any time through PayPal.
 

Details: https://salemor.gov/freemovies

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Finance Committee will meet at 2:45 p.m. on June 12, 2025. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/87600752806?pwd=ejjdPCt7Ob6k5ydFiFRep2ATg5pZ5L.1
Passcode:642725

Evergreen Virtual Academy - 06/12/2025

EVERGREEN VIRTUAL ACADEMY NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS June 12, 2025, 6:30PM Evergreen Virtual Academy Board Members are Hereby notified that a Session of the Board will be held via Zoom Webinar at https://evergreenvirtual-org.zoom.us/j/86346138790
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592

Battle Ground, WA — On the evening of June 10, Clark County Fire District 3 firefighters executed a remarkable rescue during a residential fire in a manufactured home community in southwest Battle Ground—while simultaneously responding to a separate medical emergency just across the street.

Crews were inside a nearby home providing care to a patient when they heard frantic cries for help. Looking outside, they saw smoke and flames coming from a neighboring residence, with an elderly man leaning from a bedroom window calling for assistance.

Without hesitation, the team divided their resources. Some remained with the medical patient, while others transitioned immediately into rescue operations.

Following the nationally recognized “two-in, one-out” safety protocol, firefighters entered the smoke-filled structure and quickly discovered a second occupant—an elderly woman—still trapped inside. Despite intense fire conditions and limited visibility, crews successfully removed both residents and transferred them to AMR teams for emergency medical care. AMR personnel were instrumental in assisting with both the rescue and immediate treatment of the victims.

In total, three individuals were transported to local hospitals:

- Patient 1 (from the original medical call): injuries unrelated to the fire
- Patient 2: treated for smoke inhalation
- Patient 3: treated for smoke inhalation and second- to third-degree burns

Firefighters also rescued two dogs from the structure and successfully revived both once brought outside.

Thanks to the rapid and coordinated response, the fire was knocked down quickly and contained primarily to a single room. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and Fire District 3 continues to monitor the conditions of all patients.

“The outcome last night could have been very different,” said Fire Chief Chris Drone. “Because of the resources made possible by our community’s support, lives—and pets—were saved.”

This life-saving operation underscores the critical importance of our three-person engine staffing—a standard we will soon be able to maintain consistently thanks to the voter-approved levy lid lift passed last year. Under Washington State law, interior rescue operations are prohibited unless at least three firefighters are on scene—two to enter and one to remain outside. Without that staffing level, this rescue would not have been officially allowed.

Clark County Fire District 3 extends its deep appreciation to:

- AMR for their vital assistance in patient care, rescue support, and hospital transport
- Battle Ground Police Department for securing the scene, managing traffic and bystanders, and assisting with evacuations to protect both civilians and firefighters

We are profoundly grateful to the residents of our community. Your investment in public safety continues to make a real and measurable difference.

On Friday, June 6, 2025, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a focused mission to address livability concerns in Aloha. Deputies concentrated their efforts at locations known to have frequent illegal drug activity and at homes suspected of selling drugs.

Deputies contacted multiple individuals during the mission, resulting in arrests and leading to the application of a search warrant for one of the locations. Deputies served the search warrant in the 3000 block of SW 185th Avenue, resulting in the seizure of additional illegal drugs and the identification of a child with potential drug exposure. The child was taken to an area hospital for evaluation.

The following individuals were arrested during the mission:

• Nicholas Wright, 46, of Beaverton
• Miguel Arizmednez, 54, of Beaverton
• Aaron Kinsey, 34, of Portland
• Zachary Morris, 32, of Portland
• Abdikadir Hussein, 27, of Portland
• Joey Agpalza, 46, of Beaverton
• Pierre Elliott Jr., 33, of Beaverton
• Brandie Holman, 44, of Beaverton

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Beaverton and Hillsboro Police Departments for their assistance in the investigation.

Community members are encouraged to report suspicious behavior to the Sheriff’s Office through non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111. 

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

Amani, age 3, is a child who went missing from Beaverton on June 6. She was found June 11.

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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 11, 2025

BEND, OR — From sawmill demonstrations to raptors in flight to desert dwellers and more, celebrate the end of the school year this weekend at the High Desert Museum. This Sunday, June 15, the Museum welcomes dads and those who serve as dads to visit the Museum for free on Father’s Day.

The summer fun extends beyond Sunday, though. On Saturday, June 14, visitors can experience the Lazinka Sawmill in action. This special event happens only three times a year and is not to be missed. Museum staff wear period dress as they bring the sawmill to life and chat with visitors about the mechanics and history of the timber industry in Oregon.

The authentic sawmill was used at the turn of the 20^th century to process wood with an enormous blade for slicing through thick Oregon timber. Originally powered by steam, the sawmill now runs on electricity. The machine itself inhabits an entire building at the High Desert Ranch. The ground rumbles, the saw buzzes and the sawdust dances through the air during this one-of-a-kind experience.

Free with admission, the demonstration begins at 12:00 pm and ends at 3:00 pm. Additional demonstration dates are July 29 and August 28. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/lazinka-sawmill.

In and around the High Desert Ranch, visitors can meet Museum staff and volunteers in period dress, as the ranch is now inhabited daily through the summer from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Learn about life in the High Desert in the 1800s and 1900s when Bend was little more than a few families scattered along the Deschutes River. Explore a cabin, barn, corral, bunkhouse, cellar and more. Visitors may even see a few chickens and turkeys roaming the ranch. Learn more about the High Desert Ranch at highdesertmuseum.org/1904-high-desert-ranch.

The Museum’s daily summer programming is in full swing, too. Visitors can meet Brook, Pitch and Wesley during the Otter Encounter or meet a porcupine or beaver during the Desert Dwellers talk. The popular Wolves in the West talk delves into the history, biology and ecology of this apex predator. All talk details can be found at highdesertmuseum.org/daily-schedule.

A highlight of the summer schedule is the popular Raptors of the Desert Sky program, which takes place daily at 11:30 am. Hawks, owls, turkey vultures and more soar from perch to perch directly over the crowd seated in a natural amphitheater in the Museum’s ponderosa pine forest. Visitors can watch these spectacular birds in flight while learning what we can do to help preserve them in the wild.

Raptors of the Desert Sky is made possible by Fly Redmond, Avion Water Company and KTVZ News Channel 21, with support from Bigfoot Beverages. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Museum when it opens at 9:00 am to secure tickets. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/raptors-of-the-desert-sky.

Learn more about visiting the Museum at highdesertmuseum.org.

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 TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.

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This original exhibition on one Oregon family examines questions of citizenship and belonging in America.

PRESS TOUR: Please join us for an exhibition tour with Barbara Yasui and Maija Yasui on Thursday, June 12, at 9am. Please RSVP to achel.randles@ohs.org">rachel.randles@ohs.org if you plan to attend.

PRESS KIT: Download press images at bit.ly/yasuipress.

Portland, OR — Opening Friday, June 13 at the Oregon Historical Society, the original exhibition The Yasui Family: An American Story examines relevant questions about citizenship, immigration, and belonging through the lens of one Oregon family.

“The history of the Yasui family is both unique and similar to the experiences of other immigrants to the United States, and it truly reflects the complexity of the American story. All of us at OHS are very grateful that the Yasui family has entrusted us with their compelling collection of family history, thereby allowing us to share an incredibly timely story of the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship,” said OHS Boyle Family Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk.

Members of the Yasui family were among the millions of immigrants who came to the United States seeking new opportunities during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The exhibition follows in particular the story of Masuo Yasui, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1903 at the age of 16. He joined his brothers and his father working for the Oregon Short Line, where he stayed for two years before moving to Portland. While many Issei (first-generation Japanese immigrants) saved money so they could create a better life if they returned to Japan, Masuo saw few prospects in returning and instead chose to pursue his own ambitions in America.

In 1908, Masuo moved to Hood River, a city which had an established community of Japanese immigrants who came to the valley to work in agriculture and logging. Along with his brother Renichi Fujimoto, Masuo opened the Yasui Bros. Co. store, which carried a mixture of Japanese and western goods — examples of which are on display in the exhibition inside an immersive storefront. While they were not the first store in Hood River to carry Japanese goods, they were the most successful.

Racism and oppression were common, yet Nikkei (Japanese immigrants and their descendants) like the Yasui family persisted in establishing roots in Oregon, starting families and businesses, and shaping the social and economic fabric of the communities where they lived.

However, life for people of Japanese descent drastically changed when the Empire of Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, flaming existing anti-Japanese propaganda and inciting further violence and exclusion. 

The day after the Pearl Harbor attack, the U.S. Treasury Department shut down the Yasui Bros. Co. store. Renichi was briefly allowed to reopen the store for a month-long liquidation sale before it was closed completely on April 18, 1942, after 34 years in operation; it never reopened.

Under the authority of the Alien Enemies Act, Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Army agents detained pre-selected “enemy aliens,” mainly Issei community leaders such as Masuo Yasui. Although not officially charged with a crime, Masuo was arrested five days after the Pearl Harbor attack.

Several weeks later, on February 19, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the U.S. government to forcibly remove over 110,000 Nikkei — including U.S. citizens — from their homes and send them to concentration camps, often in remote areas. Life in the camps was physically, mentally, and emotionally harsh, and Nikkei remained there for the majority of World War II. After the war, many members of the Yasui family returned to Oregon, although some incarcerees chose not to return home due to persistent racism in their communities.

In the decades after incarceration, Japanese Americans fought for restoration of their civil rights, monetary compensation, and most importantly, an apology from the U.S. government. Thanks to the tireless work of activists, including members of the Yasui family like Masuo’s son, Minoru Yasui, the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 was passed. It included a formal apology and $20,000 in monetary compensation to every surviving U.S. citizen or legal resident of Japanese ancestry incarcerated during World War II — though by then, many former incarcerees had already died. For his attempts to challenge the constitutionality of wartime curfew, Minoru was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, the only Oregonian to receive the award.

Like many families, generations of the Yasui family have preserved their traditions, history, and ongoing legacy. It is through their photographs and personal correspondence, business records, and belongings — many now in the care of the Oregon Historical Society — as well as firsthand accounts that historians have insights into the lives of Japanese immigrants and their families in Oregon during the twentieth century.

“Most Americans have immigration as part of their family history, and I hope that visitors can see parallels from their own experiences and those of their families in the Yasui story. The Yasui family’s commitment to activism and bettering their community is not only a source of inspiration but is a call to action to fight for justice and equality,” said OHS Curator of Exhibitions Megan Lallier-Barron.

The Yasui Family: An American Story is on view at the Oregon Historical Society from June 13, 2025, through September 6, 2026.

The Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open daily in downtown Portland, from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday. Admission is free every day for youth 17 and under, OHS members, and residents of Multnomah County.

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About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

June 11, 2025

Contact: Amber Shoebridge, er.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Amber.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov, 503-931-9586

Oregon State Hospital receives CMS statement of deficiencies

(Salem, Ore.) – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon State Hospital (OSH) are responding to a statement of deficiencies from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), following an April survey.

The deficiencies identified in the report relate to the hospital’s policies and procedures around patients’ rights and the responsibilities of its governing body to ensure patients receive safe and appropriate care.

“This report is a clarion call for the need for the immediate changes being implemented now that will have impact to assure that patients at OSH are safe and receiving the care they need and deserve,” said OHA Deputy Director Dave Baden, who was named OSH acting superintendent on April 11. “Sustained and ongoing cultural changes at the hospital will take time. We need to improve our processes in support of not only patients in seclusion or high-risk patients, but every patient at OSH.”

The statement of deficiencies, which cites instances of system-level failures, comes after CMS surveyors visited OSH after placing the hospital in immediate jeopardy (IJ) which could have resulted in the hospital losing CMS participation eligibility. The hospital put in place corrective actions, which led to CMS lifting the IJ status on May 12, 2025.

Hospital staff have worked to implement crucial improvements to the care and monitoring of patients in seclusion and restraint as well as high-risk patients. Other changes include innovations like transitioning three patient units into psychiatric intensive care units in April to improve care and interventions.  

“The culture at OSH must change if we hope to ensure accountability and provide the highest quality of care for every person admitted to OSH. There is no other option,” said OHA Acting Director Kris Kautz.  

“Our PoC will include strategies from our stabilization plan; many of which have already been implemented,” Baden said. “Two key changes implemented in the past few weeks are designed to provide more support for unit staff and leaders who are responsible for the daily care of patients. That’s our pause on telework for patient-facing staff and managers and mandatory rounding or visits to units by OSH leaders. The goal is increased visibility and improved communication between leadership and staff, as well as patients.”

The stabilization plan was released on April 30. It includes strategies to improve patient daily care and safety specific to three objectives: to decrease the likelihood of sentinel events (events that can lead to harm, injury or death), to improve OSH’s function as a 24/7 hospital, and to provide staff with clearer direction and empowerment to keep patients safe. 

The statement of deficiencies can be found on the OSH website. The document has been redacted. As a medical provider and a HIPAA-covered entity, OSH is prohibited by federal and state privacy law from sharing a patient’s protected health information.

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Effective at 7 a.m. on June 11, the high-fire danger burn ban has been lifted across Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue’s service area. The ban, originally implemented due to elevated risk, has been lifted following the higher-than-average weekend temperatures.

Residents of the district may now resume backyard burning, and businesses can conduct commercial agricultural burning, following the regulations set by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Oregon Department of Forestry, and the Oregon Department of Agriculture. June 15 marks the end of spring burning season. To ensure compliance, please review outdoor burning rules on TVF&R’s website or contact the daily open burning announcement at 503-259-1789.

Outdoor Burning Complaints:

TVF&R reminds residents that while the burn ban has been lifted, safety remains a priority. TVF&R does not enforce air-quality complaints related to smoke. Fire personnel will respond to burning complaints if:

• The fire is hostile or poses a risk of becoming hostile.
• Smoke is obscuring public roadways.
• Smoke leads to a medical emergency that requires patient transport.

For air-quality concerns related to smoke, residents should report to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

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SALEM, Ore.—As temperatures rise and people flock to Oregon’s waterways for much needed relief, the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urge boaters and swimmers to be aware of the hidden dangers of cold water. Despite warm air temperatures, rivers and lakes remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold shock, swimming failure, and drowning. 

“Many people underestimate the effects of cold water,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Oregon State Marine Board. “Inexperience and not being prepared for the conditions are factors leading to accidents. Planning ahead, boating with others, always keeping a sharp lookout, and wearing a properly fitted life jacket are key to staying safe.” 

Cold Water Risks 

Even experienced swimmers can struggle in cold water. Sudden immersion can cause cold shock, leading to involuntary gasping and rapid breathing, which increases the risk of drowning. Cold water also drains body heat 25 times faster than cold air, leading to hypothermia. 

"We've seen a rise in water rescue incidents in the past few weeks, because people underestimate the deadly combination of warm air and dangerously cold water," said Scott Lucas, OEM Statewide Search and Rescue Coordinator. "Cold shock and hypothermia set in quickly, even for strong swimmers, and fast-moving currents make self-rescue nearly impossible. We urge everyone to plan ahead, wear a life jacket, and respect the power of cold water—it can be unforgiving." 

Additionally, recent snowmelt has caused swift currents and floating debris, making navigation more hazardous. The National Weather Service warns that local rivers and lakes are not as warm as they will be in late summer, and the combination of high-water levels and frigid temperatures can be deadly. 

Boating Safety Tips 

The Oregon State Marine Board advises boaters to plan ahead and check out the Marine Board’s interactive boating access map. The map displays public boat ramps and local rules for boat operations. Also, check the weather forecast, water levels, and tides. See if there are any reported obstructions and have the right gear for your boating activity. Boaters can also check the Marine Board’s website to find out what equipment is required based on the size and type of boat.  

The Oregon State Marine Board also advises boaters to: 

• Choose a waterway that matches your skill level to avoid dangerous situations. 
• Wear a properly fitted life jacket—it significantly increases survival chances. 
• Check the Marine Board’s interactive boating access map for public boat ramps and local rules. 
• Monitor weather forecasts, water levels, and tides before heading out. 
• Be courteous to other boaters and stage gear in designated areas to ensure smooth launching. 

Legal Requirements: 

• Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket when underway on all boats. 
• Boaters in Class III whitewater rivers are required to wear a life jacket. 
• All boaters must complete a boating safety course and carry a boating safety education card when operating a powerboat over 10 horsepower. 
• Paddlers of non-motorized boats 10 feet and longer must purchase a waterway access permit. 

For more information on safe boating in Oregon, visit Boat.Oregon.gov. 

What to Do if Someone Has Been Submerged in Cold Water 

Cold water can be deadly, even for experienced swimmers. If you find yourself in dangerously cold water, following these essential survival strategies can increase your chances of making it out safely. 

Immediate Actions in Cold Water 

Cold water can kill. The following guidelines from the U.S. Coast Guard will increase your chance for survival: 

• Stay calm—panicking can increase heat loss and make it harder to think clearly. 
• Get out of the water as quickly as possible but do so safely to avoid injury. 
• Use floating objects to keep yourself above water if available. 
• Keep as much of your body out of the water as possible to slow heat loss. 
• Assess your options—if swimming to safety is possible, do so calmly. 
• If you cannot swim to safety, conserve energy and body heat and wait for rescue. 

The H.E.L.P. Position 

If rescue isn’t immediate and you're unable to reach safety, use the Heat Escape Lessening Position (H.E.L.P.) to protect vital areas and reduce heat loss: 

• Draw your knees to your chest and keep your legs together. 
• Press your arms against your sides while keeping your head above water. 
• If others are in the water with you, huddle together to preserve heat. 

Providing Aid to Cold Water Victims 

If you or someone else has been submerged in cold water, follow these steps developed by the Red Cross) to ensure proper care: 

1. Call 911 or emergency services immediately. 
2. Move the person to a warm, sheltered place with minimal movement to avoid shock. 
3. Check breathing and circulation, administering rescue breathing or CPR if necessary. 
4. Remove wet clothing and dry the person as much as possible. 
5. Warm the person gradually by wrapping them in blankets or dressing them in dry clothing. 
6. Use warm compresses (hot water bottles or chemical hot packs wrapped in towels) to help retain heat. 
7. Avoid rapid warming—do not immerse the person in warm water, as this can trigger dangerous heart rhythms. 
8. Warm the core first (chest and abdomen) rather than extremities like hands and feet. 

Understanding and following these steps can prevent cold shock, hypothermia, and exhaustion, significantly improving survival chances in freezing water conditions. Stay alert, stay prepared, and respect the dangers of cold water—even on warm days. 

Portlanders are welcomed for a one-day first look at the newly restored Washington Park Reservoir from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. The new park space includes two reflecting pools, a wildlife habitat area, public walking paths, and restored historic features. This “sneak peek” event will feature activities for families, festivities, tours, and a community outreach fair.

While the full public opening is still to come, this event is a celebration of the amazing progress we’ve made and a chance to experience the future of this unique site. Work is still underway to complete certain elements of the reflecting pools, promenade, and surrounding areas. Because the site remains an active construction area, it is not yet ready for permanent public access.

The Water Bureau and our partners will alert the public when we set a date for the permanent opening of the park. Our top priority is ensuring that when we do open fully, the site meets the highest standards of safety, quality, accessibility, and sustainability.

We know how much Portlanders are looking forward to this event — and we have so much to celebrate! Portland Water Bureau, Hoffman Construction, Explore Washington Park, and our many event partners have prepared the site for this first-look celebration on Saturday, June 14.

“This weekend, we are celebrating a once-in-a-generation investment that will serve Portland for decades to come,” said Deputy City Administrator Priya Dhanapal. “We have transformed a vulnerable site into a resilient reservoir already delivering safe, reliable drinking water to more than 360,000 people on the west side—including schools, hospitals, and businesses. We are also completing a stunning public plaza with a promenade, reflecting pools, and restored historic features. I am thrilled our community gets this first look at what will become one of Portland’s most iconic public spaces."

View our media kit with time-lapse construction footage and recorded statements from DCA Dhanapal and Water Bureau Interim Director Quisha Light here.

Be one of the first to see this modern engineering marvel, but make sure to plan ahead!

Details on event and the best ways to get there are on the event web page.

Getting there could be challenging! Parking lots will fill by 10 a.m. and street parking near the site is extremely limited, so take TriMet instead. Washington Park is easy to get to via MAX or bus. The reservoir plaza is steps away from the Oregon Holocaust Memorial stop on the free Washington Park shuttle loop. Plan your trip with Explore Washington Park’s handy guide.
 

What’s so special about this reservoir?

The Water Bureau has replaced its original 1894 reservoirs with a new 12.4-million-gallon, seismically reinforced underground reservoir. While the opening of the reflecting pools and promenade is delayed by a few months, this earthquake-resilient reservoir is already supplying water to Portland’s west side and serves more than 360,000 people, including all downtown businesses and residents, 20 schools, five hospital complexes, and more than 60 parks.
 

As the City prepared to celebrate the long-anticipated opening of the Washington Park Reservoir site, construction and operational teams identified a number of remaining items that need attention before the site can be safely and permanently opened to the public. While disappointing, these discoveries are not uncommon during final project startup and testing for infrastructure of this size and complexity. The final to-do list includes construction-related pedestrian hazards, necessary safety signage, and non-operational elements like the hypochlorite system and reflecting pool pumps.

Following the June 14 celebration event, the site will close to the public while the City and its construction partners complete the remaining tasks for permanent public access.

We have not set a confirmed grand opening date. Our priority is to complete the work thoroughly and safely. 

We’ll continue to share information as it becomes available on our Washington Park Reservoir project web page and by email. Click here to sign up for news about Washington Park.

About the Public Works Service Area

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, and the Portland Water Bureau, maintaining over $60 billion in assets, a $2 billion annual budget, and 2,500 employees. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) are teaming up for a live fire demonstration to show how defensible space and home hardening can protect your home and property during a wildfire. The demonstration will compare fire behavior between two homes, one that is prepared for wildfire resilience and one that is not.

You'll see firsthand how simple steps can make a big difference, especially when it comes to stopping embers, which are the number one cause of homes catching on fire during wildfires. This live burn will highlight the importance of creating and maintaining a five-foot area free of things that can burn around a home.

Those interested in attending, please RSVP here.

What:

The Oregon State Fire Marshal and IBHS wildfire researchers will provide practical tips Oregonians can use to improve their home's chance of surviving a wildfire. These include creating a noncombustible zone in the first five feet, using fire-resistant building materials, and preparing the property to be ready for wildfire. During the demonstration, experts will narrate and show the progression, from embers landing to total loss of the building that isn’t prepared for wildfire. They will also explain why certain materials and landscaping choices, based on IBHS’s Wildfire Prepared Home program, make a difference.

Who:

• Oregon State Fire Marshal: Mariana Ruiz-Temple, state fire marshal
• Department of Consumer & Business Services: TK Keen, interim insurance commissioner
• Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS): Roy Wright, CEO
• Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS): Dr. Anne Cope, chief engineer
• Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS): Steve Hawks, senior director for wildfire

When:

Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where:

Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) 
4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, OR 97317

Details:

Closed-toe shoes are required. No weapons, including pocketknives, are allowed in DPSST’s training areas. No check-in is required when entering DPSST. Please proceed straight into the Hall of Heroes from the main lobby. The burn location is roughly 1/3 of a mile (10-minute walk) from the Hall of Heroes. There will be a van available for those who need it.

Those interested in attending, please RSVP here.

Portland Fire Investigation Unit arrests arson suspect in early AM fire

A subject responsible for starting the fire at the Sacred Heart Church contacted 911 to turn themselves in for starting the early AM fire at the Sacred Heart Church located at SE 3926 SE 11th Avenue in the Brooklyn Neighborhood.  The suspect was contacted by the Fire Investigators along with Portland Police Officers. The suspect was determined to be experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the fire. The suspect was interviewed by Arson Detectives and transported to the MCDC where he was booked under one count of Arson II. The Fire/Arson Investigations Unit and Portland Police will work collaboratively wiht the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office to determine the best resolution for this case.

Suspect Information - Domanique L. Wahl-Stephens - 45 YO Male

Estimated damages to church - $3000 of burn damage to original doors circa 1890

Portland Fire & Rescue would like to thank the dispatchers at BOEC and PPB Officers in their assistance in this incident.

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Oregon to get lower-cost, lifesaving treatment to people with rare and severe diseases 

Hood River, Ore. – The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) will meet on Friday, June 27, at the Hood River County Library (502 State Street, Hood River) to consider proposed nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The SACHP meeting is open to the public and offered in a hybrid meeting format.
 

The meeting agenda includes a guided walking tour, presentations, and hearings for two proposed nominations. The guided tour will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the business meeting will begin at 12:45 p.m. While the tour is available to in-person participants only, anyone may attend the business meeting in person or virtually; instructions for how to attend virtually are posted on the committee web page: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx. Registration is required to speak at the meeting, either in person or through the virtual meeting platform. For those wishing to observe the proceedings but not wishing to provide testimony, the business meeting will also be livestreamed to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams.
 

The business meeting will include an update on Oregon Heritage’s grant programs and a presentation on the role of context in assessing historic significance. Beginning at 3:00pm, the committee will review proposed nominations for the Methodist Episcopal Church of Union, Union County, and the Balch Gulch Bridge in Portland, Multnomah County. For copies of the proposed nominations and the full meeting agenda, please see the committee web page: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx.
 

The SACHP is a nine-member, governor-appointed citizen committee with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields. Nominations recommended by the SACHP are forwarded to the National Park Service, which maintains the National Register of Historic Places under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. This effort aligns with the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan goal to increase the thematic diversity of Oregon properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It also supports the goals to include more voices and increase access to Oregon heritage that are part of the Oregon Heritage Plan.
 

The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be made with at least three days of advance notice by calling (503) 986-0690.
 

More information about the National Register of Historic Places process is online at www.oregonheritage.org.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Agricultural Advisory Commission will hold its first meeting 5-6:30 pm Monday, June 23.

The hybrid meeting will have both in-person and virtual attendance options. Participants can attend in person in the sixth-floor hearing room in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. or online using the Webex platform with the information below.

• Meeting link
• Webinar number: 2488 986 1012
• Passcode: juneagcom (58632426 when dialing from a phone or video system)
• Join by phone: 1-408-418-9388
  • Access code: 2488 986 1012

The Clark County Council in November 2024, approved an ordinance establishing the 13-member commission. The purpose of the Agricultural Advisory Commission is to provide reviews and recommendations to the County Manager, County Council, the Planning Commission and other appropriate boards and commissions on issues that affect agriculture in Clark County. The commission will also provide a forum for those in the agricultural community and others interested in enhancing and promoting the long-term sustainability of agriculture in Clark County.