On August 30^th at approximately 12:45 PM, Milwaukie Officers were called to an unknown if injury accident between a juvenile on an electric motorcycle and a vehicle. Officers arrived and learned an adult driver who was attempting to turn into the Milwaukie pioneer cemetery on SE 17^th Ave. collided with the e-motorcycle. The juvenile was knocked off the motorcycle and was wearing a helmet. The juvenile was alert, walking and speaking and was transported to a local hospital out of an abundance of caution. The driver reported the e-motorcycle was travelling at a perceived higher speed than expected.

While Officers were evaluating the scene along with Clackamas Fire, the e-motorcycle had a malfunction and began to smoke and catch on fire. Police set a safety perimeter while Clackamas Fire crews managed and extinguished the thermal runaway fire.

Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14vUzJpTE3R/

This social media post includes a safety message from Clackamas Fire about lithium ion batteries. 

The investigation is ongoing, at present no citations have been issued in this incident. The Milwaukie Police would remind residents, unregistered e-motor cycles are not permitted on streets, sidewalks or city parks – private property with permission only. Additionally, drivers should be aware many electric mobility devices that are permitted on roadways and paths may be traveling faster than you think. MiPD case #26-4930

On Thursday, August 27, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m., a juvenile victim ran to the Cornelius Police Department and alerted deputies to an assault that took place near the 1600 block of North Adair Street in Cornelius.

With the information the victim provided, Cornelius and Sheriff’s Office deputies located the suspect, 42-year-old Daniel Le Brun of Cornelius, barricaded within his business at the Plaza Grande business complex. Le Brun was armed with several less-lethal-style guns and knives and refused to surrender.

Responding deputies requested additional support from the Tactical Negotiations Team (TNT), the Crisis Negotiations Unit (CNU), and other crisis-response specialty teams. Using a drone, deputies monitored Le Brun’s movements inside the business complex while negotiators attempted to communicate with him.

At about 1:00 a.m. Friday, TNT members took Le Brun into custody, and deputies transported Le Brun to an area hospital for ingesting a potentially lethal amount of medication. On September 1, Le Brun was discharged from the hospital and taken to the Washington County Jail for the following:

• Attempted murder in the first degree
• Assault in the first degree
• Sex abuse in the first degree
• Unlawful use of a weapon

Further investigation into the crime scene led to the discovery of a concealed room inside the business complex where the crimes occurred. Detectives are concerned that additional victims have not been identified and believe Le Brun had access to children through his memorabilia business.

Detectives want to speak with anyone who witnessed the assault or has information about Le Brun and encourage parents to speak with their children about any contact they have had with him, whether at the store or otherwise. Please contact VCU detectives at 503-846-2500 and reference case number 50-26-12158.

In accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273, the Sheriff’s Office is releasing Le Brun’s booking photo to assist in identifying any additional criminal activity.

Update 9/2/26 at 8:45 a.m.

On 9/1/26 at approximately 8:37 p.m., the suspect in this case, 37-year-old Raul Martinez Guevara, was safely taken into custody by the Vancouver Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Detective Unit (TDU) at a residence in the 3300 block of E. 18th Street in Vancouver, Washington.

Martinez Guevara was booked into the Clark County Jail on multiple charges, including second-degree robbery, second-degree kidnapping, third-degree assault of a child, first-degree custodial interference, fourth-degree assault, and violation of a protection order. He also had prior warrants for second-degree burglary and violation of a protection order.

Update 8/18/26 1:20 PM. 

Infant Marcello Martinez was recovered today after a 3rd party notified his mother that Raul had turned over the child.  Law enforcement met with the 3rd party and recovered the child, who appears to be happy and healthy.

Raul Martinez was not located with the child and is wanted by law enforcement.  CCSO requests anyone with information on his whereabouts to call 911.  CCSO thanks the public's assistance and vigilance, along with help from partner agencies in the efforts to recover Infant Marcello.

_______________________________

The Washington State Patrol has issued an AMBER Alert on behalf of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for seven-month-old Marcello Martinez, who was taken in the Vancouver area on August 16, 2026. Investigators believe Marcello may be in danger.

On August 16, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Hazel Dell area of Vancouver after a victim reported that Raul Martinez, 37, violated a Domestic Violence No Contact Order.

During the incident, Raul allegedly assaulted and robbed the victim. Raul also allegedly assaulted the victim’s seven-month-old baby, Marcello, and took him without permission. Raul is Marcello’s father.

Marcello is 24 inches tall, weighs approximately 16 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last known to be wearing a blue onesie with the words “Grandmas are the best” in neon lettering.

Raul is 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs approximately 180 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last known to be wearing tight sweatpants, a white shirt, and a blue/green jacket.

Investigators do not have a confirmed associated vehicle at this time.

If you see Raul Martinez or Marcello Martinez, call 9-1-1 immediately. Anyone with information about their whereabouts should contact the Clark County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 360-693-3111 and reference case number 26006104.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate this case. No additional information is available for release at this time.

SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet virtually at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Board Self-Evaluation (Addendum G)

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged in advance of the meeting by emailing oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov.

Committee members include Ben Deumling, Heath Curtiss, and Liz Agpaoa.

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

Salem, Ore - The Government Information and Library Services Advisory Council will meet from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, online via Zoom. This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Ashley Wilsey at ashley.wilsey@slo.oregon.gov. See the agenda below.

Questions or concerns can be addressed to Elke Bruton, Program Manager at 971-375-3509 or elke.bruton@slo.oregon.gov. Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested 48 hours before the meeting; notice 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in an alternate format 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to Ashley Wilsey at ashley.wilsey@slo.oregon.gov.

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES
ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
(Virtual)

• Welcome (Elke Bruton, 5 minutes)
• Public Comment(5 minutes)
• Approval of minutes from 6/9/2026 (5 minutes)
• Advisory Council Member Updates (30 minutes)
• State Librarian update (Wendy Cornelisen, 10 minutes)
• Manager updates (Elke Bruton, 10 minutes)
• Strategic Planning Process Update (Natalie Brant, 10 minutes)
• Meeting review
• Adjournment

Any person may address the Government Information and Library Services Advisory Council on any topic for up to 3 minutes. The Government Information and Library Services Advisory Council does not generally engage in dialog with those making comments but may refer any questions or issues raised to the State Librarian.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites young artists across the state to participate in the Ready Oregon Youth Art Contest and show us what community preparedness means to them.

Oregon youth in grades K–12 are encouraged to create an original piece of art showing how people can work together to prepare for emergencies and disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, winter storms and more.

Need some inspiration? Learn how you, your family and your community can prepare for emergencies through Oregon’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program.

Who Can Enter?

The contest is FREE and open to all youth in grades K–12 in Oregon.

Entries will be judged in four grade-level categories:

• Kindergarten–2nd grade
• 3rd–5th grade
• 6th–8th grade
• 9th–12th grade

Each category will recognize a First Place, Runner-Up and Honorable Mention.

Youth may submit one entry each.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork should creatively answer the question: What does community preparedness mean to you?

Whether preparedness means neighbors helping neighbors, families building emergency kits, communities practicing evacuation plans or people looking out for one another during a disaster, we want to see preparedness through the eyes of Oregon’s youth.

Submissions must meet the following requirements:

• Medium: Original two-dimensional artwork, including painting, drawing or mixed media.
• Size: Between 8" × 10" and 11" × 14".
• Format: Artwork must be created on a flat surface. Canvas, cardstock or poster board are recommended.
• Original work: Artwork must be 100% original and created solely by the student. AI-generated images and copyrighted characters are not permitted.

How to Enter

Each submission must include the following information:

• Artist’s name
• Grade level
• Name of parent, guardian or other contact person
• Contact person’s relationship to the artist
• Contact person’s phone number
• Contact person’s email address
• A short description of the artwork

Artwork may be mailed to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management or dropped off at an approved local, county or Tribal emergency management office.

Approved Artwork Drop-Off Locations

Ready Oregon Youth Art Contest entries may be dropped off at any of the approved locations below. Please review each location’s hours and instructions before visiting.

Eastern Oregon

Malheur County Emergency Management
151 B St. W.
Vale, OR 97918

Please address or deliver artwork to the Malheur County Emergency Manager.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) – Public Safety Building
46400 Timíne Way
Pendleton, OR 97801

Drop-off location: Public Safety Building lobby

Northwest Oregon

Grand Ronde Fire Station
28480 McPherson Drive
Grand Ronde, OR 97347

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Willamina Fire Station
825 Main Street
Willamina, OR 97396

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Please note: Emergency services staff may occasionally be away from the stations while responding to calls or emergencies.

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office – Support Services
225 W. Olive Street, Room 203
Newport, OR 97365

Hours: Monday–Thursday
8 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m.
Closed noon–1 p.m. and Fridays.

Drop-off instructions: Enter through the courthouse public entrance and proceed through security. Once inside, go upstairs to the service window at Room 203 and provide the artwork to staff.

Willamette Valley

City of Eugene – The Atrium
99 W. 10th Avenue
Eugene, OR

Drop-off location: Reception desk
Hours: Noon–4 p.m.

Please route artwork to: Althea Sullivan

North Central Oregon

Wheeler County Sheriff's Office
701 Adams Street
Fossil, OR 97830

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Mailing Option

Artwork may also be mailed directly to:

Oregon Department of Emergency Management
3930 Fairview Industrial Drive SE
Salem, OR 97302

Please ensure mailed entries arrive by the contest deadline: 5 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2026.

Important Dates

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2026.

Winners will be notified by Friday, October 2, 2026.

Get creative, get prepared and show us what a ready Oregon looks like to you!

EUGENE, Ore.— A Mexican National, illegally inside the United States, was sentenced to federal prison today for illegal re-entry.

Javier Osorio-Altamira, 50, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison and 3 year’ supervised release announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, Osorio-Altamira had been removed from the United States on three prior occasions. During Osorio-Altamira’s first illegal stay in the United States, he attempted to force his way into an apartment and threatened to kill a woman while holding a 12-inch knife. He was convicted of unlawful use of a weapon and removed from the country.

After the most recent illegal stay, he was charged in Marion County for allegedly sexually touching a child on multiple occasions. After his arrest, the state released him into the community. On April 16, 2016, Osorio-Altamira was arrested by immigration authorities for immigration crimes, made his initial appearance in federal court, and was detained.

Records show that Osorio-Altamira was previously deported from the United States on June 10, 2015, May 20, 2016, and June 4, 2016. He has never applied for or received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security to reenter the United States.

On April 16, 2026, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Osorio-Altamira with illegal re-entry. On June 3, 2026, he pled guilty to this charge.

This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

# # #

Gresham, Ore.— A hit-and-run in Gresham is now a fatal crash investigation.  Miguel Jimenez, age 50, was working as a flagger at a construction zone on NE Hogan Dr when he was struck by a passing vehicle just before 5 a.m. Monday.  Jimenez was critically injured and transported to a local hospital.  Jimenez died of his injuries late Monday night. 

The Vehicular Crimes Team responded to the scene and is leading the investigation.  Officers determined a white sedan struck Jimenez.  The driver fled without stopping to check on Jimenez or render aid. 

“Miguel Jimenez was working to keep Gresham’s streets safe for other road workers and the entire community.  His death is a tragic reminder of the risks road workers face every day,” said Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg.  “The officers of the Gresham Police Department and members of the Vehicular Crimes Team will work tirelessly to ensure the driver is held responsible for their actions.”   

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Officer Trevor Polverini at evor.Polverini@GreshamOregon.Gov">Trevor.Polverini@GreshamOregon.Gov or to call the GPD tip line at 503-618-2719.

Work zones are a shared space between drivers and road workers. Your decisions behind the wheel matter.

• Pay attention. Distracted driving is a leading cause of work zone crashes.
• Slow down. Speed limits in work zones are lowered for everyone’s safety.
• Move over. When you see road workers, safely change lanes to give them space.
• If you can’t move over, slow down.

September 1, 2026

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, Randall Children's Hospital are latest measles exposure locations

Health officials recommend those who were at location during times, dates consider vaccination if not immune

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Multnomah County health officials are warning the public about a location where people may have been exposed to measles.

People might have been exposed if they were at the following locations at these dates and times:

• Randall Children’s Primary Care Clinic, 501 N. Graham St., Suite 250, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Medical Office Building 2, Portland, between 1:20 p.m. and 4:11 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25.
• Randall Children’s Hospital Emergency Department waiting room, 2801 N. Gantenbein Ave., Portland, between 3:21 p.m. and 5:23 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28.
• Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center emergency room waiting room and department, 24800 SE Stark St., Gresham, between 10:04 a.m. and 1:49 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 30.

People who were at these locations during these dates and times should check their vaccination records and monitor for signs and symptoms of measles. People born after 1957 who have not had measles and have not been vaccinated against measles should receive an MMR vaccine as soon as possible.

Families without a primary care provider can establish care at any of Multnomah County's seven primary care clinics or nine student health centers (based at high schools but open to anyone ages 5-18) by calling 503-988-5558 to make a new patient appointment.

Facts about measles

Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus particles also can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area.

Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication.

Measles can be dangerous, especially among infants and children younger than 5 years old, adults older than 20 years, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. In developed countries in recent years, one to three out of every 1,000 measles cases has been fatal.

The measles vaccine is highly effective at providing protection, as two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles. The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are up to date on their vaccines is very low.

What to do if you suspect measles in your household

Public health officials urge people experiencing symptoms of measles not to arrive unannounced at a medical office if they:

1. Have a measles-like rash, or
2. Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, AND

 have any other symptom of measles (such as fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes).

Individuals planning to seek medical care should first call a health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.

Learn more about measles on OHA’s website.

###

EUGENE, Ore.— A Coos Bay, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for using a minor to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and attempting to use a separate minor to produce CSAM.

Thomas Owen Barnett, 40, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison and 15 years’ supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

“This defendant used the internet to exploit children within the United States and abroad. He hid his identity while forcing children to be exposed. We have now exposed Barnett for the criminal he is. Children deserve to be safe online and in their own homes. I hope the children he harmed find healing after these traumatic events,” said Scott E. Bradford.

“Today’s sentence underscores the FBI’s focus on stopping those who exploit children,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Barnett’s actions caused real harm, and I’m grateful to the North Bend Police Department and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding assistance. Their teamwork with our agents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office was essential to bringing this case to justice.”

According to court documents, between September and December 2023, Barnett encouraged a minor victim to create and send him CSAM.  In September 2024, Barnett distributed CSAM of that minor victim on Kik, an online chat platform, and sought money in exchange. That same month, Barnett posed as the minor victim online and asked a man in another country to make and send him CSAM depicting the man’s very young child.

On February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a four-count indictment charging Barnett with sexual exploitation of a child, attempted sexual exploitation of a child, as well as possession and distribution of child pornography.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the North Bend Police Department and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

# # #

DALLAS (OR) – Today, Polk County Circuit Judge Norman R. Hill sentenced Joseph Andrew Wirkkala, age 38, to life in prison for the 2025 murder in Salem’s Wallace Marine Park of Jacob Collazo, age 62. Under the terms of the sentence, Wirkkala will be required to serve a minimum of 32.5 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.

In addition to the charge of Murder in the Second-Degree, a Polk County jury found Wirkkala, of Salem, guilty of Assault in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, and Reckless Endangering involving Mr. Collazo.  The jury also found Wirkkala guilty of Attempted Murder in the Second-Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Attempted Assault in the Fourth Degree, and Reckless Endangering, involving Nichelle Issak, age 36. The jury also found Wirkkala guilty of Recklessly Endangering a third victim, Edward Baker, age 50.

After the sentencing, Polk County Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew T. Wilson commented, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Collazo on their tragic and senseless loss. It is our hope that the court’s sentence today leaves them feeling that some measure of justice has been served. We also extend our gratitude to the dedicated officers of the Salem Police Department for their investigation and commitment to seeing Mr. Wirkkala brought to justice.”

The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew T. Wilson, and Deputy District Attorney Connor Amundson. The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and Oregon State Police.

Date: Wed, Sept 23rd, 2026

Time: 7 pm

Location: Alberta Rose Theatre

Tickets: $15-$45

Event Website: https://www.scienceontaporwa.org/events/alberta_sept_23_earth/

Live science show! 9/23 in PDX
Inspiring talk from the environmental activist and longtime editor-in-chief of Sierra magazine Jason Dove Mark. How to resist environmental amnesia: 

Go outside. Bear witness. Make a record. Pass it on. 

Mark makes the case for easy, everyday practices that can help us “remember the Earth” and support environmental conservation, restoration, and rewilding. And he shares moving examples of citizen scientists, birdwatchers, mountain climbers, and fishermen across the country who are putting them into practice. 

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

Vancouver, Wash. – On September 1, 2026, at around 6:10 a.m., Vancouver Police responded to a gas station at 8515 NE Andresen Rd. for the report that a man had been trying to get into vehicles at the gas pumps, was pouring gas all over the ground, had poured gas on a truck that was parked at the pumps, lit his own car on fire and himself on fire and had fled the area on foot. A person who was at the gas station servicing the fire extinguishers was able to extinguish the vehicle that was on fire, prior to police arrival.

The man was located underneath a semi tractor trailer nearby and was taken into custody. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries related to gasoline and burns. There were no other reported injuries.

The Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office and Vancouver Police are investigating. No additional information is available at this time.

###

On August 20, 2026, the Medford Police Department received a report that a residence in the 3000 block of Carnelian Street had been damaged by gunfire during the previous night. Investigators confirmed that a window had been struck by a bullet and, through video evidence, identified a vehicle believed to be involved.

The same residence was previously targeted in drive-by shootings on July 26 and July 27, 2025. During that investigation, detectives developed probable cause to arrest 31-year-old Joel Matthew Caswell. Caswell was arrested on August 27, 2025, and remains in custody.

During the current investigation, detectives determined that Caswell was associated with 50-year-old Phillip Leo Muradanes. Detectives also identified Muradanes as being associated with a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle believed to have been used in the August 20 shooting.

On August 31, 2026, detectives located Muradanes at a local motel and took him into custody. He was lodged on the following charges:

• Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Criminal Mischief in the 1^st Degree
• Parole Board Warrant

Based on the investigation, detectives developed probable cause to believe Caswell conspired with Muradanes in the August 20, 2026, drive-by shooting.

On August 31, 2026, Caswell was charged with:

• Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Use of a Weapon

The case has been forwarded to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. No further information will be released at this time.

Donation supports organizations providing immediate assistance and recovery resources to communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington impacted by wildfires

PORTLAND, Ore. — As wildfires burn over 2.5 million acres in Oregon and Southwest Washington, OnPoint Community Credit Union has donated $30,000 to three organizations providing wildfire relief throughout the region.

The credit union contributed $10,000 each to the American Red Cross, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the GoWest Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, which are providing immediate assistance to those affected by wildfires.

“Wildfires have had a significant impact on communities in our region, including places where our members and employees live and work,” said Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “During times like these, working together to help our neighbors is more important than ever. We are grateful for these organizations providing critical resources and proud to support their work helping those impacted by these devastating wildfires.”

OnPoint’s contributions will help address both the immediate and ongoing needs of those affected by wildfires. The American Red Cross is providing emergency shelter, meals and relief supplies. The GoWest Foundation Disaster Relief Fund provides financial assistance to credit union employees, board members and volunteers affected by natural disasters. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs established a wildfire recovery fund to assist community members affected by the Bench Fire. The donation will help provide resources for ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.

"For our people, this land is more than acres—it's the fish, the water, the foods that have sustained us for generations. These are the gifts from the Creator that we're responsible for protecting," said Edward R. Henderson, Secretary-Treasurer/CEO of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. "We're grateful for OnPoint's support as we work to restore what was lost."

OnPoint is encouraging its members and the community to join them in donating to the relief efforts. To learn more about these organizations or to contribute, visit the American Red Cross, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and GoWest Foundation Disaster Relief Fund.

###

About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 656,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 33 Oregon counties (Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com.

Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ben Bryant Appointed as New City Manager of Happy Valley

Bryant takes over the role on September 1^st

Happy Valley, OR [September 1, 2026] – The Happy Valley City Council has appointed Ben Bryant as the next city manager. Bryant has served as assistant city manager since 2015, overseeing major initiatives like the Happy Valley Library expansion, managing the organization’s administrative team, and guiding strategic planning. Bryant will succeed Jason Tuck, who has led the city for more than 20 years. In making this appointment, the city council sought to provide leadership continuity as Happy Valley continues to provide high-quality services to the community.

“Ben has served our residents with professionalism and integrity for more than a decade,” said Mayor Tom Ellis. “He understands our organization, our community and the values that make Happy Valley such a special place. We are confident that under his leadership, the city will continue to thrive.”

Bryant holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Willamette University. Before joining the City of Happy Valley, he served as a management analyst and later as economic development manager for the City of Tualatin. He has remained active in the city management profession throughout his career and was selected by his peers to serve on the Board of Directors for the Oregon City/County Management Association.

“I’m greatly humbled and excited to serve the residents of Happy Valley in this new role,” said Bryant. “During my time here, we have accomplished so much because of the dedication of our employees, the leadership of our city council and the engagement of our community. I look forward to building on that strong foundation as we continue to plan for the future.”

Bryant’s tenure as city manager begins on September 1, 2026.

###

The September Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board Work Session will be held September 1, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. 

If you wish to attend this meeting, please email sam.kaufmann@tvwd.org or call 503-848-3094 by 4:30 p.m. on September 1, 2026

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

About TVWD 

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

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

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Washington State University Tri-Cities is bringing its continuing education program, Cougar Tracks, to the Spokane region this fall with a special workshop series aimed at workforce management in the manufacturing industries.

This four-part, in-person Manager Coaching Series, which takes place this October at the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, aims to equip new and mid-level managers with practical tools, proven frameworks and hands-on coaching techniques that support organizational performance, employee engagement and regional workforce readiness.

Each four-hour session blends interactive learning with real-world scenarios, enabling participants to apply new skills immediately. Workshop topics include:

• Oct. 1: Manager essentials—building trust, setting expectations and coaching performance.
• Oct. 8: Leading performance and change—navigating complex priorities and guiding teams through transitions.
• Oct. 15: Building the team—hiring, onboarding and developing talent.
• Oct. 22: Communicating with influence—facilitating effective meetings and driving action through clear communication. 

The series is designed for aspiring leaders, experienced supervisors and organizations seeking to strengthen leadership capacity and build effective teams.

“Across every industry, we’re seeing a growing demand for managers who can lead diverse teams of employees with clear vision, optimism and effective communication. This need is especially pronounced for organizations facing rapid technological advancements and evolving workforce expectations,” said Cougar Tracks Director Michelle Hrycauk Nassif. “This series supports employers by developing confident leaders who are ready to meet today’s workforce challenges and drive our region’s economic vitality.”

Wade Larson, Ph.D., a leadership consultant and course facilitator for the workshop series, said that for employees and customers, the manager often serves as the face of the company, representing the organization’s mission, products and values. Therefore, he says, upskilling managers and giving them practical resources is key to helping businesses thrive.

"Gallup has documented that about 70% of an organization’s success is tied directly to its managers,” Larson said.

Cougar Tracks is the continuing education and workforce development arm of WSU Tri-Cities, which previously offered a similar manager training series at its Richland campus. Hrycauk Nassif said the Spokane-based workshop series is part of a larger initiative to expand Cougar Tracks’ reach and footprint into other parts of Washington state, with the goal of adapting workshop themes and curricula to the specific needs of each region served.

The October workshop series, Hrycauk Nassif said, will apply to all types of organizations, including those within Spokane’s diverse and robust manufacturing sector, which employs an estimated 17,000 workers and generates roughly $4 billion per year to the local economy.

“From medical supplies to airplane components, the Spokane area is home to companies that manufacture products at scale,” Hrycauk Nassif said. “These complex operations depend not only on technical expertise, but also strong leaders who can develop talent, drive performance and adapt to change.”

The cost of the workshop series is $499. For more information, or to register, go to: www.bit.ly/CTWORKSHOPS 

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About WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks 

Cougar Tracks at WSU Tri-Cities provides non-credit professional development, workforce training and industry-responsive learning experiences for individuals and organizations throughout the region. Through strong business and community partnerships, Cougar Tracks designs programs that strengthen local talent pipelines, expand economic opportunity and support long-term workforce development in the Tri-Cities region and throughout Washington state. 

Honoring and supporting veterans is a natural match for these community-oriented organizations.

Vancouver, WA -- The Historic Trust is proud to announce the 38th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Parade presented by Gesa Credit Union. The Trust is excited to continue this community tradition of celebrating and honoring all veterans, in this special year of America 250, alongside Vancouver’s newest credit union, Gesa Credit Union.

"Veterans are one of five local hero groups our members support through the Local Heroes Grant Program, which has grown to give more than $2.2 million in grants since 2021, including over $650,000 for Veterans organizations,” says Amber Merrill, Community Relations Manager at Gesa Credit Union. “We opened our first Vancouver branch in April, and presenting the Lough Legacy Veterans Parade is one way we can show up in this community. We hope our neighbors will find us at the Gesa booth on Veterans Day."

"We are so happy to welcome Gesa Credit Union to Vancouver and look forward to working together as partners to honor and support our community's veterans,” says Temple Lentz, President and CEO of The Historic Trust. “In November, we will be wrapping up a year of celebrating America's 250th birthday. And it's heartening to know that as Vancouver grows and changes, our core values—including honoring those who serve and welcoming new neighbors—continue to lead the way. If you haven't attended this fun, accessible parade on the historic site, 2026 is a wonderful year to check it out."

If you would like to participate in this year’s parade, The Historic Trust is now accepting applications. You can find the applications on The Historic Trust’s website at: https://www.thehistorictrust.org/lough-legacy-veterans-parade/ or by calling 360-992-1800. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 30, 2026. The parade will take place, rain or shine, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11:00am at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The parade route begins at the east end of Officers Row at East Reserve Street and Evergreen Boulevard, winds through the Fort Vancouver National Site, and concludes on 5th Street near Pearson Air Museum. The event will be broadcast live on CVTV for those unable to attend in person.

Happening alongside the parade is the Veterans Day Open House hosted by Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC). The Open House will be held at Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E 5^th St., Vancouver, WA 98661, from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Local employers and organizations who support veterans will be on hand to connect with fellow veterans and community members. Learn more at: https://cmac11.com/cmac-events/veterans-day-open-house/

The Historic Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant community that preserves and celebrates its rich history while shaping its legacy for the future. The mission of The Historic Trust is to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history. For more information about The Historic Trust, visit https://www.thehistorictrust.org/ or call 360-992-1800.

Gesa Credit Union is one of Washington's largest credit unions, with $6.8 billion in assets, and is more than 322,000 members strong. Gesa is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and is a full-service financial institution that offers a complete array of consumer, mortgage, and business products and services. Headquartered in Richland, Washington, Gesa operates 46 branches, loan centers, full-service student-operated campus branches at Washington State University, and 25 student-operated high school branches across Washington state. The Gesa Community Foundation, established in 2022, further supports Gesa's ongoing commitment to local communities and charitable giving, which includes support for schools, Local Heroes groups, and community organizations through its Affinity Debit Card Program, as well as through its annual youth scholarships, and free financial and educational resources available to members and the general public. For more information, visit gesa.com.

The Lane County Clerk’s Office will help couples celebrate their marriages in spooky style on Halloween again this year. Couples can begin registering now for a Halloween “scaremoney”. 

There are 35 slots available to schedule on a first come, first served basis. Ceremonies will be conducted in 30-minute intervals from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, at the County Clerk’s Office at 125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene.

The Clerk’s Office will perform marriage ceremonies in costume. Couples are also encouraged to dress in costume.

To schedule a scaremony, couples must first obtain a valid marriage license from the Clerk’s Office (125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene). To obtain a marriage license, couples fill out the online Marriage License Application and then must visit the Clerk’s Office at least three days before the ceremony to complete the license process.

The marriage license fee is $60 and a marriage officiated by the County Clerk’s Office is $117. Additional details, including license requirements and scheduling information, can be found on the Lane County Clerk’s website.

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PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland’s transition to electric vehicles and more energy-efficient buildings comes with a practical challenge: Who will maintain all of that new technology?

An $11 million partnership between Portland Community College, the PCC Foundation and the City of Portland's Bureau of Fleet and Facilities is attempting to answer that question by building a pipeline of workers trained to service electric vehicles, sophisticated building systems and other clean-energy infrastructure.

Project SHIFT (Sustainable HVAC, Infrastructure, and Fleet Technology) is funded through the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund grant.

Established in 2025, the 4.5-year initiative is expanding access to education in automotive service technology, diesel service technology, facilities maintenance, HVAC and pre-trades programs while developing new training in electric vehicle maintenance and building energy management.

The project will continue through December 2029.

“Project SHIFT connects students, especially those who have historically faced barriers, with the education, financial support and resources they need to move into family-wage careers,” said Pam Hester, program dean of PCC’s Community Workforce Development & Opportunity Centers. “At the same time, it helps our region build the skilled workforce needed to maintain electric vehicles, energy-efficient buildings and other clean technologies that will power a more sustainable future.”

Participants will receive help exploring career options, enrolling at PCC, paying for their education and accessing the resources they need to persist and complete their programs.

The PCC Foundation will provide more than $2.5 million in scholarships during the project. Academic and tools scholarships can cover tuition, course materials and required toolkits. Emergency grants will also help eligible students experiencing financial barriers involving childcare, transportation, housing or medical expenses.

During the 2025-26 academic year, SHIFT scholarships supported 130 students. Of those recipients, 47% identified as Black, Indigenous or people of color, 22% reported a disability, and 10% identified as female, nonbinary or gender fluid.

“Portland Community College has been an outstanding partner in helping us prepare our workforce for the future,” said Terika White, Workforce & Organizational Development Analyst for the City of Portland. “Through the SHIFT project, we're expanding opportunities for employees to develop new skills while strengthening the City's ability to maintain increasingly advanced fleet and facilities systems. This partnership represents an investment in both our current workforce and the next generation of skilled public employees, helping ensure the City is prepared to meet evolving infrastructure and clean energy needs for years to come.”

Lisa Kim, the project manager, said SHIFT includes four major areas of work.

• PCC’s Future Connect Program and Opportunity Centers are introducing young people and adults to clean technology careers and educational pathways through advising and ongoing college support, as well as access to Discover Clean Technology.

• With the aid of scholarships, students can earn credentials leading directly to employment or combine certificates toward associate degrees in Automotive Service Technology, Diesel Service Technology or Facilities Maintenance Technology.

• Support PCC’s Pre-Trades Construction Career Pathway Certificate at Columbia River Correctional Institution, which provides adults in custody with education and career preparation before their release.

• Development of three noncredit electric vehicle maintenance courses and new building energy training modules that promote clean technologies.

• PCC’s Professional Development and Training team will provide customized instruction for City of Portland fleet and facilities employees. 

“SHIFT is creating a comprehensive pathway into clean technology careers, from early career exploration and foundational education to new electric vehicles and building energy training,” Kim said. “By supporting students, adults in custody and current City of Portland employees, we are helping people build relevant skills while ensuring regional employers have the workforce needed to maintain increasingly complex, climate-friendly vehicles, equipment and building systems.”

Students and community members can learn more about SHIFT, available scholarships and the Discover Clean Technology course at www.pcc.edu/shift. 

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

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

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

SALEM, Ore.— The  Recreational Trails Program is accepting grant applications through Nov. 16 for approximately $1.6 million in grant funds available for the 2026 grant cycle. The grant program is open to local governments, park districts, state and federal agencies, tribal governments, other public land managers, and nonprofits.

About the grants

This is a federally funded grant program that provides reimbursement to grantees after funds are spent. A 20% match of the total project cost is required.

The grants provide funding to construct, expand or improve public trails for motorized and non-motorized use. Grants can be used for constructing new trails, restoring or improving existing trails, trailhead facilities, trail building and maintenance equipment, land or easement acquisitions, safety and education, accessibility assessments of trails, and water trails.

How to apply

Interested applicants must submit a simple letter of intent form via oprdgrants.org by Sept. 30. Applications are due Nov. 16. New applicants must create an account online.

An optional webinar is scheduled 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 9 to provide information on the program and how to navigate the application process. Register on Zoom. A recording of the webinar will be posted on the program web page shortly afterward.

More information

Information about the program, including the grant manual, application instructions, and program schedule is on the Recreational Trails Program web page.

The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Since 1993, the program has funded over 550 projects across Oregon.

Questions can be directed to Jodi Bellefeuille, Recreational Trails Program coordinator, at ellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov">jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-856-6316.

Labor Day Weekend family boating traditions are rooted in the outdoors, and to keep things safe, the Oregon State Marine Board suggests taking the time to plan your on-water getaway with the following tips:

Know your waterway. “Take the time to get familiar with the waterway and know the dangers that come with natural waterbodies such as current, tides, and wind,” says Randy Sigman, interim Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. “Look out for wood, other debris, and shallow gravel bars or shoaling that can catch motorized boaters off-guard with these low water levels.” Find out if the access site is open or closed either due to low water impacts on boat ramps or wildfires. The Marine Board compiles a weekly report on water levels, access closures, and alternate nearby locations in its Opportunities and Access Report. Closures are also indicated in the Boat Oregon Online Map of access sites in Oregon.

Wear your life jacket. Each boat (including canoes and kayaks, rafts, inflatable boats, and stand up paddleboards) must have a properly fitted life jacket for each person on board and at least one sound-producing device. Life jackets need to be in good shape and readily accessible – not under a hatch or in their packaging. All youth younger than 13 must wear a life jacket when in a boat that’s underway. Since storage space is limited on paddlecraft, it makes the most sense to just wear a life jacket. Conditions can change very quickly, and there’s no time to put on a life jacket in an emergency. So far this season, most of the victims of recreational boating fatalities were paddlers who were not wearing life jackets.

Know what rules apply. There are all types of watercraft on the market; some are considered boats and others are pool toys. Boats are designed differently and, by state law, have specific equipment requirements. “If you plan to float in a river, keep in mind that pool toys are designed for use in a swimming pool, have no directional control, and can puncture easily. Float in a watercraft designed for a river that won’t easily puncture and comes equipped with a paddle so you can maneuver away from obstructions.” Sigman adds.

Boat Sober. Boating is a great social activity, and the Marine Board encourages anyone recreating on the water to leave the alcohol on shore. It’s safer for everyone. If arrested for Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants (BUII), violators can be fined up to $6,250, can lose boating privileges for up to three years, and even serve jail time. Intoxicants include marijuana, illicit drugs, and even some prescriptions.

Sit on the seat inside the boat. Many boaters are tempted to ride on the swim platform, stern, sides, and the bow of open motorboats. The stern can be a dangerous place for exposure to carbon monoxide and a prop-strike safety hazard. It is illegal to ride on the bow, decks, gunwales, or transoms of a motorboat when the boat is underway. Sitting on designated seats is the safest option – especially when the boat is towing someone. Just because new boats have seats on the transom or swim step doesn’t make them legal for use when the boat is underway.

Slow down, keep scanning, and be courteous. Know the boating regulations for your area of operation. Boaters, including personal watercraft, are responsible for damage caused by their wake. Remember to slow down within 200 feet of a dock, launch ramp, marina, moorage, floating home or boathouse, pier, or swim float, even if they don’t have a “Slow No-Wake” buoy or sign. This is a statewide proximity rule that applies to all waterways. Paddlers should stay closer to shore, cross busy channels at right angles only when safe, and allow motorboats to pass in deeper water. Be courteous, share the water, and recreate responsibly.

For more information about equipment requirements, boating regulations, and ideas on where to go boating, visit the Marine Board’s website.

-End-

SALEM, Ore. — Gov. Tina Kotek has proclaimed September as Preparedness Month in Oregon, underscoring the importance of readiness and resilience across the state. The proclamation serves as a rallying point for the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and its partners to amplify preparedness messaging and activities statewide. It also invites all Oregonians to take proactive steps to safeguard their families, homes, and communities against future disasters. 

“OEM remains committed to ensuring every Oregonian has access to the tools and resources they need to prepare for emergencies,” OEM Director Erin McMahon, said. “Preparedness Month is a valuable reminder that we are stronger and more resilient when we plan ahead, practice safety, and stay connected within our communities.” 

OEM continues to spotlight its “Be 2 Weeks Ready” campaign, a multilingual multimedia toolkit that helps individuals and communities prepare to be self‑sufficient for at least two weeks following a disaster. This year, the campaign will again be supported through community events, educational outreach, and digital engagement across Oregon.  

Proclamation Highlights 

The governor’s proclamation emphasizes: 

• #OregonPreparednessMonthoffers a vital opportunity for every Oregonian to learn how to prepare for all types of emergencies. 
• Federal, Tribal, state, local, and private sector partners are working together to prevent and respond to disasters. 
• OEM prioritizes outreach and education to ensure all Oregonians understand the importance of emergency preparedness. 
• Communities across Oregon are actively training, educating, and equipping residents for disaster events. 
• Adequate preparation is essential to the health and well-being of every Oregonian. 
• The “Be 2 Weeks Ready” program empowers individuals to take meaningful steps toward resilience. 

2026 Preparedness Events to Help You Get Started 

To cap off Preparedness Month, OEM invites the public to attend the Ready Fair on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in Salem. This free, family-friendly event is designed to help our communities build resilience and preparedness. 

The Ready Fair will bring together subject-matter experts and community partners to share practical tips and resources aligned with OEM’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program. 

What to Expect: 

• Expert-Led Boothson emergency alerts, food and water planning, sanitation, and more 
• Interactive Activitiesincluding a fun, earthquake-themed escape room and shake simulator. 
• Preparedness for All Ageswith kid-friendly stations and hands-on learning. 
• Food Trucksand a chance to win a fully stocked emergency go-bag for your family. 

Event Details: 

• Date:Saturday, October 10, 2026 
• Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
• Location:3930 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem, Oregon 97302 
• Cost:FREE and open to the public 

In addition to the Ready Fair, OEM is encouraging people to participate in the Great Oregon ShakeOut: October 15, 2026, at 10:16 AM (local time). Join millions of people across Oregon to practice earthquake safety. The ShakeOut is a fast, simple drill to help you learn how to Drop, Cover and Hold On.

And the Great Oregon Camp-In: October 16–18, 2026. Held the weekend after the ShakeOut, the Camp-In is an at-home preparedness exercise where households practice living without utilities, refine emergency plans and test their supplies. Participate for a few hours or the entire weekend.

“Community preparedness is strongest when people feel informed, supported, and empowered,” OEM’s Community Preparedness Coordinator Kayla Thompson, said. “Our goal is to meet Oregonians where they are, provide accessible resources, and encourage everyday steps that build resilience long before an emergency happens.”

For more information on Preparedness Month and the Be 2 Weeks Ready campaign, visit www.oregon.gov/oem.  

On August 31, 2026, at approximately 11:31 a.m., the Hood River County Sheriff's Office was notified of a possible plane crash near Old Parkdale Rd.  Additional Callers reported varying locations for the incident in the upper Hood River valley.  Deputies responded to the area to search, assisted by the Sheriff's Office plane and personnel from the Parkdale Fire Department.

At approximately 12:32 p.m., the crash site was located near and orchard on Trout Creek Ridge Rd.  The two occupants of the single-engine plane were found deceased.  They were identified as James Crain and Scott Perry, both of Hood River.

The aircraft was secured at the scene pending arrival of investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.  Additional details will be released as they become available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 31, 2026

NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE

Observance of Labor Day Holiday - Monday, September 7, 2026

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman would like to remind citizens that government offices in the Douglas County Courthouse, 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon, as well as the Douglas County Justice Building, Douglas County Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, Douglas County Fairgrounds Office, Douglas County Landfill and Transfer Sites, and all external Douglas County government offices will be closed to the public on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

Even when Douglas County government offices are closed, many officials and public employees continue working on special, routine, or emergency projects, including members of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Department, Public Works Department, Emergency Management Department, Parks Department, and Salmon Harbor Marina.  For more about Douglas County Government visit douglascountyor.gov/.  Please note a few other announcements for the Labor Day Holiday:

• The Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History in Roseburg, as well as the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum in Winchester Bay will be open to visitors on Monday, September 7, 2026.   
• All Douglas County Parks, campgrounds and boat ramps will be open and accessible to the public during the Labor Day holiday.  For more information about Douglas County operated parks, call (541) 957-7001 or visit https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks. 
• Salmon Harbor Marina and the Winchester Bay RV Park will continue to be open and accessible to the public during the Labor Day Holiday.  For information about Salmon Harbor call (541) 271-3407 or visit douglascountyor.gov/448/Salmon-Harbor-Marina. 
• Even though the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) lobby entrance will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, our Sheriff’s Deputies, 911 communications and DCSO staff will continue to provide law enforcement protection and emergency assistance for our residents.  If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.  If you need to reach dispatch for a non-emergency, call the DCSO’s non-emergency number at (541) 440-4471. 

Labor Day began with a parade in New York City on September 5, 1882.  Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements American workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.  The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first Labor Day bill to become law was passed by the State of Oregon on February 21, 1887. During 1887, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September each year a national holiday.

If you're planning a family gathering, camping trip or celebration over the Labor Day Holiday weekend, we encourage you to take the necessary precautions to travel and celebrate safely.  Please visit www.tripcheck.com for road and travel information, National Weather Service for weather advisories www.weather.gov/, or Air Quality Index at www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/ for the latest updates.  Your Douglas County Commissioners and everyone with Douglas County government wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy Labor Day holiday.

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Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

MEDFORD, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging a Medford, Oregon, man with possessing nine firearms while being a convicted felon, possessing unregistered firearms silencers, and possessing an unregistered destructive device.

Michael Scott Beugli, 32, appeared in court today to be arraigned on a superseding indictment and to seek release. Beugli pleaded not guilty and was detained pending trial.

According to court documents, on February 24, 2026, a witness saw Beugli throwing firearms out of his residence in Medford, Oregon. Beugli is a convicted felon not allowed to possess firearms. Beugli fled the premises, and law enforcement located nine guns and additional homemade silencers at Beugli’s residence.

About a month after this incident, Beugli sent threatening messages to the witness. On March 25, 2026, ATF responded to an explosive device detonating in a car at the witness’s residence. Beugli was located nearby in a home with similar devices and explosive materials. Beugli had not registered any silencers or destructive devices with ATF as required by law.

Beugli made his initial appearance in federal court on August 17, 2026, before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was arraigned on the one count indictment charging felon in possession of a firearm, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on September 28, 2026.

If convicted, Michael Beugli faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is investigating the case in coordination with the Medford Police Department, the Jackson County Sherrif’s Office, the Ashland Police Department, and the Oregon State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara T. Shaw is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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

# # #

North Bend School District Public Meetings – September 2026

Below are North Bend School District public meetings currently scheduled for September:

September 3, 2026

Regular Board Meeting

Technology Building at 6:00 p.m.

2525 Pacific Street, North Bend, OR

September 17, 2026

Regular Work Session

Technology Building at 6:00 p.m.

2525 Pacific Street, North Bend, OR

DOORS WILL OPEN AT 5:45PM

On August 26, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., officers from the Grants Pass Police Department were dispatched to a report of a physical disturbance near the Anne Basker Auditorium in the 600 block of Sixth Street. It was reported that individuals were physically fighting in the street. Upon initial investigation, officers found that two adult males had been involved in an altercation; however, statements from the involved parties and witnesses were inconsistent.

A citizen video showing a portion of the incident was circulated online and reviewed by officers. Knowing that additional videos might exist that captured the full altercation, no arrests were made that day pending a thorough investigation.

After obtaining and reviewing additional video evidence, officers were able to assess the entire incident. Based on this review, probable cause was established for the arrest of both men on charges of harassment and disorderly conduct. David T. Haury (39) of Grants Pass and Edgar M. Pelfrey (62) of Grants Pass were arrested and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on August 31, 2026.

This incident occurred during a protest event and involved individuals with opposing viewpoints, contributing to a highly charged atmosphere. The Grants Pass Police Department appreciates the community’s patience as officers worked to gather all available information and fully understand what occurred prior to making an arrest.

No further information will be released at this time.

PRESS RELEASE

A26-17508 MISSING PERSON - RECOVERY

AUGUST 31, 2026

On August 28, 2026, a citizen located the vehicle belonging to missing person Brent Erickson, on Weyerhaeuser timberland near the 6402 line.  Deputies responded to the scene and confirmed Erickson’s vehicle appeared to be stuck in a ditch and was unoccupied.  Deputies were unable to locate Erickson at this time, and due to hours of darkness, the scene was secured and a search and rescue mission was initiated the following morning. Cowlitz Search and Rescue searched the area on August 29, 2026, but was unable to locate Erickson.

On August 30, 2026, a Weyerhaeuser Woods Security employee located Erickson’s body approximately ½ mile from his vehicle, in a steep area with thick underbrush.  Deputies responded to the scene with the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office and recovered the body.  Mr. Erickson’s next of kin was notified of his passing.

An autopsy has been conducted by the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office.  The cause and manner of death report is pending.

The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the citizens, staff and volunteers who assisted in the search for Mr. Erickson.  Search efforts included over 800 miles of road searches in the St Helens Tree Farm, in addition to ground searches, Human Remains Detection K-9 searches, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) searches.   Searchers from Columbia County (OR) Search and Rescue, Clark County Search and Rescue, Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management Amateur Communication Services, Weyerhaeuser Woods Security, and the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office UAS Unit and Reserve Deputies assisted with this search. 

A Beaverton Police Department investigation that began with the arrest of a wanted man led officers to recover hundreds of pieces of suspected stolen mail and identity-theft evidence, stolen financial documents, credit cards, passports, counterfeit postal keys, drugs, and other suspected stolen property.

On August 14, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a Beaverton Police patrol officer was patrolling the Redwood Creek Apartments on SW Windmill Drive when he recognized Joseph Daniel Gregori exiting a vehicle. The officer knew Gregori had an outstanding felony warrant related to burglary, aggravated theft, forgery and conspiracy charges stemming from investigations in Clackamas County.

Gregori was taken into custody without incident.

During the arrest, officers developed evidence connecting Gregori to the fraudulent use of a victim’s credit card. The victim later confirmed several unauthorized transactions had recently been made using the card, including purchases at GameStop and other businesses.

Officers subsequently obtained a search warrant for the vehicle Gregori had been occupying.

During the search, officers recovered a significant amount of property believed to be connected to mail theft, identity theft, forgery and other crimes, including:

• Hundreds of pieces of suspected stolen mail and identity-theft related documents
• At least 34 credit cards that appeared to have been removed from mail, along with additional unopened credit cards
• Numerous stolen and altered checks, including checks connected to individuals and businesses
• Three U.S. passports not belonging to Gregori
• Driver licenses, Social Security cards and other personal identifying information belonging to multiple victims
• Counterfeit U.S. Postal Service master keys
• Thousands of collectible trading cards, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering and sports cards
• Approximately 1.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia
• Burglary tools

Investigators have identified numerous potential victims in Oregon and Washington and are continuing to determine the full scope of the suspected criminal activity. Evidence recovered during the investigation included financial documents and personally identifying information connected to dozens of individuals and businesses.

Gregori was lodged at the Washington County Jail on charges including Aggravated Identity Theft, Mail Theft, Identity Theft, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Burglary Tools.

On August 21, 2026, Gregori was indicted by a Washington County grand jury on charges of Aggravated Identity Theft, Mail Theft, Fraudulent use of Credit Card, Identity Theft, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. Gregori is in custody at the time of this release.

Because investigators recovered counterfeit U.S. Postal Service master keys and a significant amount of suspected stolen mail, information from the investigation is also being forwarded to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

This remains an active investigation.

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a shooting on Aug. 26, 2026 in Vancouver.

This individual died on 08/26/2026 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Swindler, Loic   Age: 18 years

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

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Gunshot wound of torso

Manner of death:  Homicide

How the injury occurred: Shot by other

Place of injury: Other person’s residence

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

Media release issue date: 08/31/2026

JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. (31 August 2026) - On Monday, August 31, 2006, at 11:19 a.m., Oregon State Police issued an AMBER Alert on behalf of the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office on a report of an 8-month-old infant abducted by a non-custodial parent from a residence in 32000 block of Redwood Highway in Josephine County. The infant was abducted following a domestic violence incident at the location and the suspect was known to be armed.

At 11:27 a.m., Oregon State Police was notified by Josephine County that a suspect and infant had been located. The suspect was taken into custody, and the child was safely recovered unharmed.

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigating agency and the appropriate contact for additional information about the incident.

# # #

About AMBER Alert Activations

Oregon’s AMBER Alert program is administered by the Oregon State Police. It is a statewide program used to help locate abducted children. OSP uses FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to send both Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages in the event of an AMBER Alert. Alerts are transmitted simultaneously to all mobile devices in the affected area. AMBER Alerts are issued when specific activation criteria is met and includes a reasonable belief that an abduction has occurred; the child is aged 17 years or younger; law enforcement believe the child is in imminent danger; and there is enough information to assist in the recovery of the child.

On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at about 2:40 a.m., a Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop a black sedan on Highway 26 near NW Jackson School Road for speeds exceeding 100 mph, but the driver eluded eastbound. Within minutes, another deputy reported seeing a vehicle matching the description heading south on SW 185th Avenue and attempted to stop it. The driver again attempted to elude.

Deputies responding to the area saw the vehicle, a stolen black 2015 BMW 335, turn onto SW 188th Court and drive into an apartment complex. Deputies found the vehicle and saw three people running from it.

Deputies contained the area and requested a K9 team to respond. Corporal Terry and K9 Griff began tracking, first locating two passengers on a nearby porch. K9 Griff continued tracking towards a marshy wooded area where the third suspect ran into.

K9 Griff found the third suspect hiding about 20 feet up in a tree, and a drone was used to pinpoint the exact location. After about 45 minutes, the driver agreed to come down from the tree and was taken into custody.

The driver, 21-year-old Cairo Truth of Portland, was arrested for attempting to elude, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, reckless driving, reckless endangering, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Both 19-year-old passengers, Davian Delgadillo and Iris Cisneros-Martinez of Hillsboro, were issued citations for their involvement in the incident and released. 

Video is available on Facebook

UPDATE: Nevaeh and Albert have both been located safely.

Date of Report: 8/27/26

Case: 26-23375

Name: Nevaeh Bungart

Age: 15   

Sex: Female

Race:  Caucasian

Height: 5’6”   

Weight: 105

Hair: Brown   

Eyes: Blue 

Name: Albert Bungart

Age: 13   

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Height: 5'6"   

Weight: 110

Hair: Brown   

Eyes: Blue

Information: Nevaeh and Albert were last seen leaving the Cave Junction area on foot on 8/26/2026 at approximately 8:30pm. Their direction of travel is uncertain. Nevaeh was wearing a gray shirt with lettering, and black pants when she left. Nevaeh has a nose ring and pierced ears.  Albert was wearing a white shirt with black or grey shorts on. They were also carrying backpacks. 

If you have any information, please contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office at 541-474-5123.

60 children to be served when the Elm Park Learning Center opens in Florence, OR

The Oregon City Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance with locating 52‑year‑old Kristine Reneau. Ms. Reneau was last known to be in the Oregon City area on August 25, 2026, following her release from the Clackamas County Jail.  She is believed to be traveling on foot and currently does not have access to a vehicle.

Ms. Reneau is described as a white female, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds, with shoulder‑length brown hair and brown eyes.  She has several identifiable tattoos, including five stars on the right side of her neck, an infinity sign with the word “son” on her left wrist, as well as a depiction of a moon and sun on one of her arms.

Anyone who sees Ms. Reneau or has information regarding her whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately and reference Oregon City Police Department case number 26‑017080.

08/31/202611:00 a.m.

Media Contact:

Lieutenant Ben Harvey, Corvallis Police Department

(541) 766-6556 / cpdpio@corvallisoregon.gov

Two Arrested Following Disturbance in Northwest Corvallis

On August 27, 2026, at approximately 10:37 p.m., Corvallis Police Department officers responded to the 900 block of NW Spruce Avenue after receiving multiple reports of a disturbance involving knives and baseball bats.

Officers contacted 40-year-old Krystle Ann LaFave of Ishpeming, Michigan, and 41-year-old Wesley Dean Hankins of Marquette, Michigan, both with no fixed address, who were identified by witnesses and victims as being involved.

The investigation revealed LaFave and Hankins, who had previously been camping in the area, became involved in separate confrontations with two groups of people while walking through the neighborhood. During the first confrontation, Hankins allegedly assaulted and strangled a man while LaFave displayed a knife in a threatening manner. A short time later, the pair became involved in another confrontation during which LaFave allegedly threatened several people with a knife and members of the other group armed themselves with baseball bats.

Hankins was arrested for:

ORS 163.160 – Assault in the Fourth Degree

ORS 163.187 – Strangulation

ORS 166.025 – Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree

LaFave was arrested for:

ORS 163.190 – Menacing

ORS 166.220 – Unlawful Use of a Weapon

ORS 166.025 – Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree

Both were transported to the Benton County Jail.

SALEM, Ore. — The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8 in the Tillamook Room, Building C, Oregon Department of Forestry at 2600 State Street in Salem. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) ending balance
• Financial status of the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF)
• Weather update
• Administrative rule framework discussion
• Agency and Business Services Division report
• Protection Division report
• Administrator report

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

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

SALEM, OR – (August 31, 2026 ) — Cherriots has been recognized for outstanding performance in multiple categories at the 2026 TransDASH National Transit Performance Summit, including first-place honors for Most Improved Financial Stability and Most Improved Employee Engagement.

The recognition reflects Cherriots continued commitment to measuring value over volume and delivering meaningful results for riders, employees, and the communities Cherriots serves. Awards were presented this year during the summit’s ceremony luncheon on August 6–7 in Washington, D.C.

Cherriots received the following honors:

• Most Improved Financial Stability (2023 to 2024) - First Place

• Most Improved Employee Engagement (2024 to 2025) - First Place

• Top Performer Customer Experience (2025) - Second Place

• Top Performer Employee Engagement (2025) - Third Place

• Most Improved Customer Experience (2024 to 2025) - Third Place 

This is Cherriots third year receiving awards at the annual performance summit. Cherriots received top honors in community value and customer satisfaction at the annual summits hosted in Long Beach, California in 2024 and in Greensborough, North Carolina in 2025.

“These recognitions are a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the entire Cherriots team,” said Cherriots Board President, Maria Hinojos Pressey. “We are proud of the progress we’ve made and grateful for the employees whose efforts continue to strengthen our service and the experience we provide to our community.”

About Cherriots

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

For more information, visit www.cherriots.org.

Gresham, Ore.— Officers responded to a report of a traffic crash on NE Hogan Dr near NE Division St just before 5 a.m. Monday.  They determined a light-color sedan struck and seriously injured a pedestrian. The operator of the suspect vehicle drove away before officers arrived.  The victim was transported to a local hospital.

The Vehicular Crimes Team responded and is leading the investigation.  Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Sgt. John Herrera at rera@GreshamOregon.gov">John.Herrera@GreshamOregon.gov or to call the GPD tip line at 503-618-2719 or toll-free at 1-888-989-3505.

NE Hogan Dr will be closed between NE Division St and NE Burnside Rd for several hours while the investigation continues.  Drivers are asked to use alternate routes.

No additional information is available at this time.

Vancouver, Wash. – On August 30, 2026, at around 5:34 p.m., Vancouver Police responded to the 6100 block of NE 77^th Avenue for the report of a disturbance with a weapon. Callers reported a male with a gun went inside a residence and multiple gunshots were heard. When officers arrived, they located two adult males inside the residence deceased.

Detectives from the Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit are investigating this as a murder/suicide. There are not believed to be any outstanding suspects and no danger to the public. Nothing additional is being released at this time.

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PRESS RELEASE

Oregon Freedom Amendment Challenges Draft Ballot Title for Failure to Accurately Describe Constitutional Amendment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2026

Chief Petitioner Files Formal Objections With Secretary of State and Attorney General

SALEM, OREGON — Kari Goodheart, Chief Petitioner of Oregon Freedom Amendment Initiative Petition 2028-025, has formally challenged the legal sufficiency of the draft ballot title issued by the Oregon Attorney General.

The objections focus on whether the draft ballot title complies with the requirements of ORS 250.035(2) and (3), which require the caption, “yes” result, “no” result and summary to accurately identify the measure and clearly explain its effects to Oregon voters. The “yes” and “no” statements must also use the same terms and be written in parallel language to the extent practicable.

The Draft Title Does Not Accurately Reflect the Measure

The ballot title cannot be evaluated apart from the measure's own words.

IP 2028-025 expressly establishes an individual, fundamental constitutional right to hunt, fish, trap, farm, ranch, raise livestock, cultivate crops, harvest natural resources and engage in generally accepted practices of agriculture, animal husbandry and scientifically based wildlife management.

Yet the draft “yes” statement leaves out trapping, raising livestock and cultivating crops, even though those activities are included in the “no” statement and summary.

The draft caption likewise fails to reasonably identify the full subject matter of the amendment by omitting trapping and other agricultural activities expressly included in the measure.

The Summary Understates the Rights and Says the Effect Is "Unclear"

The draft summary places significant emphasis on restrictions and prohibitions while failing to clearly state the amendment's primary effect: creating a constitutional right.

Most concerning, the summary concludes:

“Measure's effect on current law is unclear.”

Goodheart's formal comments request that this language be removed. The amendment itself clearly establishes a constitutional right and specifies how that right may be regulated. Whether individual existing laws would survive that new constitutional standard is a matter of later legal application; it does not make the amendment's own effect unclear.

Ballot Title Must Be Revised

“The people of Oregon deserve a ballot title that tells them clearly what they are voting on,” said Kari Goodheart, Chief Petitioner of the Oregon Freedom Amendment.

“The Attorney General's draft uses different lists in the yes and no statements, leaves protected activities out of the yes statement, understates the constitutional rights created by the amendment, and then tells voters that its effect is unclear. That does not provide voters with the clear and consistent information Oregon law requires.”

Goodheart has formally requested that the Attorney General revise the ballot title to use consistent terminology, accurately describe the constitutional right created by IP 2028-025, properly explain the existing legal framework in the “no” statement, and remove the assertion that the amendment's effect is unclear.

Supreme Court Review Remains Available

Oregon law provides a specific remedy when an elector believes a certified ballot title does not substantially comply with ORS 250.035.

An elector who timely submitted written comments on the draft ballot title may petition the Oregon Supreme Court seeking a different ballot title. The court reviews whether the certified title substantially complies with the statutory requirements.

Goodheart has submitted her objections during the statutory comment period, preserving her right to seek Supreme Court review if the ballot title is certified without adequately addressing these objections. Her written comments expressly preserve those arguments for potential review under ORS 250.085.

The Oregon Freedom Amendment is asking for a ballot title that accurately describes the amendment—not one that leaves Oregon voters to determine for themselves what a “yes” vote actually means.

Initiative Petition 2028-025
Proposed Election: November 7, 2028
Website: www.oregonfreedomamendment.org

Milwaukie OR – At approximately 1:40 AM on 8/30/26, A Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy on routine patrol reported to Milwaukie Police a two-vehicle crash had occurred at the intersection of SE Mcloughlin Blvd. and SE 17th Ave. The Deputy reported a sedan travelling Southbound on SE Mcloughlin at a rate of high speed struck another SUV passenger vehicle at the intersection of SE 17th Ave.

Officers arrived to assist the Deputy in assessing and attending to injured drivers along with Clackamas Fire. All three occupants of the SUV were transported to local hospitals, two with serious injuries. The driver of the sedan was also transported with moderate injuries.

Clackamas County Crime Reconstruction and Forensic Technicians (CRAFT) arrived to assess and investigate the crash scene. Initial findings indicate the speeding sedan failed to stop at a red light on SE Mcloughlin Blvd and struck the SUV, which was in the process of making a legal turn across oncoming lanes traffic. Speed is considered a factor in this crash.

The Intersection was closed for several hours while CRAFT investigators processed the scene and was opened. CRAFT is a County wide interagency crime scene forensic team comprised of Law Enforcement Officers and Crime Scene Technicians including a Milwaukie Police Officer.

Anyone who may have information about or witnessed this incident is asked to call the Milwaukie Police Tip line at 503-786-7425 or email tips@milwaukieoregon.gov

. Milwaukie Police are the investigating agency of this incident MiPD case #26-4923. The investigation is ongoing, nothing further is available at this time. 

City of Milwaukie Oregon Official Website

Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reports that forward progress on the Sno Park Fire, located west of Bend on Skyliners Road, has been stopped and is now 100% contained. All evacuation notices for the area have been lifted.

Thanks to the quick and effective actions of firefighters on the ground and in the air, the fire’s growth was limited to approximately 10 acres. 

Fire crews will remain on scene to strengthen containment lines and continue mop‑up operations. Skyliners Road at NF 4606 may still experience intermittent access restrictions to support ongoing fire activity.

###
 

VANCOUVER, Wash. — August 29, 2026 — Vancouver Fire Department firefighters responded Saturday afternoon to a residential structure fire in the area of NE 75th Street and NE 124th Avenue. Multiple callers to 911 reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the rear of the home. When the first Vancouver Fire engine arrived, crews found an active fire in one of the bedrooms on the backside of the home. Firefighters immediately deployed hose lines and began an offensive fire attack. Additional crews entered the home to search for occupants and assist with fire control. The house was vacant during the time of the fire.

Through a quick and coordinated response, firefighters knocked down the main body of the fire within minutes of arriving and completed searches of the residence. No injuries were reported. 

The total estimated cost of the damage is not yet known. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 (Be Set) evacuation notice for the area west of Bend at Mile Post 7 on Skyliners Road due to the Sno Park Fire, currently estimated at approximately 8 acres.

Skyliners Road at Forest Service Road 4606 is closed to westbound traffic due to active fire operations. Please avoid the area and allow fire crews to work safely.

A Level 1 (Be Set) notice means residents should prepare for possible evacuation. Review your emergency plan, gather essential items, and stay alert to changing conditions. Preparedness information is available at www.deschutes.org/emergency. If you need extra time to evacuate or feel you are in immediate danger, take action early.

The Sheriff's Office will continue to monitor the Sno Park Fire and provide updates as conditions evolve.

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Hello everyone,

Just a friendly reminder that we are now only two months out from the Retired Police Luncheon!

Event Details:
Thursday, October 22, 2026
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Verrado Golf Club, Vic Quad
4242 N Golf Drive, Buckeye, AZ 85396
(623) 388-3000

Join us for good food, great company, and camaraderie as we celebrate our retired members and the legacy of service. The event includes a buffet and beverages, at $40 per person.

Please RSVP as soon as possible so we can finalize our headcount.

Payment options:
- Venmo: @ Deanna Whattam
- Check: mail to 8103 E Del Rubi Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

We look forward to seeing you there!

Save the date

October 22, 2026

Arizona Retirees Luncheon

See flyer for details

From Daren Roeser

Vancouver, Wash. — August 28, 2026 — Just after 6:00 p.m. Friday, Vancouver Fire Department and Clark County Fire District 6 crews were dispatched to 7017 NE St. John’s Road for a reported large box or dumpster fire against a building.

First-arriving crews found significantly more than reported. Heavy fire was impinging on the building near a roll-up door, a large dumpster was fully involved, a grass fire was burning south of the building, and a railroad car behind the building was also on fire.

Due to the rapidly developing conditions and multiple areas requiring firefighting operations, command immediately requested a second alarm, bringing additional firefighters and equipment to the scene.

Crews quickly determined that the exterior fire had extended into the building and ignited furniture inventory inside the Furniture World SW warehouse. Fire Divisions were established to coordinate firefighting operations, address the multiple fire areas, and maintain firefighter accountability throughout the incident.

Fifty-six firefighters were utilized during the response, and crews brought the fires under control in approximately 40 minutes.

Furniture World employees reported that they became aware of the fire when the building's fire alarm activated. Employees evacuated safely.

The railroad car involved in the fire is owned by the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Yacolt, Washington. The train passenger car and wrecking crane was being stored on the property while plans were being made to restore it for future use.

Furniture World SW operates two locations in the local area. The fire occurred at its NE St. John’s Road location.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Clark County Fire Marshals Office.

Gresham, Ore. —  On August 21, 2026 Cheley Barrientos, Luis Alberto 25-year-old Gresham man was arrested on multiple felony charges following a Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse investigation conducted by the Gresham Police Department.

Cheley Barrientos, was booked into Multnomah County Jail on 5 counts of Luring a Minor, 2 counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse II, 2 counts of Sex Abuse III, and several other related charges.  Detective Mike Erickson is the lead detective on this case and is concerned there may be additional victims. 

Detective Erickson is asking anyone who is a victim or has information to please contact him at michael.erickson@greshamoregon.gov

Read on our website: https://www.mcso.us/public-information/hiker-dies-after-falling-trail-near-horsetail-falls

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – On Friday, August 28, 2026, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to a report of a hiker who had fallen from a trail near Horsetail Falls, located at 56600 E Historic Columbia River Hwy.

Cascade Locks Fire notified MCSO around 1:45 p.m. that a woman had fallen approximately a half mile up the trail. The fall was reported by the victim’s friend, who called for help.

Emergency responders located the 70-year-old woman and determined she had died from her injuries after falling an estimated 400 feet.

The victim’s identity is not being released pending next-of-kin notification.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to Cascade Locks Fire and the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance.

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August 28, 2026

Media contact: Larry Bingham, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Eckman Lake August 28

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

People should avoid swimming and other water activities with a high risk of swallowing water or inhaling water droplets in areas of the river, lake or reservoir where blooms are present. Ingestion or inhalation of water is the concern because toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA’s RUVs are designed to protect the most vulnerable, including children, who have a higher activity level and are more likely to swallow water while recreating.

OHA encourages people to visit Eckman Lake and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, and motorized or non-motorized boating activities that have a low risk of swallowing or inhaling water droplets.

Drinking water

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

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

Symptoms for people, pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size, level of activity, and likelihood of swallowing water.

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

Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crusts along the shore. This is regardless of whether a recreational use health advisory in place. Symptoms in dogs can include difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, and loss of appetite, and more.  If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible. OHA recommends keeping dogs on leashes, away from affected water and mat material, to help reduce the chance of exposure.

Fishing

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

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) issued a wildfire emergency order and bulletin in late July for people affected by the state’s wildfire situation. That order was to expire this weekend. However, DFR extended it today for another 30 days to Sept. 29. The ZIP codes listed in the bulletin remain covered.

“Wildfire season is not over, and the last thing consumers should be worried about is receiving a cancellation or nonrenewal notice right now,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “Extending this order gives consumers breathing room to focus on their families and recovery while making sure coverage stays in place.”

As a reminder, this order requires all property and casualty insurance companies to take proactive measures to protect people in wildfire affected areas. The order:

• Suspends cancellations and nonrenewals
• Establishes a grace period for premium payments for all insurance policies issued, delivered, or covering a risk in the affected areas
• Extends deadlines for policyholders to report claims or submit other claims-related communications
• Requires all insurers to take all practicable steps to provide opportunities for policyholders to report claims

If your home or property was damaged by the wildfires, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss your situation and learn next steps. If you still have concerns, the division’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@oregon.gov.

Visit the DFR’s wildfire insurance resource page to view the order, bulletin, and more insurance information.

###

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.

Open house offers an opportunity to tour the school, meet staff and learn about the therapeutic education program

WEST LINN, Ore. — Clackamas Education Service District invites families, neighbors and community partners to explore the new home of the Heron Creek Therapeutic Program during a community open house on Friday, Sept. 4.

The open house will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. at the former Bolton Primary School, 5933 Holmes St. in West Linn. Visitors can tour the campus, meet Heron Creek teachers and administrators, and learn how the program supports students from across Clackamas County. The open house is free, and no registration is required.

Heron Creek is relocating to the Bolton campus for the 2026–27 school year. The new location offers classrooms and specialized learning spaces, as well as a gym, library, lunchroom and playground. These spaces will help staff provide engaging academic, therapeutic and recreational opportunities for students.

“Heron Creek students thrive when they have structure, connection, and spaces that support their whole day at school,” said Stacey Sibley, CESD assistant director of therapeutic programs. “The Bolton campus will allow us to strengthen the academic, therapeutic, and social experiences we provide while continuing to honor each student’s individual needs, strengths, and readiness.”

Heron Creek serves approximately 100 K–12 students with a range of social, emotional, behavioral and academic needs. Its therapeutic classrooms provide individualized and small-group instruction, social-emotional support, behavior services and communication services. Staff work closely with families, school districts and community providers to coordinate support based on each student’s strengths, needs and goals.

The program’s nearly one-to-one staff-to-student ratio allows educators, therapists and other specialists to provide highly individualized support. Heron Creek also helps students develop the skills they need to transition to less restrictive school settings and prepare for life after graduation.

“At Clackamas ESD, our work begins with children: their strengths, their needs, their dignity and their future,” said Larry Didway, Clackamas ESD superintendent. “Heron Creek students deserve a learning environment that supports safety, belonging, growth and success. This move gives students access to a more complete school environment while keeping their individual needs at the center.”

Learn more about the Heron Creek Therapeutic Program.

About Clackamas Education Service District

Clackamas Education Service District provides regional services to school districts, educators, students and families throughout Clackamas County. Through partnerships and shared expertise, Clackamas ESD expands access to specialized services, strengthens local school districts and helps preserve resources for students.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County community members are invited to attend an information session on proposals relating to manufactured home parks in unincorporated Clark County on Sept. 14 at 6:30 pm.

In August 2025, the Clark County Council declared a moratorium to prohibit the redevelopment of existing manufactured home parks (MHPs) within its jurisdiction. The moratorium was renewed through February 2027 to allow time to develop strategies to better support preservation of existfing MHPs, to help maintain this affordable housing option, and to minimize resident displacement.

As part of the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan update project, the county is considering changes to comprehensive plan policies and the addition of a new MHP overlay zone within unincorporated urban growth areas. The purpose of the overlay is to prioritize MHP uses and limit other residential uses to reduce redevelopment pressure. The proposal is similar to zoning tools used in several Washington cities, including the City of Vancouver, looking to preserve MHPs and minimize displacement of park residents.

An information session on the proposals relating to MHPs in the unincorporated urban growth areas will begin with a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. Options are available to attend in-person or remotely:

• Date: Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
• Time: 6:30-7:30pm. Doors open at 6 pm
• Join in-person: Public Service Center, sixth floor, Room 680, 1300 Franklin St.
• Join remotely: Login details will be posted to https://bit.ly/2025CPMtg

• Translation services may be available upon request. Requests must be sent to comp.plan@clark.wa.gov by Sept. 7, 2026.

• Los servicios de traducción pueden estar disponibles si los solicita. Se debe enviar la solicitud a comp.plan@clark.wa.gov antes del 09-07-26.
• Услуга письменного перевода может быть предоставлена по запросу. Запрос необходимо направить на адрес comp.plan@clark.wa.gov до 26.09.07.
• 可应要求提供翻译服务。 请求必须在 2026 年 09 月 07 日之前发送至 comp.plan@clark.wa.gov

•  

  Learn more about the MHP proposals at: https://bit.ly/2025CPUpdate

   

  Submit a comment on the MHP proposals:

• On the county website: https://bit.ly/2025CPComments
• By email: comp.plan@clark.wa.gov
• By mail: Community Planning, MHP Comments, P.O. Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810

Learn more about the county Comprehensive Plan Update project, Your Future. Your Voice. at: https://bit.ly/2025CPUpdate

Date: Monday August 31, 2026

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Hockinson Community Center &  Zoom

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

For Immediate Release:

August 28, 2026
 

City of Salem Notifies Verrus that Submitted Application is “Incomplete”

Salem, Ore. – Today, the City of Salem has sent, as required by Oregon law (ORS 227.178), an application status letter to the Verrus Mill Creek Data Center applicant (Alderstone, LLC – a Verrus subsidiary).  The letter indicates after a careful review by City planning staff that Alderstone, LLC’s application is “Incomplete.”
 

As part of the planning and land use development process, “Completeness Review” is the second step for Type II applications.  The Completeness Review is conducted after an applicant submits a land use application to the City.  During this step, City staff review the application materials to determine if everything required by City regulations has been included in the application.  Staff are required to conduct this review within 30 days of receiving an application.
 

If the application is not complete, staff are required to notify the applicant in writing of what is missing. The applicant then has 180 days from the date the application was first submitted to provide the missing information, or notify the City that none of the missing information will be provided. If the applicant does not respond within 180 days of the date the application was first submitted (January 27, 2027), the application will be void.
 

The letter has been made publicly available on City’s Topics of Interest: Verrus’ Mill Creek Data Center Project page as well as can be found as part of the application file in the City of Salem public land use portal.

September 6th event supports OSP’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation K-9 teams

(CASCADE LOCKS, Ore.) – Oregon Wildlife Foundation welcomes a team from Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division’s Conservation K-9 program to their gift shop at Bonneville Fish Hatchery on Sunday, Sept. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors will meet OSP Fish & Wildlife Senior Trooper Josh Wolcott, his K-9 partner Drake, and learn about the role that K-9s play in the protection and conservation of Oregon’s fish and wildlife.

This event, hosted by the OWF Gift Shop at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, is part of its month-long campaign to support OSP’s Conservation K-9 program. Throughout the month of September, visitors to OWF Gift Shops at Bonneville and in Hood River, can make a donation in support of the program at checkout.

This event also features free fudge and brittle tastings by Granny’s Fudge and a new temporary Herman the Sturgeon tattoo for donations made in any amount to the Conservation K-9 program.

Visitors who spend $100 or more at either OWF Gift Shop location will receive a free OWF tote bag while supplies last. Visitors to their Bonneville location are invited to swing by Herman’s Coffee Bar to check out the Shop’s current seasonal drink specials.

The OWF Gift Shop at Bonneville Fish Hatchery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the day of the event. Their Hood River Shop is open between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Proceeds from sales at OWF Gift Shops support the Oregon Wildlife Foundation and their work to conserve Oregon’s fish, wildlife, and habitats. The Foundation works with partners across Oregon to increase funding and support for wildlife conservation projects.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Meet one of OSP Fish & Wildlife’s Conservation K-9 teams
When: Sunday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Where: OWF Gift Shop at Bonneville Fish Hatchery
Store Hours:10 a.m.– 6 p.m.
Activities: Meet Senior Trooper Josh Wolcott and  Conservation K-9 Drake; free Granny’s Fudge and brittle tastings; temporary Herman the Sturgeon tattoos by donation; seasonal drinks at Herman’s Coffee Bar
September Giving: Donations made at checkout throughout the month of September benefit the Conservation K-9 program

For more information about Oregon Wildlife Foundation and OWF Gift Shops, visit myowf.org.

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 myowf.org.

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Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997

Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information:  https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule

International School of Portland, City Council Vice President Olivia Clark, OHSU, Portland State University to Celebrate New PBOT Safe Route to School with “Bike Bus”

– Schoolchildren, families, OHSU students will cycle the “Better Sheridan” route, a result of collaboration between City agencies, PSU, Better Block PDX, International School of Portland, and OHSU -

PORTLAND — On Monday morning, August 31, the International School of Portland (ISP) community, alongside Portland City Council Vice President Olivia Clark, OHSU, PSU, neighbors, and local transportation advocates, will celebrate the completion of Phase I of the “Better Sheridan” project with a celebratory “Bike Bus.”

South Sheridan Street — a previously unimproved route connecting the South Waterfront and downtown — is undergoing a transformation. Thanks to a grassroots collaboration between ISP, OHSU, Better Block PDX, and Portland State University, the street now features newly installed bike lanes and protective barriers. The project was officially approved by City Council, with Phase 1 funded directly from Council Vice President Olivia Clark’s office budget.

To celebrate this milestone in neighborhood safety and accessibility to the South Waterfront, students, families, and community members will commute together in a “Bike Bus,” arriving at the ISP campus and greeted by a larger community. 

WHAT: A celebratory “Bike Bus” and campus arrival event marking the completion of Phase I of the “Better Sheridan” safe streets project. Brief remarks by various stakeholder representatives will follow.

WHO:

• Students, families, and staff of the International School of Portland (ISP)

• Portland City Council Vice President Olivia Clark

• Representatives from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT)

• Representatives from Better Block PDX, Portland State University (PSU), and OHSU

• Neighborhood association members and local community advocates

INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY:

• City Council Vice President Olivia Clark

• Bodo Heiliger, International School of Portland

• Maura Paxton, former PSU student and participant of Better Block PSU program

• Project organizers from Better Block PDX, Better Block PSU project participants, and parents whose children will benefit from the safer route

• International School of Portland students

VISUALS:

• Highly visual commute: Young children, parents, and community members riding bicycles together through the newly improved South Sheridan bike lanes to arrive at school

• Arrival celebration: Crowds of ISP staff, parents, and community members cheering on the arriving cyclists at 9 am

• Speaker remarks: Brief remarks from stakeholder representatives, standing at podium

 WHEN: Monday, August 31

• 8:45 am: School personnel, families, community members, and stakeholder leaders gather near International School of Portland to await the arrival of the Bike Bus  

• 9 am: Bike Bus arrives at ISP campus for cheers, celebration, and remarks before the school day begins

• 9:05 am: Crowd walks one block toward ISP in preparation for remarks

• 9:10 am (approximate): Brief remarks from stakeholder representatives begin: Planned order of speakers:

  • Brief welcome to media and attendees and introduction of Council Vice President Clark: - Katharine Applegarth, International School of Portland (30-45 seconds)

  • Council Vice President Olivia Clark

  • Bodo Heiliger, International School of Portland

  • Maura Paxton, former PSU student and participant of Better Block PSU program

  • Brett Dodson, OHSU

• 9:25 am: End of event

WHERE:

• Assembly / Bike Bus Arrival Point: Intersection between South Sheridan Street and South Water Avenue, beneath the Marquam Bridge

• Remarks: Intersection between South Water Avenue and South Caruthers (one block away from Bike Bus Arrival Point); edge of International School of Portland campus

NOTES:

Designated parking will be made available to interested media 

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PORTLAND

Founded in 1990, the International School of Portland provides a warm, multicultural environment where children are fully immersed in Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish from preschool through fifth grade. Its small classes and inquiry-based International Baccalaureate curriculum enable children to acquire language and culture as they learn to pursue knowledge beyond the classroom and throughout life. Unlike other immersion schools, at least 75% of the classroom experience is in the language, including math.

One of only two schools in the United States to provide three full language immersion programs under one roof, the International School of Portland is also home to the longest-running Chinese immersion program in the Pacific Northwest. It is also the only program in the country to offer full Japanese language immersion, and to combine Japanese immersion with the renowned International Baccalaureate approach.

MEDIA CONTACT

Katharine Applegarth

International School of Portland

415-871-7843

kata@intlschool.org

Governor Kotek visits Oregon Guard aviation crews, Department of Forestry reps for an aerial wildland firefighting update

PENDLETON, Ore. - The Oregon Army National Guard's Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion, hosted Governor Tina Kotek for a state multiagency wildland fire update at Army Aviation Support Facility #2 in Pendleton, Oregon, on August 27, 2026. Attendees included Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Oregon’s Adjutant General; Doug Grafe, Wildfire Programs Director; Mariana Ruiz-Temple, Oregon State Fire Marshal; and KC Kacey, Director of the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Representatives from both the Oregon Army National Guard and the Oregon Department of Forestry briefed Governor Kotek on aerial firefighting efforts for the Hagen and Paradise Fires in Umatilla County.

Governor Kotek also received an update from the Oregon Army National Guard on the maintenance of aircraft and water buckets used to support wildland firefighting efforts.

Oregon Army aviation crews were activated in late July under Operation Plan (OPLAN) Smokey, the formal agreement between the Oregon Military Department and the Oregon Department of Forestry. This agreement outlines the Oregon National Guard’s support for wildland firefighting operations statewide.

Under standard OPLAN Smokey conditions, the Oregon Army National Guard provides one CH-47 Chinook and two HH-60M helicopters. This summer, crews have operated at surge capacity since July 28, deploying three HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and two CH-47 Chinooks.

As of August 27, Oregon Guard helicopters had dropped 1,398 water buckets, totaling approximately 1.4 million gallons of water during this wildfire season.

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Released photos:

260827-Z-NJ272-1000: Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Dan Russell, Commander, Army Aviation Support Facility #2, briefs Governor Tina Kotek, alongside Lindsey Olivera, Pendleton Unit Forester, Oregon Department of Forestry, in Pendleton, Oregon, August 27, 2026. Governor Kotek received briefings from both the Oregon Military Department and the Oregon Department of Forestry on air-attack efforts for the Hagen and Paradise Fires, both currently burning in Umatilla County. (U.S. National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

260827-Z-NJ272-1002: Oregon Army National Guard aviation personnel show Oregon Governor Tina Kotek a water bucket being used for fire suppression efforts on the Hagen and Paradise Fires at the Army Aviation Support Facility #2, in Pendleton, Oregon, August 27, 2026. Oregon Guard aviators have been supporting state wildland fire efforts beginning July 28, after completing a day of administrative in-processing for State Active Duty, and have dropped more than 1.4 million gallons of water during the 2026 Wildland Fire Season. (U.S. National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

260827-Z-NJ272-1003: Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Taylor Frye, Operations Officer, Army Aviation Support Facility #2, briefs Governor Tina Kotek in Pendleton, Oregon, August 27, 2026. During the visit, Governor Kotek received updates from both the Oregon Military Department and the Oregon Department of Forestry on air-attack efforts for the Hagen and Paradise Fires, both currently burning in Umatilla County. (U.S.National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

260827-Z-NJ272-1004: Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Dan Russell, Commander, Army Aviation Support Facility #2, briefs Governor Tina Kotek in Pendleton, Oregon, on August 27, 2026. Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General of Oregon, and Maj. Taylor Frye, Operations Officer at AASF #2, also attended. Governor Kotek received updates from the Oregon Military Department and the Oregon Department of Forestry on air-attack efforts for the Hagen and Paradise Fires, both burning in Umatilla County. (U.S. National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

260827-Z-NJ272-1008: Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Taylor Frye, Operations Officer, Army Aviation Support Facility #2, briefs Governor Tina Kotek in Pendleton, Oregon, August 27, 2026. During the visit, Governor Kotek received updates from both the Oregon Military Department and the Oregon Department of Forestry on air-attack efforts for the Hagen and Paradise Fires, both currently burning in Umatilla County. (U.S. National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

260827-Z-NJ272-1009: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion, along with members of Golf Company, 1-189th Aviation, listen as Governor Tina Kotek shares her appreciation for their work supporting wildland fire suppression efforts during a visit to Army Aviation Support Facility #2 in Pendleton, Oregon, on August 27, 2026. Soldiers from the unit have been supporting the Hagen and Paradise Fires in coordination with the Oregon Department of Forestry since completing administrative onboarding on July 27, 2026. (U.S. National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

260827-Z-NJ272-1012: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion together with members of Golf Company, 1-189th Aviation, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General - Oregon, Doug Grafe, Wildfire Programs Director, Mariana Ruiz-Temple, Oregon State Fire Marshal, and KC Kacey, Director, Oregon Department of Forestry, stand in front of an Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter following the Governor’s visit to Army Aviation Support Facility #2, in Pendleton, Oregon, August 27, 2026. Soldiers from the unit have been supporting the Hagen and Paradise Fires in coordination with the Oregon Department of Forestry since completing administrative onboarding on July 27, 2026. (U.S. National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) announced today that the State-level Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) is demobilizing and transitioning its activation status to Level 4 – Steady State. This change reflects current wildfire conditions and allows state agency staff who have been supporting response operations to return to their normal roles across the enterprise.

OEM’s wildfire partners at the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Fire Marshal will continue their regular fire suppression and monitoring activities throughout the remainder of wildfire season. The downgrade in state level coordination reflects a reduced need for support and supplemental firefighting resources on the ground — not a reduction in wildfire risk. Even with this shift, conditions remain very dry, and wildfire potential persists.

Oregonians are urged to continue practicing fire prevention by:

• Limiting activities that could spark a fire, such as debris burning or using equipment that produces heat or sparks.
• Following all local fire restrictions and bans.
• Properly disposing of cigarettes.
• Keeping tow chains from dragging, tires inflated and don’t park on dry grass.
• Reporting any signs of smoke or fire immediately.
• Signing up for alerts at ORAlert.gov.

OEM emphasizes that this transition does not mean the state is stepping back from supporting wildfire-affected communities or our local, Tribal, and county partners. The agency remains available to coordinate assistance through the Oregon Emergency Communications and Coordination Center (OEC3). This center provides 24/7 all-hazard monitoring should additional resources and elevated support be needed. Through the OEC3, OEM will continue to closely monitor wildfire activity and rapidly increase ECC activation levels if conditions change.

As suppression efforts progress across the state, OEM is also shifting focus toward long-term recovery support. Many communities face complex recovery challenges, and OEM will continue working with partners to help navigate federal programs, damage assessments, mitigation planning and other essential components of recovery.

“OEM’s transition to Steady State ensures we can continue supporting wildfire-impacted communities while also allowing state partners to return to their core responsibilities,” ECC Manager Alaina Calhoun said. “Our team will maintain close situational awareness, remain ready to increase activation if conditions change and stay engaged in both response and long-term recovery efforts.”

Applications open Sept. 14 to Nov. 16

Salem, Ore. – The Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program is a federally funded reimbursement grant program that provides matching grants to state and local governments for land acquisition, development and rehabilitation for public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Applications are due Nov. 16, 2026.

Eligible applicants are cities, counties, metropolitan service districts, park and recreation districts, port districts, federally recognized tribal governments and certain Oregon state agencies.

An optional webinar is scheduled 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 11 to provide information on the program and how to navigate the application process. Register for the live workshop. A recording of the webinar will be posted on the LWCF web page shortly after.

Access to the LWCF application will be available online at oprdgrants.org when the grant cycle opens. New applicants must first request an account via the website before they are granted application access.

The LWCF Program is funded through the National Park Service and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Since 1964, this national grant program has awarded more than $80 million in grant funds for Oregon recreational areas and facilities.

Additional information about the LWCF program, including the grant manual, application instructions and program schedule, is available on the LWCF web page.

For information, contact Nohemi Enciso at nohemi.enciso@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-480-9092.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican man who was a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration status was sentenced to federal prison today for trafficking firearms, announced Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Vincente Cortes Quiroz, 37, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, investigators learned that Quiroz acquired over 120 firearms in Oregon since 2014 from licensed firearms dealers. Quiroz lied by stating he was a United States citizen on many of the firearm purchase forms. Over 70 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were seized from Quiroz’s residence. Two vehicles Quiroz used in his crime were also seized.

“Getting illegal firearms off the streets is a top priority. Through our collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we removed more than 70 illegal guns, making our community safer,” said Scott E. Bradford.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, the Salem Police Department, the WIN HIDTA Taskforce, the Washington County Community Violence Reduction Team (CoVRT), the Drug Enforcement Agency, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Sheridan Fire District. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arin C. Heinz, Jessica Keefer, and Julia Jarrett.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

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At approximately 4:05 p.m. on August 27, 2026, Klamath County Fire District 1 was dispatched to a reported vegetation fire in the area behind Home Depot.

Fire District 1 crews arrived on scene 4 minutes and 19 seconds after dispatch and found an active fire burning in approximately one-half acre of grass, brush, and low-level trees, with flames reaching approximately 20 feet in height threatening several vehicles and residences.

Klamath County Fire District 1 responded with 15 personnel, including four engine companies and two command staff. Crews worked quickly to contain the fire and prevent further spread. Klamath County Fire District 1 was assisted by Kingsley Field Fire Department.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Klamath County Fire District 1 would like to remind the public that we are still in fire season and fire danger remains extreme. Despite the approaching end of summer, vegetation remains extremely dry and conditions are favorable for rapid fire growth.

Please continue to follow all current fire restrictions and use extreme caution with any outdoor activity that could produce heat, sparks, or flames. Be mindful when operating equipment, parking or driving vehicles in dry vegetation, and participating in other outdoor activities that could unintentionally start a fire.

A small spark can quickly become a significant wildfire under current conditions.

Know the law. Stay in compliance. Help keep the community safe.

Español a continuación

BENTON COUNTY, Ore.— The Benton County Health Department will conduct a free compliance training for local businesses selling alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis products. The training will take place on Saturday, September 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Benton County Kalapuya Building in Corvallis at 4500 SW Research Way. Interested participants should register for the training by September 23 .

This training will support owners and employees of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis retailers in understanding how to stay in compliance with local and state laws on selling these regulated products. Attendees will learn how to identify a person’s age and spot a fake ID, how to use black lights and magnifying lenses to check IDs, and how to identify excessive alcohol consumption and signs of intoxication. The training will also offer information on fentanyl awareness and overdose prevention, including naloxone training.

“Retailers play a key role in helping prevent substance use and access by minors,” said Suzie Beaupre, Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Education Program Coordinator for Benton County Health Department.

“We really have two main goals with this training program,” said Beaupre. “The first is to prevent substance use among minors, and the second is to help support our local businesses in staying in compliance with the law.”

The training will be held in English, and language interpretation can be provided if requested. Free lunch will be provided, and participants will receive free handheld black lights for checking IDs and free naloxone kits for overdose response and prevention. Attendees can also participate in a drawing to win a gift card.

The training is offered by the Benton County Health Department’s alcohol, drug, and tobacco prevention and education programs, in partnership with their Risk Reduction program, Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), and other community organizations.

Retailer training is a part of the department’s ongoing efforts to address the health impacts of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances. This includes promoting statewide awareness campaigns like Rethink the Drink and Smokefree Oregon, and regional campaigns like Fentanyl Aware.

People who work in places that sell alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis products can register for the training online or entonHealthyCommunities@bentoncountyor.gov">email the department’s Healthy Communities Team for accommodations requests and more information.

Benton County Health Department

The Benton County Health Department is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Benton County. The Benton County Health Department focuses on preventing health problems before they occur. Their programs strive to create community conditions that help reduce health disparities, so all people have an equal chance for a long and healthy life.

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Español

El Condado de Benton ofrecerá un entrenamiento para establecimientos que venden alcohol, tabaco y productos de cannabis

Conozca la ley. Cumpla con las reglas. Ayude a mantener segura a la comunidad.

CONDADO DE BENTON, Oregón—El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton ofrecerá un entrenamiento gratuito sobre el cumplimiento de reglamentos dirigidos a los negocios locales que venden productos de alcohol, tabaco y cannabis. El entrenamiento se llevará a cabo el sábado 26 de septiembre, de 10:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m., en el edificio Kalapuya del Condado de Benton, ubicado en 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis. Los interesados deben inscribirse antes del 23 de septiembre.

Este entrenamiento ayudará a los propietarios y empleados de los establecimientos que venden tabaco, alcohol y cannabis a comprender cómo cumplir con las leyes locales y estatales relativas a la venta de estos productos regulados. Los participantes aprenderán a verificar la edad de las personas y a detectar identificaciones falsas, a usar luces ultravioletas (luz negra) y lupas para examinar documentos de identidad, y a identificar el consumo excesivo de alcohol y los signos de intoxicación. Asimismo, se ofrecerá información sobre el fentanilo y la prevención de sobredosis, incluyendo capacitación sobre el uso de naloxona.

"Los establecimientos desempeñan un papel fundamental para ayudar a prevenir el consumo de sustancias y el acceso a ellas por parte de los menores", señaló Suzie Beaupre, coordinadora del Programa de Educación y Prevención del Consumo de Alcohol y Drogas del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton.

"Tenemos dos objetivos principales con este entrenamiento", afirmó Beaupre. "El primero es prevenir el consumo de sustancias entre los menores y el segundo es apoyar a nuestros negocios locales para que cumplan con la ley".

El entrenamiento se llevará a cabo en inglés, aunque se puede ofrecer servicio de interpretación en otros idiomas si se solicita. Se ofrecerá un almuerzo gratuito y los participantes recibirán luces ultravioleta portátiles para verificar identificaciones, así como kits de naloxona para la prevención y respuesta ante sobredosis. Los participantes también podrán participar en un sorteo para ganar una tarjeta de regalo.

Este entrenamiento es ofrecido por los programas de educación y prevención del consumo de alcohol, drogas y tabaco del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton, en colaboración con su programa de Reducción de Riesgos, la Comisión de Licores y Cannabis de Oregón (OLCC) y otras organizaciones comunitarias.

La capacitación para establecimientos forma parte de los esfuerzos continuos del departamento para abordar los impactos en la salud derivados del consumo de alcohol, tabaco y otras sustancias. Esto incluye la promoción de campañas de concienciación a nivel estatal, como Rethink the Drink y Smokefree Oregon, así como campañas regionales como Fentanyl Aware.

Las personas que trabajan en establecimientos que venden alcohol, tabaco o productos de cannabis pueden inscribirse en línea o entonHealthyCommunities@bentoncountyor.gov">enviar un correo electrónico al Equipo de Comunidades Saludables del departamento para solicitar adaptaciones especiales u obtener más información.

Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton

El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton está comprometido a proteger la salud y el bienestar de todas las personas que viven, trabajan o visitan el Condado de Benton. El Departamento se centra en prevenir problemas de salud antes de que ocurran. Sus programas se esfuerzan por crear condiciones comunitarias que ayuden a reducir las disparidades en la salud, para que todas las personas tengan las mismas oportunidades de una vida larga y saludable.

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El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yakima, WA — Educational Service District 105 celebrated the first cohort of RISE Scholarship recipients at an awards ceremony held last week on Aug. 19, recognizing 20 educators from schools and districts across South Central Washington for their commitment to growing, leading, and staying in the communities they serve.

The RISE Scholarship (Racial Equity and Inclusion Support for Educators) launched earlier this year in response to input from more than 260 educators and community members across the region, developed in partnership with the LEADER Impact Network Advisory Council. The program supports educators through two pathways: paraeducators pursuing teaching credentials, and teachers pursuing administrative leadership. This year's cohort includes recipients from both pathways, representing districts throughout South Central Washington.

Each of the 20 recipients will receive $3,000 in support, including $2,000 in tuition assistance and $1,000 for leadership engagement through the LEADER Impact Network. Beyond financial support, recipients join a regional cohort of educators building leadership skills, connecting across districts, and supporting one another through leadership gatherings, networking opportunities, and mentorship.

[Quote from ESD 105 Representative]:

"This work comes directly from what educators in our region shared with us," said Alma Castillo, Career Readiness Coordinator at ESD 105. "Seeing this first group of 20 recipients recognized last week was a powerful reminder of the leadership that already exists in our schools. RISE is about creating the conditions for educators to grow, stay, and lead in their communities."

The Aug. 19 ceremony brought together recipients, district leaders, and community members to celebrate the cohort's achievement and mark the beginning of their journey through the program. Alma Castillo and Melissa Matczak, who together lead ESD 105's regional LEADER Impact Network team, say the launch of this inaugural cohort is just the starting point: over the coming year, the team plans to deepen the regional network around the Scholars, connecting them to one another and to broader leadership opportunities across South Central Washington. Recipients now move forward as part of a growing network of educators working to build an educational ecosystem where educators of color thrive and every student sees themselves reflected in leadership.

The RISE Scholarship is part of the LEADER Impact Network's broader effort to strengthen and diversify the educator workforce across South Central Washington. This work is supported by College Spark Washington, whose investment helps expand opportunities for educators and strengthen pathways into teaching and leadership roles across the region.

For more information, please contact:

Alma Castillo

Career Readiness Coordinator

Educational Service District 105

alma.castillo@esd105.org

About LEADER Impact Network:

The LEADER Impact Network is a regional initiative focused on recruiting, supporting, and retaining educators who reflect the communities they serve. Through community-informed strategies centered on investment, networking, and belonging, the network works to strengthen educator pathways and create more equitable outcomes for students across South Central Washington.

About College Spark Washington:

College Spark Washington supports the postsecondary dreams of students and their communities through grantmaking focused on dismantling racism in the education system.

About ESD 105:

ESD 105 serves the educational needs of schools and students in South Central Washington. Through partnerships, internal collaboration and innovation, ESD 105 serves and supports students, families, and communities by removing barriers and transforming lives.

August 26, 2026

Media contacts:

• Erica Heartquist, Oregon Health Authority, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

• Liz Merah, Oregon Department of Education, ah@ode.oregon.gov">Liz.Merah@ode.oregon.gov

‘Friends for Life’ aims to prevent overdoses among Oregon youth, young adults

New statewide resources give students, families and schools tools to prevent and respond to overdoses

PORTLAND, Ore.—As students return to high school and college, Oregon and Washington state public health and education leaders are encouraging young people and their loved ones to look out for one another through Friends for Life, a new overdose prevention effort focused on teens and young adults ages 13 to 25.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Washington State Health Care Authority, are bringing resources to Oregon to help young people and families talk about fentanyl and other drugs, prevent overdoses, recognize the signs of an overdose and use naloxone.

“Young people want to be there for their friends, so we need to equip young people and the adults in their lives to talk openly about drugs, mental health and supporting each other,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., MPH, deputy state health officer and deputy epidemiologist at OHA. “With Friends for Life, we’re recognizing the importance of relationships to keep our communities safe and healthy.”

The campaign offers practical, youth-focused resources in English and Spanish at www.orfriendsforlife.com, including information on fentanyl, fake pills, overdose prevention, naloxone, treatment and recovery.

“Our schools play an essential role in helping students build the knowledge, skills and trusted relationships they need to make healthy, informed decisions,” said ODE Director Charlene Williams. “By partnering with families, communities and public health leaders, we can give young people tools to recognize risks, support one another, and know what to do in an emergency.”

Why it matters

Oregon’s overdose deaths have declined over the past two years, reaching a four-year low in 2025. But fentanyl and methamphetamine remain major drivers of overdose deaths, with more than 90% of reported overdose deaths involving fentanyl, methamphetamine or both.

Young people ages 24 and younger accounted for 4% of Oregon’s overdose deaths in 2024. Although youth and young adults represent a small percentage of overdose deaths in Oregon, preventing substance use early in life dramatically reduces future risk of substance use disorder and other related health outcomes. Fifty-nine youth and young adults died from drug overdoses that year, down from 106 in 2023.

Importantly, more than half of youth overdose events involved someone else being present, meaning a friend, family member or other bystander may have been able to call 911 and administer naloxone.

Resources for schools, families and communities

Friends for Life includes:

• A free toolkit for schools and community organizations with materials in seven languages, including posters, wallet cards, rack cards and social media content.
• Technical assistance to help schools and community partners adapt the campaign for their communities.

Oregon’s Friends for Life campaign is supported by federal funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We hope Friends for Life can help us take care of each other by preventing addiction and drug use before it starts, as well as giving people the tools to stay safe,” Jeanne said.

Learn more and access resources at www.orfriendsforlife.com.

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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Community Services has scheduled four public forums in October 2026 to discuss and get feedback on its low-income community needs survey conducted earlier this year. This feedback will be included in the final Community Needs Assessment report and will help determine spending decisions countywide.

These events are open to all. Registration is encouraged. Interpretation services will be provided upon request. Light refreshments will be available during in-person forums.

Community Forum in Battle Ground

• When: Monday, Oct. 5, 2026
  • Open house / data walk: 1–5 pm
  • Forum: 5:30–7:30 pm
• Where: Battle Ground Community Library
  • 1207 SE Eighth Way
  • Meyer Memorial Trust Community Room

Virtual Community Forum

• When: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
  • 10 am – noon
• Where: Zoom, link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82914439966
  • Meeting ID: 829 1443 9966

Community Forum in Vancouver

• When: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026
  • Open house / data walk: noon–5 pm
  • Forum: 5:30–7:30 pm
• Where: Vancouver Community Library
  • 901 C St.
  • Columbia Room

Community Forum in Camas

• When: Monday, Oct. 26, 2026
  • Forum: 5:30–7:30 pm

• Where: Camas Public Library
  • 625 NE Fourth Ave.
  • Dual Meeting Rooms A & B

The confidential survey asked residents with low incomes about their family’s needs. Community Services will share data from the survey, and participants will have a chance to provide feedback and share their opinions on the findings.

Community Services is required to conduct a community needs assessment every three years. The results are used to help prioritize which programs and services will be funded in our community with Community Service Block Grant awards.

Portland, Ore., August 27, 2026 – From inland neighborhoods to rivers and the Oregon Coast, SOLVE is bringing communities together this September for its annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, taking place September 18–27 across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Volunteer registration is now open for cleanup and restoration projects that help keep litter out of local waterways and protect the places communities love.

For four decades, the Beach & Riverside Cleanup has connected volunteers across the region in a shared effort to remove litter, restore natural areas and protect beaches, rivers and public lands. This year, the event is joined by returning regional events including Pick It Up, Milwaukie! and Pick It Up, Bend!, both entering their second year, as well as SOLVE’s Clean & Green Series in Vancouver.

“Protecting our waterways starts in the communities where we live, work and play,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “Every piece of litter we prevent from entering a storm drain, creek or river is one less piece that can travel downstream. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup reminds us that our actions are connected, from inland communities to rivers and ultimately to the coast.”

From Inland Communities to the Coast

Litter doesn’t stay where it is dropped. Rain and runoff can carry trash from streets, parks and neighborhoods into storm drains, streams and rivers, eventually reaching the ocean. Protecting our waterways therefore requires action at every point along the way.

The Beach & Riverside Cleanup brings that source-to-sea connection to life, with volunteer opportunities ranging from coastal beaches and riverbanks to neighborhood parks and community spaces. Together, volunteers remove litter, restore natural areas, and help protect the waterways that connect communities across the region.

The 2026 cleanup also aligns with several national and global efforts highlighting the importance of protecting waterways and public lands, including International Coastal Cleanup Day (September 19), National Public Lands Day (September 26) and World Rivers Day (September 27).

Regional Action, Close to Home

The Beach & Riverside Cleanup is part of SOLVE’s broader network of opportunities for communities to take action close to home.

After successful inaugural events last year, Pick It Up, Milwaukie! and Pick It Up, Bend! are returning for a second year. These large-scale community cleanups bring residents, businesses and volunteers together to care for the places they know and love, and help prevent litter from reaching local waterways.

In Vancouver, SOLVE’s Clean & Green series brings cleanup and restoration projects to community-loved parks and natural areas. SOLVE is also making it easier for local leaders to organize their own volunteer projects through its Vancouver supply hub, providing access to cleanup supplies and resources closer to where community action is happening.

Together, these efforts reflect SOLVE’s year-round approach to community action: connecting people with opportunities to care for their neighborhoods, natural areas and waterways while contributing to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient region.

Key Events Across the Region

Coastal Cleanups
Communities in six Oregon counties, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Clatsop, Curry and Benton, will participate in the Beach & Riverside Cleanup, with the majority of coastal cleanup events taking place on International Coastal Cleanup Day, September 19. Volunteers will come together to remove litter from beaches and coastal areas, joining a global effort to protect waterways and prevent marine debris from reaching the ocean.

Pick It Up, Milwaukie! | September 19
In partnership with Bob’s Red Mill, SOLVE is bringing back Pick It Up, Milwaukie! for its second year. Volunteers will clean up downtown streets, business corridors and Milwaukie Bay Park, including the river’s edge, before joining the community’s Sustainability Fair.

Clean & Green Vancouver | September 19
SOLVE’s Clean & Green series will bring volunteers together at Vancouver’s Waterfront Park, downtown and the Renaissance Trail to remove litter and care for community spaces. The event highlights SOLVE’s continued commitment to bringing cleanup and restoration opportunities to communities across Southwest Washington.

Pick It Up, Bend! | September 27
Returning for its second year, Pick It Up, Bend! will bring volunteers together at the Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater to clean up Bend’s community spaces. The cleanup will lead into SOLVE’s partnership with the Jack Johnson concert that evening as a Village Green partner, extending the day’s focus on community and environmental action. (Participation in the cleanup does not provide access to concert tickets).

Get Involved

SOLVE invites individuals, families, schools, businesses and community groups to join a Beach & Riverside Cleanup project, participate in a regional event or explore opportunities to lead their own cleanup or restoration project.

Whether volunteers are picking up litter along the coast, restoring a neighborhood park or cleaning up an inland community, every action helps protect the waterways that connect us all.

Registration and event information are available at solveoregon.org/beach-riverside

2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup Sponsors

SOLVE's 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is proudly supported by Clean Water Services, Metro, National Recreation and Park Association, Oregon State Park & Recreation, Owens Corning, Tillamook, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., and KOIN.

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 solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

Deschutes County, Ore. — A five-point harness buckle takes seconds to click. That small habit is the difference between a close call and a tragedy. That’s why the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is joining law enforcement agencies across Central Oregon for a coordinated child passenger safety enforcement blitz through September 6.

Deputies will be watching for unbuckled and improperly restrained children to ensure they are properly secured. Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert said the goal is education and awareness, and helping families avoid tragedy.

"Our goal is not to hand out citations. It’s to make sure every family has the information they need to keep their children safe,” explained Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert. “We want families to understand the importance of car seat safety. Education helps save lives before enforcement ever does."

In 2024, Oregon recorded 103 deaths linked to a lack of seat belt or a child not being properly secured in a car seat. Those deaths made up nearly a third of all motor vehicle fatalities in the state. Statewide, 1,918 children were injured in crashes that year, and 12 percent of them were unrestrained.

The fix is proven and simple:

• Car seats improve infant crash survival by 71 percent
• Toddler survival improves by up to 59 percent with proper restraint
• Booster seats cut injury risk by 45 percent for kids ages 4–8

Oregon requires children to ride rear-facing until at least age 2, then in a car seat or booster until age 8 or 4’9” tall — whichever comes first — and until the adult seat belt fits correctly on its own (lap belt low across the hips, shoulder belt across the chest, not the neck).

For more information and to download a flyer that outlines how to properly secure child car seats, visit the Sheriff's Office website.

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DALLAS (OR) – Joseph Andrew Wirkkala, 37, has been found guilty by a Polk County jury of Murder in the Second Degree and Attempted Murder in the Second Degree for separate shooting incidents in August, 2025 at West Salem’s Wallace Marine Park that left one person dead

In addition to Murder in the Second Degree and Attempted Murder in the Second Degree involving a separate victim, Wirkkala, of Salem, was found guilty of Assault in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon (2 counts), Menacing (2 counts), Reckless Endangering Another Person (2 counts), Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Attempted Assault in the Fourth Degree, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before reaching its verdict after a three-day trial which was overseen by Polk County Circuit Judge Norman R. Hill. Wirkkala is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1 at 8:00.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew T. Wilson, and Deputy District Attorney Connor Amundson. The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and Oregon State Police.

On August 23, 2026, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit initiated an investigation into a reported sexual assault of a child that occurred in rural Amity, Oregon. The named suspect was identified as Lloyd Earl Rosenbalm (63), who is also known as Jay Rosenbalm.

On August 26, 2026, detectives located and arrested Rosenbalm at his residence in Amity. He was booked into the Yamhill County Correctional Facility on six counts of Sex Abuse in the First Degree (ORS 163.427) and one count of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree (ORS 163.411).

During the investigation, detectives developed reason to believe there may be additional victims who are unknown to investigators at this time.

Anyone with information related to this case or other potential incidents involving Rosenbalm is urged to contact the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit at (503) 434-7349 (Det. H.Cerda) or (503) 474-6326 (Det.Sgt. W. Lavish).

In accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273, the Sheriff’s Office is releasing Rosenbalm’s booking photo to assist in identifying any additional criminal activity.

H.O.P.E. Drug Court Participant Hosts First Responder Appreciation Event to Build Positive Connections with Local Youth and Families

ROSEBURG, Ore., August 27, 2026 – The Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program invites the community to attend the First Responder Appreciation Event on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the large pavilion at Stewart Park in Roseburg.

Organized as a H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduation community project by participant Charles Lockridge, the free event is designed to give children and families an opportunity to meet local first responders in a welcoming, positive environment. Attendees will be able to meet representatives from different agencies, view emergency and response vehicles, learn about programs and services available throughout the community, and enjoy fun activities for children inside the pavilion.

For Lockridge, the project has a deeply personal meaning.  “As a child, I experienced a lot of trauma seeing my mother taken away in an ambulance. This event is to give kids an opportunity to meet the people who provide help and assistance, learn what they do, and hopefully not be afraid when help is called.”

Creating Positive Connections Before an Emergency Happens

First responders are often introduced to children during some of the most frightening or uncertain moments of their lives. The First Responder Appreciation Event provides an opportunity to change that first interaction by allowing children to meet responders when there is no emergency, ask questions, explore vehicles and equipment, and learn that the people arriving during a crisis are there to help.

Douglas County and the Roseburg area are fortunate to have dedicated professionals serving through ambulance and emergency medical services, law enforcement, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, fire and rescue agencies, K9 teams, mobile crisis response, behavioral health services, and numerous other community programs. While each agency has a different role, their work is connected by a common purpose: protecting people, responding during times of need and helping individuals and families find safety, assistance and resources.

A strong community is built when these teams and programs work together. Collaboration among first responders, behavioral health providers, treatment programs, courts, nonprofits and other community partners helps ensure residents receive coordinated assistance rather than having to navigate difficult situations alone.

H.O.P.E. Drug Court and the Power of Giving Back

Community projects are an important part of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduation phase and give participants an opportunity to use their experiences, personal growth and recovery to make a positive difference for others.  H.O.P.E. Drug Court is built around accountability, treatment, structure and support.

Treatment courts demonstrate what can happen when agencies work together toward a shared goal. Recovery is rarely accomplished by one person or one organization alone. It takes partnerships, encouragement, accountability and access to services that help individuals build stability and move toward healthier, productive lives.  Projects such as the First Responder Appreciation Event allow participants to take another important step in that process by giving back to the community that has supported them.

Thank You to Our Community Sponsors

A special thank you is extended to Oregon Pacific Bank and the Umpqua Valley Public Defenders Office for sponsoring the First Responder Appreciation Event and helping make this community project possible.  Their support reflects the same spirit of partnership the event is intended to celebrate. When local organizations, first responders, service providers and community members work together, Douglas County becomes stronger, safer and more connected for everyone. Community members are encouraged to bring their children, meet the people behind the uniforms and emergency vehicles, learn more about local programs and services, and join H.O.P.E. Drug Court in showing appreciation for the individuals who respond when our community needs them most.

Community Invited to Celebrate H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduates

The community is also invited to attend the 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Cascade Hall.  The graduation ceremony recognizes participants who have worked diligently to overcome challenges, maintain their recovery and successfully complete the requirements of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program. Community members are encouraged to attend, celebrate the graduates and hear about the accomplishments, perseverance and hard work that brought them to this important milestone.

For additional information about the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program, upcoming graduation, community projects and program resources, visit the Douglas County website through the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) at:

https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet virtually at noon on Thursday, Sept. 3. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Amphibians questions 1 & 2 into existing research agenda

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ogram@odf.oregon.gov">adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southern Oregon Wine Institute Celebrates Four Wine Medals with September 5 Event

ROSEBURG, Ore. — August 27, 2026 — The Southern Oregon Wine Institute (SOWI) at Umpqua Community College will celebrate four recent wine competition medals with Four Medals. Two Wines. One Celebration. on Saturday, September 5, from noon to 5 p.m.

SOWI’s 2023 Pinot Noir earned Double Gold at the Pacific Northwest Wine Competition and Bronze at the West Coast College & University Wine Festival. The 2023 Tempranillo earned Gold at the West Coast College & University Wine Festival and Silver at the Pacific Northwest Wine Competition.

During the September 5 event, guests can taste the award-winning 2023 Pinot Noir and Tempranillo alongside their newly released 2024 vintages. The afternoon will also feature small food pairings, additional SOWI wines at the Discovery Bar, and optional behind-the-scenes winery tours with Winemaker Joel Goodwillie.

Admission includes featured wine tastings, food pairings, the Discovery Bar, an optional winery tour, and a $10 credit toward wine purchased during the event.

Four Medals. Two Wines. One Celebration. will take place Saturday, September 5, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Southern Oregon Wine Institute at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg. Advance tickets are encouraged, and winery tour space is limited.

Tickets and event information: Umpqua.edu/WineryEvents

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health this week voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Brianna da Silva Bhatia as interim Health Officer for the county.

Dr. Brianna da Silva Bhatia joined Clark County Public Health as deputy health officer in February 2025. She is a practicing and board-certified internal medicine physician.

Dr. da Silva Bhatia received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Aureus University School of Medicine in Aruba. While pursuing her degree, Dr. da Silva Bhatia had the opportunity to travel and split her educational time between island and international communities and diverse health care systems in the United States. She completed residency in internal medicine in Pennsylvania.

Dr. da Silva Bhatia completed her Master of Public Health degree from the University of Washington School of Public Health with a focus on health systems and population health.

Dr. da Silva Bhatia sees the role of Health Officer as, “Giving a voice to Public Health and the public and promoting partnership within the community.”

Dr. Alan Melnick retires
The board appointed Dr. da Silva Bhatia to replace Dr. Alan Melnick who retired from the county on Aug. 25, after more than 20 years of service to the community. He served as the county’s Health Officer and Director of Public Health.

“On behalf of the Clark County Board of Health, I thank Dr. Melnick for his service to the county,” said Council Chair Sue Marshall. “He saw our community through some difficult times including the COVID pandemic and measles outbreaks. We wish him the best in his retirement.”

The Board of Health, in partnership with Public Health Advisory Council, will begin discussions on the process for appointing the permanent Health Officer.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Many families find themselves getting ready for back to school. With many public and private schools throughout Lincoln County, motorists need to remember to slow down near neighborhoods and schools.

How do I know when the school zone speed limit is active?

A school speed zone is in effect each morning and afternoon when school is in session, when children are walking to and from school, and when there’s a chance they may be present. The speed limit is 20 mph in a posted school zone between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on schooldays. If the school zone is equipped with a flashing yellow light(s), the speed limit is in effect when flashing.

These speed limits help keep children safe. Many of our schools include students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. With varying ages, heights, and abilities, a parked car can obscure students’ view of traffic and your view of them. Students may be distracted while stepping onto the roadway or forget to look before crossing the street. Driving at 20 mph will give you more time to react and avoid a collision. The following chart reveals the distance required to stop at specific speeds.

Traffic crashes are one of the deadliest hazards our children face. Let's do our part when we pass schools by slowing down, watching, and expecting the unexpected. Everyone needs to do their part to ensure the safety of our children.

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

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

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. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected 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.

New location expands access to personalized, in-person banking for a growing community

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union will open its ninth branch serving Southwest Washington on Thursday, September 3 at 19530 NW Brady Road in Camas. OnPoint will donate $5,000 to the Camas-Washougal Community Chest (CWCC) and host a community grand opening on October 3 to celebrate the new branch.

"As communities like Camas continue to grow, we're proud to invest alongside them by providing convenient access to financial services,” said Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union. “We look forward to welcoming and supporting the people, families and businesses that make Camas such a special place."

The Camas Branch will provide a comprehensive suite of financial services, including:

• Full member account support
• New membership enrollment
• Personal and commercial loans
• Home and equity lending
• Financial planning
• ATM services
• Notarization

OnPoint also offers free, one-on-one financial counseling, debt management support and educational resources through its partnership with GreenPath Financial Wellness.

Community invited to grand opening celebration

The Camas community is invited to join OnPoint's grand opening on October 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests can meet the branch team, explore the new space and learn more about OnPoint's products, services and community partnerships.

Local leadership and community connection

Chris Tapia will lead the new branch as branch manager. He has been with OnPoint since 2021 and most recently served as assistant branch manager at OnPoint’s 205 Place branch.

"I'm excited to welcome members to our new Camas branch and help them achieve their financial goals close to home," Tapia said. "Whether someone is opening their first savings account, buying a home or growing a business, we look forward to building lasting relationships and serving as a trusted financial partner for years to come."

Tapia lives in Vancouver with his husband and pets. He enjoys volunteering in his community and teaches financial literacy with Youth Villages and the Russellville Commons senior home. He also serves as the Fundraising Director at Dogpaw Off Leash Parks, a nonprofit that maintains dog parks in Clark County.

OnPoint's $5,000 donation to the Camas-Washougal Community Chest (CWCC) reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. The volunteer-led organization works to fundraise for nonprofits in Camas and Washougal that support homelessness relief, education, crisis services, natural resource conservation, and more.

"The nonprofits we support are facing a greater need than ever, and donations like OnPoint’s will help us get funding to the critical programs they offer,” said Andrew Gustely, president, Camas-Washougal Community Chest. “We’re incredibly grateful for OnPoint’s gift and look forward to having another branch nearby.”

In addition to this donation, OnPoint will team up with its members to make additional donations to two local nonprofits: Little Wings Library and the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society. Each new member who opens an account between September 3 and December 3 will have the opportunity to choose one of the two nonprofits to receive a $50 donation from OnPoint.

Continued investment in Southwest Washington

The Camas branch is part of OnPoint's continued investment in expanding convenient, in-person banking throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Camas continues to attract new residents and businesses, while Clark County remains one of Washington's fastest-growing counties and is projected to add nearly 191,000 residents by 2045. OnPoint's newest location will help meet the needs of the area's growing population by expanding access to personalized, in-person financial services while deepening the credit union's long-standing commitment to the region.

Click here to view the full list of OnPoint's 60 branches, as well as 70,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 656,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 33 Oregon counties (Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com.

Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

PF&R Responds to early morning industrial fire in NW PDX

At just after 5 AM this morning PF&R Crews were dispatched to a possible commercial fire in the NW Industrial District near the intersection of NW Nicolai and NW 30^th Avenue. A second alarm was requested early on with the large volume of fire and the potential to spread to multiple industrial buildings. The bulk of the fire was extinguished before the second alarm assignment had arrived with most turned back to their home stations without any active assignment on the incident. There were no reported injuries, and this fire is currently under investigation.

Crews arrived at a multi-building industrial shop to find heavy fire on the exterior of a warehouse building all enclosed by 8’ tall cyclone fencing capped with rows of barbed wire. The flames were impinging upon and crawling up the exterior wall of a 40’ by 60’ warehouse building that was attached to a large, multi-space shop filled with industrial lathes, saws, and presses used by the company to fabricate wooden and metal casts used in forming tools. Crews made an interior push into the warehouse building affected by fire with a significant body of fire in the attic space overhead traveling toward the shop building. Crews on the roof performed a trench cut to access the flames running the roof structure toward the shop and put a stop to the advancing fire at the connecting point of the warehouse and shop space. Interior crews extinguished the flames from below while roof companies opened sections to apply water and stop the fire from traveling in the connected breezeway roof between the buildings. The fire was nearly extinguished within 15 minutes of arrival. Command requested a truck and engine crew from base on the second alarm to continue fire suppression activities while releasing all others to return to their home stations.

The PF&R Fire Investigation Team is on scene combing through the area of origin and interviewing personnel to determine cause. There were no reports of injuries from either firefighters or civilians on this incident. PF&R would like to thank the dispatchers along with PPB and PGE for their assistance on this incident.

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COOS BAY, Oregon— The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 10-12.
 

Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 10 and 11 and a star party each night.
 

“The astronomy festival takes place around the Sunset Bay management unit, with most activities centered at Sunset Bay and Shore Acres, and the event has grown in popularity over the years. It’s a fun way to experience the park at night and enjoy stargazing along the coast. This year we have an incredible team of volunteers and some very impressive telescopes, so we’re excited to welcome visitors—and keeping our fingers crossed for clear skies!” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.
 

The astronomy festival gives visitors a chance to see and learn more about the night sky.
 

NOTE: Outdoor events are weather dependent.
 

Thursday Activities:

• 2 p.m.: Our Star, The Sun solar viewing @ Sunset Bay Campground Interpretive Center
• 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email icci@oprd.oregon.gov">Lee.Ricci@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
• 7:30 p.m.: How We Find Our Way in the Dark @ Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes @ Shore Acres Garden
• Webpage with complete Thursday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park at all parking lots in the Sunset Bay Management Unity, including Sunset Bay Day-use areas and Shore Acres Day-use areas.)
 

Friday Activities:

• 2 p.m.: Solar Viewing @ Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 4 p.m.: Earth: An Ocean Planet (guided hike) @ Shore Acres Observation Building
• 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email icci@oprd.oregon.gov">Lee.Ricci@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
• 7:30: Imagining Other Worlds evening program @ Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes @ Shore Acres Garden
• Webpage with complete Friday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park at all parking lots in the Sunset Bay Management Unity, including Sunset Bay Day-use areas and Shore Acres Day-use areas.)
 

Saturday Activities:

• 2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope @ Shore Acres Observation Building
• 4 p.m.: How to Talk to Aliens – Even if You’re Shy @ Shore Acres Observation Building
• 7:30 p.m.: Exploring the Universe evening program at Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes @ Shore Acres Garden
• Webpage with complete Saturday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park at all parking lots in the Sunset Bay Management Unity, including Sunset Bay Day-use areas and Shore Acres Day-use areas.)



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PORTLAND, Ore. – Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington as the region faces a record setting wildfire season. More than 2.5 million acres have already burned across the Northwest. BLM officials are calling on all public land visitors to exercise extreme caution, follow fire restrictions and closures, and help prevent additional wildfires.

“More than 99% of BLM land is open to recreation nationwide,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. “We carefully put restrictions in place when and where necessary to keep the public safe.”

This reminder comes as some fire closure areas are shrinking and BLM officials are loosening some restrictions, opening up options for hunters, hikers, and other recreators. The most up to date information about access to BLM land is available online.

“Even as some restrictions shift, we’re still in the heart of fire season for the Pacific Northwest,” said Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “Be sure to check fire restrictions in the area you’ll be visiting, and follow them to the letter.”

Specific fire restrictions vary by location based on fire danger, weather conditions, and fuel moisture. These restrictions address what types of ammunition can be used, whether campfires are allowed, and what fire prevention equipment is required. Before visiting public lands, all recreators should check local restrictions and closures.

“We appreciate everyone’s diligence and cooperation, as we find ways to enjoy public lands while protecting our firefighters and our communities,” said Prill.

Individuals responsible for starting wildfires may face fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, and liability for the full cost of wildfire suppression.

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

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

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.

HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. - The Oregon Army National Guard's 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment was honored at a deployment ceremony on August 26, 2026, at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon. Family members, fellow Guard soldiers, and dignitaries attended, including Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read and District 39 House Representative April Dobson.

Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Oregon's Adjutant General, served as Presiding Officer. During the ceremony, seven Oregon Citizen-Soldiers were mobilized to support joint operations in Europe following pre-deployment training at Fort Hood, Texas.

“The 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, known as the MPAD, is a small group, but its ability to reach and influence audiences around the world is undeniable, Gronewold said, highlighting their unique skills. “These service members work directly distributing photo and video content to social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X. They truly fulfill the Department of War obligation to keep the American people informed.”

The 115th MPAD has a proud tradition of sharing the Oregon National Guard’s story wherever its Soldiers serve, from combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to multinational exercises in Europe, as well as supporting the Department of Defense State Partnership Program and missions across Oregon. Through photography, video, journalism, and public engagement, their work documents events as they happen and preserves the history of the United States military.

“It’s both a privilege and honor for me to stand here today and for just the second time as the battalion commander that I will send citizen-soldiers forward to support federal missions,” said Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Rocky Kumlin, 821st Troop Command Battalion Commander. “I appreciate everything you’ve done to prepare and what you're about to embark upon for us.”

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Released Photos:

260826-Z-CH590-1015: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (right) and Lt. Col. Rocky Kumlin, 821st Troop Command Battalion Commander (center), along with members of the 115thMobile Public Affairs Detachment, stand at attention for the playing of the National Anthem during the unit’s mobilization ceremony held at Camp Withycombe, Happy Valley, Oregon, on Aug 26, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260826-Z-CH590-1017: The unit Guidon for the 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment is presented to those in attendance at the unit's formal mobilization ceremony on Aug. 16, 2026, at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260826-Z-CH590-1024: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard (left), Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read (center), and District 39 House Representative April Dobson (right), greet soldiers assigned to the 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment during the conclusion of their mobilization ceremony held at Camp Withycombe, Happy Valley, Oregon, on Aug. 26, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260826-Z-CH590-1048 and 1112: Members of the Oregon Army National Guard’s 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment stand in formation during their mobilization ceremony held at Camp Withycombe, in Happy Valley, Oregon, on Aug 26, 2026. Seven members will first complete pre-deployment training at Fort Hood, Texas, before their assignment in Europe. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260826-Z-CH590-1083: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard, delivers remarks to Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers and family members assigned to the 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment as they are mobilized on Aug. 26, 2026, for their upcoming assignment in Europe. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260826-Z-CH590-1067: Dignitaries and military officials attend the mobilization ceremony for the 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment held at Camp Withycombe, in Happy Valley, Oregon, on Aug. 26, 2026.  (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260826-Z-CH590-1121: Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Rocky Kumlin, 821st Troop Command Battalion Commander, delivers remarks to Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers and family members assigned to the 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment as they are mobilized for an overseas assignment in Europe on Aug. 26, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

Gresham, OR- At 10:30 p.m., police responded to the 2000 BLK of SE Fleming AVE after a citizen reported seeing a cougar in a tree near Springwater Trail High School. Officers arrived and spotted the animal that was still in the tree. The Oregon State Police were notified. At this time, we ask the public to remain vigilant and call 911 if the animal is seen walking in the area.    

Gresham, Oregon- Officers are currently at the scene of an injury accident that occurred near the 400 BLK of NE Burnside RD. The preliminary investigation revealed that an elderly male was crossing Burnside outside of a crosswalk. The individual was in serious condition and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Traffic on Burnside between N Main and NE Kelly AVE will be reduced to one lane in each direction.       

UPDATE (8/26/26 8:50pm)

At approximately 8:10 p.m., CCSO detectives located homicide suspect Cash D. Cavett in Portland, Oregon. Portland Police arrested Cavett and booked him into the Multnomah County Jail.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Portland Police Bureau and the public for their assistance during this investigation. No additional information will be released at this time.

On August 26, 2026, shortly after 1 p.m., the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to a disturbance with a weapon in the 4100 block of NE St. Johns Road.

Deputies arrived and located an 18-year-old male with a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

CCSO detectives are actively investigating the shooting as a homicide. Preliminary information indicates a firearm was discharged inside a townhouse, striking the victim. The suspect then left the scene in a vehicle with the firearm.

Detectives have identified the suspect as 19-year-old Cash D. Cavett, who may have most recently lived in the Portland, Oregon area.

Cavett is believed to have fled in a dark-colored 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly displaying Washington license plate CFK9566. A photo of the vehicle is attached.

The suspect is not believed to be in the immediate area. Detectives believe the victim and suspect knew each other, and there is currently no indication of an ongoing threat to the community.

The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.

Anyone who has information about Cavett’s current location should not approach him and should immediately call 911. Anyone with other information related to this investigation can contact CCSO at 564-397-2847.