MAN WHO ATTEMPTED TO SET MOSQUE ON FIRE, VANDALIZED TWO SYNAGOGUES AND A BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS SENTENCED TO 5 YEARS IN PRISON ON ARSON, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF AND BIAS CRIMES

Portland, OR – Michael Bivins, 37-years-old, was sentenced to 5 years in prison and 5 years of supervised probation for a four-day crime spree in which he vandalized two synagogues, a black-owned business, and attempted to set a mosque on fire. The jury found Bivins committed these crimes because of his perception of the race and religion of the members and owners. DDA Quinn Zemel prosecuted this case for the state.

Bivins is convicted of 11 charges including:

Arson I, 5 counts of Criminal Mischief I, and 5 counts of Bias Crime II.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Portland Police Bureau, specifically Detective Meredith Hopper, for their work on this case.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would also like to thank Victim Advocate Nang Dunn for their work assisting the many victims in this case.

After sentencing DA Nathan Vasquez said, “This sentence sends a clear message that acts of hate and violence will not be tolerated in our community. Setting fire and damaging property out of prejudice is not only destructive, it is an attack on the safety and dignity of the people targeted. We will continue to hold individuals accountable who commit bias-motivated crimes and work to ensure that every member of our community can live free from fear and intimidation.”

THE FACTS:

On May 1, 2022, Congregation Shir Tikvah staff arrived on site to find a large plate glass window had been smashed. There is video footage of Bivins hitting the window with his shoulder. The same day, police responded to a report of a broken window at Everybody Eats PDX, a black-owned business.

On May 1, 2022, Bivins also vandalized the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue. Bivins used yellow spray paint to graffiti the words “Die Juden” on the side of the building.

On May 3, 2022, Bivins started a fire at the Muslim Community Center of Portland. Surveillance footage shows Bivins pouring a clear liquid from a jar along the building’s wall, lighting a book of matches on fire and throwing the lit matchbook onto the liquid. Bivins walks away, but returns to the fire, then soaking a piece of cloth in the liquid and adding it to the fire. The fire burned for about a minute, but due to the fire-resistant material of the building, it was ultimately extinguished. The same night, Bivins threw a rock through a window at the school connected to Congregation Beth Israel.

On May 4, 2022, Bivins went to the Fox News station in Beaverton and demanded to speak to a reporter. He told the reporter that he was the perpetrator of the vandalism and went on an anti-Semetic rant. He said he would return to the station on May 6. The reporter contacted the Portland Police Bureau. Police were waiting at the station on May 6 and took Bivins into custody.

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in an Executive & Business Meeting on Monday, September 22, 2025 at the Parkrose School District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott Street, Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30pm.

Guests and members of the public may attend in-person or virtually. 

Virtual Link - Please click this URL to join: https://zoom.us/j/94961285856 or join by phone: 1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 949-6128-5856

We encourage and welcome all members of our community to engage with our board. Please email questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or call 503.408.2100 to arrange for translation services at least 72 hours before this meeting. Closed captioning provided on zoom. Other appropriate auxiliary aids and services may be provided upon request and appropriate advance notice.

The agenda is posted on our website at: LINK.

Agenda items include but are not limited to: Incight presentation, budget committee vacancies & calendar, alternative education programs, restraint and seclusion report, student body report, appreciation planning, vector training for board members, OSBA elections & registrations, committee sign-up, budget update, site councils, student/family and staff handbooks and Board Goals. 

Electronic/Virtual Public Comment Protocol - If you wish to submit a public comment before, or during this Board Meeting please fill out this electronic public comment form before "Public Comments" on the agenda: https://forms.gle/5sUjRZjxJikqmqVg9. If you don’t submit your comment in time we will read it at the next board meeting.

In-Person Public Comment Protocol - Upon arrival at the meeting, please fill out an Intent-to-Speak card and hand it to the Board Assistant prior to "In-person Public Comment" on the agenda. You will have a 3 minute time limit.

Board Meeting Video Recordings - For those of you who cannot attend we will post a recording of the meeting on our website at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXajhxrPxMclOQ6J00JUszQ.

Questions welcomed, please email: questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or leave a voice message at 503-408-2114.

OREGON CITY – Clackamas Community College invites students and their families to attend the CCC Financial Aid and Scholarship Application Night on Thursday, Oct. 9, 5-7 p.m., in the Wacheno Welcome Center on the Oregon City campus.

At this free event, CCC’s financial aid team will guide students through completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), ORSAA (Oregon Student Aid Application) and CCC Foundation scholarship applications. Attendees will also have the chance to win one of three 4-credit tuition waivers (a $520 value).

Why attend?

• Expert support: Get one-on-one help from CCC’s financial aid staff.
• Scholarship opportunities: Learn about CCC Foundation scholarships. The average award is more than $2,300, and one in three applicants receives a scholarship. The deadline to apply is Oct. 16.
• Financial aid essentials: Discover key deadlines and requirements so nothing is missed.

The FAFSA is the application used to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans and work-study programs. The ORSAA provides access to state-based aid for Oregon students who are not eligible for federal aid, including undocumented and DACA students.

Register to attend at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/financial-aid-and-scholarship-night-tickets-1538185858309. For questions, email finaid@clackamas.edu or call 503-594-6357.

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Portland, OR — American activist Minoru Yasui was fond of saying, “what is done to the least of us can be done to all of us.” This quote appears prominently in the Oregon Historical Society’s (OHS) current exhibition, The Yasui Family: An American Story, which explores how one Japanese American family’s story reflects the complexity of the American story. Minoru Yasui was intentionally arrested for breaking what he saw as an unconstitutional curfew imposed on Japanese Americans during World War II, and many members of the Yasui family share this commitment to equal justice through their own engagement with the local, state, and national forces that have determined — and withheld — Americans’ civil rights.

Drawing inspiration from this original exhibition, OHS is hosting a free public symposium on Saturday, September 27, “All of Us”: A Symposium on Immigration and Civil Rights. The program will share the history behind questions about who is entitled to the freedoms promised by the United States of America that are being debated across the nation in courthouses and in Congress.

This public symposium, held from 10am to 4pm at the First Congregational Church in downtown Portland, will focus on two policies: the 1798 Act Respecting Alien Enemies and HB 2314 of the 1987 Oregon State Legislature, commonly known as Oregon’s Sanctuary Law. While this is a free event, attendees are asked to register in advance at ohs.org.

Speakers include legal scholars, historians, and advocates with firsthand experience:

• Tina Ching is director of the Hugh & Hazel Darling Law Library and professor at Chapman University’s Fowler School of Law. Ching secured a grant to digitize materials related to the passage and subsequent amendments to Oregon’s sanctuary law.
   
• Peggy Nagae, a third generation Japanese American (Sansei), grew up on a farm in Boring, Oregon. Nagae formulated the congressional legislation for reparations and passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 and served as lead attorney for Minoru Yasui in reopening his World War II Supreme Court case (along with Korematsu v. United States and Hirabayashi v. United States) and successfully overturning his conviction.
   
• Danny Santos served as a Tribal Affairs Consultant for Governor Tina Kotek, helping set a historic first Tribal Affairs Office to focus solely on tribal matters, respecting tribal sovereignty, and enhancing consultation with tribes. 
   
• Fay Stetz-Waters began clerking at the Oregon Department of Justice while attending law school and currently serves as the Director of Civil Rights and Social Justice for Attorney General Dan Rayfield. She also co-chairs the Attorney General’s Federal Accountability and Oversight Cabinet.
   
• Daniel Tichenor is the Philip H. Knight Chair of Political Science at the University of Oregon and the Director of the Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics. The author of eight books, his forthcoming book is Unsettled: America’s Enduring Struggle over Immigration.

Attendees are invited to visit the Oregon Historical Society’s museum during the lunch break to tour The Yasui Family: An American Story.

About the Oregon Historical Society
 

For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

WOODLAND, WA – On September 11, 2025, Woodland High School Social Studies teachers Shari Conditt, Julia Stepper, and Kyla Keefer presented a proposal to the Woodland School Board for the creation of a new Civics Diploma Seal. Colleague Katie Klaus, who was also involved in the development of the seal, was unable to attend but acknowledged. This initiative, the first of its kind in the state, would recognize students who have demonstrated exemplary performance in civic education.

This initiative aligns with a growing national movement to highlight and reward civic engagement in high schools. Currently, only seven other states in the U.S. have created a similar Civics Diploma Seal. A diploma seal serves as a distinguished honor, signifying a student's commitment to and achievement in a specific area of study beyond standard graduation requirements. Woodland High School currently awards a Diploma Seal of Biliteracy to students who meet the required standards.
 

While presenting to the board, Woodland High School teacher Shari Conditt said, "I am feeling a little overwhelmed because this seal represents our team, and our belief in our community and our school, and I am really proud to be here with my colleagues to talk with you today."
 

The proposal leverages Washington's existing framework for civic engagement assessments, which are developed by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). These state assessments include a variety of projects and rubrics designed by teachers to ensure students acquire essential civic knowledge. They are administered at key points in a student's academic career, specifically in grades four or five, seven or eight, and eleven or twelve. Schools report this data to the state, and the assessments are often used as culminating unit assignments to gauge a student's understanding of civics.
 

The timing of adopting the Civics Diploma Seal will coincide with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. Conditt said, "The goal of this practice is to encourage our students to engage in active citizenship. We want our students to lean into our community, where they attend board meetings and city council meetings. We chose things that would best exemplify the needs of the community, and we want to make sure the students can meet the standard with effort." The proposed Civics Diploma Seal would provide a new way to celebrate students who excel in these areas, encouraging a deeper commitment to civic learning and preparing them for active and informed participation in their communities.
 

To earn the Civics Diploma Seal, students will need to complete tasks in each of the five virtues: Justice, Civility, Self-Discipline, Service, and Citizenship. Woodland Social Studies teachers Kyla Keefer and Julia Stepper gave examples of opportunities for students to get involved inside and outside of the classroom in each virtue. The seal itself will be designed to reflect the requirements students must meet to have it placed on their diplomas and transcripts.
 

School Board student representative Wedly Stuart expressed his support, saying, "I am excited about this, especially with voting. We want to have educated people who know how to vote, and who feel comfortable with seeing government, so when they become adults, it isn't completely new to them."
 

After the presentation, the Woodland School Board gave its full support for the Civics Diploma Seal. The timing of the approval allows the staff to roll out this wonderful opportunity to students on September 17, 2025, which is National Constitution Day.

What: Tigard Police and Public Works Family Fun Day

When: Saturday 9/20 from 10am - 2pm

(Police Chief available for interviews from 11am - noon, Public Works Director & Police PIO available for interviews all day)

Where: Tigard PD (13125 SW Hall Blvd) and PW (8777 SW Burnham Street)

Please text the PIO when you arrive to coordinate interviews/broll at 971-708-2921.

Newsrooms,

We’d like to invite you to come experience our Family Fun Day with Tigard Police & Public Works this Saturday, Sept. 20^th. It’s a drop-in event for the whole family from 10am - 2pm at Tigard PD and across the street at PW. We’ll have stations where people can get tours, try on police gear, meet a K9, see a drone demo, get free bike helmets for kids and more. You are welcome to try on the gear and get involved at the stations as well. It should be a fun time! 

Tigard Police Chief Jamey McDonald will be available for interviews about the event, our upcoming facility project (www.tigard-or.gov/BuildingABetterTigard) and our commitment to community engagement from 11 AM to 12:00 PM.

Tigard Public Works Director Brian Rager will be avilable all day for interviews about the work his department does in the community, the importance of events like these and our facility project.

Formerly known as Open House, this will be our third annual event post-pandemic. We’re expecting more than 1,000 people to come out! Please let us know if you have any questions, and we hope to see you there.

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Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem is asking everyone in the community to share what they think would help improve services from the Salem Public Library. In May 2025, Salem voters approved the Livability Levy, which provides money to operate the library and other important community services.

The City wants to hear from both library users and those who don’t use the library. They want to know how to make library services better and easier for everyone.

The City is looking for input on a few important topics, including:

• What hours should the library be open?
• How can we make it easier to access the library?
• What ideas do you have for improving library services?

Community members can take a survey to share their thoughts and help shape the future of the library. Please complete the survey by October 8.

Take the survey

# # #

HILLSBORO, Ore- On September 16, 2025, Bryan Norman Anderson, age 66, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse in the first degree and two counts of encouraging child sex abuse in the first degree and was sentenced to 102 months in prison. Deputy District Attorney Rayney Meisel prosecuted this case.
 

On September 6, 2024, a young child was swimming in a pool at an apartment complex on SW Sagert St. in Tualatin, Oregon, where the defendant lived. Mr. Anderson was also at the swimming pool and began to interact with the child. The defendant fondled the child’s private areas. The boy reported this to his mother, who then alerted the Tualatin Police Department. Police were able to obtain video surveillance of the pool area, which captured the abuse. In an interview with the police, the defendant admitted he had fondled the child.
 

The defendant was indicted on two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. On October 4, 2024, the DA’s office petitioned the Court for pre-trial preventative detention. That motion was denied, and the defendant was released back into the community and ordered to wear a GPS ankle monitor.
 

After his release, the defendant left the Tualatin apartment complex and moved to Sherwood, Oregon. In late 2024 and early 2025, law enforcement received cyber tips that someone at the defendant’s address had uploaded multiple images of child sexual abuse material. They determined that the child sexual abuse materials had been uploaded by the defendant from his home in Tualatin prior to the pool incident, and again after his arrest, from a different location, while wearing an electronic home detention monitor.  
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the victim in this case and his family for reporting the defendant’s actions. This office also acknowledges the work of the Tualatin Police Department.
 

In addition to his prison sentence, the court also ordered the defendant to register as a sex offender and serve 10 years of post-prison supervision. 

Update

The Vancouver Police Department is saddend to report the child who was critically injured has died. 

The suspect, James H. Paulson, has been booked into the Clark County Jail for two counts of Vehicular Homicide and one count of DUI.

Vancouver, Wash. – On September 17, 2025, at around 1:20 p.m., Vancouver Police responded to the 6400 block of NE 137^th Avenue for the report that a man and a child (father and son) who were walking, were hit by a vehicle. The man was found lying in the roadway when emergency responders arrived; he did not survive his injuries.  The child, 6 years old, was found in a ditch approximately 10 feet from the crash site. He was transported to Randall Children’s Hospital in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

The driver, 73 years old, was located at the scene by police and was arrested for 2 counts of Vehicular Homicide. Reckless driving and speed are factors in the crash as well as possible impairment.

The Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit is continuing the investigation. Nothing further is releasable at this time.

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CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Corvallis Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), in partnership with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), is pleased to offer an upcoming CERT training course this fall. This essential training is designed to boost emergency preparedness and empower residents with critical response skills.

The CERT program is a hands-on educational opportunity that addresses local hazards while preparing individuals to assist during emergencies. The course consists of 12 hours of online learning (to be completed in advance) followed by two full days of in-person instruction.

In-Person Training Schedule:

Saturday, October 11 & Sunday, October 12
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (both days)
Location: Corvallis Fire Training Center, NE Waterworks St, Corvallis, OR 97330

Participants will learn from experienced local responders, State-certified instructors, and expert volunteers in a supportive, inclusive environment. The training is open to individuals of all abilities and backgrounds.

What You’ll Learn:

• Disaster Preparedness
• Fire Safety and Utility Controls
• Disaster Medical Operations (Part 1 & 2)
• Light Search and Rescue Operations
• Disaster Psychology
• CERT Organization
• Terrorism Awareness
• Final Disaster Simulation & Team Review

Registration Information:

• Open to adults 18+ (youth may attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian)
• Completely FREE of charge
• Volunteering post-training is encouraged but optional
• Register here: https://bit.ly/BentonCoSheriff-CERTSkillsCheck

For further information, contact Sierra Anderson at ra.anderson@corvallisoregon.gov">sierra.anderson@corvallisoregon.gov or 541-221-7957.

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Keizer resident, 28-year-old Michael Sanchez, was in the 5600 block of Trail Ave Wednesday evening around 7:50pm when he was struck by a motor vehicle.  The driver left the scene without first stopping and rendering aid.  A resident nearby heard the crash and found Mr. Sanchez lying unconscious in the roadway and called 911.  Mr. Sanchez was transported to the Salem Hospital Emergency Department where he succumbed to his injuries.

Throughout the evening, investigators processed the scene and identified the type of vehicle involved, a Jeep Wrangler.  At around midnight, Officers located the vehicle and identified the driver.  The driver, 33-year-old Keizer resident Jeanette Carbajal, was taken into custody for felony failing to perform the duties of a driver.  Ms. Carbajal was transported to the Marion County Correctional Facility where she was released to intake staff.

The investigation is continuing and additional charges may be forth coming.

YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 18, 2025) - On Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 7:24 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 22, near milepost 16, in Yamhill County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Devere Tucker Eastman (45) of Dallas, failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway, and struck a tree. 

The operator of the Dodge (Eastman) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, Grand Ronde Tribal Police Department, and Grand Ronde Fire.

# # #

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

SAFETY TIPS DURING HUNTING SEASON

In the Pacific Northwest, many enjoy the great outdoors while hiking, camping, or hunting. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or just starting out, safety should always be the top priority. Before you grab your gear and start your next adventure, check out the hunting safety tips below.

Tip for Hunters:

• Check the weather and plan accordingly.
• Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will return. Leave a written plan at home and in your vehicle.
• Be familiar with the area and plan for local hazards.
• Consider using technology such as a handheld GPS, cellphone apps that use GPS, personal locating beacons (PLBs), or satellite messengers. These can help searchers find you if you are lost or injured.
• Avoid wearing white or tan during hunting seasons. Wear hunter orange and make sure it is viewable from all directions.
• If accompanied by a dog, the dog should also wear hunter orange or a very visible color on a vest, leash, coat, or bandana.
• Check hunting equipment before and after each outing and maintain it properly. Familiarize yourself with its operation before using it in the field.
• Always bring rain gear and additional clothing. Use layering techniques to prevent moisture while retaining body warmth.
• Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it.
• Clearly identify your target before shooting to prevent accidents or fatalities.
• Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails. Other recreationists are in the forest as well.

Tips for Outdoor Enthusiasts:

• Wear bright clothing to make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like red, orange, or bright green, and avoid white, black, brown, earth-toned greens, or animal-colored clothing. Orange vests and hats are best.
• Protect your dog. Get an orange vest for them.
• Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don’t make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife and avoid confrontations.
• Make yourself known. If you do hear shooting, raise your voice, and let hunters know that you are in the area.
• Know when hunting seasons are. You may choose to continue to hike but learn where and when hunting is taking place. Consider hiking midday when wild game and hunting activity is at its lowest.
• Know your own comfort level. If hunting makes you uneasy, choose a hiking location where hunting is not allowed, such as a national or state park.

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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Kelso School District is teaming up with Kalama Sourdough Bakery to give students a say in what’s served on their lunch trays. For the past two years, the district has sourced rolls from the family-owned bakery. Now, they’re exploring replacing mass-produced hamburger buns with a locally-made sourdough version that meets federal school nutrition standards and wins over student taste buds.

On Thursday, September 25, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Kelso High School students will sample the Kalama Sourdough Bakery hamburger buns specially-crafted for Kelso and share their feedback. The bakery’s owner, marketing coordinator, and head of research and development will be on-site to talk with students about the benefits of sourdough and how these buns differ from the typical store-bought variety.

“We really care about what we’re making,” said Robert Ahrens, owner of Kalama Sourdough Bakery. “We want to provide a bun that tastes good and makes students feel good. We’re happy to take feedback from students and apply it to make the best product.”

Kelso School District Nutrition Services Director Kaydee Harris has partnered closely with the bakery to create a bun that meets all school meal standards while delivering a fresh, artisan taste.

“This collaboration is about more than bread—it’s about sourcing local products, elevating the quality of our meals, and giving students a voice,” said Harris. “When students help shape the menu, they’re more excited to eat what’s on their plate.”

If the student response is positive, Kalama Sourdough buns could become a staple across Kelso’s cafeterias as early as this school year.

Kelso School District recently received two Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service, in partnership with Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK). These awards celebrate the district’s innovative approaches to improving the nutritional quality of school meals while keeping students at the center of the process.

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

About Kalama Sourdough Bakery
Robert Ahrens started Kalama Sourdough Bakery in 2011 as a homeschooling project at the age of 13. As part of his educational curriculum, his parents encouraged him to start a business. Given his passion for baking, he chose to launch a bakery, initially selling just 10 loaves per week at Kalama Shopping Center. Since then, he has expanded the business in a responsible, ethical manner. Consistently prioritizing local customers and suppliers and the same mother culture starter that started it all. Years later, you can now find their delicious breads all over the PNW! With over 30 employees and continued growth, they strive to maintain the essence of the bakery's very humble beginnings.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Thursday, September 18, 2025

BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum has earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the gold standard for animal care and wellbeing worldwide.

The Museum went before the AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission for final review on Sunday for accreditation in what has been a yearslong process. The Museum wildlife team cares for over 100 animals ranging from mammals to birds of prey to reptiles, amphibians and fish, each with its own needs and requirements.

Of the 32 applicants reviewed by the Commission during the AZA’s September meeting in Tampa, Fla., 31 were granted accreditation. Less than 10 percent of 2,800 institutions licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exhibit wildlife are accredited by the AZA. As of September 2025, there were 254 AZA-accredited institutions worldwide.

“We are extremely proud to have achieved AZA accreditation through providing the highest standards in both animal care and our educational programs,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “This is a testament to not only the outstanding dedication of our wildlife team, but to the entire staff and Board for supporting and affirming these high standards, day in and day out.”

AZA is the independent accrediting organization for the best zoos and aquariums in North America and the world, assuring the public that when they visit an AZA-accredited facility, it meets the highest standards for animal care and welfare. AZA accreditation standards are considered the gold standard for zoos and aquariums in all aspects of operations, animal care and wellbeing, education and conservation.

"Congratulations to the leadership and staff at the High Desert Museum for attaining the global ‘gold standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core. The High Desert Museum has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”

The Museum joins the Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport and Wildlife Safari in Winston as the AZA-accredited organizations in the state. In addition, the Museum is now one of only 15 other organizations in the United States to hold both an AZA and an American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accreditation.

The Museum has cared for wildlife on site since its inception in 1982, from North American river otters to porcupines, owls and turtles, foxes and bobcats. Museum founder Don Kerr believed closeup encounters with wildlife that evoke wonder and awe could lead to learning about and conserving those species in the wild.

To be accredited, the Museum submitted a lengthy application and underwent a thorough onsite inspection and examination by recognized experts in animal wellbeing and zoo operations to ensure it has and will continue to meet the ever-rising standards of animal care, conservation, education and safety.

“AZA accreditation is an intensely thorough process,” said John Lewis, a Museum board member who was director of the Los Angeles Zoo from 2003 to 2009 and once served on AZA’s Accreditation Commission. “It’s deliberately so in order to ensure that the wellbeing of the wildlife in our care as well as the Museum’s conservation, education, research and visitor programs are top quality. The High Desert Museum has done an exceptional job with its care and in achieving this recognition.”

Additionally, the inspecting team observed all aspects of the Museum’s operation in areas such as staff training, visitor experience and learning, safety, financial stability, risk management and guest services. AZA requires organizations to complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.

“AZA accreditation impacts every section of our work because we are all in this together,” said Director of Strategic Projects Christina Cid, Ph.D. “From finances to education and interpretation to conservation efforts and programming, we strive daily to promote and protect the animals in our care while creating a meaningful visitor experience.”

AZA requires that organizations engage in conservation-related efforts, from educating visitors to contributing to species preservation and scientific endeavors. The High Desert Museum does so through a variety of avenues.

“AZA accreditation is important because we want our visitors to understand our commitment to both the wellbeing of the animals in our care at the Museum and to the stewardship of their wild counterparts,” said Museum Curator of Wildlife Jon Nelson. “The accreditation process ensures that we doing both with a rigorous evaluation of our animal management practices and our conservation and education programs. Ambassador animals at the Museum bring awareness and appreciation to species people might not otherwise think about, like Pacific lamprey, North American porcupines and Mazama newts.”

Daily wildlife programs, such as the summer Raptors of the Desert Sky outdoor free flight demonstration, share information about the adaptations, behaviors and habitat of species as well as how we can help them thrive in the wild.

Behind the scenes, the wildlife team supports and takes part in ongoing conservation projects. From a collaborative effort to help Crater Lake’s Mazama newt to a community science project in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to learn more about the North American porcupine, the High Desert Museum participates in programs that help conserve species and assist in research and studies. More about the Museum’s conservation-related efforts is available at https://highdesertmuseum.org/conservation/. Click or tap if you trust this link.">highdesertmuseum.org/conservation.

“AZA accreditation is an iterative process with new and updated standards coming out every year,” Nelson said. “We are excited to continue the work of elevating animal wellbeing at the Museum, and for the opportunity to collaborate and participate in AZA programs with other accredited institutions across the country.”

The innovative, interdisciplinary experiences at the Museum incorporate similar messaging, instilling a connection to and a respect for the High Desert. The Forest at Night experience on view at the Museum encourages visitors to explore the nocturnal world through an interactive display while learning how artificial light pollution affects the ecosystem. In 2024, the Museum recognized the 50^th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act with a series of exhibitions and events, including an exhibition of Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species art series.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science and recreation. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate and accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit https://highdesertmuseum.org/. Click or tap if you trust this link.">highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on https://www.facebook.com/highdesertmuseum. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Facebook, https://www.instagram.com/highdesertmuseum/?hl=en. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Instagram and https://www.tiktok.com/@highdesertmuseum. Click or tap if you trust this link.">TikTok.

ABOUT AZA:

Founded in 1924, the ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science and recreation. AZA is setting the global gold standard, accrediting 254 of the top zoos, aquariums and related facilities in 13 countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

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Lincoln County is celebrating a milestone in its Deflection Program, which launched December 30, 2024, as part of a state-wide effort to reduce recidivism and provide supportive alternatives to prosecution for low-level, non-violent offenses.

In the program’s first nine months, 36 individuals voluntarily entered, with 20 of those being identified internally by the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office. Having the deflection coordinator imbedding in the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office has increased the identification of eligible individuals by 55%, providing our community with greater access to resources outside of the criminal justice system.

Last week marks a significant achievement: four (4) participants have successfully graduated the six-month long deflection program by demonstrating sustained progress in recovery, stability, and community reintegration.

What is the Deflection Program?

The Lincoln County Deflection Program provides an alternative to traditional prosecution by connecting individuals to behavioral health services, substance use treatment, housing resources, and case management – before criminal charges are filed. Participation is voluntary and designed to interrupt cycles of arrest and incarceration by addressing the root causes of criminalized behavior.

Prior to the Deflection Program, these individuals were arrested and faced charges in the criminal justice system, typically ending with a conviction as punishment without addressing any underlying issues. Now, some individuals have a different option: deflection. In the Deflection Program, law enforcement has the option of connecting an eligible individual with a treatment provider instead of arresting them and transporting them to jail. Additionally, the District Attorney’s Office’s deflection coordinator reviews all misdemeanor arrests or referrals daily to screen for deflection eligibility, which has increased the number of individuals entering and successfully graduating the deflection program.

“We are thrilled to see our first graduates, and we’re proud of every participant who has taken the step to engage with this opportunity,” said Jenna Wallace, Lincoln County District Attorney. “The program is showing real promise in addressing the underlying issues that often drive criminal behavior. If this program has a positive impact on one person’s life, it is success!”

The program is a collaborative effort between the District Attorney’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement agencies, and three local participating treatment providers: Reconnection Counseling, Phoenix Wellness Center, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

As part of its continued development, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has applied for an additional two years of grant funding to sustain and expand the program. Looking ahead, the District Attorney’s Office plans to launch a new pathway for deflection through community referrals made by peer treatment providers, broadening access for individuals in need, prior to any direct contact with law enforcement or the criminal justice system.

“This expansion will make it easier for people to access help earlier, before they’re in crisis or involved with law enforcement,” said Shannon Heisler, Deflection Program Coordinator. “Our goal is to strengthen community safety by supporting individual recovery and resilience before behavior escalates to the point of law enforcement contact.”

Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to data-driven, compassionate alternatives that balance accountability with opportunity. The Deflection Program, imbedded in the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, is a vital part of that mission. Together, with our local law enforcement agencies and treatment providers, we are positively impacting the lives of Lincoln County citizens and, in turn, creating a safer drug-free community for all.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Sammuel Hawkins
Outreach & Public Programs Manager
Clark County Historical Museum
Outreach@cchmuseum.org | 360-993-5679

Clark County Historical Museum Hosts Pat Jollota for Talk on Infamous 1950 Murder of JoAnn Dewey

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Clark County Historical Museum is proud to present a special installment of its Speaker Series on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Beloved historian, author, and former Executive Director of the Clark County Historical Museum, Pat Jollota will lead an evening discussion on one of Clark County’s most chilling cases—the 1950 murder of JoAnn Dewey.

The program will be held at the Historic Covington House (4201 Main Street, Vancouver, WA) due to ongoing upgrades at the museum. Space is extremely limited, and registration is required. Admission is free.

On the night of March 19, 1950, witnesses saw two men abduct JoAnn Dewey outside St. Joseph’s Hospital in Vancouver. Days later, her body was discovered at Carson Hot Springs, sparking a sensational investigation, trial, and ultimately, the execution of Utah and Turman Wilson. Jollota will walk attendees through the twists, missteps, and intrigue that made this case one of the most infamous in Southwest Washington history.

About Pat Jollota

Pat Jollota is a beloved historian, author, and former Vancouver City Council member whose work has shaped how Clark County remembers its past. Over two decades on the council, she championed historic preservation and community initiatives, including helping establish the Arthur D. Curtis Children’s Justice Center. As former Executive Director of the Clark County Historical Museum, she inspired countless residents with her deep love of local history. Jollota is the author of numerous books, including Naming Clark County, The Murder of JoAnn Dewey in Vancouver, Washington, and Haunted Vancouver. Recognized as Clark County’s First Citizen in 2012, she continues to be celebrated for preserving the stories that define our community.

UPDATE 9/18/25

Contact info for Milwaukie Police Department, Public Information Officer;

Sergeant Mark Inman

inmanm@milwaukieoregon.gov, 

503-786-7447

alternate email NOT monitored 24/7:

policemedia@milwaukieoregon.gov

Police news releases are also shared to the City of Milwaukie Website  - City of Milwaukie Oregon Official Website

messages sent to the Police general email, police@milwaukieoregon.gov

may be delayed in response. 

SALEM, OR - September 18, 2025 - Cherriots Unveils Community-Designed Pride Bus

Cherriots is excited to announce the unveiling of its community-designed Pride Bus, debuting this week. This unique bus wrap, created by a local artist and Cherriots employee, was selected by a Board subcommittee as part of Cherriots’ ongoing community and culture-focused bus wrap campaign.

The colorful design captures themes of belonging, connection, and visibility, serving as a moving celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride across the region. While the bus itself will not be on site, Cherriots staff will join the community in celebrating the project at Pride in the Park on September 20, 2025, at Riverfront City Park.

“Public transit connects people and it should reflect the communities it serves,” said Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey. “This project is more than a bus wrap; it’s a celebration of identity, creativity, and the many voices that make our region unique.”

The Pride Bus initiative is part of Cherriots’ History & Heritage Initiative, which highlights community and celebrates culture through a series of specially designed bus wraps.

To learn more about the Pride Bus project or the broader initiative, visit https://www.cherriots.org/heritage-and-history-initiative/.

On September 17, 2025, at approximately 5:21 p.m., Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence in the 5300 block of State Street NE in Salem.

Deputies contacted the victim, who had sustained injuries. The suspect, 54-year-old Eric Palmer of Salem, is alleged to have assaulted the victim before firing a rifle outside the residence. No bystanders were injured.

As a precaution, the Marion County SWAT Team was activated. After phone contact was made with Palmer, he peacefully surrendered. He was taken into custody without the use of force and lodged at the Marion County Jail. He faces charges including Assault IV (Domestic Violence), Strangulation (Domestic Violence), Menace, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Palmer is scheduled for arraignment on September 18 at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Court Annex.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all responding units for their assistance in this case. This incident highlights the dangerous situations first responders face on a daily basis.

West Coast Health Alliance recommendations show vaccines ‘safe, effective’ 

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County will begin an elevator modernization project at the 800 Exchange Building on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The project is part of an ongoing effort to improve accessibility, safety, and infrastructure at County facilities.

During construction, there will be no elevator access inside the 800 Exchange Building. County staff and the public are asked to plan ahead for the outage, which will temporarily limit access to upper floors.

Building Access During Construction

• For customers and employees who require ADA access, please use the entrance on the south side of the 820 Exchange Street building during this time.
• Elevator access will be limited to the 2nd floor of the 820 and 800 Exchange buildings only by way of the 820 building elevator.

Accessing County Offices

Visitors who have business on the 3^rd or 4^th floor of 800 Exchange in the following offices should take extra care to plan ahead:

• County Manager’s Office
• Human Resources
• Finance Department
• Information Technology

If you are unable to use stairs, please call ahead when you arrive to arrange a meeting on a lower floor. County staff will make accommodation to ensure services remain available.

Clatsop County appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as we work to modernize our facilities and improve access for all.

For questions or assistance, please contact Clatsop County Administration at 503-325-1000.

On September 17, 2025, at about 10:15am, the Newport Police Department became aware of an incident on SW Elizabeth St. near Don and Ann Davis Park where an individual was taken into custody by persons who appeared to be federal agents.  It was later learned the incident was part of a federal enforcement action conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

The Newport Police Department had no prior knowledge of this operation and was not involved in any way.  We did not participate in, assist with, or provide support for this action. 

Under Oregon law, local law enforcement agencies are prohibited from using public resources to support or assist federal immigration enforcement.  This includes the use of facilities, property, personnel, funds, equipment, or technology.

The Newport Police Department is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive community for all residents and remains committed to transparency and full compliance with state law.

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

Carsyn Woolfolk, age 5, and Abel Woolfolk, age 7, are children who went missing from Portland on Sept. 4. They were found Sept. 17.

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

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

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Stanford historian Ana Raquel Minian to deliver keynote on immigration and resilience; Mano a Mano honored with Peacemaker of the Year Award

Salem, Ore., September 17, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College will host the 2025 Salem Peace Lecture, Holding on to Hope: Navigating the Crisis of Detention and Deportation, featuring acclaimed historian Ana Raquel Minian, Ph.D., of Stanford University. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Chemeketa Auditorium, Building 6, on the Salem Campus. Admission is free and open to the public.

Dr. Minian, a professor of history at Stanford University and award-winning author of In the Shadow of Liberty: The Invisible History of Immigrant Detention, is widely recognized for her groundbreaking scholarship on immigration, borderlands, and the human consequences of detention and deportation policies. Her work highlights the lived experiences of immigrant communities, blending rigorous research with compelling narratives that illuminate the challenges—and resilience—of those navigating migration systems.

In addition to the keynote lecture, the evening will include the presentation of the 2025 Peacemaker of the Year Award to Mano a Mano, a local nonprofit recognized for its compassionate leadership and creative programming that uplift Latino/a/x community members.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Minian to Chemeketa, and to celebrate the inspiring work of Mano a Mano,” said Jon Mathis, Ph.D., Executive Director of Chemeketa’s Bridging Institute. “This event exemplifies Chemeketa’s mission to create a place of peace, belonging, and opportunity for all members of our community.”

The Salem Peace Lecture is one of the community’s most anticipated annual events, offering reflection, dialogue, and recognition of those who advance peace and justice. Parking is available on campus, and guests are encouraged to review Chemeketa’s campus map for directions to Building 6.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 17,500 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

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

OREGON CITY — Clackamas Community College invites the public to join its celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day on Sunday, Oct. 12,1-4 p.m. This free event will feature food, music, storytelling, local artisans, and opportunities to learn about and connect with indigenous communities in our region.

“It’s truly special to have a space where we can come together in relationship with each other, and advocate for and uplift the voices of indigenous communities,” Casey Layton, the college’s chief culture and impact officer, said. “This vibrant human energy connects us, bridging what was, what is and what can be. It’s about honoring and respecting the original caretakers of this land and embracing the personal relationships with those who have invited us to walk alongside them in the journey toward restoration, creating a space where gratitude and connection come alive.”

Indigenous Peoples Day is sponsored by multiple partners, including the Clackamas Community College Foundation, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Clackamas County, the City of West Linn and Respond to Racism.

The event will take place at the Niemeyer Center on the college’s Oregon City campus, 19600 Molalla Ave. Parking is free. For more information about the event, visit www.clackamas.edu/ipd or email sity@clackamas.edu">diversity@clackamas.edu. 

-30-

Downloadable video file: 2025 Short_1.mp4

September 17, 2025

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

State, local officials discuss West Coast Health Alliance vaccine recommendations, vaccine access updates for Oregon today at 5 p.m

PORTLAND, Ore.—State and local officials have scheduled a virtual media briefing for 5 p.m. today—Wednesday, Sept. 17—to discuss new vaccine recommendations from the West Coast Health Alliance, vaccine access updates, and the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season.

Members of the media can join via Zoom at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1617974314?pwd=4PbgSfKyRg7RGjAnAb0Re2NsRYfzL3.1. A livestream for the public is available via YouTube at https://youtube.com/live/2TydWPMLOVc.

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PORTLAND, OR – In an era where digital platforms have become a primary source of connection, a concerning trend is emerging - online extremists are targeting socially isolated young people, particularly those who are neurodivergent. To counter this growing threat, IRL Social Skills, a coaching organization specializing in social skills for the neurodivergent community, today announced an expanded initiative to equip teens and young adults with the skills needed to build a life of connection, belonging, and resilience.

Research has increasingly linked social isolation to vulnerability to online harms. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2022 that more than 1 in 10 adolescents (11%) struggle with problematic social media use, often experiencing negative consequences in their daily lives. For neurodivergent youth, who are at a higher risk of cyberbullying and online manipulation, this danger is amplified. Extremist groups exploit the natural human desire for community, offering a false sense of belonging to those who feel unseen and excluded.

Mara McLoughlin, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of IRL Social Skills, views this problem through the lens of a communication scientist and has a direct message for parents and educators. "This is a skills deficit. We have fallen so far short in teaching our teens and young adults how our brains and bodies work together and the skills to establish friendships, in real life," says McLoughlin. "The internet can provide validation for young people who feel left out. Unfortunately, extremist groups weaponize that need for belonging, and it's our responsibility to provide a healthier, more authentic alternative."

IRL Social Skills addresses this critical need by providing neurodiversity-affirming social skills coaching, rooted in a research-backed and trauma-informed curriculum. The organization’s programs, delivered live via Zoom to ensure accessibility across the country, go beyond traditional social etiquette. Participants learn and practice essential skills like conversation, choosing healthy friendships based on shared interests, and handling disagreements. The curriculum also integrates neuroscience and body-based training to help individuals with self-regulation and emotional health, creating a holistic approach to building confidence and resilience.

By fostering a safe, affirming space for neurodivergent individuals to connect with peers and learn vital communication skills, IRL Social Skills is directly combating the isolation that makes young people vulnerable to extremist narratives. Their mission is to empower a generation to find authentic community in the real world, ensuring that when they feel seen, valued, and connected, they are less likely to be targeted online.

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PORTLAND, Ore. — Get outside with your community while improving the natural beauty of Oregon and Washington’s public lands! On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Bureau of Land Management will be restoring hiking trails, pulling weeds at pollinator gardens, picking up trash on the beach, and enhancing natural habitats with the help of National Public Lands Day volunteers.

Held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day has helped volunteers restore America’s public lands since 1994.

Last year, the Bureau of Land Management hosted 132 events across the country. Over 9,000 volunteers got outside, contributing over 54,000 hours of service worth over $1.6 million towards the improvement of their favorite natural places.

“National Public Lands Day is one of our most important events,” said Morgan Rubanow, BLM Oregon/Washington volunteer program specialist. “Each year, volunteers leave these natural spaces healthier and more beautiful, all while getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors.”

At NPLD events, the BLM provides volunteers with tools, safety gear, and materials needed for each project.

Ready to get involved? Find a few of the events held in Oregon and Washington this year below:

• Pick up trash and remove vegetation at the Steward Pond Disc Golf Course in Eugene, Ore.
• Beautify the beaches at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport, Ore.
• Restore habitats and remove fences in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument near Ashland, Ore.
• Improve trails at the Fishtrap Recreation Area in Sprague, Wash.
• Remove weeds from the pollinator gardens in the Wood River Wetlands near Klamath Falls, Ore.
• And many more!

Learn more and find the full list of NPLD events at blm.gov/national-public-lands-day.

-BLM-

The BLM manages roughly 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.

A program that allows people to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Match (SNAP) dollars at the Tigard Farmers Market is out of funding, and a future sponsor is needed to ensure families can continue to use this important benefit next season.

The SNAP program makes it possible for local families to stretch their grocery dollars so they can afford nutritious food essential to health and well-being while supporting local farmers and producers. Shoppers can turn $20 on their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card into $55 to spend on fresh, local items at the Tigard Farmers Market, which is owned and operated by the Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce.

Initial funding for the SNAP program this year was provided by the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District, which supported the market through the end of July. Without continued funding, SNAP Match funds would not have been available for the last two months of the season. The City of Tigard stepped in to make sure the program remains available until the market’s final day of the 2025 season, on October 26.

“We are extremely grateful to the City of Tigard for supporting this program at a time when food insecurity in our community continues to be a major concern,” said Chamber CEO Megan De Salvo.

“We recognize this enormous need in our community and want to ensure that people across Tigard continue to have this added benefit to access fresh, local produce and goods,” said Tigard Mayor Pro Tempore Maureen Wolf. “We would ask our partners in the community to please consider funding this important benefit so it can continue to be provided.”

The program costs $1,750 a month, or $8,750 for the full May – October farmers market season. Local businesses and community members interested in providing funds to keep this program going should contact the Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce.

Shoppers interested in using the SNAP match can stop by the market information booth to get their market tokens and learn how to maximize their benefits. The Tigard Farmers Market is held every Sunday through October 26. To learn more about times and locations, please visit https://www.tigardfarmersmarket.org/.

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This morning, at approximately 2:54 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash near the 10,700 block of Crosby Rd NE in Woodburn.

When first responders arrived, they located a sedan with significant damage. The male driver, identified as 37-year-old Miguel Arellano Perez of Hubbard, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two passengers were also in the vehicle; one was transported by ambulance, and the other was transported by Life Flight to area hospitals with serious injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately six hours while the investigation was conducted. Please expect traffic delays in the area. Updates will be provided as they become available.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank METCOM, Woodburn Fire and Ambulance, Aurora Fire Department, the Marion County CRASH Team, and Marion County Public Works for their assistance with this tragic incident. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families affected by the crash.

The September Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board Meeting will be held Wednesday September 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. 

If you wish to attend this meeting remotely or in person, please email sam.kaufmann@tvwd.org or call 503-848-3094 by 4:30 p.m. on September 17, 2025.

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

About TVWD 

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

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

Evergreen Virtual Academy - 09/18/2025

EVERGREEN VIRTUAL ACADEMY NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS September 18, 2025, 6:30PM Evergreen Virtual Academy Board Members are Hereby notified that a Session of the Board will be held via Zoom Webinar at https://evergreenvirtual-org.zoom.us/j/87931930355
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 253 215 8782, +8 793 193 0355, +1 346 248 7799

Families and caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia can create lasting memories through the Alzheimer's Network of Oregon (AlzNet) "Make a Memory" and Caregiver Grants. This year, AlzNet will award four grants of up to $500 each: two for individuals living with dementia and two for unpaid caregivers.

The Make a Memory Grants are available to residents of the Willamette Valley who have been diagnosed with a dementia-related illness. These grants help families or caregivers cover the cost of a meaningful experience, such as a trip to the coast or a special place that holds significance for the individual.
 

In addition, AlzNet will award two $500 Caregiver Grants. These grants recognize unpaid caregivers who have shown exceptional dedication and care for a loved one. Anyone can nominate a deserving caregiver for this recognition.
 

"Family caregivers are the backbone of our society, providing vital care and sacrificing their personal time to enhance the lives of their loved ones," said Alznet President Kathy Belcher. "We want to honor these individuals and offer them support through our Caregiver Grants."
 

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and cognitive function. It's a heartbreaking condition for families and friends who often feel disconnected from their loved ones as the disease progresses.

AlzNet has supported families and caregivers since 2003, offering resources, events, and programs, such as the Memory Café, a monthly social gathering for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers. Currently, there are two Memory Cafés in the Willamette Valley: Center 50+ in Salem, which meets on the third Friday of every month, and St. Edwards Catholic Church in Keizer, which meets on the third Monday of every month. These cafés provide a welcoming space where participants can enjoy themed activities and connect with others in a similar situation.
 

Applications for the Make a Memory and Caregiver Grants close on October 10, 2025, at 5:00 pm. Winners will be announced in late November 2025. Applications are available online at AlzNet.org/grant and can be submitted digitally or mailed to PO Box 13725, Salem, OR 97309. Mailed applications must be postmarked by October 10, 2025.
 

For more information about grants or Memory Cafés, visit AlzNet.org, 971-720-1652 or email ycafesalem@gmail.com">memorycafesalem@gmail.com.

Investigation concludes officer’s use of force was lawful during July 20 pursuit

ST. HELENS, Ore. [Sep 17, 2025] — The Columbia County District Attorney's Office has completed its review of the July 20, 2025, use of lethal force involving Columbia County Sheriff’s Corporal Seann Luedke and Kyle David Graham. After a thorough investigation, the District Attorney’s Office determined Corporal Luedke’s use of deadly force was legally justified and that no criminal, administrative, or other punitive action will be taken.

The incident began on July 19, 2025, when the Washington State Police attempted to stop a speeding vehicle that fled into Oregon via the Lewis and Clark Bridge. The vehicle, registered to Mr. Graham, was later located in Rainier. On July 20, 2025, law enforcement received a report that Mr. Graham had returned to the vehicle and driven away, prompting a pursuit by multiple local and county agencies.

During the pursuit, Mr. Graham drove recklessly through the Deer Island Store parking lot and onto Canaan Road, where he lost control and left the roadway. As Corporal Luedke approached the stopped vehicle, Mr. Graham fired a shot in his direction. Corporal Luedke returned fire. Mr. Graham did not survive his injuries.

A subsequent investigation by the Oregon State Police and other agencies included scene reconstruction, forensic testing, and witness interviews, among other steps. Evidence showed Mr. Graham possessed a stolen firearm and, as a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing firearms. Investigators concluded Corporal Luedke reasonably believed Mr. Graham was attempting to use unlawful deadly physical force against him.

“Incidents like this are difficult for the entire community and all involved,” said District Attorney Joshua Pond. “After a comprehensive and detailed investigation, the evidence is clear that Corporal Luedke’s actions were lawful. I want to thank the many investigators who approached this case with diligent care and professionalism.”

With the completion of this review, the District Attorney’s Office considers the matter closed.

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Salem, Ore. – If you missed the April 15 tax filing deadline you can still file your 2024 taxes. Thanks to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Tax Infrastructure Grant Program free tax filing help is available through October 15. There is no penalty for filing now if you are due refund money.  In fact, now is an excellent time to get free tax filing help because there are many open appointments for free help.

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds community organizations throughout the state to offer free tax filing help for people who qualify. See below to pick the best location for free tax help.

Some taxpayers choose not to file a return because they don't earn enough to be required to file. But if you don’t file, you may miss out on receiving money back due to possible refundable tax credits. Examples include the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Oregon Kids Credit.

Free help is also available to anyone who may have received a letter from the Department of Revenue or the Internal Revenue Service about their tax filing. Taxpayers may also receive letters about a change to their return or an amount owed. Free tax filing organizations can help with the appropriate response to these letters, including translating them if necessary.

The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds culturally relevant or culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments and rural community organizations to help educate and provide free tax filing help for people with low incomes. Help is available in multiple languages. The grant money is also used to increase the number of certified tax preparers in Oregon.

Where to get free help filing taxes:

• 211Info: Call 2-1-1 or email help@211info.org for a list of all the free tax    filing help.

• Oregon State University (OSU); vita@oregonstate.edu; 541-737-3371; Corvallis, Bend, Eugene OSU VITA website:
• CASH Oregon; info@Cashoregon.org; 503-243-7765; Portland, Beaverton, Gresham
•  Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO); TAX@irco.org; 971- 427-3993; Portland, Ontario
•  Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos; debbiec@Centrodspc.org; 503-982- 0243; Woodburn
•  Latino Community Association; info@latinocommunityassociation.org; 541-382-4366; Bend, Redmond
• United Way Jackson County; unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org; 541-864-5092; Medford

•  Moneywise Oregon; dan@moneywiseoregon.org; 541-670-5054; Coos Bay, Roseburg

For more information, visit the Help Filing Taxes webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/tax-help.aspx#help.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 17, 2025

CONTACT INFORMATION:
umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist

(971) 301-3771

Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT

David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Adds 6,900 Jobs in August

In August, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 6,900 jobs, following a revised gain of 100 jobs in July. August’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+2,500 jobs); leisure and hospitality (+1,500); government (+1,100); and other services (+1,000). Losses were largest in wholesale trade (-1,100 jobs).

Health care and social assistance continued its rapid expansion of the past several years, adding 11,600 jobs, or 3.8%, during the past 12 months. Nursing and residential care facilities added 400 jobs in August and 3,900 jobs, or 6.8%, since August 2024. Hospitals, which added no jobs in August, grew the second fastest of health care’s component industries in the past 12 months (+2,900 jobs, or 4.6%). Social assistance (+2,400 jobs, or 3.0%) and ambulatory health care services (+2,300 jobs, or 2.2%) had slower growth over the year.

Leisure and hospitality grew 2.0% in the past 12 months, gaining 4,100 jobs, following little change the prior two years. Since last August, most of its published component industries added between 2% and 4%. Amusement, gambling, and recreation grew the fastest, adding 1,500 jobs, or 6.7%. In contrast, full-service restaurants cut 1,200 jobs, or 1.8%. 

Wholesale trade declined rapidly in the past 12 months (-4,300 jobs, or -5.5%). All three wholesale component industries shrank substantially in that time: merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods (-1,500 jobs, or -4.9%); merchant wholesalers, durable goods (-1,000 jobs, or -2.5%); and wholesale trade agents and brokers (-900 jobs, or -13.0%).

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.0% in August and 4.9%, as revised, in July, after rising gradually over the past year from 4.2% in August 2024. Oregon’s 5.0% unemployment rate was 1.4 percentage points higher than the recent low of 3.6% during spring 2023. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in July and 4.3% in August.

Next Press Releases

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

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At 3:05 a.m. today, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue crews responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a fast-moving fire in an apartment building near Southwest 201st Avenue and West Baseline Road in Aloha.

The first call came from a resident in an upstairs unit who discovered their balcony on fire, with flames spreading from an apartment below.

When firefighters arrived, they found two apartments fully involved and fire already pushing through the roof of the two-story, eight-unit building.

Crews immediately began fire attack and search and rescue operations while evacuating residents. As the fire continued to rapidly spread, a second and third alarm were called to bring in additional units and personnel.

By 5:07 a.m., firefighters had the fire under control. Crews remained on site for several hours, conducting overhaul and checking for hot spots.

Two patients were assessed at the scene, and one was transported to a local hospital for non-fire-related needs. In total, eight units were affected by fire, smoke, and water damage. The building is a total loss, and 17 people were displaced. One pet cat was also found safe. The American Red Cross is providing temporary shelter and assistance to those affected.

Thank you to Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Hillsboro Police, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Portland General Electric, Northwest Natural Gas, and American Medical Response who responded and provided assistance on scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

PRESS RELEASE

A25-20691 – CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT MATERIAL (CSAM) ARREST

SEPTEMBER 17, 2025

On August 28, 2025, Cowlitz County Detectives received multiple referrals from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reporting incidents related to the trafficking of Child Sexual Assault Material (CSAM). 

The information came from social media sites, which reported multiple images with hash matches to known CSAM being sent and received by accounts linked to a Longview, Washington resident.  Hash matching is a digital process where a unique "hash" is generated for a digital file using a hash function. This hash is then compared against a database of known hashes. Hash matching confirmed these files were identical to content previously identified as CSAM. 

Detectives used search warrants and subpoenas to confirm the association of these accounts to 49-year-old Jeremy Peter Williams of Longview.  On September 16, 2025, detectives contacted and arrested Williams and served a search warrant on his residence. Phones, computers, and digital storage devices were seized for further examination.

Williams was booked into the Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Dealing in Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct and Possession of Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct.

Williams is currently employed as the Principal at the Rainier, Oregon Junior/Senior High School. There is no evidence indicating that any students in that school district were involved.  The Rainier School District has confirmed that Williams was on paid administrative leave at the time of his arrest for an unrelated issue.

RELEASE DATE:               Sept. 09, 2025

UPDATE DATE:                 Sept. 17, 2025
CASE NUMBER:                 25-37143

Gresham, Ore.— UPDATE: Gracie Hall has been located.

Gresham police wish to thank the community for their assistance.

Gresham Police is asking for the public’s assistance with locating a missing 15-year-old who was last seen leaving her Gresham High School in the 1200 block of N Main Ave.

Gracie Hall left school just after 7 a.m. yesterday and has not returned. She is described as a White female with brown hair, is 5-feet and 6-inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. Gracie was last seen wearing a blue hoodie with palm trees, blue jeans, and black and white Nike shoes. Gracie’s family is concerned because she is missing her medication.

If anyone has information about Gracie’s whereabouts, they are asked to call 911.

###30###
 

SALEM, OR — September 17, 2025 Cherriots Invites Community Members to Join Its Advisory Committee

Cherriots is seeking community members to serve on its Community Advisory Committee (CAC), a group that plays a vital role in shaping the future of public transit in the Salem-Keizer area. The CAC provides input and recommendations to the Cherriots Board of Directors, ensuring the region’s diverse needs and voices are represented in transit planning. 

“Community feedback is critical to building a transit system that works for everyone,” said Board Member Sara Duncan. “We’re looking for passionate, engaged community members who want to help make public transportation more accessible, equitable, and sustainable.”

The CAC includes riders and non-riders, residents, and other stakeholders from across the community. Applicants should live or work within the Urban Growth Boundary (https://data.cityofsalem.net/datasets/ugb/about) and be ready to bring their perspectives and experiences to the table.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Live and/or work within the Urban Growth Boundary
• Commit to a two-year appointment
• Attend quarterly meetings (with the possibility of monthly meetings)
• Review materials and actively participate in discussions and recommendations

Applications can be completed online at https://www.cherriots.org/cac/.

Paper applications are also available by calling 503-588-2424.

CLATSOP COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 16, 2025) – On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 10:21 a.m., Oregon State Parks notified the Oregon State Police of a suspicious backpack in a public bathroom at Sunset Beach State Recreation Site in Clatsop County.
 

Oregon State Police located the backpack and requested explosives experts respond and investigate the incident. Bomb technicians from the Oregon State Police and Salem Police Department responded to the scene and rendered the device safe. No injuries were associated with this incident.
 

State Parks and Oregon State Police checked multiple locations throughout the day and did not locate any additional suspicious devices. While this is believed to be an isolated incident, the public should remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects to local law enforcement by calling 911 and remaining at a safe distance from the object.
 

Oregon State Police is asking any person with information related to the incident to contact investigators at OSP (677) or 1 (800) 442-0776 and reference case number SP25406805.

The criminal investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available for release at this time.
 

Oregon State Police were assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department, Oregon Parks Department, Warrenton Fire Department, and Astoria Fire Department.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

PORTLAND, Ore.— Two Honduran nationals were extradited from Honduras to the United States to face charges for their roles in conspiring to distribute fentanyl in Oregon.

Teodoro Rodas Dubon, 32, and Erick Yojan Lopez Miralda, 38, made their initial appearances in federal court in Portland today.

According to court documents, special agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) learned that beginning in 2022, Rodas Dubon directed and controlled the distribution of bulk quantities of fentanyl throughout the Portland area. Following law enforcement actions against Rodas Dubon’s drug trafficking organization, Rodas Dubon returned to Honduras where he resumed coordinating the distribution of fentanyl throughout the Portland area. On February 22, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Rodas Dubon with conspiring to distribute fentanyl.

Additional court documents revealed Lopez-Miralda separately ran a fentanyl distribution cell operating in the Portland area in 2023. Following a multi-kilogram seizure of fentanyl, Lopez Miralda returned to Honduras. On April 3, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Lopez Miralda with conspiring to distribute fentanyl.

Rodas Dubon and Lopez Miralda were both arrested by Honduran authorities pursuant to provisional arrest warrants in January 2025. On September 15, 2025, both defendants were extradited to the United States to face federal charges in the District of Oregon. Both defendants made their initial appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. They were each arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin in November 2025.

“Rodas Dubon and Lopez Miralda’s extraditions to the District of Oregon send a critical message: the United States will relentlessly pursue and hold accountable those involved in trafficking fentanyl,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “These cases reinforce our commitment to holding all individuals involved in illicit drug operations accountable for the devastating impact they’ve had in Oregon. I extend my gratitude to our federal and state partners and the Honduran authorities for their dedicated efforts in investigating, interdicting, and apprehending those involved, especially for the arrests and extraditions of Rodas Dubon and Lopez Miralda.”

“The Drug Enforcement Administration and our partners will aggressively pursue threats like these no matter where they come from,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Mr. Rodas Dubon and Mr. Lopez Miralda are accused of serious crimes in the United States and we look forward to seeking justice in Oregon.”

These cases were investigated by the DEA with assistance from the DEA Tegucigalpa, Honduras Country Office, the Tigard Police Department, the Sherwood Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team. It is being prosecuted by Paul T. Maloney, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Honduran authorities to secure the defendants’ arrests and extraditions from Honduras.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

# # #

At 2:26pm on Tuesday September 16th, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a field fire on NW Gales Creek Road, west of the intersection to Mystic Drive. Reports were that a field was on fire with possibly a tractor on fire as well. While responding, a chief officer upgraded the incident to a full response due to dry east winds that were impacting the region. When crews arrived, they found a tractor fully engulfed and over an acre of a cut wheat field actively threatening to cross Gales Creek Road towards nearby houses. The incident was upgraded to a 2nd Alarm Response to bring in additional resources as the fire continued to spread through the field. It took firefighters 20 minutes to stop the forward progress of the fire. Firefighters spent another 45 minutes extinguishing hot spots. To increase the perimeter containment on the burned area, a neighboring farmer brought in a equipment to create a dirt containment line around the perimeter.

A row of power lines had flames burn up to them, as a precaution we had Portland General Electric inspect the lines and found no damage. It is estimated the fire burned 7 acres of the field. Investigators spoke with the operator of the tractor who was using a flail mower implement behind the tractor to cut down the wheat stubble. While operating, they had alarms going off and found a fire in the back of the tractor near where the mower connects. They safely got out of the tractor and away from the flames, which quickly spread to the field. It is unknown at this time if the equipment had a malfunction or if a spark was created by the spinning mower. The tractor is a total lose.

During the incident, Gales Creek Road (Oregon Highway 8) was closed for the safety of firefighters. 

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue was assisted on scene by Cornelius Fire Department, Banks Fire District, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, AMR, Washington County Sheriffs Office and Portland General Electric. We also thank the neighboring farmers for the use of their equipment.

###

Portland, OR- A Multnomah County man who used a 14 year old and 16 year old to help sell drugs was sentenced to 40 months prison on September 16, 2025.

Olaf Lamont Johnson, 57-years-old,  was convicted of Using a Minor in Commission of Controlled Substance Offense and Unlawful Delivery of Fentanyl constituting a Commercial Drug Offense and sentenced by Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Adele Ridenour.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Jesse Hoffman prosecuted the case for the state. After the sentencing he said:

“Fentanyl devastates lives, families, and communities, but it does not hurt people on its own. It takes drug dealers like Mr. Johnson to sell this poison for profit. In this case, Mr. Johnson used children to try to deliver that poison. The dedicated investigators of the Portland Police Bureau stopped him, and now, Mr. Johnson is going to prison. The court’s sentence reflects the gravity of Mr. Johnson’s crimes and the community’s unwillingness to tolerate the harm dealers like him inflict on us.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank Detective Mike Jones and the members of Portland Police Bureau’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit for their excellent investigative work on this case.

The Facts:

In late January of 2024 a Portland Police detective used the cell phone of a person who had overdosed and died- to contact a fentanyl dealer. An agreement was reached to purchase the drug at Cascade Station. Once there, the police buyer received a call telling him a man with glasses was at the location and ready to sell him the drugs. The police buyer also received a call from a young, female voice saying she was there to sell him the drugs.  Police spotted and contacted Olaf Johnson at the location. He was in a Tahoe SUV. A 16 year old male was in the front passenger seat, with a loaded firearm. A 14-year old female was in the back seat. Police searched Johnson and found 100 pills that tested presumptive positive for fentanyl, and he also had packaging material. 

###MCDA###

PHOTO GALLERY |  | NAIA RELEASE
VIDEO REVEAL | CHAPEL SERVICE VIDEO

NEWS COVERAGE: LIVE COVERAGE

EUGENE, Ore. – During a special Champions of Character Celebratory Chapel on Tuesday, Bushnell University was announced as the 2024-2025 NAIA School of Character, announced by representatives of the NAIA.

Bushnell was honoring other 2024-2025 award recipients, and were also honored by Cascade Collegiate Conference Commissioner Rob Cashell as the 2024-2025 CCC School of Character, an award which was originally announced in May. 

Bushnell becomes just the second NAIA School of Character, joining CCC associate member Carroll College who was named the 2023-2024 winners of the award. 
 
"Bushnell's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes and engaged graduates truly sets them apart," said Jim Carr, NAIA president & CEO. "The university truly exemplifies the NAIA's core values, and we are proud to recognize Bushnell as this year's winner."

Presenting Bushnell with the award was NAIA Vice President of Membership Value and Governance, Chesney Sallee. Sallee said, "The NAIA established the School of Character Award to recognize institutions that embody the Champions of Character values in every aspect of their athletics programs and across their campuses. Out of nearly 250 NAIA schools nationwide, only one is selected each year for this distinction. This recognition is unlike any other in the NAIA. It is the only award that honors an entire institution. It doesn't honor a single team's victories or the achievements of one individual. Instead, it honors a culture, one defined by character, leadership, and service, woven into the fabric of the whole university. By earning this distinction, Bushnell University has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the values that make athletics such a powerful force for personal development and community impact."

Bushnell was selected for its deep and consistent commitment to shaping student-athletes into well-rounded leaders through its Tri-Athlete Model, which integrates excellence in competition, academics, and character formation. Bushnell's approach to character is the foundation to how it recruits, educates, and mentors student-athletes. Programs such as the Chaplain Captain initiative empower athletes to lead spiritual development within their teams, while peer-led groups and campus partnerships ensure that character-building is integrated into the day-to-day experience of all student-athletes.

During the 2024-25 academic year, Bushnell student-athletes contributed over 6,600 hours of community service. Through annual campus-wide events and team-led projects, Bushnell has created a culture of servant leadership that extends far beyond the athletic arena. Student-athletes regularly engage in impactful service to the local community and participate in mission trips that foster empathy and global citizenship. These efforts are not sporadic, but a part of a structured and intentional system that reinforces Bushnell's commitment to service as a way of life.

Bushnell's academic record further reflects its culture of responsibility. All 16 NAIA programs earned Scholar-Team honors, with more than 60 percent of athletes earning a GPA of 3.2 or higher. The department maintained a 3.30 cumulative GPA and extended its streak to ten consecutive years as the recipient of the CCC President's Cup for Academic Excellence. The Beacons also continue to prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of its student-athletes. Its wellness program, led by alumna and former Dr. Leroy Walker Award winner Samantha Silver, includes a dedicated mental health coordinator, counseling partnerships, and access to nutrition and health professionals, demonstrating a holistic approach to student development.

Bushnell's long-standing reputation for sportsmanship and integrity is supported by a consistent record of awards and peer recognition. The Beacons have been named a Five-Star Champions of Character Institution by the NAIA for eleven consecutive years, with seven of those at the gold level. In recent years, Bushnell teams and coaches have regularly earned CCC Character honors. This culture of integrity is also evident in how Bushnell student-athletes conduct themselves in competition, in the classroom, and within the community.

Bushnell President, Dr. Joe Womack said, "This is not only a recognition of the athletic department, it's not only a recognition of our coaches and our athletic administrators and staff and student athletes. It is a recognition of the entire university. It recognizes something that has been very true at Bushnell University for a long time. All of our activity in and out of the classroom is an excuse to exercise the mission of the university in the lives of students. It is a testimony to the wonderful leadership of the athletic association we are in and we are very proud to be associated with it and honored and humbled to receive this today."

"To even get selected at the conference level was very humbling and rewarding," added Bushnell Athletic Director Corey Anderson. "We don't do things for awards, we do things because we are Beacons, because we are trying to put the right foot forward in representing Jesus and trying to lead the right way. 20 years later to know that we are continuing to take the right steps together and we will continue to do this moving forward, I am thankful and have so much gratitude and hope that we continue to do things the right way but even better, not for recognition but because it's the right thing to do."

SEASIDE, Ore. – Sept. 16, 2025 – Seaside Police and Seaside Fire & Rescue responded to a report of two young adults unaccounted for in the ocean near the Turnaround at 1:47 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

A female was pulled from the water and CPR initiated by a bystander with a medical background by 1:51 p.m. Seaside Police and Fire personnel arrived shortly after and took over resuscitation efforts, during which the victim eventually regained a pulse. A male was also accounted for but did not require emergency medical intervention at the scene.

At 2:17 p.m., the female patient was transported by Medix Ambulance to Providence Seaside Hospital Emergency Department. No further information will be released regarding this incident.

The City of Seaside extends its gratitude to the brave first responders from both the Police and Fire Departments, as well as the dispatchers who manage emergency calls 24/7.

City officials remind beachgoers that the Pacific Ocean presents many dangers, even in calm conditions. Lifeguards patrol Seaside’s beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year to assist in public safety during the busiest months. Please use extreme caution when entering the water and never turn your back to the ocean. Learn more at SeasideFire.com/Beach-Safety.

end of release

LINN COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 16, 2025) - On July 24, 1976, skeletal remains of a young woman were found in the area of Wolf Creek near Swamp Mountain in Linn County. For 49 years, her identity was not known. Today, thanks to advances in forensic genetic genealogy, she has a name. In June of this year, the remains were positively identified as Marion Vinetta Nagle McWhorter. McWhorter had last been seen at a Tigard shopping mall in 1974. She was just 21 years old at the time and was never heard from again.

In 1976, a moss hunter initially found a skull with several teeth and notified local law enforcement immediately. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office accompanied the moss hunter back to the site and recovered additional skeletal remains. Along with the remains, investigators located a clog-style shoe, a fraying fringed leather coat, a leather belt with Native American-style beadwork, two metal rings, and a pair of degraded Levi’s jeans, which were retained as evidence.

The skeletal remains were transferred to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, where they were examined by a pathologist and odontologist. The findings of the examination were undetermined due to the limited number of elements recovered. The dental examination noted several restorations.

In 2010, the Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History completed an anthropology report. A biological profile provided a probable estimation of a white female under 35 years of age at the time of her death. However, she remained unidentified.

Later that year, a bone sample was submitted to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, and a NamUs profile was created. From 2011 through 2025, the case received consistent attention from the State Medical Examiner’s Office. DNA results were uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS); however, no genetic associations were discovered.

The NamUs system was regularly checked for new cases that might match the decedent. While the DNA results confirmed the remains were female, no ancestry or phenotype could be determined due to the limitations of the STR DNA (short segments of DNA) profile.

In 2011, a forensic artist with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office assisted in creating a potential forensic rendering of the decedent’s face based on cranial features. A clay model featuring several different hairstyles and colors was created to help establish a recognizable image.

By 2020, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office had been awarded a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) grant to perform advanced DNA techniques on unsolved unidentified skeletal remains cases. This case was recognized as one that could potentially be resolved through DNA phenotyping and investigative genetic genealogy, provided by OSP’s vendor lab, Parabon NanoLabs. An additional bone sample was submitted for DNA extraction, and in November 2020, a SNP DNA (a unique genetic marker) profile was successfully produced and analyzed.

A Parabon NanoLabs DNA Snapshot Report, which utilizes genetic material to determine eye color, hair color, skin tone, and ancestry, was completed. The report predicted the individual was of European and Indigenous North American descent, with unfreckled fair skin, brown eyes, and brown hair. A rendering of her facial characteristics was created and used as her NamUs profile picture. A subsequent genetic genealogy report was completed in 2023, but did not produce any promising leads.

A breakthrough in the case occurred in April 2025, when someone spontaneously uploaded their genetic profile to the Family Tree DNA database, providing genealogists with a much closer look into the unidentified woman’s family tree. Forensic scientists followed genetic and other leads and ultimately determined that McWhorter was likely the unidentified young woman.

Genealogists found that McWhorter had one surviving family member, a younger sister living in the Seattle area. A detective with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office contacted the sister, who provided an oral swab for DNA comparison and shared the story of her long-lost older sister.

Genetic evidence confirmed that the decedent was Marion Vinetta Nagle McWhorter, born on January 7, 1953, and who had been unaccounted for since 1974. Based on the totality of the evidence, Oregon Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Sean Hurst positively identified the remains and confirmed the findings with McWhorter’s remaining family.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the case and is working to determine, if possible, the circumstances of Marion McWhorter’s death.

Discovering Marion McWhorter’s identity was a remarkable collaboration among detectives, medical examiner staff, and forensic genetic genealogists at Parabon NanoLabs.

State Forensic Anthropologist Hailey Collord-Stalder said, “This case was cold for 49 years. That means that family members lived and died without ever knowing what happened to their missing loved one.” She continued, “Forensic genetic genealogy allowed us not only to assist Oregon law enforcement and medicolegal personnel in identifying a woman who likely did not go missing voluntarily, but it also helped provide her family with answers and help relieve the uncertainty of what happened to Marion McWhorter.”

About the Oregon State Police

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

TWO MEN WHO ENTICED A 13 YEAR OLD GIRL INTO THE LIFE OF PROSTITUTION GET PRISON SENTENCES OF 19 YEARS AND 15 YEARS. TWO CUSTOMERS GET LENGTHY SENTENCES.   (resending to correct spelling of Cameron Caulfield last name)

Portland, OR- Domonique Latrice Williams, 33-years-old, will spend the next 19 years in prison for sexually assaulting  a 13 year old girl then grooming and pulling her into a life of prostitution for nearly three years. The child was given drugs, sexually abused and experienced horrific acts at the hands of her traffickers and buyers . Williams will also serve 36 months post prison supervision and be required to register as a sex offender.

Williams is convicted on 15 felonies including:

Five counts of Compelling Prostitution, four counts of Promoting Prostitution, three counts of Sex Abuse in the First Degree, Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct, Unlawful deliver of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance to a minor, Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Kai’Leif Newcomb, 23-years-old,  trafficked the same 13 year old during the time she was away from defendant Williams.

Newcomb will serve 15 years in prison for his crimes then spend three years on post prison supervision and be required to register as a sex offender.

Newcomb is convicted of four felonies including two counts of Compelling Prostitution and two counts of Promoting Prostitution.

Focused efforts by Portland Police and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Division identified frequent buyers for the child. Three were prosecuted and convicted.

James John Alfonsi, 67-years-old, was convicted of:

Sex Abuse in the First Degree, Rape in the Second Degree, Purchasing Sex with a Minor, Using a Child in a Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct.

His sentence is pending but will be a minimum of 80 months in prison.

Vladimir Ivanovic Tishenko, 59-years-old, was convicted of:
Sex Abuse in the First Degree, Purchasing Sex with a Minor, Using a Child in a Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct.

His sentence is also pending and he faces a minimum of 60 months in prison.

Cameron John Caulfield, 35-years-old pled guilty to:

Purchasing Sex with a Minor and Commercial Sexual Solicitation.

His sentence is also pending.

It is expected to include no jail time but 24 months of bench probation, reporting to Judge Christopher Marshall, and a variety of restrictions and requirements including paying a $2,500 dollar fine.

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney JR Ujifusa. prosecuted the cases for the state. He said: 

“I am extremely proud of this brave young woman for coming forward to relive and report some of the most violent and traumatizing events of her life. Her courage led to holding 5 dangerous men accountable for some of the most awful crimes in our community-buying and selling children for sex. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Team is committed to protecting victims and holding offenders accountable. It is awful to think that our community creates a demand for a 13 year old girl. As such there are individuals out there, traffickers, preying on children to financially benefit by manipulating and forcing them to be sold for sex.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Portland Police’s Human Trafficking Unit, specifically Detective Jordan Zaitz,  for their excellent work on these cases.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would also like to thank MCDA Victim Advocate Alie Aguilera for their compassionate work with the victim in these cases.

THE FACTS:

Defendant Domonique Williams met the victim when she was 13 years old in the Spring of 2021. He was 28 years old. They met near the Walgreens on SE 82nd in Portland. He smoked marijuana with her and had sex with her soon after meeting her. Within a month he was sex trafficking her to buyers in the Portland area. He engaged in sex acts with her, fed her drugs, and groomed her to engage in prostitution. As common in these cases, and following his rules, she turned over every dollar she made to him. The victim was sexually assaulted frequently and was sex trafficked by Williams for almost 3 years. Defendant Newcomb, an associate of Williams, trafficked the victim when she was separated from Williams. Both defendants knew that she was a minor. The victim was trafficked exclusively in Multnomah County on the street. She was identified during a street level sting by Portland Police and MCDA. Two of her frequent buyers were identified, investigated and ultimately charged - Defendants Tischenko and Alfonsi. Through the investigation it was determined that both men, around the age of the victim’s grandparents, purchased sexual acts dozens of times. Defendant Caulfied was observed with the minor victim during the PPB sting and was charged with purchasing sex with a minor as she was a minor of 16 years old at the time.  

Portland Police also issued a release on this today. Here is a link to their release:

https://www.portland.gov/police/news/2025/9/16/human-trafficking-investigation-involving-juvenile-results-four-convictions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

WASCO COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 16, 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division, Madras office, is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying individuals caught on camera committing criminal trespass and unlawfully taking an elk near Antelope.

On Sept. 6, 2025, at 4:42 a.m., before legal hunting hours, a photo of a cow elk was taken by a trail camera on private property. At 4:45 a.m., two unknown individuals were captured on camera standing over the carcass of the dead elk. The individuals entered the private property in a vehicle, gutted the elk, and left. The suspect vehicle is believed to be a light-colored 2001–2004 Nissan Frontier with an older canopy and a roof rack.

Information leading to the identification and citation, or arrest, of these individuals could yield a reward of $1,000 or four preference points.

Anyone with information about the identity of the individuals or the location of the vehicle is asked to submit tips to TIP@osp.oregon.gov, or contact OSP’s Northern Command Center at 800-442-0776 or by calling OSP (677) on a mobile device. Please reference Oregon State Police case number SP25-396292.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining a hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining an Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for game fish and shellfish, as well as snagging and attempting to snag, are sponsored, in part, by the Northwest Steelheaders Association and the Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information, visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

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About the Oregon State Police

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

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council this week appointed Megan Petyon to District Court to fill the seat currently held by Judge Kelli E. Osler who retiring on Dec. 31.

Peyton has 19 years of experience practicing law in Clark County most recently as the supervising attorney at Vancouver Defenders. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Washington University and earned her law degree from Willamette University College of Law.

"I am deeply honored to be chosen by the Clark County Council to be a member of the Clark County District Court bench,” said Peyton. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and will work hard each day to serve our community with fairness and respect for all."

“The county was fortunate to have several exceptional candidates for this position,” said Council Chair Sue Marshall. “On behalf of the council, congratulations to Megan Peyton and sincere appreciation to all who applied to serve.”

All six District Court seats are up for reelection in 2026.

Portland, OR — The America 250 Oregon Commission, in partnership with Oregon Heritage and the Oregon Historical Society, is excited to announce the Oregon 250 Grant Program, supporting projects that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This grant program helps organizations create inclusive, community-focused projects that highlight Oregon’s diverse histories, traditions, and cultures.

Eligible organizations — including nonprofits, local governments, public schools, universities, colleges, and federally recognized tribes in Oregon — may apply for grants of up to $5,000. Funding can support events, exhibitions, educational programming, collections development, research, and interpretation. Projects must align with the mission of America 250 Oregon and one or more of its seven guideposts, which are:

• To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
• To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
• To highlight the work of Oregon’s many history and heritage organizations.
• To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
• To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
• To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon’s veterans.
• To celebrate the power of place through Oregon’s remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.

A total of $100,000 in funding is available, with 50% dedicated to rural communities. This funding was provided by the Oregon State Legislature to the Oregon Historical Society for the purpose of supporting the work of the America 250 Oregon Commission.

“We are grateful to the Oregon State Legislature for providing funds that will encourage Oregonians across the state to create opportunities to commemorate this once-in-a-generation moment in our nation’s history,” said Kerry Tymchuk, Chair of the America 250 Oregon Commission and Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society.

Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible projects, with two funding cycles:

• Cycle 1: September 15–November 1, 2025
• Cycle 2: January 1–March 1, 2026

The grant period runs through June 30, 2027, and applications are now being accepted.

More information about the Oregon 250 Grant Program can be found at oregon250.org, including the grant guidelines and grant application.

Submit Your Event to the America 250 Oregon Community Calendar

The America 250 Oregon Commission invites individuals, organizations, and communities across the state to participate in our state’s official 250th commemoration by hosting events that reflect the diversity, creativity, and history of Oregon. Whether you’re planning a lecture, festival, exhibition, performance, community conversation, or something entirely unique — the commission wants to hear from you!

To be featured on the America 250 Oregon community calendar, your event must align with at least one of the commission guideposts — the foundational values guiding our semiquincentennial commemoration effort in Oregon.

Fill out the Event Submission Form if you would like your event included on the America 250 Oregon community calendar. All submissions will be reviewed and could take up to 3 weeks for response. Please submit a separate form for each program, project, or event you plan to host. Approved events will receive the “America 250 Oregon Official Event” logo for inclusion on promotional materials.

America 250 Oregon Traveling Exhibitions

The America 250 Oregon Commission is currently offering two traveling exhibitions that are available to rent at no cost!

The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries.

The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state. 

Both exhibitions are also available to view for free online here.

Get Involved

If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact egon.250@ohs.org">oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.

Beaverton, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, proudly announces Jason Galbraith as one of Oregon’s 16 2025-26 Regional Teachers of the Year! Galbraith teaches Computer Science and Engineering at Sunset High School in the Beaverton School District.

Galbraith has taught at Sunset High School for 18 years, where he leads one of the state’s most dynamic computer science programs. His classroom is built on innovation, inclusivity and connection. Galbraith prides himself on empowering students to take risks, learn from failure, and express themselves through creative problem-solving.

One of Galbraith’s hallmarks is using a hybrid flipped-classroom model, where his hundreds of self-created tutorials and videos allow students to learn at their own pace. This frees class time for him to provide one-on-one support, even while teaching multiple courses and grade levels in the same period. His students not only learn to code — they also gain confidence, resilience, and bravery in tackling difficult challenges.

Beyond the classroom, Galbraith connects his students to the wider community. He has led projects where computer science students design simulations and games to support science, math, and even language arts classes, making abstract concepts more tangible for their peers. He also advises Sunset’s Girls Who Code club, helps organize summer camps led by high school girls for younger students, and champions the recognition of female students through the National Center for Women & Information Technology’s Aspirations Award program — where Sunset regularly leads the state in honorees.

Alumni from his program often return to mentor current students or showcase how computer science at Sunset shaped their futures. Industry partnerships with Nike, Intel, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Oregon Health & Science University provide students with authentic, real-world opportunities and pathways to careers in technology.

In his nomination, Galbraith wrote, “I strive to create an environment that celebrates students’ cultural strengths, encourages risk-taking, and empowers them to see themselves as capable problem-solvers. Teaching bravery was not what I expected to be part of computer science as a new teacher, but it has become an essential part of my work.”

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Winners are selected through a process facilitated by Oregon’s 19 education service districts, based on leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, and professional growth.

“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year – outstanding educators whose tireless dedication, creativity, and compassion enrich the lives of students and communities across Oregon,” said Director of the Oregon Department of Education Dr. Charlene Williams. “Each recipient embodies the values of innovation, leadership, and inclusivity, and we are proud to honor and learn from their inspiring work. These extraordinary teachers remind us that great education transforms lives and strengthens communities.”

Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year, who will be announced in October.

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, nearly $400,000 of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Beaverton School District, and over $32 million went to Washington County.

“This group of standout Oregon teachers brings their passion for education and leadership abilities to work every day,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “Oregon Lottery is proud to celebrate the meaningful impact these educators have on our students and communities.”

Once all 16 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced on Friday, Sept. 19, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website.

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.

Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.

Oregon has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to extend the 10-day time period allowed to request replacement of food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that were lost or destroyed due to the Flat Fire that started Aug. 21, 2025, in Deschutes and Jefferson counties.

New deadline for SNAP replacement benefits
Households in these two counties now have until Sept. 22, 2025, to report food losses and request replacement benefits.

What about other counties?
For individuals who live in any other county, the standard 10-day rule remains in effect. Replacement requests must be made within 10 days of the incident, and verification may be required.

How to request SNAP replacement benefits
People who experienced food losses due to the fires can submit a request for replacement benefits using one of the following methods:

• By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome
• In person: Visit a local office (find one online)
• By Mail: (Requests must be received by the deadline)
  ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• By email: Send requests to egon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Oregon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Online: Submit requests through a ONE Online account

The information necessary to make a request is available in the form 349D.

When does the waiver end?

People have until Sept. 22, 2025, to report food lost due to the fire. After this date, the standard 10-day reporting rule will apply.

(Portland, Ore.) - The misguided decision by Providence to close the St. Vincent pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is abhorrent. It proves, yet again, that the healthcare system is more concerned about its profits than the health of the community it purports to serve. Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Providence’s decision to close the family birth center in Seaside by October 4, 2025.

According to the CDC, “the upcoming fall and winter respiratory disease season in the United States will likely have a similar number of combined peak hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV compared to last season.” In a CDC report released last week, the 2024-2025 flu season had the highest number of hospitalizations in more than a decade. Eliminating access to care for children is a callous mistake, particularly as respiratory viruses are on the rise—putting children at greater risk of serious illnesses and emphasizing their need for specialized healthcare.

“We’ve always been busy during respiratory virus season since Providence patients from across Oregon were moved to our PICU,” said Erin Piltz, RN at Providence St. Vincent. “We have also advocated for years to be cross-trained so that we can serve more than just pediatric patients and have repeatedly been told there’s no budget.”

In the announcement, Providence said patients needing PICU-level care will be diverted to Legacy’s Randall Children’s Hospital or OHSU’s Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Twenty ONA-represented nurses will lose their jobs.

Providence says the cuts are necessary to alleviate the $100 million in operating losses in Oregon. The health system is a $30 billion corporation that claims to be a non-profit, but which paid its 182 executives a combined $194 million in 2023. Patients and caregivers should not be forced to pay the price of corporate greed, which will leave all Oregonians with fewer choices, longer waits, and worse healthcare. 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Warm Springs, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and prohibited possession of a firearm.

Antoine Scott, 28, was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in June 2023, Scott approached a truck on the Warm Springs reservation and began punching the passenger through the window. The passenger suffered a head injury as well as a hand injury requiring stitches.

After being released from custody, Scott absconded from pretrial supervision. When arrested in June 2024, police recovered two firearms from Scott’s residence. Jefferson County deputies also recovered methamphetamine from Scott’s sock.

On May 21, 2025, Scott pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and prohibited possession of a firearm.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Warm Springs Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pam Paaso.

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

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Kaiser Permanente Northwest has been recognized as the highest rated commercial health plan in Oregon and SW Washington by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in 2025. The Northwest is proud of its leadership position when it comes to providing expert, coordinated care and exceptional service.

The NCQA annual report, released September 2025, rates Kaiser Permanente Northwest’s private (commercial) health plans as the highest among competitors’ plans. The Northwest’s Medicare health plans tied for the highest rated in the region.

More 5-star and 4.5-star plans than any organization

NCQA rated nearly 1,000 commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid plans in the United States.

• Only 11 health plans across the country received 5 out of 5 stars. Five of those 5-star plans were Kaiser Permanente’s: Both our commercial and Medicare plans in Northern California and Southern California, and our commercial plan available in the mid-Atlantic states area (Baltimore, suburban Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C.).
• All Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare plans received 4.5 stars or higher.
• Our commercial plans in 4 areas, including the Northwest region of Oregon and Southwest Washington, received 4.5 stars (Colorado, Georgia and Hawaii also received 4.5 stars.)

“The latest NCQA ratings reflect Kaiser Permanente’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care and coverage for our patients and members,” said Nicole Kveton, vice president of quality and safety at Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Year after year, our dedication to care excellence continues to make a meaningful impact for the more than 600,000 members we serve throughout our region.”

Kaiser Permanente’s high ratings are remarkable, given that only 6.5% of the nation’s plans rated 4.5 stars or higher. And we have more 5-star and 4.5-star plans combined than any other health care organization for the 10^th ratings cycle in a row.

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization that measures and accredits health care plans. NCQA ratings are based on dozens of measures that assess how each plan performs when it comes to prevention and population health, treatment, and the patient experience.

Learn more about NCQA’s ratings and methodology and the other awards and recognition Kaiser Permanente repeatedly earns for being a great place to get care.

About Kaiser Permanente 

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

The Molalla River School District held a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for the new Molalla River Middle School on Monday, September 15, at 4:15 p.m. at the future school site, which is located at 318 Leroy Avenue in Molalla. The public event was held outdoors on the north side of the school property where athletic fields are currently located.

The program featured a celebration of the generous support of our entire community to replace the 70+ year old aging facility and acknowledgements of leaders and community members who played a vital role in the facilities study, bond information and advocacy efforts resulting in voter approval for the funding in May 2024. Student Body President, Lucas Boswell and sixth-grader Maycie Perez addressed the 200 people in attendance and shared their hopes for the school of the future.

Funding for the replacement of Molalla River Middle School is provided by general obligation bonds, which are paid by property taxes; Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) grant funds; and interest and premiums earned from the sale of the bonds. 

The district is committed to continuously maintaining, improving, and upgrading all facilities and equipment to ensure safe, accessible, and engaging student environments. "The new Molalla River Middle School will be more than just a building; it will offer a safe learning environment with efficient heating and air conditioning, expanded career technical education programming and classroom space for the future. We are incredibly grateful for the work of our advocates and the support of our voters who made this dream a reality," said Superintendent Dr. Tony Mann.

"The new Molalla River Middle School will stand as a testament to our community's investment in our children’s’ futures. The improved facilities for hands-on, career-related programs is long overdue." said John Meyer, Co-Chair of the Bond Oversight Committee. 

Co-Chair Jeremy Joseph said, “I am excited to see the positive impact it will have on our students and the entire Molalla area. With facility improvements that provide access to technology and hands-on learning, Molalla has a bright future."

The Bond Oversight Committee has reported that this project is proceeding on time and on budget. The Bond Oversight Committee is looking for volunteers, information at: https://forms.gle/st5JZ5VToVY4usAfA.  

The new Molalla River Middle School will open in the Fall of the 2027-28 school year.

About the Molalla River School District:

The Molalla River School District is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares all students for success in college, career, and life. The district serves the communities of Molalla, Clarkes, Mulino, and Rural Dell offering a wide range of academic, extracurricular, and athletic programs.

AMBOY, WASHINGTON – North Clark Historical Museum is in upper Amboy at 21416 NE 399^th St. in the renovated 1910 United Brethren Church. The Museum was incorporated in 1988 and opened to the public in June of 2000.

The Museum will be open on Saturday, September 27^th from Noon to 4:00 pm.

Early Pioneer Men Exhibit     Noon to 4:00 pm

Early Pioneer Program          2:00 pm.

Featuring: Amos Ball, John & Charles Frasier, Hein Kulper, C. C. Landon, Chester & Charles Moore, and Edgar Rotschy

These men all arrived before 1900, providing interest and support in the forming of Amboy, Chelatchie Prairie, Yacolt and surrounding areas.  Their descendants live on to carry on the heritage started by these pioneering men!

Blacksmith Demonstrations by Ben Brown             Noon to 4:00 pm

Antique Engine Display by Bud Cronin                    Noon to 4:00 pm

2025 Museum Raffle Quilt!  Crafted by the Chelatchie Quilters.  Tickets are $1.00. 

Proceeds go to the Capital Improvement Fund for major upkeep and repairs to the building, such as a new roof.

Check out our Website!!             northclarkhistoricalmuseum.com      

Stay tuned to our website for the new and exciting events planned for the rest of this year.

No Admission Fee.          Donations appreciated.                Wheelchair accessible.                 Air conditioned.

For more information, please contact 360-247-5800 and leave a message or email museumnch88@gmail.com.

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The North Clark Historical Museum was founded in 1988 and is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The doors were opened in June of 2000. Mission Statement:   To preserve North Clark County’s natural and cultural history through collections and exhibits, and to sponsor educational programs and research opportunities for the enrichment of the public.
 

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Jordan Cushing, age 15, a child in foster care who went missing from Portland on Sept. 14. She is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Jordan and to contact the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) if they believe they see her.

Jordan is known to frequent North Portland, Gresham and Vancouver.

Name: Jordan Cushing
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Sept. 14, 2010
Height: 5-foot-3
Weight: 115 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Hazel
Portland Police Bureau Case #PP253581
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2061296

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (FVRLibraries) is proud to announce the winners of its Library Card Design Competition, part of the district’s year-long 75th Anniversary celebration and released during National Library Card Sign-up Month Community members of all ages submitted artwork reflecting the theme Our Stories, Our Communities, showing how libraries connect, inspire, and celebrate the people and experiences that make up Southwest Washington.

More than 200 entries were received across four categories: Youth (8 and under), Tween (9–12), Teen (13–19), and Adult (20+). A panel of judges selected the winning designs, which will be featured on limited-edition FVRLibraries cards available the week of September 22, 2025.

The winning designs showcase the creativity and diversity of southwest Washington artists. Card designs range from a young artist's drawing of woodland animals bonding over books to an adult's artwork honoring the Columbia River’s heritage. Together, all five library cards reflect the variety of perspectives and experiences across our region. View the winning designs at www.fvrl.org/library-card-designs.

Celebrate With Us

Join us on Sunday, September 21, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm in the Columbia Room at Vancouver Community Library for the Library Card Design Launch Party. Enjoy a presentation of the winning designs, meet the artists, and be among the first to receive a limited-edition library card. Refreshments generously provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library.

About the Competition

The Library Card Design Competition invited professional and first-time artists alike to share their visions of what libraries mean in their lives. Submissions closed in June, with designs reflecting themes of connection, diversity, and discovery.

About FVRLibraries

Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries is the fifth-largest library district in Washington State, serving more than half a million residents across 15 locations in Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat counties and the Yale Valley area of Cowlitz County. In 2025, FVRLibraries celebrates its 75th year of providing access to knowledge, stories, and community.

PITCH

FVRLibraries is celebrating 75 years all year long — and September’s Library Card Sign-Up Month is the perfect time to join in and continue the fun.

Five local artists, from youth to adults, were selected as winners of the 2025 Library Card Design Competition. Their artwork will appear on limited-edition anniversary cards, debuting at the Library Card Design Launch Party on Sunday, September 21, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm at the Vancouver Community Library. Guests can enjoy the presentation of winning designs, light refreshments, and be among the first to sign up for a card that celebrates both community and creativity.

TWO MEN WHO ENTICED A 13 YEAR OLD GIRL INTO THE LIFE OF PROSTITUTION GET PRISON SENTENCES OF 19 YEARS AND 15 YEARS. TWO CUSTOMERS GET LENGTHY SENTENCES.

Portland, OR- Domonique Latrice Williams, 33-years-old, will spend the next 19 years in prison for sexually assaulting  a 13 year old girl then grooming and pulling her into a life of prostitution for nearly three years. The child was given drugs, sexually abused and experienced horrific acts at the hands of her traffickers and buyers . Williams will also serve 36 months post prison supervision and be required to register as a sex offender.

Williams is convicted on 15 felonies including:

Five counts of Compelling Prostitution, four counts of Promoting Prostitution, three counts of Sex Abuse in the First Degree, Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct, Unlawful deliver of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance to a minor, Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Kai’Leif Newcomb, 23-years-old,  trafficked the same 13 year old during the time she was away from defendant Williams.

Newcomb will serve 15 years in prison for his crimes then spend three years on post prison supervision and be required to register as a sex offender.

Newcomb is convicted of four felonies including two counts of Compelling Prostitution and two counts of Promoting Prostitution.

Focused efforts by Portland Police and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Division identified frequent buyers for the child. Three were prosecuted and convicted.

James John Alfonsi, 67-years-old, was convicted of:

Sex Abuse in the First Degree, Rape in the Second Degree, Purchasing Sex with a Minor, Using a Child in a Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct.

His sentence is pending but will be a minimum of 80 months in prison.

Vladimir Ivanovic Tishenko, 59-years-old, was convicted of:
Sex Abuse in the First Degree, Purchasing Sex with a Minor, Using a Child in a Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct.

His sentence is also pending and he faces a minimum of 60 months in prison.

Cameron John Caufield, 35-years-old pled guilty to:

Purchasing Sex with a Minor and Commercial Sexual Solicitation.

His sentence is also pending.

It is expected to include no jail time but 24 months of bench probation, reporting to Judge Christopher Marshall, and a variety of restrictions and requirements including paying a $2,500 dollar fine.

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney JR Ujifusa. prosecuted the cases for the state. He said: 

“I am extremely proud of this brave young woman for coming forward to relive and report some of the most violent and traumatizing events of her life. Her courage led to holding 5 dangerous men accountable for some of the most awful crimes in our community-buying and selling children for sex. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Team is committed to protecting victims and holding offenders accountable. It is awful to think that our community creates a demand for a 13 year old girl. As such there are individuals out there, traffickers, preying on children to financially benefit by manipulating and forcing them to be sold for sex.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Portland Police’s Human Trafficking Unit, specifically Detective Jordan Zaitz,  for their excellent work on these cases.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would also like to thank MCDA Victim Advocate Alie Aguilera for their compassionate work with the victim in these cases.

THE FACTS:

Defendant Domonique Williams met the victim when she was 13 years old in the Spring of 2021. He was 28 years old. They met near the Walgreens on SE 82nd in Portland. He smoked marijuana with her and had sex with her soon after meeting her. Within a month he was sex trafficking her to buyers in the Portland area. He engaged in sex acts with her, fed her drugs, and groomed her to engage in prostitution. As common in these cases, and following his rules, she turned over every dollar she made to him. The victim was sexually assaulted frequently and was sex trafficked by Williams for almost 3 years. Defendant Newcomb, an associate of Williams, trafficked the victim when she was separated from Williams. Both defendants knew that she was a minor. The victim was trafficked exclusively in Multnomah County on the street. She was identified during a street level sting by Portland Police and MCDA. Two of her frequent buyers were identified, investigated and ultimately charged - Defendants Tischenko and Alfonsi. Through the investigation it was determined that both men, around the age of the victim’s grandparents, purchased sexual acts dozens of times. Defendant Caulfied was observed with the minor victim during the PPB sting and was charged with purchasing sex with a minor as she was a minor of 16 years old at the time.  

Portland Police also issued a release on this today. Here is a link to their release:

https://www.portland.gov/police/news/2025/9/16/human-trafficking-investigation-involving-juvenile-results-four-convictions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Kaiser Permanente names Aphriekah DuHaney-West chief operating officer for Northwest Region

Kaiser Permanente has announced that Aphriekah DuHaney-West has been named chief operating officer of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of the Northwest (KFHPH), effective September 15^th. The organization’s previous COO, Wendy Watson, was named the region’s president this February.  

DuHaney-West brings exceptional experience in integrated care delivery, operational excellence, and transformational leadership. Since April 2022, she has served as Kaiser Permanente’s Senior Vice President and Area Manager for Northern California’s Central Valley Service Area, which includes nearly 500,000 members, two medical centers, a joint-venture hospital, and multiple other care settings.

As COO of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of the Northwest, she will lead all clinical operations, which encompasses 31 medical offices, 21 dental offices and 2 hospitals. She will also have oversight of care for Kaiser Permanente members at 5 affiliated hospitals. Kaiser Permanente in the Northwest has more than 610,000 medical members, 285,000 dental members, and more than 11,900 employees.

“Aphriekah’s strategic mindset, people-first leadership, and operational discipline will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission of improving the health of our Northwest communities,” said Wendy Watson, president, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of the Northwest. “Her previous accomplishments align perfectly with our top priorities: maintaining the highest levels of quality and service; member and patient satisfaction; and driving operational excellence while increasing affordability for our members.”

Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente, DuHaney-West held senior leadership roles at Ochsner Health and LifePoint Health, serving as CEO, COO, and CNO across hospitals and medical centers in Louisiana and Arizona. She is a Baldrige Executive Fellow and has consistently been recognized for driving cultural transformation, improving employee satisfaction and retention, and delivering sustained performance improvements in complex health systems.

“I’m honored to join Kaiser Permanente Northwest at such a pivotal time in health care,” said DuHaney-West. “Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to innovation, patient-centered care, and community impact deeply resonates with my values. I look forward to working alongside this talented team to deliver exceptional care to the people we serve.”

About Kaiser Permanente 

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

WALLOWA COUNTY, Ore (Sept. 16, 2025) - On Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 10:53 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on State Route 3, near milepost 2, in Wallowa County.

The preliminary investigation indicated Dodge 2500, operated by Ryan Jeffrey Bonivert (42) of Clarkston (WA), left the roadway and rolled nearly 500 feet down an embankment. The operator was ejected from the vehicle when the vehicle rolled. The crash is believed to have occurred during the early hours of the morning.

The operator of the vehicle (Bonivert) was declared deceased at the scene. 

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Wallowa County Sheriff's Office, Enterprise Fire, Joseph Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.

# # #

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

Embargoed until Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 7:15 a.m. 

SALEM, Oregon— The Recreational Trails Program is accepting grant applications through Nov. 15 for the approximately $1.6 million in grant funds available for the 2025 grant cycle.

Grants are available 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.

The federally funded reimbursement grant program provides matching grants to construct, expand or improve public trails for motorized and non-motorized use. Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent via https://oprdgrants.org by October 15. Applications are due Nov. 15. New applicants must create an account online.

The grant program is open to local governments, park districts, state and federal agencies, tribal governments, other public land managers and nonprofits.

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

Information about the program, including the grant manual, application instructions, program schedule, and a webinar recording is on the Recreational Trails Program web page: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Pages/GRA-rtp.aspx

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.

CAMAS, WA — The Camas Lions Club welcomed the community to an impactful afternoon of open conversation, shared stories, and heartfelt connection during “The Courage to Speak: An Evening of Poetry, Awareness, Advocacy, and Hope,” held on Saturday, September 13 at the Camas Public Library.

This free event brought together voices from across Clark County to help reduce the stigma around mental illness and promote healing through storytelling, resources, and community support.

Master of Ceremonies Brian Scott guided the event with empathy and insight, including a moving live interview with Tammie Coelho and her sister Debbie Pulley. Tammie shared her personal journey of living with bipolar disorder, using humor and honesty to break down barriers and start real conversations about mental health. Her message was both courageous and disarming, demonstrating how laughter can be a powerful tool for healing and understanding.

The afternoon also featured Sophia Nicole Faith, a 22-year-old author who self-published her poetry collection Little Miss Hopeful. Sophia is a remarkably articulate and deeply relatable speaker who has a special gift for connecting with audiences. Through her spoken word, she offered fresh insight into depression and anxiety, helping attendees with furthering their understanding of the topics.

Guests also had access to local mental health resources from organizations including:

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

• Teen Talk

• Camp Mariposa

• PeaceHealth ADAPT Day Hospital Program

The Camas Lions Club curated a selection of books on mental health and wellness, checking them out from the Camas Public Library and displaying them for the public to explore. These materials encouraged ongoing learning and reflection beyond the event.

This gathering marked the launch of the Camas Lions Club’s new Mental Health & Well-Being Initiative — part of a global Lions Club International movement to raise awareness, educate communities, and advocate for positive change in the mental health space. The initiative responds to the growing need for emotional support and resilience, encouraging Lions and Leos to take action through local service projects.

“The Courage to Speak was more than an event — it was a safe space to listen, learn, and connect,” said Club President, Tim Eubank. “We’re proud to be creating opportunities like this to support our community’s mental wellness.”

The Camas Lions Club is more than a service group — it’s a place to give back, build lasting friendships, grow as a leader, and make a meaningful difference. New members are always welcome.

For more information about upcoming events or to get involved, visit www.CamasLionsClub.org.

VANCOUVER, Wash. (September 15, 2025) — In the spirit of collaboration and service, members of local Lions Clubs and the Kiwanis Club came together on Monday, September 15, at the 78th Street Heritage Farm to harvest fresh produce for the Clark County Food Bank.

Volunteers from the Camas Lions Club, La Center Lions Club, Salmon Creek Lions Club, Vancouver Lions Club, and Fort Vancouver Lions Club worked side by side with the Cascade Park Kiwanis Club under clear skies, learning new skills from farm liaisons and putting in hours of hard work to gather cucumbers, peppers, and zucchini.

This project was part of Celebrate Community, a week-long global initiative (September 14–20, 2025) that unites Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, and Optimist clubs in shared service. The event exemplified the power of fellowship among service organizations and their shared commitment to making a difference.

“Why collaborate with other service organizations? To help even more communities and kids!” said Patty Downey, Secretary of Cascade Park Kiwanis. “Plus, members of participating service organizations had the chance to learn more about one another — and see how teamwork, not competition, makes our world better.”

Jason Rivers, President of the La Center Lions Club, added: “This was meaningful work that people of all ages and abilities could do together. Not only did we make an impact for families in need, but we also got to know members from other Lions Clubs and Kiwanis. It was inspiring to work shoulder to shoulder, and we plan to get together again soon to explore even more opportunities for collaboration.”

The harvested produce will go directly to the Clark County Food Bank, providing fresh, healthy food for local families in need. Volunteers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve together, enjoy the beautiful weather, and build stronger connections between service groups.

About Kiwanis

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs and members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Each year, the Kiwanis family of clubs devotes more than 7.7 million hours of service. Kiwanis clubs sponsor adult and youth leadership programs and conduct more than 1.3 million projects. Through service projects and fundraisers, Kiwanis members improve their communities, make lifelong friendships and, most importantly, help children reach their full potential. Visit kiwanis.org for more information.

About Lions

Lions International is the largest service club organization in the world. More than 1.3 million members in over 49,000 clubs are serving in 200 countries and geographic areas. Since 1917, Lions have strengthened local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects, extending impact through the Lions Clubs International Foundation. Lions focus on supporting vision, the environment, childhood cancer, hunger, diabetes, mental health, and other pressing humanitarian needs. For more information about how to contact local clubs, visit https://www.vancouverlions.org/clark-county-clubs.php 

At 1:51 p.m. this afternoon, smoke was seen coming from a second-story apartment unit in the 2000 block of NE John Olsen Avenue, with multiple calls to 911. The unit’s smoke alarms, as well as the building’s fire alarms, sounded, prompting residents to evacuate to safety into the complex parking lot. Residents living in the affected building were reported to have notified other residents in the building, and one reported the fire to the community property management office. It was reported to incoming firefighters that the fire sprinkler system had activated. Given this information, the incident commander upgraded the call to a first alarm to bring more resources to the incident.

The first arriving fire engine found an extinguished fire in the kitchen of the apartment and confirmed that smoke had filled the affected unit on the second floor and was also filling the shared hallway. They also confirmed that fire sprinklers were active. As they made entry into the unit, other firefighters searched the residences on all three floors of the building. They confirmed that all units were clear of residents. During the initial activation of the sprinkler system, water affected the unit immediately below the fire unit. After ensuring that the fire was fully extinguished, including confirmation that the fire had not spread to other units or parts of the building, firefighters worked to remove smoke and water from the building. No injuries were reported, but the two residents of the affected unit were evaluated on scene by medical personnel.

A Hillsboro Fire investigator responded to the incident to investigate. The cause of the fire was an unintentional cooking fire.   

Public safety chaplains responded to the scene to support and assist the residents. Two apartments were directly impacted by the fire and sprinkler water. Two adults from each unit and one dog were temporarily displaced because of the fire.

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue reminds all community members that smoke alarms save lives. Test them regularly and practice your family escape plan. Do not leave cooking unattended. Be sure to keep combustibles three feet or more away from cooking surfaces.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, AMR Ambulance, City of Hillsboro Public Works Department, and Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains assisted Hillsboro Fire & Rescue.

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Updated (September 15, 2025, at 4:00 pm): This release has been updated to include information about the Community Partner Award that will be presented at the event.

Lifeline Connections’ annual fundraising luncheon, “A Lifeline To Wellbeing,” will be held Thursday, September 25th, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Royal Oaks Country Club (8917 NE Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA). Supporters will hear inspiring stories of recovery and resilience and learn about the vital services Lifeline Connections provides to help our community thrive. Tickets are $75 per person, and lunch is included.

Ticket purchases and donations support Lifeline Connections’ work in the community to provide life-saving care to individuals experiencing substance use and/or mental health conditions. Given federal and state funding cuts, Lifeline Connections must rely on support from the community now more than ever before. 

Lifeline Connections Board Chair, Brian Barry, shares: “If we are successful in reaching our fundraising goal, we will be able to replace the HVAC system in our Pregnant and Parenting Women’s program, which serves women with substance use conditions who are pregnant or have children under 6 years of age who stay with them during treatment.”

A Lifeline to Wellbeing will feature keynote speaker Jeff Hatch, an Ivy League graduate and retired NFL player, who will share his incredible journey of football injuries, relapse, federal charges, and his road to recovery. Other speakers include the Mayor of the City of Vancouver and the President & CEO of Lifeline Connections, Andrea Brooks, MSW, LSW.

In addition, Lifeline Connections will present the John Cox Community Partner Award to an individual and/or organization who partner with Lifeline Connections to benefit the individuals served by Lifeline Connections.

“By joining us on September 25th, you are taking action to ensure behavioral health treatment and services are available to our community, especially to those at the greatest risk and most in need of a lifeline,” Lifeline Connections President & CEO, Andrea Brooks, emphasizes. “Please join us to learn the impact our mental health and substance use treatment programs have on our families and our community.”

Lifeline Connections is committed to raising awareness, eradicating stigma, and providing treatment for substance use and mental health conditions. In Washington State, 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health condition each year, and 1 in 20 will experience a serious mental health condition. In addition, over 82,000 youth aged 12-17 have been diagnosed with depression¹, and the number of annual opioid-related overdose deaths in Washington has nearly tripled since 2019.

Don’t miss this impactful, informative event! Register today to secure your seat: https://lifelineconnections.org/a-lifeline-to-wellbeing/

To sponsor the event or for more information, email: Development@lifelineconnections.org.

                                                                      ###

¹https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/StateFactSheets/WashingtonStateFactSheet.pdf

²https://doh.wa.gov/data-and-statistical-reports/washington-tracking-network-wtn/opioids#:~:text=Washington%20experienced%20a%20similar%20trend,2019%20to%201619%20in%202021.

When: 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025

Where: Klineline Pond at Salmon Creek Regional Park, 1112 NE 117th St., Vancouver

What: In a first-of-its-kind project for Clark County, Public Works brought together more than 50 volunteer artists, dozens of volunteers, and staff from many different divisions in Public Works to paint a mural celebrating healthy streams. The approximately 4,000-square-foot mural features stormwater pollution prevention messages and fish painted in the unique styles of the volunteer artists.

A local resident approached Public Works with a dream to beautify a frequently vandalized retaining wall across from Salmon Creek. The wall, on Northeast 117th Street just south of Highway 99, is nearly 400 feet long. The resident envisioned a mural highlighting the diversity of Clark County artists and celebrating healthy streams. Public Works is proud to have worked to make this dream a reality by bringing together staff and the community. Under the direction of local mural artist Ana Gabriela, the mural was completed this week.

At the unveiling ceremony, we will recognize all of the community members who came together to beautify their neighborhood and celebrate the kickoff of the Salmon Creek Solutions project. The Salmon Creek Solutions project will involve the community in shaping the county’s plan to improve the way stormwater runoff is managed, to create a healthy and thriving Salmon Creek for families, fish and wildlife.

Why: The Salmon Creek mural project is a unique and special project because it was initiated by community members and created by volunteers. Nearly 100 people were involved in making this community beautification project possible, providing an inspirational example of the community coming together for a common cause. The unveiling event will recognize and celebrate all who came together to make the mural possible.

RAYMOND REES NATIONAL GUARD TRAINING CENTER, Ore. – The Oregon Army National Guard is transforming its unmanned aircraft systems training at the 249th Regional Training Institute, introducing advanced platforms while developing innovative solutions to meet evolving battlefield requirements.

During September 2025, the Regional Training Institute at Rees Training Center hosted two distinct training events that showcase Oregon's expanding role as the state's center for drone operations. A specialized Master small Unmanned Aircraft Systems pilot course focused on the Flightwave Edge 130 system from Sept. 3-5, followed by the broader Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems course running Sept. 3-12.

The training represents a significant evolution from the RQ-11B Raven systems that were divested in March 2024. Students now learn on the RQ-28A Sky Ranger, officially designated by the Army for Short Range Reconnaissance missions, along with the more advanced Edge 130 platform.

"The course itself is 10 days, but with optimal weather conditions and smaller class sizes, we could potentially complete the comprehensive training in about five days," said Staff Sgt. First Class Mannen, the course manager. "That includes all the classroom instruction and flight operations, which allows me to give students more hands-on flight time."

The Edge 130, manufactured by Red Cat Holdings' Flightwave division, represents a significant upgrade in capabilities. The aircraft features vertical takeoff and landing with transition to fixed-wing flight, providing 60 minutes of flight time in vertical mode and 90 minutes in fixed-wing configuration.

"The edge 130 has three different payloads on it right now," explained Peter DeJoseph, a Flight Trainer Three with Red Cat Holdings. "You have the gimbal 360 payload that can gimbal 360 around, has 10 times zoom, and has electro-optical infrared functionality on it. And then the other payload is the mapping array where you can set a survey of an area."

The training methodology has also evolved. Red Cat's approach includes a Learning Management System that students access two weeks before arrival, allowing them to complete theoretical modules at their own pace.

"They get two weeks and go through each module and learn," DeJoseph said. "When they get through a module, they can take a 15-minute practice, take out that part of the system, build up the aircraft, go through the ground control station, build missions, download maps, and be all hands on with that learning module system."

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of Oregon's UAS program is the development of custom-built aircraft designed to supplement expensive commercial systems. Lt. Col. Mark Timmons, RTI commander, initiated this effort after recognizing the financial constraints of relying solely on $45,000 commercial platforms.

"These systems cost $45,000 apiece, so talking with Sgt. 1st Class Mannen, here do we go once we get them here and we want to loan these out to various UAS operators? Well, what's going to happen? We know what's going to happen. They're going to crash," Timmons explained.

Working with Echo MAV, a company that specializes in NDAA-compliant components, Oregon has developed prototypes that cost between $2,000-$5,000 including ground control stations. The initiative draws inspiration from similar programs at the 101st Airborne Division and 25th Infantry Division.

"The opportunity for us to be able to essentially design and build by 3D printing our own aircraft, partnering with a company who are experts in the technology piece of it and the compliance piece of it, putting those two efforts together gives us an Oregon-made, essentially US-made system," Timmons said.

Oregon's UAS training builds on infrastructure established through partnerships with the U.S. Navy. The state operates the Unmanned Aerial System Operating Facility in Boardman, a $13 million, 12,400-square-foot facility that opened in April 2023. While the RQ-7B Shadow Tactical UAS no longer operates from that facility, it established Oregon as a significant player in unmanned systems training.

Rees Training Center now serves as the primary hub for Oregon Army National Guard drone operations, with capabilities extending beyond basic flight training to include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance applications, mapping surveys, and potential support for environmental monitoring missions.

The versatility of the new systems opens possibilities for diverse mission support. Plans include using the Edge 130's mapping capabilities to conduct environmental surveys of the Rees Training impact area to locate burrowing owl habitats for the Oregon National Guard's environmental office.

"With the edge 130 we could task the platoon to do a map survey with the mapping payload and we can get a high fidelity aerial photography of that impact area for environmental, which is super cool," Timmons noted. The training also addresses modern operational challenges, including electronic warfare considerations and fiber optic drone flight capabilities, preparing soldiers for the evolving nature of unmanned operations in contested environments.

As the Oregon Army National Guard continues developing its UAS capabilities, Rees Training Center positions itself as not just a training facility, but as an innovation hub where soldiers learn to operate, maintain, and even build the unmanned systems that increasingly define modern military operations.

The September training courses represent another step in Oregon's journey from traditional UAS operations to a comprehensive program that combines commercial systems, custom-built platforms, and innovative training methodologies to prepare soldiers for the future of unmanned warfare.

                                                                                                                       -30-

Released B-Roll: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/976969/oregon-guard-advances-drone-capabilities-with-new-training-systems-b-roll

Released Social Media Info video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/976974/oregon-guard-advances-drone-capabilities-with-new-training-systems

Released Photos: 

250903-Z-ZJ128-1001 Lt. Col. Mark Timmons, commander of the 249th Regional Training Institute, displays the damaged frame components from a catastrophic drone crash next to a 3D-printed replacement frame in a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems classroom at Rees Training Center, Oregon, Sept. 3, 2025. The Oregon Army National Guard developed the capability to rapidly manufacture replacement parts for custom-built unmanned aircraft systems using 3D printing technology at Starbase Rees Training Center, allowing immediate repairs instead of waiting days for replacement systems from manufacturers. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250904-Z-ZJ128-1002 From left, Sgt. Christopher Ferranti, Staff Sgt. First Class Gregory Mannen, and Staff Sgt. Michael Kimmel demonstrate ground control station operations during Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems training at the 249th Regional Training Institute, Rees Training Center, Oregon, Sept. 4, 2025. Red Cat flight trainer Peter DeJoseph instructed Oregon Army National Guard soldiers on the advanced capabilities of the Flightwave Edge 130 system, including mission planning, autonomous flight operations, and payload management. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250904-Z-ZJ128-1003 Peter DeJoseph, left, a Red Cat flight trainer, observes as Staff Sgt. First Class Gregory Mannen, center, and Staff Sgt. Timothy Powers operate the Flightwave Edge 130 unmanned aircraft system during training at the 249th Regional Training Institute, Rees Training Center, Oregon, Sept. 4, 2025. The Edge 130 provides vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with transition to fixed-wing flight, offering up to 90 minutes of flight time and advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for Oregon Army National Guard units. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250905-Z-ZJ128-1004 Staff Sgt. First Class Gregory Mannen operates an RQ-28A Sky Ranger unmanned aircraft system on the parade field at Rees Training Center, Oregon, Sept.5, 2025. The RQ-28A serves as the Army's official platform for Short Range Reconnaissance missions and is the primary aircraft used in the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems course at the 249th Regional Training Institute. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250905-Z-ZJ128-1005 Staff Sgt. First Class Gregory Mannen instructs students on the components of the RQ-28A Sky Ranger system kit during a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems course at the 249th Regional Training Institute, Rees Training Center, Oregon, Sept. 5, 2025. The 10-day sUAS course teaches Oregon Army National Guard soldiers mission planning, flight operations, and system maintenance on unmanned aircraft platforms used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

MORROW COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 15, 2025) - On Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:43 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Interstate 84, on the milepost 159 on-ramp, in Morrow County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Volkswagen Jetta, operated by Austin Scott Yager (38) of Bend, suffered a mechanical failure on the on-ramp and stopped in the roadway. The failure resulted in no visible lights operating on the Volkswagen. An eastbound Freightliner, operated by Adonis Marcial (33) of Miami (FL), entered the on-ramp and struck the stationary Volkswagen. The Volkswagen operator was outside of the vehicle at the time of the collision.

The operator of the Volkswagen (Yager) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Boardman Police Department, Morrow County Sheriff's Office, Boardman Fire, and ODOT.

# # #

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

SOLVE is hosting the inaugural “Pick It Up, Bend!” on Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in Downtown Bend. This community-powered cleanup brings together residents, local businesses, and volunteers for a hands-on morning removing litter and beautifying public spaces with the backdrop of the scenic Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater.

Event Details:
Where: Downtown Bend, 769 SW Columbia St. Bend, OR 97702 
Volunteers will meet at the West Event Lawn near the Hayden Homes Amphitheater and the Hampton Inn.
When: Saturday, September 20, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Who: Volunteers of all ages, local organizations, and community groups

SOLVE will provide all cleanup supplies. This event is a great visual story opportunity, with volunteers actively making a difference in the heart of Bend.

Additional Resources:

• Event page: https://www.solveoregon.org/bend
• Registration page: https://volunteer.solveoregon.org/opportunity/a0CVL00002Lvvr6/pick-it-up-bend
• Event Flyer (attached)
• Photos from past SOLVE events (attached)

Thank you for considering this community-focused story to highlight community action and environmental stewardship in Bend. I’d be glad to answer any questions or assist with coverage logistics.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power Launches Wattsmart Battery Program to Boost Grid Reliability and Efficiency

Washington customers can now earn incentives while helping Pacific Power build a more sustainable and reliable energy system.

PORTLAND, Ore. (Sept. 15, 2025) — Pacific Power has rolled out its Wattsmart Battery Program, a forward-thinking initiative that enables customers to take part in building a smarter and reliable energy grid for the future. This program allows customers in Washington to earn financial incentives by integrating personal battery storage systems into the grid, helping support grid reliability and sustainability.

By enrolling, participants allow Pacific Power to manage their batteries as part of a distributed energy network, helping to optimize solar energy use, reduce carbon emissions and keep electricity prices low.

“Our goal is to create a more resilient and efficient grid that empowers customers to be a part of the energy solution,” said, Shawn Grant, director of customer solutions, for Pacific Power. “Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology, the Wattsmart Battery Program helps communities optimize energy use and lower costs, especially during peak times in the summer.”

Participation in the Wattsmart Battery Program helps customers who have installed solar systems with backup batteries save on their energy bills and benefit their community.

Participation Benefits:

• Earn incentives for connecting batteries with the power grid. Participants get up to $600 per kilowatt as an upfront enrollment incentive as well as ongoing bill credits.
• Integrate renewable energy with the grid, reducing emissions.
• Provides emergency backup power during outages.
• Help keep electricity prices down.

To learn more or enroll, customers can visit PacificPower.net/Battery

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About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.

LSTA Advisory Council Meeting

Online

September 29, 2025

AGENDA

11:00 a.m.       Welcome and Review Agenda

11:10 a.m.       Letter to Board regarding LSTA funding

11:30 a.m.       General Business

• Approve minutes from previous meeting
• Review previous action items
• Elect new members and chair-elect
• Appoint new Statewide Database Licensing Advisory Committee member

11:55 a.m.       Public Comment (Any person may address the Council on any topic for up to 3 minutes. The Council does not generally engage in dialog with those                          making comments but may refer any question or issue raised to the State Librarian.)

12:00 p.m.      Reports

• Members - what's going on in your representative area
• LSTA budget & spending
• Statewide Database Licensing Advisory Committee update
• AGE+ Digital Literacy Pilot Program
• Community Engagement

1:00 p.m.         Grants

• FY24 cycle: Final reports
• FY25 cycle: Awards
• FY26 cycle: Cancelled

1:50 p.m.         Wrap Up and Action Item Review

2:00 p.m.         Adjourn

SALEM, Ore. — On Sept. 14, at about 6 p.m., an overflow of untreated sewage into Claggett Creek occurred near 1860 Hawthorne Ave. NE. The incident was resolved by 8 p.m. the same evening. About 920 gallons of untreated sewage were spilled.

City of Salem utility crews responded immediately, clearing the blockage and cleaning the affected sewer line. Public Works staff are conducting a follow-up site assessment today to determine the cause of the blockage.

To protect public health, signs have been posted advising residents to avoid contact with the water in Claggett Creek due to potentially elevated bacteria levels. Water quality testing is underway and will continue until results confirm the issue has been resolved. Any bacteria introduced into the creek should naturally flush out within the next few days.

If you notice an overflowing sewer manhole or want to report a spill, please contact the Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311.

You can help prevent sewer backups and overflows by keeping fats, oils, rags, and grease out of the sewer system. Learn more about preventing sanitary sewer overflows and the City of Salem’s efforts to reduce these events by visiting https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/household/water-utilities/wastewater/how-to-prevent-sewer-back-up.

For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6311 or email us at vice@cityofsalem.net">service@cityofsalem.net.

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) and Canine Companions will host a Puppy Matriculation Ceremony

Media invite

What:

Please join us as Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) and Canine Companions host a Puppy Matriculation Ceremony to celebrate the service dogs raised by incarcerated women through the facilities unique training program. The event will include a heartfelt reunion with the graduated service dogs, the individuals they now assist, and the women who helped raise and train them. This is a unique opportunity for the women at CCCF to see the dogs thriving in their new roles – a powerful testament to the programs positive impact on everyone involved.

When:

Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Where:

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility 24499 SW Grahams Ferry Road Wilsonville, OR 97070

RSVP to: 

Amber Knight via email no later than 5:00 PM on September 19, 2025

Amber.N.Knight@doc.oregon.gov

Public Information Officer 503-507-3567 

Additional Information:

To learn more about Canine Companions, visit https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcanine.org%2Fabout%2Fwho-we-are%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_name=%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101994ee0fa36-22222425-69a7-47a0-942d-bfd997f1b192-000000/6c9pL6fbpy5PoFa79uZbE4qaLyptjl8KH5gN2TuuYno=422. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Who We Are - Canine Companions 

Background:

The dogs being celebrated spent their first 18 months at CCCF being cared for and trained by incarcerated women known as Puppy Handlers. During their time at the facility, the puppies learn their first 30 foundational skills. They then continue to a regional training center in California that teaches them advanced instruction and prepares them to become fully certified service dogs. This program offers incarcerated women the opportunity to contribute to society in a meaningful, purpose driven way.

Media wishing to attend will be required to complete a criminal background check. We ask that you arrive 30 minutes early to be processed through security.

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Updated from yesterday's crash. At approximately 3:15 a.m. on September 14th, deputies responded to reports of a motorcycle versus vehicle crash near the 6400 block of Ganon St SE.

Upon arrival, deputies determined that the rider, Zachariah Brown, 44, of Salem, had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the involved vehicle remained on scene and is cooperating with investigators.

The Marion County CRASH Team is continuing to investigate.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office extends our condolences to the family and loved ones of those involved during this difficult time.

We would also like to thank the Marion County CRASH Team, Marion County Fire Department, and Marion County Public Works for their assistance during the investigation.

MEDIA RELEASE

Contact:          Sgt Torin Liden

Phone:            541-994-3636

Date:               9-15-2025

RE:                  Threat to Lincoln City Cultural Center

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the Lincoln City Police Department received a threat of a mass shooting at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.  At the time of the call LCPD Officers responded to the Cultural Center, secured the area, and evacuated the building for the safety of the participants.

On further investigation, it was determined there was no current danger to the public. The Lincoln City Police Department is still investigating the caller and will release further information when the investigation concludes.

Oregon has criminal statutes which address these incidents such as Initiating a False Report, or Disorderly Conduct in the First Degree.

LCPD would like to thank the Lincoln City Cultural Center, the Oregon State Police, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this case.

Submitted By:

Sergeant Torin Liden

Under Authority Of:

Chief David Broderick

City Council will hold its next Council Community Forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, at Educational Service District 112, 2500 N.E. 65th Avenue. Community forums are held quarterly at locations across Vancouver.

All community members are invited to attend and share their questions, concerns, and ideas directly with the City Council in informal small-group discussions. No RSVP or registration is required. For interpretation services or accommodations with a disability, please contact the City Manager’s office at 360-487-8600 or cityinfo@cityofvancouver.us.

##

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Monday, September 15, 2025

BEND, OR — Bend’s biggest little art show is returning to the High Desert Museum, and this year promises to be the most impressive yet. The 20-Dollar Art Show, presented by Bright Place Gallery, will feature more than 8,000 miniature masterpieces created by 350-plus artists.

Celebrating original artwork created by established and emerging artists, The 20-Dollar Art Show opens Saturday, October 4. For two weeks, visitors, art enthusiasts and fans can explore the exhibition, find their favorites and plan their shopping wish lists. Walls throughout the Museum will showcase rows of creative, colorful miniature art.

Then, an Extravaganza Kickoff event takes place on Friday, October 17 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm with music, food and drinks. For the low, low price of $20, each of the thousands of artworks will be available for sale. It will be the first time visitors can purchase their mini masterpieces, with all proceeds going to the artist. As in previous years, timed ticket entries will be available for 5:30 pm entry, 6:30 pm entry and 7:30 pm entry.

On Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, special Extravaganza events will keep rolling from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm! At least a thousand new works will go out each morning while artists create one-of-a-kind artwork on site. Tickets will be required for the morning sessions for non-Museum members. Those exclusively visiting The 20-Dollar Art Show to browse and buy Saturday and Sunday afternoons may do so without paying admission, as well as on Monday, October 20.

Tickets for the Friday evening, Saturday morning and Sunday morning events go on sale at 12:00 pm Wednesday, September 24 at highdesertmuseum.org/20-art-show-info. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for ages 16 and younger. Timed entry tickets are first come, first served. Last year, all tickets sold within minutes.

“The 20-Dollar Art Show continues to grow every year with an awe-inspiring array of miniature art,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “This is a favorite exhibit, and it is an honor to host this beloved community event that supports local and emerging artists.”

The brainchild of Stuart Breidenstein and Abby Dubief of the former Bright Place Gallery, The 20-Dollar Art Show began in 2013 to help local artists sell their art while also making it affordable and accessible to the public. When the gallery closed in December 2019, the show had already grown beyond its walls. After a break during the pandemic, the show found a new home at the Museum. Since 2021, the Museum’s walls are packed with miniature artworks every fall.

“We are excited that so many artists are participating this year,” said Breidenstein. “We’re not only overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of work, but also by the quality. As the show grows, we’re continually inspired by the one-off gems these mostly unknown artists can create.”

Breidenstein and Dubief produce the show each year, helping to hang the art at the Museum, which can take days to complete. As artists themselves, both contribute pieces to the show. Other popular local artists featured in the 2025 exhibition include Sondra Holtzman, Janet Kilgore, Carrie Erickson, Jessie Zenor and Mike Wise. Participating artists range from age 8 to 80.

Each piece of art is a maximum of 36 square inches, making them truly miniature. The art ranges from watercolors and macrame to oil portraits and acrylic landscapes. Some include a touch of humor while others tell a story or carry a message. When all the art is on the Museum’s walls, the mini artworks do not seem so small anymore, said Dustin Cockerham, Senior Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at the Museum.

“We build temporary walls to help display all of these amazing miniatures,” said Cockerham. “This year, the exhibition will be on view for two weeks before the sale begins. It’s worth visiting and exploring all the art, not just so you can pick your favorites beforehand but to see the scale of the exhibition and the breadth of creativity.”

Window shopping in the days prior to the extravaganza is one of the best ways to view the exhibition and prepare for the sale. Browse the walls of art, experience all the inspiring styles, colors and themes, and find your favorite mini masterpieces. Viewing the exhibition before the October 17 Extravaganza is included with the price of admission.

The 20-Dollar Art Show is open through Monday, October 20 and is made possible by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and The Clabough Foundation.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

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

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, James Daniel Gardner, died September 14, 2025. Gardner was incarcerated at Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) in Salem and passed away at the facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Gardner entered DOC custody on June 2, 2022, from Josephine County with an earliest release date of December 24, 2025. Gardner was 32 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSCI is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 870 adults in custody. It provides a range of correctional services and programs including education, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health treatment, religious services, work crews, and transition planning. OSCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises, including a print shop and a contact center. OSCI was established by action of the 1955 Legislature and became fully operational on June 1, 1959.

####

Embargoed until Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 2:45 p.m. 

Embargoed until Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 12:15 p.m. 

Press Release   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
September 15, 2025

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2025 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Two Ways to Celebrate: Live-Streamed Ceremony and In-Person VIP Social, Presented by Riverview Bank, Set for October 9, 2025

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank. These awards spotlight outstanding businesses and visionary leaders who have significantly contributed to the vitality and progress of Southwest Washington over the past year.

This year, the celebration offers two ways to participate. Community members can tune in to a live-streamed awards ceremony on Facebook Live on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., or join the excitement in person at an exclusive VIP Social at The Heathman Lodge from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Since 2012, the Business & Leadership Awards have honored excellence across the region, showcasing companies and individuals who embody the Chamber’s motto of Moving Business Forward. For 2025, finalists are recognized in five categories: Start-Up to Watch, Small Business, Large Business, Statesperson, and the newly added Manufacturer of the Year.

The finalists are:

Start-Up to Watch (in the last 5 years):

• AC Hotel
• OnPoint Removal Services
• The VIC (Vancouver Innovation Center)

Small Business (up to 25 employees):

• NW Escape Experience
• SGA Engineering
• The Difference

Large Business (more than 25 employees):

• Crumbl Cookies
• GRO
• Live Nation

Statesperson:

• Rep. David Stuebe, 17th Legislative District
• Greg Johnson, Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
• Rep. Kevin Waters, 17th Legislative District

Manufacturer of the Year:

• One Day Glass
• Ryonet
• Wolf Industries

“Each year, the Business & Leadership Awards shine a light on the organizations and leaders whose vision, innovation, and dedication are moving our region forward,” said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “This year’s finalists represent the very best of Southwest Washington’s business community, from startups with bold new ideas to established companies driving growth, and individuals whose leadership makes a lasting difference. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the impact they have on our community.”

The Business & Leadership Awards Livestream will also spotlight Clark County’s 2025 First Citizen Award honorees, David and Patricia Nierenberg. Presented by HAPO Community Credit Union, this prestigious award celebrates individuals whose leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy have left a lasting mark on our community.

Tickets for the in-person VIP Social at The Heathman Lodge are available now at: https://www.vancouverusa.com/business-leadership-awards.

The GVC’s Business & Leadership Awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of Riverview Bank and additional sponsors, including HAPO Community Credit Union, Maddox Industrial Transformer, Washington Trust Bank, WSU Vancouver, PeaceHealth, Alaska Airlines, BBSI, Opsahl Dawson, Perkins & Co, The Columbian, and MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions.

Stay updated and save the date for the live awards ceremony by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/events/747907797846881 

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About the Business & Leadership Awards

Introduced in 2012, the Business & Leadership Awards honor outstanding businesses and individuals who exemplify the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s motto of "Moving Business Forward." For over a decade, the southwest Washington business community has celebrated excellence and leadership through these prestigious awards.

About the First Citizen Award

Since 1939, the annual First Citizen Award has been presented to a Clark County resident who models the attributes of good citizenship through leadership, action, civic pride, and cultivates inclusive civic engagement practices. These are individuals who, through their business, volunteering, and philanthropic efforts, improve the lives of those in the community by serving first. For more information about the First Citizens through the years, visit:  https://www.vancouverusa.com/first-citizen-award-honorees.

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

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

Embargoed until Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 2:45 p.m. 

Embargoed until Tuesday, September 16, 8:45 a.m. 

[Beaverton, Ore., Sept. 15, 2025.] – Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO), a non-profit organization that delivers support to people living with Parkinson’s disease in the Pacific Northwest, will host its annual Sole Support for Parkinson’s Walk on Saturday, September 20^th, at the Rose Quarter Commons in Portland.

The family-friendly event connects people whose lives are impacted by a Parkinson’s diagnosis together with a caring and supportive community for a walk along the waterfront, spreading awareness about this neurodegenerative disease that is on the rise throughout Oregon and the nation. All funds raised during the Portland event will remain in Oregon, where PRO has been helping people living with the disease since 1980.

The growing need for community support has never been more urgent. PRO Board member and renowned neurologist with the Parkinson Center and Movement Disorders Program at Oregon Health & Science University, Dr. Joseph Quinn, continues to see the significant impact of Parkinson's disease on his patient population.

"While we continue to advance our understanding of Parkinson's disease through research, the statistics are sobering—Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological disease in the world, with one person diagnosed every six minutes," said Joseph Quinn, M.D., Professor of Neurology in the OHSU School of Medicine, Parkinson's Center Director, and PRO Board Member. "With approximately 90,000 new diagnoses annually in the U.S. and our aging population, these numbers will only continue to rise. What I've learned in my practice is that Parkinson's doesn't just affect the patient—it affects the entire family. That's why community support through organizations like PRO is so vital."

Comprehensive support is exactly what PRO delivers year-round to Oregon and Southwest Washington families. PRO's service offerings include live support through their Helpline, support groups, workshops, and facilitated connections to a comprehensive collection of fitness classes including yoga, tai chi, dance, and no-contact boxing—all proven strategies for managing Parkinson's symptoms alongside medical treatment.

Events like Sole Support help fund these vital services while bringing the community together. Join Portland's fight against Parkinson's disease. Registration for Sole Support is free, and every donation stays local to support families in our community. Whether you walk the 1K or 5K route, volunteer, or simply spread the word, you're helping ensure that no one faces Parkinson's alone. Experience the strength, hope, and determination of the Portland Parkinson's community on September 20th—because together, we are unstoppable.

Event details:

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: Registration opens at noon; Walk begins at 1:30 pm
Location: Rose Quarter Commons in Portland

~1k and ~5k routes are walker and wheelchair friendly

Registration is free – fundraising is encouraged. To register, find out more, or donate, go to www.solesupport.org or call the PRO toll-free helpline – 1-800-426-6806.

About Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon:

Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) is a donor-supported non-profit with the sole mission of improving the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, their families, and caregivers. With three locations, hundreds of volunteers, and dedicated leadership, PRO provides direct care and support to thousands of families. Working to address issues faced by Parkinson’s patients and their families, PRO can significantly improve the quality of life for everyone touched by this disease. To learn more, visit www.parkinsonsresources.org

Follow PRO:
Instagram: @pdpronw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsResources
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkinson-s-resources-of-oregon

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver will host four A – Z of Paying for College Workshops this fall. The workshop is a public service for all prospective and current college students, regardless of the college you choose to attend.

Prospective students and families will learn how to make the cost of attending college manageable with grants, loans, savings, scholarships and work. Find out which money is free, which needs to be paid back, and learn about important forms and deadlines. Presenters will provide strategies and answer commonly asked questions about applying for financial aid and scholarships, including the kinds of scholarships available.

The one-hour workshops will be held at 5:30 p.m. as follows:

• Tuesday, Sept. 23 — Zoom
• Wednesday, Oct. 22 — On campus (Dengerink Administration Building, Room 129)
• Thursday, Nov. 20 — Zoom
• Tuesday, Dec. 17 — On campus (Dengerink Administration Building, Room 129)

The workshops are free and open to the public. Register at vancouver.wsu.edu/a-z. WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134^th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205. Find a campus map at vancouver.wsu.edu/map. Visit vancouver.wsu.edu/events to get the Zoom link for online workshops. For event accommodations, call 360-546-9739 or email van.accomodations@wsu.edu.

About WSU Vancouver

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

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

# # #

VIDEO PACKAGE: Cleanroom ribbon-cutting event recap.

HILLSBORO, Ore. – The future is here at Portland Community College’s Willow Creek Opportunity Center (241 SW Edgeway Drive) in Hillsboro.

PCC opened its “Technology Innovation Spaces” at the center, which includes the Teaching Cleanroom, Artificial Intelligence Lab and a Manufacturing Lab. PCC programs and staff will work with Silicon Forest companies and the community to provide career exposure and develop skilled workers in the region through these advanced manufacturing training spaces.

“The Technology Innovation Spaces at our Willow Creek Opportunity Center represents PCC’s commitment to preparing Oregon’s workforce for the future,” said PCC President Dr. Adrien L. Bennings. “With spaces like the Teaching Cleanroom and AI Lab, we are bridging education and industry, ensuring students gain the hands-on experience and skills needed to thrive in high-demand and high wage fields like semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. These investments are about more than facilities; they are about supporting people, strengthening the communities talent pipeline, and fueling innovation across the region.”

The goal of the Teaching Cleanroom, which opens this fall, is to simulate a production cleanroom. The facility will help credit and non-credit students, community-based organizations, high school dual credit students and incumbent workers train on gowning procedures and requirements, safety protocols and a variety of wafer-handling processes. 

The state-funded cleanroom is 1,152 square feet and features two Lesker Vacuum Training Systems donated by Intel and a Festo Simulated Automated Manufacturing System. The simulated cleanroom environment allows the Microelectronics Technology and Electronic Engineering Technology students to learn and train for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing jobs.

“Oregon’s future depends on the strength of our economic resilience and workforce,” said State Sen. Janeen Sollman. “Portland Community College’s new Technology Innovation Spaces are exactly the kind of investment that keeps Oregon competitive, prepares students for high-demand careers, and strengthens our economy for years to come.”

Opened for use last January, the Artificial Intelligence Lab is a flexible space focused on emerging technologies. This new 1,900-square-foot lab supports hands-on exploration of all things involving artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), projection mapping, robotics and machine learning. Supported by a Congressional Community Funding Project, the lab has an upgraded power infrastructure to support a variety of technology such as audiovisual systems, and matrix switching and two audio zones for ease of presentations and technology uses by students.

“The AI Lab at Willow Creek serves as a key site for developing digital fluency and innovation skills,” said G.D. Iyer, program dean for Computers & Engineering. “This space reflects PCC’s commitment to expanding access to high-tech learning environments and preparing students for careers in the AI-driven economy.”

The Mechatronics Lab opened in 2021 has been the focal point for Quick Start Semiconductor Technician Training and Microelectronics Technology Program training. Quick Start, a partnership with Intel, has hosted 30 cohorts with 421 students graduating with an impressive 66% job placement rate. More than 64% of the program’s graduates identify as under-represented or female.

“Semiconductors are at the heart of innovation, and Oregon plays a critical role in shaping the future of this industry,” said Courtney Martin, director of US State Government & Community Affairs for Intel. “Portland Community College’s Technology Innovation Spaces will equip students with the expertise needed in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor technology. Intel is proud to partner in this effort to ensure Oregon continues to lead the world in semiconductor innovation. Working together, we are building pathways that empower students to shape the future of technology right here in our backyard.”

Oscar Rodriguez is a second-year Microelectronics Technology Program student, who has experienced PCC’s Willow Creek’s Technology Innovation Spaces firsthand. Thanks to financial support and the high-tech learning environment, Rodriguez is pursuing an associate degree as he works at a new job at Jireh Semiconductor in Hillsboro.

“I started in another program, but once I learned about the semiconductor training, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” Rodriguez said. “With the help of a scholarship and support from staff who guided me through the process, I was able to step into a new career. Now, just a few months into my new role, I feel confident about the future I’m building.”  

For more information about the Willow Creek Opportunity Center, visit https://www.pcc.edu/locations/willow-creek/

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 53,000 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/

PORTLAND, OR – September 15, 2025. The Lemelson Foundation today announced its relocation to a new office space at 2035 NW Front Avenue, Suite 501, Portland, OR 97209, in Portland’s Pearl District. The move reflects the Foundation's growth and commitment to fostering groundbreaking invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Oregon, across the U.S., and worldwide.

The environmentally-friendly and human-centered space represents a new chapter for the Foundation, offering an environment that will enhance collaboration, efficiency, and impact. The purpose-built space enables the Foundation's team to connect and innovate in new ways, and fosters a more open, fluid exchange of ideas among team members. 

“Our new office marks an exciting milestone in The Lemelson Foundation's evolution. This thoughtfully designed space is a reflection of our philanthropic commitment to the organizations and programs that support inventors and entrepreneurs,” shares Rob Schneider, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “We built this collaborative and dynamic environment to not only inspire our team and partners, but also to ignite the kind of innovative thinking that leads to a better world. We look forward to welcoming our partners, grantees, and community members to our new space."

The WELL- and LEED Platinum-certified building offers EV charging stations, a smoke-free campus, and a green roof, while the new office space is thoughtfully designed with sustainability at its core. Additionally, it features expansive collaborative zones, state-of-the-art technology for seamless global connectivity and virtual engagement, adaptable meeting spaces to accommodate diverse partnerships, and a focus on natural light and ergonomic design to boost creativity and well-being.

The Lemelson Foundation is fully operational at its new Portland location. Contact information, including phone number and email addresses, remains unchanged.  For more information on The Lemelson Foundation's philanthropic mission and initiatives, please visit www.lemleson.org.

ABOUT THE LEMELSON FOUNDATION: The Lemelson Foundation uses the power of invention to improve lives. Established in 1992 by prolific U.S. inventor Jerome “Jerry” Lemelson and his wife Dorothy, and guided today by the Lemelson family, the Foundation believes invention can solve many of the biggest economic, social, and environmental challenges of our time. A private philanthropy located in Portland, Oregon, and operating globally, The Lemelson Foundation has provided over $350 million in grants and other investments to hundreds of organizations around the world.

Update with additional pictures.

Gresham, Ore.— After months of investigative work, law enforcement has shut down an organized retail theft operation in Gresham. 

Following up on information obtained in previous retail theft cases, investigators from the Portland Police Bureau, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Gresham Police Department, and Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office determined Said Alawi, of Portland, was running a fencing operation from his home in Portland and the Oregon Flea Market in Gresham, where Alawi is a vendor. 

This morning, a joint operation was carried out to serve warrants at the Oregon Flea Market and Alawi’s home.  Investigators recovered thousands of stolen items, including clothing, hygiene products, cosmetics, and other property.  The retail cost of the recovered items is well over $10,000.  Alawi will face charges including aggravated theft in the first degree and organized retail crime. 

Organized retail crime impacts every member of the community by driving up prices at legitimate retailers.  These price increases affect all products, not just frequently stolen items.  Targeting the fencing operation where stolen goods are resold to the community disrupts one of the root causes of theft by reducing the demand for stolen goods. 

Members of the community can assist in the fight against retail crime by remembering if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.  If a store always has brand new, name brand merchandise, at significantly lower prices than any other retailer, there is a high chance they are re-selling stolen merchandise. 

Networks involved in organized retail theft spread across city limits, county lines, and even state borders.  The Gresham Police Department appreciates the assistance from PPB, CCSO, MCDA, and our retail industry partners.  We will continue to work together to dismantle retail theft networks and hold accountable the offenders who profit from these operations. 

At 11:56 am on September 14, 2025 , Deschutes County 911 received multiple calls reporting an RV on fire in the Juniper Ridge Temporary Short Stay Area (TSSA).  On arrival in the area, which was south of Wiley Circle and about 75 yards east of Highway 97, a fully involved Class C motorhome was found. The fire extended to nearby vegetation and combustible materials, but was limited in spread due to fuel reduction work performed in the area earlier this year.  Crews were able to quickly knock down the fire, with assistance provided on scene by US Forest Service, Cloverdale Fire District, Oregon State Police, and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office.  Two individuals and a dog were displaced by the fire, a cat is still unaccounted for.  REACH was contacted to provide assistance to the occupants of the RV.  

Upon investigation, the exact cause of the fire could not be determined, but is believed to be accidental in nature.  

The limited spread of the fire today illustrated how defensible space works.  Due to work performed limbing up trees and removing excess vegetation in the Juniper Ridge area earlier this year, the fire was limited in size and able to be contained quickly.  Does your home have defensible space?  For more information on simple steps that residents can take to create defensible space around their home, visit https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/emergency-preparedness/own-your-zone.

Roads have been reopened following last nights vehicle vs motorcycle crash.Due to the ongoing investigation no further information is being provided at this time. 

Marion County Sherriff"s Office deputies and the Marion County CRASH team are currently investigating a vehicle vs motorcycle crash that occured at 6401 Gannon St,SE. 

Due to the ongoing investigation roads will be closed from 62nd Ave. to Culver Dr.

Sunday, September 14

3:30 p.m.

The Grotto Plaza

All are welcome to join us for the 41st Annual Blessing of the Animals. Bring your pets, properly restrained, to The Grotto Plaza For this special blessing.

People and pets of all faiths are welcome!

At 11:51 p.m. yesterday evening, fire crews responded to a commercial fire at 19400 SW 125^th Court in Tualatin. 911 dispatchers monitored several alarms being activated at the premises and determined a fire response was needed.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke pouring out of multiple bay doors at the building. Due to the size of the building and large amount of smoke present, the incident was upgraded to a second alarm to bring additional resources.

Firefighters encountered low visibility and had to use ventilation techniques to improve the conditions inside the building. Fire crews were able to confirm that no one was in the building and quickly moved toward the fire’s primary location to bring the fire under control.

Battalion Chief Pete Godin noted, “our crews performed exceptionally due to a combination of clear communication and well-coordinated tactics. Their skills and decision-making limited the impact of this fire on the building”

A fire investigator determined that lithium-ion batteries being stored in the building were the cause of the fire.

TVF&R was also assisted on scene by Lake Oswego Fire, Tualatin Police Department, American Medical Response, and WCCCA 911 dispatchers.

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

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The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on September 16, 2025. 
This meeting will be held virtually through Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/84158510430?pwd=32YZElnZx5tEUUelBVuEudIaFAcGaz.1
Passcode:578263

Vancouver Fire Department and Fire District 6 responded to an apartment fire around 11:30am on September 13^th.  Neighbors stated they heard several explosions prior to one of the triplex units catching on fire at 3412 NE 53^rd St in Vancouver.  First arriving units found heavy black smoke pouring from the front and rear doors of the left side 2 story apartment.  Crews described the first floor as having heavy fire conditions that extended into the attic via siding on the back side of the apartment.  A second alarm was called by the Battalion Chief in command that brought an additional compliment of Engines, Squads and Trucks to the scene.  Aggressive yet calculated fire attack ensured the other 2 apartment units were protected from fire extension.  Seven people are displaced due to the extensive fire damage to the attic.  The profession often comes with known risks that all firefighters accept.  One of the pictures shows a standard practice of decontaminating our turnout gear to decrease contact with toxic smoke and substances encountered during fires.  Unfortunately one firefighter was transported to a local hospital in a stable condition after firefighting efforts.  The Clark County Fire Marshals office is heading up the investigation. 

Judith has been been located and is being connected with family members.

Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies are currently searching the southeast Salem area for a missing woman,84 year old Judith Anne Giggy.

Judith was last seen at 1:00 pm when she left 3741 Bayonne Dr SE, Salem driving a red 2015 Toyota Yaris. Judith is 5ft 4, approximately 115 lbs with grey hair and blue eyes.

If you see Judith please call 911.