Salem, OR— With the start of tax season less than one week away, the Oregon Department of Revenue is providing guidance to help taxpayers file their return and claim their share of Oregon’s $1.41 billion kicker. Oregon will begin processing e-filed 2025 state income tax returns on January 26, 2026, the same day the IRS will begin processing federal returns.

You have to file a return to get your kicker

The kicker is a refundable credit that will either increase a taxpayer's Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.

Electronic filing is faster—especially in 2026

On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received, with the first refunds expected to be issued February 17. For paper filed returns, refunds will not start being issued until early April.

Due to the late receipt of tax forms and information from the IRS in late 2025, processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns is expected to be delayed until late March, a process that has historically begun in February.

The delay in paper return processing will mean that the department won’t be able to tell taxpayers who file paper returns that their return has been received until paper return processing starts at the end of March and their specific return enters processing. That also means information on paper-filed returns won’t be available in the “Where’s My Refund?” tool until that time.

Free e-filing options open January 26
Oregon residents who normally mail their paper tax return to the department should consider using Direct File Oregon, a free filing option available through Revenue Online, or other online tax preparation software, to e-file and receive their refund—and their kicker—sooner.

In addition to Direct File Oregon, other free filing options are also available. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.

All electronic filing software options approved for filing Oregon personal income tax returns can be found on the Electronic filing page of the agency’s website. Taxpayers seeking to hire a professional to prepare their taxes can find helpful tips in the department’s “How to Choose a Tax Practitioner” video.

Free and low-cost tax help

Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP Tax Aide, VITA, and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.

How will U.S. Postal Service changes affect filing?

Taxpayers who choose to file a paper return, should mail it early. Due to changes at the U.S. Postal Service, returns mailed in after April 9 may not receive a postmark on time. Taxpayers who still want to mail their paper returns can take them to a local USPS office and request a postmark no later than April 15, 2026. 

Paper returns can also be physically deposited in drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box at DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.

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RELEASE DATE:               Jan. 15, 2026

CASE UPDATE:                 Jan. 21, 2026

CASE NUMBER:                26-02155

UPDATE

Annabella has been located and returned safely to her family.

Gresham, Ore.

Gresham Police is asking for the public’s assistance with locating a missing 14-year-old who was last seen leaving Gresham High School with a friend, in the 1200 block of N Main Ave.

Annabella Wimberly left school at 12:40 p.m. today and has not returned. She is described as a White female with brown hair, is 5-feet and 4-inches tall and weighs 140 pounds.  Annabella was last seen wearing a light-colored hoodie and was wearing a teal polka dot backpack. Annabella’s family is concerned about her well-being without supervision.

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

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MEDFORD, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is looking for two Artists-in-Residence: one at the historic Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site and another at the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

The selected artists will have the unique opportunity to capture these public lands during a milestone year as the Nation marks its 250th birthday and the BLM celebrates its 80th anniversary.  The artists will receive one- to two-week residencies during the summer to create original work while immersed in some of Oregon’s most remarkable environments.

One artist and one alternate will be selected for each residency based on the following criteria: entry materials, residency proposal, professionalism, and creative vision. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 28. As part of the 2026 program, selected artists will also be part of the Freedom 250 celebration, paying tribute to the historic sites and special lands that have contributed to the Nation’s heritage.

“Artists provide a captivating lens through which we can explore our connection to public lands,” said Joel Brumm, Assistant Monument Manager. “Their work provides a unique perspective on these remarkable landscapes, highlighting our mission and role in public land management as we celebrate our 80th anniversary.”

Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site

The Rogue River Ranch residency will take place between June and August 2026 in a breathtaking setting deep in the Rogue Wild and Scenic River Corridor. The remote outpost is a two-hour drive or a 22-mile river trip from Grave Creek Boat Ramp. The selected artist will reside in the historic house.

Following their residency, the artist will share their vision in a public presentation at the Grants Pass Museum of Art on Oct. 2. Their work will be displayed at the museum for one month and then returned to the artist. The BLM is requesting digital copies of the artwork to promote the Artist-in-Residence program and public lands. The artist retains a non-exclusive use copyright.

In summer 2025, Artist Alisha Whitman created watercolors during her residency. She shared her experience with the BLM.

Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and there is no preference given to any style or medium.

Interested artists can learn more information and find an application at the Artist-in-Residence website, by e-mailing Tony Saunders at asaunders@blm.gov, or by calling 541-471-6642.

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument

The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument residency will take place in June 2026. The selected artist will be based at a travel trailer at Hyatt Lake Campground while exploring the environment and creating their art. The BLM is seeking visual artists for this residency.

Since 2017, the Artist-in-Residence program has allowed numerous artists to transform the monument's natural and cultural resources into visual art, objects, and performances.

Last year’s Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Artist-in-Residence was Paul Atkinson, a gifted photographer who spent his time studying and photographing the monument’s unique landscapes.

During their residency, the artist will share their experience and artistic vision in a public presentation. Following the residency, artists are asked to donate an original artwork piece, which they will retain the rights to.  

Interested artists can learn more information and find an application at the Artist-in-Residence website, by e-mailing John Duwe at jduwe@blm.gov, or by calling 541-618-2320.

-BLM-

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

Salem, Ore. — A limited-area fuel spill on the island that also houses Salem’s water treatment facility poses no threat to the City’s drinking water.

In the early morning of Jan. 20, Public Works staff discovered a diesel fuel spill had occurred over the weekend when a part inside an electrical generator failed, resulting in about 600 gallons of fuel leaking onto the ground. The spill occurred on the west end of the island near administrative and laboratory buildings, about a half mile from the nearest water treatment area and more than 600 feet from the south channel of the North Santiam River.

The spill had no impact on the quality or safety of Salem’s drinking water supply. Your water remains safe to drink.

Salem’s Environmental Services unit responded and performed the initial surface clean up. Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality has been notified and is monitoring the situation. A contractor has been brought in to remove contaminated soil. Work will continue over the next several days to remove all contaminated soil and ensure no fuel reaches the North Santiam River.

Salem's water treatment facility on Geren Island in the North Santiam River has served Salem residents top-quality drinking water since 1937. Customers should contact Salem Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311 if they have any questions or concerns about their drinking water. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill four expiring positions on the Clark County Development and Engineering Advisory Board, DEAB.

The positions are for the following:

• An at-large professional associated with development work who works or lives in Clark County
• Two positions are available for professionals who are a private-sector planner or consulting licensed professional engineer who work or live in Clark County.
• A representative of the Building Industry Association of Clark County

Members shall be appointed or reappointed to three-year terms. Members are eligible for reappointment after their terms expire.

The advisory board reviews policy and county code changes and works on process improvement and fees with the Community Development and Public Works departments. The board’s recommendations are routinely forwarded to the Clark County Council for use by decision makers.

The board consists of three private-sector planners or engineers; one public-sector planner or engineer; one construction contractor; one land developer; one Building Industry Association representative; one professional associated with commercial or industrial development; and two professionals associated with development.

The Development and Engineering Advisory Board, commonly referred to as DEAB, typically meets at 2 pm the first Thursday of the month in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

Anyone interested should submit a letter of interest and résumé to
Victoria Abram, Program Coordinator, P.O. Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810. Applications also can be emailed to victoria.abram@clark.wa.gov.

The application deadline is 5 pm Monday, March 2.

The Opioid Settlement Board allocates $13 million for Oregon's Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BRHNs)

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Umpqua Community College women’s basketball head coach Dave Stricklin recorded the 1,000th victory of his illustrious junior college coaching career on Monday, January 19, 2026, as the Riverhawks defeated Portland Community College, 89-60.

The milestone win comes during Stricklin’s 31st season at Umpqua Community College and his 39th year as a collegiate head coach, underscoring a career defined by longevity, consistency, and sustained excellence.

With the victory, Stricklin becomes one of only five coaches in the history of junior college women’s basketball to reach the 1,000-win mark and just the third active coach nationally to do so. His career record now stands at 1,000–220, good for an 81.9 winning percentage, one of the highest in the sport.

“This milestone is about the players, the assistant coaches, and the people who have believed in what we do here at Umpqua,” Stricklin said. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to coach young women who are committed to excellence on and off the court.”

Among active junior college women’s basketball coaches, Stricklin ranks:

• 3rd in total wins
• 2nd in winning percentage

Among all-time junior college women’s basketball coaches with 1,000 or more wins, Stricklin ranks:

• 5th in total wins
• 2nd in winning percentage

Junior College Women’s Basketball Coaches – 1,000 Career Wins

Active Coaches

• Kim Muhl, Kirkwood CC (IA): 1,057–173 (.859)
• Bob McKinley, Weatherford (TX): 1,035–549 (.653)
• Dave Stricklin, Umpqua CC (OR): 1,000–220 (.819)

All-Time

• Kim Muhl, Kirkwood CC (IA): 1,057–173 (.859)
• Bob McKinley, Weatherford (TX): 1,035–549 (.653)
• David Kragel, Walters State (TN): 1,007–291 (.776)
• Gwyn Young, Copiah-Lincoln (MS): 1,004–306 (.776)
• Dave Stricklin, Umpqua CC (OR): 1,000–220 (.819)

Throughout his three decades at Umpqua Community College, Stricklin has built one of the most consistent and respected programs in the Northwest Athletic Conference. His teams are known for their high scoring offense, high basketball IQ, and a strong emphasis on academic achievement, player development, and community impact.

“Dave’s impact goes far beyond wins,” said Craig Jackson, Director of Athletics at UCC. “For 31 years at UCC and nearly four decades as a head coach, he has shaped generations of student-athletes and elevated Umpqua women’s basketball to a level of sustained excellence that is recognized nationally.”

Umpqua Community College will host a short on-court ceremony honoring Coach Stricklin’s career and historic achievement on Sunday, January 25, at 2:00 p.m. in the UCC Gymnasium. Fans, alumni, former players, and community members are invited to attend and celebrate one of the most accomplished coaching careers in junior college women’s basketball history.

Stricklin’s 1,000th victory further cements his legacy as one of the most successful and influential coaches in junior college women’s basketball.

Vancouver, WA - Today, the Vancouver City Council issued a Public Declaration on Community Harm, Public Safety, and Human Dignity formally denouncing the conduct of federal immigration enforcement agencies and affiliated law enforcement bodies operating under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The declaration outlines the City’s position and affirms its intention to respond to this crisis with the full force of its legal authority.
 

Read the Declaration.
 

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The Oregon State Marine Board will hold its quarterly board meeting on January 29, beginning at 8:30 am at the agency’s office, 435 Commercial St. NE, Suite 400, in Salem.

Several items will be presented as informational only. Staff will also seek board direction and consideration of rulemaking on several other items.

Agenda Highlights:

• Director’s Agency Report
• Agency Budget Discussion – Board direction
• Don Lindley Property Discussion -Informational
• Boating Safety Section – Program updates
• Ana Reservoir Petition – Consideration for slow–no wake zone and potential rulemaking
• Upper Rogue River – Informational briefing
• Waterway Access Permit – Whitewater exemption, OAR 250-010-0760, board vote
• Siletz River Proposed Rulemaking – Board direction
• Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(i), Agency Director review  

Public comments will be accepted in writing or during the meeting’s public comment period. To provide oral testimony, register by 5 p.m., January 25, with Jennifer Cooper at .cooper@boat.oregon.gov">jennifer.cooper@boat.oregon.gov or by mail: Oregon State Marine Board, Attn: Jennifer Cooper, 435 Commercial St. NE, Suite 400, Salem, OR 97301.

Meeting materials and live stream link are available on the agency’s Public Meetings page.

Meetings are conducted using the Microsoft Teams application, and viewing may require the installation of a free Teams app on mobile devices.

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The Marine Board is funded by boater-paid fees and marine fuel taxes—not lottery or general fund tax dollars. These funds support boating safety, education, environmental programs, and waterway access facility improvements statewide.

Vancouver, Wash. – Stormwater Partners of Southwest Washington is proud to announce the sixth annual Students for Clean Water Student Video Contest. Middle and high school students throughout Clark County are invited to create fun and impactful short videos to inspire stewardship of our community’s water resources. 

Students currently in grades 6-12 can submit 25 to 60-second videos on topics related to water pollution prevention, stewardship, environmental justice or their personal connection to water. Videos are due by April 17. 

Local businesses and non-governmental organizations are sponsoring five first-place prizes of $500 each, and five honorable mention prizes of $100 each. This year’s sponsors include Northwest Watersheds LLC, Olson Environmental, Otak, E.R.S.M. LLC. One first prize and one honorable mention prize will be awarded in each of five categories: 

• “Protecting water in our community” animated video (25-40 seconds) and long-form video (45-60 seconds) categories for videos exploring infrastructure and actions to protect watersheds
• “Community storytelling” for videos where students to share their personal or cultural connections to water
• “Clean water for all" for videos investigating progress in environmental justice related to water resources
• “People’s choice” for the video with the most views and engagement on social media, between May 11-18, when videos are shared by Stormwater Partners

Winning videos will be shared on Stormwater Partners’ social media accounts and at summer movie-in-the-park events. 

“Students have an opportunity to share their creative filmmaking skills and passion for protecting water,” said Clean Water outreach manager Eric Lambert. “We’re excited to share their messages and to recognize their efforts with cash prizes provided by our generous sponsors.” 

Students and supporters can visit stormwaterpartners.com/video-contest for detailed contest information. Stormwater Partners is a coalition of local agencies and organizations, including Clark County and the cities of Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver and Washougal.

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

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

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

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

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On Monday, Jan. 19, Kaiser Permanente marked its 15th consecutive year of service in Clark County on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as part of its annual MLK Days of Service. During the event at the Clark County Food Bank in Vancouver, Wash., 82 volunteers inspected and repacked 25,200 pounds of food, helping provide approximately 21,000 meals for Clark County neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

The Clark County volunteer effort was one of 56 service projects supported by Kaiser Permanente across Oregon and Southwest Washington as part of its 22nd annual MLK Days of Service. In total, more than 600 volunteers participated regionally, contributing time and labor to address hunger and other social factors that affect community health.

“As Kaiser Permanente Northwest marks more than two decades of service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are proud to once again invest in our community by helping provide nutritious food to families and individuals facing food insecurity,” said Wendy Watson, president of Kaiser Permanente Northwest.

Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge for many households in Clark County, with access to nutritious food closely tied to long-term health outcomes. Kaiser Permanente’s continued investment in local volunteer efforts reflects its commitment to building healthier communities in Clark County by addressing both immediate needs and the broader conditions that influence health and well-being.

Jackson County, Ore. (Jan. 20, 2026)- On Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 5:46 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Kirtland Road (Hwy 140) and High Banks Road, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Cadillac Escalade, operated by Michael Bryan Dickerson (74) of Grants Pass, was northbound on High Pass Rd. and entered Kirtland Road where it was struck by a Ford Escape, operated by a female juvenile (16) of Central Point. Approximately five minutes after the inital crash, an eastbound Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle, operated by Jeremy Bruno Fantechi (27) of Grants Pass, struck the Cadillac at a reported high rate of speed.

The operator of the Harley Davidson (Fantechi) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Cadillac (Dickerson) was reportedly uninjured.

The operator of the Ford (female juvenile) was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Jackson County Fire District 3, 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.

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street (OMS) has advanced Downtown Medford Association, North Bend Main Street, Port Orford Main Street, and Reedsport Main Street to the Designated Main Street level of the OMS Network.
 

The Designated Main Street level is a mark of distinction that reflects a demonstrated effort to develop an impactful and sustainable organization focused on improving a community’s historic downtown by leveraging partnerships and engaging community members. Communities at this level have access to technical assistance to help them continue to strengthen their efforts and impact.
 

All four of these communities have a high degree of commitment to using the nationally recognized place-based Main Street Approach™ methodology to create lasting impact in enhancing their historic downtowns. They must have a cohesive core of historic or older commercial and mixed-use buildings that represent the community’s architectural heritage and may include compatible in-fill. They must also have a sufficient mass of businesses, buildings, and density to be effective, as well as be a compact and walkable district.
 

Previously, these organizations have been participating in the OMS Network at the Affiliated Main Street level where they benefited from technical assistance from OMS staff to help support their organization’s development. 
 

Currently, there are over 100 communities in Oregon participating in the Oregon Main Street Network which includes the following tiers: Accredited Main Street, Designated Main Street, Affiliated Main Street, Rural Regional Main Street, and Connected Communities. There isn’t a fee to participate in the Oregon Main Street Network.
 

Oregon Main Street is part of Oregon Heritage in Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For more information on the Oregon Main Street program visit www.oregonmainstreet.org. 
 

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January 20, 2026

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, 971-323-3831

erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov

OHA, Jackson Street Youth Services celebrate Albany Youth Center opening

Albany, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) joined Jackson Street Youth Services at a celebration Jan. 14 for a new youth center made possible by state investments that expand where young people in Oregon can get care. The new Albany Youth Center will support youth with early intervention, prevention and youth-focused behavioral health services.

Community leaders celebrate the ribbon cutting for Jackson Street Youth Services in Albany, expanding access to shelter and support for local youth

“When young people are in crisis, we need to meet them where they are and provide the stability, care, and dignity they deserve,” said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. “I’m committed to building more community-based, youth-centered spaces like this across the state because early support and prevention strengthen and improve long-term outcomes and create healthier communities for everyone.”

Through House Bill 5030, passed in 2023, OHA contributed more than $400,000 to support the development of the facility. The center provides youth experiencing homelessness with access to a kitchen, laundry and showers.

With $10 million in expansion funding dedicated to youth residential services and an additional $7 million invested in intensive in-home behavioral health programs that integrate substance use treatment for youth with co-occurring needs, Oregon is making a significant commitment to strengthening its continuum of care.

“There is tremendous value in investing upstream and supporting young people early,” said OHA’s Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “By increasing access to trauma-informed, culturally specific behavioral health resources, we improve long-term health outcomes, support youth success and reduce the likelihood of more intensive behavioral health needs later in life.”

OHA shares the Jackson Street Youth Services’ goal of supporting the health and well-being of youth in Oregon through access to behavioral health care, early intervention and prevention services.

 “This building represents far more than bricks and mortar,” said Kendra Phillips-Neal, executive director, Jackson Youth Services. “It represents nearly two decades of learning, growth, persistence and an unwavering commitment to young people experiencing homelessness.”

By removing barriers to care, expanding access and building sustainable, community-centered systems, OHA and partners continue to address the evolving  needs of Oregon’s youth and families.  Jackson Street Youth Services’ trauma-informed approach will foster safety, dignity and respect while equipping youth with the tools and services they need to thrive.  

The Albany Youth Center is located at 1025 Pacific Blvd. SE, in Albany. It serves as an outreach hub and provides crisis stabilization services to youth. For more information, call the Jackson Street Youth Services 24-hour hotline at 800-901-2904.

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Portland, Ore., January 20, 2026 – On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together to turn shared values into action through a series of volunteer-led cleanup and restoration projects supported by SOLVE. Neighbors and community groups, families and corporate teams gathered in parks, school grounds, downtown districts, and natural areas to care for the places they call home, honoring Dr. King’s legacy through service.

Across the region, over 800 volunteers participated in six Martin Luther King Jr. Day service projects, collectively removing over 6,000 pounds of trash and completing hands-on work that included litter cleanup, invasive species removal, mulching, planting native vegetation, and trail maintenance.

Starting off at Irving Park, approximately 450 volunteers spread out to remove an estimated amount of 1,700 pounds of litter and recyclables from the historic Albina neighborhood, helping keep the area welcoming while preventing waste from entering local waterways. Following the cleanup, participants and neighbors were invited across the street to Mike Bennett Studios for a family-friendly community gathering featuring SOLVE-themed coloring sheets, warm drinks, snacks, and conversation. The gathering also featured an exclusive sneak peek of the first unreleased episode of the Zooquarium Podcast, officially launching that day, along with a Q&A with Mike Bennett and co-host Chanel Hason.

“Martin Luther King Jr. Day reminds us of the power of service and community,” said Keith Wilson, Mayor of Portland, who joined SOLVE’s litter cleanup at Irving Park. “Seeing people come together today to care for shared spaces reflects the values Dr. King championed and the kind of city we continue to build.”

Martin Luther King Jr. Day service projects reflected a wide range of ways communities showed up to care for shared spaces. Together with the Multnomah Neighborhood Association, volunteers removed debris from abandoned campsites, accumulated trash, and illegally dumped bulky items such as furniture and tires along SW Barbur Blvd. Under the guidance of the Fruit Tree Project, community members gathered at the Fruits of Diversity Orchard in North Portland to pick up trash and orchard debris, spread mulch, and remove invasive blackberry canes. At Mary S. Young Park in West Linn, volunteers focused on forest restoration by removing invasive plants, mulching native species, planting shrubs and trees, and helping maintain trails.

In Southwest Washington, Hockinson High School Band students and community members picked up litter around the high school campus in Brush Prairie, while in Hillsboro, volunteers cleaned up downtown streets and removed graffiti, helping support a more welcoming and vibrant city center.

“Martin Luther King Jr. Day is about showing up for one another and for the places we share,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “What made this day especially meaningful was seeing people not only take action through cleanup and restoration, but also stay to connect, whether through conversation, creativity, or simply being together as a community.”

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is recognized nationally as a Day of Service, a reminder that caring for our communities and shared spaces is an ongoing commitment. Through cleanup, restoration, and connection, volunteers honored Dr. King’s legacy by turning reflection into action.

SOLVE’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 events were presented by Kaiser Permanente and supported by Swire Coca-Cola, the National Recreation and Park Association, Love Your Happy Place, and Portland Parks & Recreation. These projects were part of SOLVE’s broader effort to support year-round community-led service opportunities across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

About SOLVE 

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

Defendant Admitted Replacing Diverted Drugs with Saline, Impacting Treatment of More Than 200 Animals

PORTLAND, Ore. — Dr. Brenda Brown-Carlson, a Portland veterinarian, was sentenced to 60 months of supervised probation on January 13, 2026, in Multnomah County Circuit Court as part of a plea agreement. Brown-Carlson admitted to diverting controlled substances for her personal use and replacing them with saline, impacting the treatment of more than 200 animals at two veterinary clinics where she was employed.

“DEA has a long-standing relationship of trust and partnership with veterinary providers who are authorized to handle and administer controlled substance to care for animals that are sick,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “ Ms. Brown-Carlson abused that relationship and trust by diverting prescription drugs for her own personal use and, in doing so, compromised the care of more than 200 animals.”

Brown-Carlson pled guilty to one felony count of Tampering with Drug Records, two felony counts of Computer Crimes, and one felony count of Attempted Animal Neglect in the Second Degree.

According to court documents, Brown-Carlson diverted hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance,  buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance, and butorphanol, a Schedule IV controlled substance, for her own use. Rather than administering the appropriate doses of these medications, animals undergoing surgery and medical procedures received diluted doses, compromising their care.

Co-workers became aware of drug discrepancies and reviewed the clinics’ computerized drug-dispensing machine, records, and surveillance video. Video footage showed Brown-Carlson diverting controlled substances and refilling vials with saline.

The veterinary clinic reported the diversion to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Portland in February 2024. A Diversion Investigator from the DEA Seattle Field Division, Portland District Office, initiated an investigation and reviewed the evidence. During an interview, Brown-Carlson initially denied the diversion, even after being shown video evidence, and later admitted to the conduct, showing little remorse. She surrendered her DEA Certificate of Registration during the interview.

Following testimony by the DEA Diversion Investigator before a Multnomah County Grand Jury, a state indictment was issued. Brown-Carlson was arrested and charged with 14 felony counts of Tampering with Drug Records, 13 felony counts of Computer Crimes, and two felony counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, involving more than 40 animals.

As part of the plea agreement, Brown-Carlson ultimately pled guilty to reduced charges and was sentenced to 60 months of supervised probation. Conditions of probation prohibit her from being employed by any business whose primary purpose is the treatment of animals. She is also prohibited from having contact with animals during probation, except that she may own and care for her own pets. She may not provide veterinary care for her own pets or for the pets of others, and may only have contact with other pets in the presence of their owners.

“This sentence makes clear that drug-related crime has consequences, but it also acknowledges that meaningful accountability includes addressing addiction through structured treatment to reduce the risk of re-offending in the future,” said Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez.

Action by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board regarding Brown-Carlson’s state veterinary license is pending. Civil penalties for violations of the Controlled Substances Act related to her DEA Certificate of Registration are also pending.

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PORTLAND, Ore. – The Cascade Festival of African Films, the longest-running African film festival in the U.S., is set to celebrate its 36th year at Portland Community College with a lineup of 18 films from 16 countries.

The free film festival raises its curtain at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 6, at the Hollywood Theatre and runs through March 7 in celebration of Black History Month. Subsequent film screenings are in the Moriarty Arts and Humanities Auditorium on PCC's Cascade Campus (705 N. Killingsworth St.).

“This festival is cherished by the community because it showcases stories from African people and its diaspora,” said Festival Director Eugénie Jolivett Fontana. "We invite people to celebrate brilliant African cinema and create moments that will linger long after Black History Month.”

CFAF launches with a pre-festival kickoff Thursday, Feb. 5, at PAM CUT at The Whitsell on Free First Thursday, transforming the newly redesigned Portland Art Museum into a lively gathering space where African cinema, art, music, and education intersect within the Black Art and Experiences (B.A.E.) Galleries.

On Friday, Feb. 6, the festival grand opening at the Hollywood Theatre features the screening of “The Bride Price” by local filmmakers Ime Etuk (director) and George N. Faux (writer and producer), who are West African. The film explores an age-old practice of paying a bride’s family for marriage and explores its misuse, concluding with a community discussion. Doors open at 6 p.m. and seating is first come, first served for the 7 p.m. show.

“This year’s theme of ‘cultural connection’ reflects how the featured films examine migration, displacement and reinvention, and the universal search for safety, purpose and belonging,” said Jolivett Fontana. “The selections are appropriate for most audiences and showcase filmmakers from across the diaspora. Often, women’s voices take center stage, offering intimate, bold, and deeply resonant portrayals of strength, vulnerability and leadership.” 

One such highlight is the centerpiece film: “Black Tea” (Mali) at 7 p.m., Feb. 20 in the Hollywood Theatre. This cross-cultural, romantic drama by renowned Malian director Abderrahmane Sissako follows an Ivorian woman, Aya, who leaves her wedding in Ivory Coast for China, only to fall in love with Cai, a middle-aged tea shop owner. Their relationship unfolds against cultural bias, buried histories and societal judgment. 

The festival offers something for most everyone:

• Documentary Series Nights: Every Thursday at the Cascade Campus, select documentaries will be shown, including "The Man Who Plants Baobabs" (Burkina Faso) on Feb. 12.

• Family Fest: On Saturday, Feb. 28, “The Wall Street Boy” (Kenya) and “The Village Next to Paradise” (Somalia) are family-friendly features shown at the Cascade Campus

• Marketplace Day: Also on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 2–6 p.m., explore local and regional African diaspora vendors featuring crafts, art, and more at the Moriarty Auditorium on the Cascade Campus

• Women Filmmakers Week: From March 5-7, three films spotlight African women directors and their powerful storytelling. Closing night is March 7 at PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater, featuring "Hanami" a coming of age story directed and co-written by Swiss-Cape Verdean filmmaker Denise Fernandes. It explores themes of migration and identity through young Nana's life on Cape Verde's volcanic island of Fogo.

• Literature-to-Screen Spotlight: This celebrates the powerful intersection of African literature and cinema, featuring films inspired by landmark texts and enduring voices. Highlights include the heralded book-to-film, “So Long a Letter” (Mariama Bâ); “The Man Died: Prison Notes of Wole Soyinka"; and “Katanga: The Dance of the Scorpions” that re-imagines “Macbeth” in Africa.

   

“In a time that calls for understanding and connection, CFAF’s 36th year invites you to gather, learn, and engage through film. Join us—and bring someone who also believes in the power of shared stories,” said Jolivett Fontana. 

For a schedule and more information, visit african film festival.org. 

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

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

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

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Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring of source water. The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. In the 50 liters sampled each day from January 11 to January 14, 2026, one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in each of the samples collected on January 11 and January 12, and four oocysts were detected in each of the samples collected on January 13 and January 14. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run drinking water source on January 7, 2026.

The Bull Run watershed is Portland’s primary source of drinking water. The Portland Water Bureau does not currently treat for Cryptosporidium, but is required to do so under drinking water regulations. Portland is working to install filtration by September 30, 2027 under a compliance schedule with the Oregon Health Authority. In the meantime, Portland Water Bureau is implementing interim measures such as watershed protection and additional monitoring to protect public health. Consultation with public health officials has concluded that at this time, customers do not need to take any additional precautions.

Exposure to Cryptosporidium can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain. People with healthy immune systems recover without medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead to serious or life-threatening illness. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS, those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system, and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.

The Environmental Protection Agency advises that customers who are immunocompromised and receive their drinking water from the Bull Run Watershed consult with their healthcare professional about the safety of drinking the tap water. The Portland Water Bureau and Burlington, City of Gresham, City of Sandy, City of Tualatin, Green Valley, GNR, Hideaway Hills, Lake Grove, Lorna Domestic Water, Lusted, Palatine Hill, Pleasant Home, Raleigh, Rockwood, Skyview Acres, Tualatin Valley, Two Rivers, Valley View and West Slope Water Districts receive all or part of their drinking water supply from Bull Run. To learn if your drinking water comes from Bull Run, please contact your local drinking water provider.

The public and the media are encouraged to view all sampling results posted to the City’s website at portland.gov/water/CryptoResults. The bureau will notify the media and public immediately should further test results indicate a risk to public health and precautions are necessary.

Customers with questions regarding water quality can call the Water Quality Line at 503-823-7525.

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

About the Public Works Service Area

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या

口笔译服务 |  Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad

Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hillsboro, Oregon — Exceptional teachers are making a lasting impact in classrooms across Oregon, and now is the time to celebrate their work. Nominations are open for the Oregon Teacher of the Year. This annual recognition celebrates educators who inspire students, elevate the teaching profession and strengthen school communities.

Anyone who works with or knows an outstanding teacher is encouraged to submit a nomination. The nomination process takes only a few minutes, and nominated educators choose whether to continue with the full application. That process includes writing short essays and gathering letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors and students.

Regional Teachers of the Year each receive a $1,000 award and advance for consideration at the state level. The Oregon Teacher of the Year receives $10,000, along with a dedicated fund to cover travel expenses throughout the year. The honoree also gains access to professional development opportunities and serves as a representative for educators across the state.

Last year’s honoree from the Northwest Regional Education Service District region, which includes Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington counties, was Jason Galbraith, a computer science teacher at Sunset High School in Beaverton. Galbraith was recognized for his innovative course design, which allows students to choose subjects based on their interests rather than their schedules. Through this approach, students not only learn to code but also build confidence and resilience as they tackle challenging and meaningful questions that interest them.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Feb. 11.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit oregonteacheroftheyear.org.

Evergreen Virtual Academy - 1/22/2025

EVERGREEN VIRTUAL ACADEMY NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS January 22, 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

Governor Kotek Secures $25 Million for OHA and Hospitals to Protect Maternity Care

WASHOUGAL, WA – With support from a local grant, students in the Washougal High School (WHS) Green Team are working to transform the school courtyard into a native habitat learning space. The student-led group aims to earn a certification through the Backyard Habitat Certification Program, a partnership between the Columbia Land Trust and Bird Alliance of Oregon.

The project is supported by a grant from the Camas-Washougal Community Garden Club.

In December 2025, the Backyard Habitat Certification Program conducted a site assessment and recommended next steps in order for the green team to achieve Backyard Habitat Certification status. The Green Team will use money the student club has raised, along with the Garden Club grant, to replant the courtyard with regionally appropriate native species, remove invasive plant species, and improve pollinator habitat over the next few months.  The club will also work with the district’s facilities team to reduce nighttime lighting and incorporate educational signage this winter and spring, following recommendations from the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. 

The long-term plan divides the courtyard into sections so multiple student groups can participate in hands-on habitat restoration over time.

“Students have already done a lot of hands-on work to move this project forward. They removed old weed fabric, laid down cardboard and bark mulch, and planted native species in the north section of the courtyard. It’s been exciting to see their effort turn into real progress,” said Janet Franklin, co-leader of the Green Team at WHS. 

“They’re learning about native ecosystems, making a difference for the environment, and helping create a space the entire school can enjoy,” said Alexandra Yost, Green Team co-leader.

Through a fall plant sale, the Green Team also earned store credit donated by Nature’s Haven, a local nursery, to support habitat restoration efforts. Local donations and grants help the WHS Green Team turn the courtyard into a living classroom while modeling student-led environmental stewardship.

Learn more about Washougal School District at https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/. 

On January 18, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., first responders were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash on Turner Road SE, just south of Crawford Street SE, in Turner, Oregon.

Upon arrival, deputies and fire personnel located a black Kia that had left the roadway and overturned into a ditch. Two female occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene, including a 16-year-old juvenile and Perla Nieto, age 20, from Silverton. An adult male passenger, Elias Ramirez-Perez from Salem, age 24, was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Salem Hospital with serious injuries. An 8-year-old juvenile passenger was also transported to Salem Hospital as a precaution and was not believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies were assisted at the scene by the Turner Fire Department, the Marion County Crash Team, Marion County Public Works, and the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office. The roadway was closed for approximately five hours investigators processed the scene.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident.

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) is pleased to announce a continuing partnership with the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation (CCUIF) to provide the high quality objective and safe vision screening for students in the Cow Creek Umpqua service area.

Since its founding in 1997, the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation (CCUIF) has awarded over $24,000,000 in grants to non-profit organizations in Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Coos, Deschutes, Klamath and Lane counties, including its most recent round of giving this month to 93 non-profits serving those counties.

CCUIF’s funding includes support for the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation’s School Vision Screening Program (SVS) in their service area. During the school year, OLSHF provided vision screening to almost 52,000 students in the seven county area.

In 2024-25, SVS screened 62,773 students in the geographic service area of the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation and a total of 193,912 students statewide. SVS identified 19% of those students with notable vision issues.

OLSHF’s School Vision Screening Program is recognized as the premier school based student vision screening program in the US. OLSHF uses current technology to safely and effectively screen students for 8 conditions that affect learning in a matter of seconds. Full classes of students are screened in less than 5 minutes, minimally impacting the learning day. Secure and encrypted reports are returned to the school in a week along with resources for student families for low cost/no cost vision exams and eyeglasses.

The mission of the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation is to offer assistance in youth education, strengthen youth and family, provide for positive youth development, and add to the quality of life for people in southwestern Oregon. OLSHF provides healthcare (vision and hearing) access to those in need in all parts of the state of Oregon. In partnership with the Lions of Oregon, we assist community members, families, children with vision and hearing care.

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation and the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation are proud to have partnered in this important effort for years and both organizations serve the diverse communities of Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lane Counties. Both Foundations understand that the future of all of these communities lies in their youth.

To learn more about School Vision Screening and help support our program, please visit www.olshf.org 

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VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Vancouver Fire Department announces the funeral service details for Firefighter Paramedic Jeremiah Frenz, honoring his life, service, and dedication to the community.

The service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at NW Gospel Church: Eastside, located at 305 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver, Washington. The service is expected to last 90 minutes.

Firefighter Paramedic Frenz will arrive at the church in a formal procession, comprised of Vancouver Fire Department apparatus only, at 1:00 p.m. Upon arrival, he will be greeted by a Cordon of Honor formed by uniformed personnel. Those wishing to participate in the Cordon of Honor are asked to arrive no later than 12:45 p.m. and be in proper uniform.

Approved attire for participation includes Class A or Class B uniforms, consisting of a long-sleeve shirt, tie, and mourning badge.

Personnel from outside public safety agencies are welcome to attend and participate in the Cordon of Honor while wearing Class A or Class B uniforms. Class A preferred.  

Following the arrival honors, Firefighter Paramedic Frenz and his family will be escorted into the church. The Cordon of Honor will then be dismissed.

At 2:00 p.m., all attendees are expected to be seated inside the church. Service instructions will be provided at that time. Following these instructions, Jeremiah’s family will be escorted to their seats, and the formal procession and service will begin.

The Vancouver Fire Department extends its sincere gratitude to all agencies, partners, and community members for their continued support and for honoring Firefighter Paramedic Jeremiah Frenz and his family during this difficult time.

Members of the media wishing to attend are asked to contact Vancouver Fire Department PIO Captain Raymond Egan via email at aymond.egan@cityofvancouver.us">raymond.egan@cityofvancouver.us or by phone at 360-869-3914 for instructions.  Any questions about the service can also be directed to Captain Egan.

Lebanon, Oregon

Lebanon’s firefighters were dispatched to a small fire in the early morning of January 19, 2026, the fire was located at 30 E Oak Street which was the former Rite Aid building. While the single engine was responding, the dispatch center upgraded the incident to a first alarm (calling for more equipment and personnel) due to the fire beginning to burn up the side of the building and possibly getting to the inside. When the on-duty Battalion Chief arrived, he found the fire in two large, wheeled plastic trash bins as well as bushes with fire climbing the wall. The buildings sprinkler system was activated, which helped keep the fire from getting bigger until firefighters arrived. Bystanders that were in the area saw the fire, called 911 and then pulled the burning bins and some debris away from the building before firefighters arrived.

When the first engine arrived, they quickly went to work containing the fire that was running up the outside of the building, keeping it from getting bigger and from getting inside, while other firefighters were extinguishing the trash bins that were full of belongings used as storage containers and the bushes near the building. The districts ladder truck arrived moments later with off duty personnel and used the ariel ladder to gain access to the roof, those crews also made a thorough search of the building after breaching the doors using tools to get in. Firefighters found no fire or people in the building and crews were able to secure the fire sprinkler system until repairs could be made. No injuries were reported and the fire likely started from the unhoused using the area around the bushes for sleeping.

During this cold snap, The Lebanon Fire District would like to remind residents to follow safe home-heating instructions. Space heaters should be used with care, plugged directly into an outlet, and not permitted to remain on when residents are sleeping or away.

PORTLAND, Ore. (Jan. 19, 2026): On Monday, Jan. 19, Sunshine Division and Kaiser Permanente are partnering for the sixth consecutive year to distribute food boxes to 3,400 families in need as part of Kaiser Permanente Northwest’s 22nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Days of Service volunteer activities across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

The food box distribution event is funded by a $90,000 donation from Kaiser Permanente to provide essential food and hope for the many families and individuals who continue to experience food insecurity in our local community.

This event, which began in 2021, will provide 1,000 food boxes delivered to Portland families through Sunshine Division’s home delivery program. Another 1,000 bulk food deliveries will be made by partner agencies and organizations in Cowlitz, Clark, Washington, Clackamas, and Marion counties. Plus, another 1,400 drive-up food boxes will be made available to families and individuals on the Reynolds Middle School campus (20218 N.E. Halsey St., Fairview, Ore.) on Monday, Jan. 19.

“As Kaiser Permanente Northwest marks more than two decades of service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are proud to once again invest in our community by helping provide nutritious food to families and individuals facing food insecurity,” said Wendy Watson, president of Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “This year’s $90,000 donation will help deliver meals to 3,400 families through food box distributions and home deliveries, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to improving health and well-being in the communities we serve. Our food box distribution event is being held at Reynolds Middle School this year, in a neighborhood where there is a real need to address food insecurity."

More than 600 Kaiser Permanente employees are donating their time this month to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through impactful volunteerism and making a difference for community neighbors in need at 56 service sites throughout the region, from Longview to Eugene, Hillsboro to Gresham.

“This $90,000 donation from Kaiser Permanente enables Sunshine Division to positively impact 3,400 food insecure households all in one day,” says Kyle Camberg, Executive Director of Sunshine Division. “Sunshine Division and Kaiser Permanente both know how essential nutritious food is in fostering vibrant, healthy communities. We are grateful to partner with them again this year to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and serve our community in this enormous way."

Families are invited:
Families and individuals in need are invited to come to the Reynolds Middle School campus by the Reynolds Pool Building  (20218 N.E. Halsey St., Fairview, Ore.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19 to receive a free food box; no questions asked. The home deliveries and bulk food deliveries have already been claimed.

Interview opportunities:
Media are invited to attend the Food Box Distribution event from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, Jan. 19, at the Reynolds Middle School campus by the Reynolds Pool Building (20218 N.E. Halsey St., Fairview, Ore.). Interviews are available with Wendy Watson, President of Kaiser Permanente Northwest; and Kyle Camberg, Sunshine Division.

Visuals:
• Volunteers packing food and loading cars; vehicles pulling up to get their boxes.
• Closeups of the culturally specific food boxes (standard, Black, Latinx and Halal)

ABOUT SUNSHINE DIVISION 
Since 1923, Sunshine Division has provided immediate food assistance to families and individuals in times of crisis. Sunshine Division serves tens of thousands of households in the Portland metro area every year through its food pantry, weekly home-delivery program, holiday meal delivery program, bulk food distribution, and partnering social service agencies. Sunshine Division also provides brand-new school clothing for about 500 low-income children annually through its Izzy’s Kids “Shop with a Cop” program. Charity Navigator has awarded Sunshine Division a 4-out-of-4-star rating for outstanding fiscal responsibility and leadership every year since 2012. For information about Sunshine Division’s year-round hunger relief efforts, please visit their website at sunshinedivision.org

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, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org.

Last night just after 11:30 PM PF&R was called to the 3300 block of N. Willamette Blvd on reports of flames from the roof of a church. Due to the size of the structure and multiple reports indicating a possible large fire, command called for a second alarm while enroute. On arrival firefighters did indeed find a portion of the roof on fire and began working to stop the fire's spread.

Due to the hour, the church was empty, so after a brief search firefighters were able to focus all resources on confining and extinguishing the fire on the roof. A large portion of the roof structure had to be cut away to ensure that no hidden fire was present inside. Firefighters began the overhaul process (searching for and extinguishing any hidden fire after the main body of fire is knocked down). The fire was recalled (declared under control) and investigators began their work to determine the cause. The investigation is ongoing.

This morning just before 5:00 AM, Portland Fire crews were called to an apartment building on the 7500 block of SW 71st. Arriving firefighters found fire burning in a second floor bedroom. A search indicated that no one was at home. The fire was extinguished, recalled and the overhaul process commenced. An investigation determined that this fire was caused by a space heater.

• Keep portable and space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
• Keep children and pets away from heaters and never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed.
• Plug directly into an outlet and do not use extension cords.

Photo credits to PF&R Photographers Greg Muir and Dennis Weis

Early this morning, PF&R Station 13 responded to a reported fire at the Red Robin restaurant located on NE Grand Avenue in the Lloyd District. On arrival, crews found an exterior fire burning against the south wall of the building near the Denny’s parking lot. A cleaning crew on scene advised firefighters that the fire had extended to the interior of the building.

Crews made entry and confirmed fire extension inside the wall space, prompting the incident commander to upgrade the response to a full first-alarm (box) assignment.

Firefighters quickly opened the affected wall and extinguished the fire before it could spread further. Early notification by the cleaning crew and the rapid actions of responding companies prevented the fire from extending upward into the concealed attic/cockloft space above the sprinkler system. Extension into that area would have resulted in a major fire impacting the entire building.

Thanks to the quick call to 911 and coordinated firefighting efforts, crews were able to contain the fire and prevent more significant damage. No injuries were reported due to this fire. The building fire started due to a warming fire in a houseless camp. 

PF&R asks the public to use safe means to stay warm as our temperatures drop. In this case a building was damaged, but we often see injuries associated with unsafe heating methods.

-Keep outside fires contained in a metal container, only burn clean firewood when allowed and make sure they are at least 15' from a structure.

-Don't use stoves or other makeshift aids for heat. This can lead to fire, injury or CO poinsoning.

-Keep an eye on neighbors especially the elderly as they can be more vulnerable to changing conditions.

Photo Credit to PF&R Photographer Dennis Weis

OMEGA's Discovery Preschool is cancelled in observance of Martin Luther King Day on Monday, January 19, 2026.  

Albany, OR – January 17, 2026

The Albany Police Department is investigating a tragic incident that occurred on the evening of January 16, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old Albany resident.

At approximately 10:08 p.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash on SE 19th Avenue near SE Tudor Way. The pedestrian, identified as Paige Michael Charlene McClintock, sustained severe injuries and was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center by Albany Fire Department personnel. Despite lifesaving efforts, Paige later passed away.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the involved vehicle—a white 2005 Nissan Altima—was Paige’s older sister, 18-year-old Kirah Kristine McClintock. Kirah was located nearby and cooperated with investigators. At this time, impairment does not appear to be a contributing factor.

According to investigators, the collision occurred as Paige and another sibling were pushing a rolling tool chest in the roadway when the vehicle struck the toolbox and Paige. Kirah was following her sisters with the vehicle at a slow, walking speed.  The Nissan Altima has been seized under a search warrant for further analysis.

This is an unimaginable tragedy for this family and our community, and our hearts go out to everyone affected. We ask for patience and support for the family, friends and first responders as we work to understand the circumstances.

Paige McClintock attended Albany Options School where she was an amazing student.  Greater Albany Public Schools (GAPS) will have counselors and support team available as we navigate this tragedy together when students return next week.

The investigation remains ongoing. Please contact Albany Police Department Sergeant Eric Tress if you have information about the incident.  541-917-7680  APD Case Number 26-00274.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Vancouver Fire Department Honors Firefighter Jeremiah Frenz with Procession

Vancouver, WA — January 16, 2026 — Today, the City of Vancouver Fire Department solemnly honored Firefighter Paramedic Jeremiah Frenz, age 32, with a procession marking his transport from the Office of the Coroner in Clark County to Brown’s Funeral Home in Camas, Washington.

Firefighter Frenz joined the Vancouver Fire Department on March 16, 2020. He proudly served the Vancouver community on Truck 5 and was a member of the regional Technical Rescue Team. He was a deeply respected and valued member of the department.

Firefighter Frenz passed away off duty on January 13, 2026. He was escorted with honor and respect by members of his fire service family. The procession included Truck 5, Engine 5, a Vancouver Fire Department Chaplain, and several fire engines positioned on overpasses along the route. Riding in the apparatus were members of Jeremiah’s crew from Fire Station 5, where he served on B Shift.

This procession served as a visible expression of gratitude, respect, and brotherhood for a firefighter and paramedic who dedicated his life to serving others. Jeremiah’s adventurous spirit, infectious smile, and steadfast professionalism left a lasting impression on his fellow firefighters and the countless community members he served throughout his career.

The Vancouver Fire Department remains united in grief and remembrance, standing alongside Jeremiah’s family, friends, and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time. His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy of service, dedication, and camaraderie will endure within the department.

Details regarding memorial services will be shared when they become available. The Vancouver Fire Department respectfully asks that the privacy of Firefighter Frenz’s family be honored as they mourn their loss.

January 16, 2026

Portland, OR- A Multnomah County Jury found two men guilty of sodomy and rape for an attack they committed in the Portland area back in the year 2000. It's the second time the men have been tried and convicted for the crime. 

The defendants are Michael Lavon Rhone and Mathew Charles Monhead.

They were charged with Rape in the First Degree and Sodomy in the First Degree.

The original trial in 2001 found them guilty  but with a split jury verdict of 10 guilty and two not guilty. The split verdict was allowed under law at the time and the men went to prison.

However, The Ramos v. Louisiana decision by the US Supreme Court in 2020 found that non unanimous verdicts for felony cases violated the Sixth Amendment of the constitution. The subsequent outcome of the Watkins v. Ackley Oregon Supreme Court case in 2022 meant that anyone convicted of a felony by a non unanimous jury was entitled to a new trial, which the men requested.

Deputy District Attorney Quinn Zemel led the new trial for the state. After the conviction he said:

“I am proud of the work of law enforcement that made this re-trial possible. This verdict will allow the defendants to continue to be held accountable and provides a continued sense of justice for the victim.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank Sergeant Jason Sery with the Beaverton Police Department. He was a Portland Police Officer at the time of the crime. He spotted the attack underway and arrested both defendants. Sgt. Sery returned to court to testify in the case. Afterward he said: “I’m incredibly grateful for all the hard work and investigation that went into this retrial.”

THE FACTS:

On August 9th, 2000 a woman was walking home in the Portland area and was attacked in an alley by the defendants who were 17-years-old at the time. Both were strangers to her. The two restrained, raped and sodomized their victim. After being convicted in 2001 the defendants served their 200 month prison sentences. As a result they face no new jail time from this verdict. 

                                                          ###MCDA###

MEDFORD, Ore.—An Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for attempting to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine purchased from the dark web.   

Dominick Jeffrey Aragon, 32, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in February 2025, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) task force intercepted a parcel addressed to Aragon’s residence containing approximately one ounce of cocaine. In March 2025, they intercepted a second parcel destined for Aragon at the same address that contained two ounces of cocaine.

The investigation continued into April 2025, when USPIS and RADE seized two additional parcels addressed to Aragon at an acquaintance’s residence that contained controlled substances.

At the time of these offenses, Aragon was on federal supervised release after completing a 15-month federal prison sentence for distributing cocaine.

On September 29, 2025, Aragon pleaded guilty to attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

This case was investigated by USPIS and RADE. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and Olivia Mendez, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.  

RADE is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. RADE includes members from Oregon State Police, the Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Probation & Parole, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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

# # #

1/16/26 

Portland, OR-

Portland police assisted investigators from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Auto Theft Task Force in arresting a man accused of being a prolific utility trailer thief on January 15, 2026.

Nickolas (spelled in some court documents as Nicholas) Alexander Edwards faces multiple charges and multiple cases in the criminal justice system in Multnomah, Washington and Marion Counties in Oregon and Clark County in Washington. 

Edwards was arraigned in Multnomah County court January 16, 2026 and held on $100-thousand-dollars bail. 

The current set of cases in Multnomah County were investigated by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Auto Theft Task Force in collaboration with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the PC Affidavit in case 25CR17473, Edwards stole a utility trailer on March 4, 2025, from a victim while on GPS monitoring. He was being monitored as part of an earlier case filed against him in Clark County. 

The charges in case 25CR23196 stem from a Clark County investigation from February of 2024. Notably, in 2023 and 2024, Clark County had linked Edwards to dozens of trailer thefts totaling losses close to $200,000 between loss of property and items taken from community members’ trailers.

For months he is alleged to have stolen multiple community members’ trailers and posted those stolen trailers for sale online through OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace. Edwards also is alleged to have entered other peoples’ property to commit thefts. The investigation revealed that the defendant established a pattern of selling stolen trailers for cash and then subsequently stealing the same trailer from the person to whom he sold it. 

In case 26CR03172, Edwards is accused of stealing a cargo trailer worth $6,000 on October 19, 2025 from the area of SE 122nd. According to the affidavit, the owner later found his trailer advertised on OfferUp under an account associated with Edwards. Edwards’ GPS tracker showed him at the location during the theft. 

According to the affidavit, that same trailer was sold to someone in Beaverton and then stolen again on October 25, 2025. The affidavit states that Edwards’ GPS tracker showed him at the location selling the trailer and also at the location when the trailer was stolen in Beaverton on October 25, 2025.

On November 3, 2025, another victim reported their utility trailer, a Wells Cargo 2001 trailer worth $4,000, was stolen. According to the affidavit Edwards’ GPS again showed he was at the location at the time of the theft.

On November 10, 2025, another victim reported their utility trailer stolen. It had a reported value of $6,000. Investigators checked Edwards’ GPS tracker which showed him at the address of the stolen trailer at the time it  was stolen.

Edwards is also accused of stealing a utility trailer January 14, 2026 from a residence on NE Prescott in the Portland area. Investigators checked his GPS and found he was at the location when the trailer was stolen.

Investigators were able to locate Edwards and arrest him after he recklessly eluded police and committed a hit and run with a stolen cargo trailer attached to his vehicle.

Anyone who thinks they might be a victim of similar thefts, please email us at:

DA@MCDA.US

MCDA Auto Theft Task Force would like to thank our law enforcement partners who worked these cases including Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Portland Police East Precinct, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

                                                           ###MCDA###

OHA, Clackamas County confirm new measles case 

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for felon in possession of a firearm after absconding from supervision for sixteen months.

Alfredo Terrero-Ortega, 28, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on January 31, 2023, Terrero-Ortega was released from the Oregon Department of Corrections to post-prison supervision in the community. In June 2023, within five months of his release, Terrero-Ortega threatened to kill a woman and shoved her to the ground while she was holding her baby. He also strangled her. She reported the incident, and he absconded from his post-prison state supervision. On November 7, 2024, the U.S. Marshals found and arrested Terrero-Ortega in Portland. When arrested, Terrero-Ortega, had a black satchel containing a loaded 9mm pistol, methamphetamine, zip lock baggies, a phone, handwritten credit card information, and documents linked to Terrero-Ortega’s girlfriend.

On December 17, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a single-count indictment charging Terrero-Ortega with felon in possession of a firearm.

On October 2, 2025, Terrero-Ortega pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah K. Bolstad prosecuted the case.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2026

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Board Refers Local Option Levy to May 2026 Ballot

ST. HELENS, Ore. — The Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Board of Directors approved Resolution 26-01, referring a local option levy measure to the May 19, 2026, primary election ballot.

The measure proposes a five-year levy of 29 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to support the continued operation of 9-1-1 emergency communications services throughout Columbia County.

If approved, the levy is expected to generate an estimated $10,914,819 over five years, based on current assessed property values, with projected annual revenues as follows:

• Year 1: $1,997,354
• Year 2: $2,086,125
• Year 3: $2,178,841
• Year 4: $2,275,679
• Year 5: $2,376,820

Revenue from the levy would be used to maintain current 9-1-1 services and address ongoing operational needs, including system reliability, technology upgrades, and supporting infrastructure for emergency communications.

“The proposed levy would help the district maintain existing 9-1-1 operations and plan for continued system and technology needs,” said Jeremy Hipes, Executive Director.

The Board also authorized the Executive Director to submit the required ballot title and explanatory statement to the Columbia County Elections Office. Voters will decide on the measure during the May 19, 2026 primary election.

Portland, OR – DOGAMI and other state permitting agencies have issued draft permits for the Grassy Mountain gold mine project and will hold a public hearing for the draft permits on January 29, 2026, from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm PST (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm MST) at the Vale Senior Citizens Center, 100 Longfellow St S, Vale, OR 97918. People can make comments in person at the hearing or submit written comments prior to February 6, 2026, as previously outlined in the draft permit public notice.

The public notice, meeting agenda, and related documents are available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/mlrr/Pages/Calico-GrassyMtn_projectDocuments.aspx

For further information, contact the DOGAMI Albany office at (541) 967-2083 or email: mation.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov">information.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov.

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Salem, Ore. — The Salem Fire Department and Marion County Health and Human Services will host a press conference to announce the launch of the REACH (Rapid Engagement, Assessment & Community Health) Team.
 

Date: January 20, 2026
Time: 9 – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Salem Fire Department, Fire Station 1, 370 Trade Street SE

Scheduled speakers:

• Opening Remarks, Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth
• Salem City Mayor Julie Hoy
• Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell
• Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke
• Marion County Behavioral Health Crisis Services Director Debbie Wells
• Closing Remarks, Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth

Following the press conference, members of the REACH Team will be available to discuss the program and participate in photos with the response vehicle and equipment.

New REACH Team: Paramedic, EMT and Mental Health Co-Response

The REACH Team will address the growing number of 911 calls driven by behavioral health, substance use, and other complex social needs that traditional emergency response alone cannot resolve. REACH provides a more appropriate response by pairing medical and behavioral health expertise to engage individuals early, connect them to services, and break the cycle of repeated emergency calls. This approach is intended to improve outcomes for the community, reduce strain on the 911 system, reduce referrals to the emergency room, and help ensure Fire and EMS crews remain available for the most serious emergencies.

Safe Clean and Healthy Initiative

On October 13, 2025, Salem City Council passed a supplemental budget to advance the Safe, Clean and Healthy Salem initiative following four months of City Council, resident, business community, and service provider conversations to enhance safety, cleanliness, and health in the downtown and northeast Salem.  These two areas of Salem experience higher volumes of requests for police support and emergency medical response.

Key efforts of the initiative include:

• Safe
  • Funding two additional Homeless Services Team police officers to expand coverage to seven days per week to better connect people living unsheltered in our community to available services and shelter. The HST officers provide proactive policing and have familiarity working with unsheltered populations
• Clean
  • Expanding cleaning services in high-response areas to further improve health and safety from four to seven days each week, to provide more consistent sanitation and hygiene efforts in public areas The Salem Outreach and Livability Services (SOS) team works in response to community reports to ensure health and livability of our outdoor spaces
• Healthy
  • Piloting Salem Fire and Community Health – Co-Response Model, that will deploy integrated teams consisting of a paramedic, EMT and Marion County mental health clinician to incidents involving emotional disturbances, overdoses and other health emergencies while also conducting proactive outreach to prevent emergencies before they occur 

On November 4, 2025, Marion County’s Board of Commissioners approved funding for a mental health associate as part of the community health response pilot program following Council’s October funding action. 

A parking map is attached.

SALEM, OR — Marion County has submitted two additional comment letters urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to revise its Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Willamette Valley System, citing major deficiencies in the agency’s analysis of water quality, local infrastructure impacts, and fish mortality if Detroit Lake is drained below normal levels. This includes the risk of a kokanee salmon die‑off similar to the mass mortality event at Green Peter Reservoir in 2023.

In its January 13 submissions, the County emphasized that the Army Corps’ plans in the SEIS fail to fully assess and mitigate the foreseeable environmental consequences of a draining Detroit Lake. One of the letters focuses on the severe impacts to municipal drinking‑water systems, particularly slow‑sand filtration systems used by the cities of Salem and Stayton. The County warned that the fine sediment released during a “deep drawdown” that drains the lake below normal levels could cause irreversible damage to these systems, potentially shutting down potable water production for entire cities.

A second letter highlighted the severe fish mortality risks associated with draining—risks the SEIS acknowledges but does not prevent. The County pointed to the 2023 Green Peter Reservoir drawdown, where more than one million kokanee salmon were killed due to barotrauma as fish were forced through drastic pressure changes at the dam due to low water levels.

“The Corps’ own fisheries biologists have already documented the catastrophic consequences of deep drawdowns,” the County wrote. “The SEIS must fully account for these impacts before any similar action is taken at Detroit Lake.”

The County also noted that the Army Corps did not evaluate how large‑scale fish death could affect ESA‑listed species that rely on those fish as part of their diet, including the endangered gray wolf, which is a required component of federal environmental review.

“The loss of over a million Kokanee salmon at Green Peter wasn’t theoretical,” said Commissioner Colm Willis, Chair. “It was real, it was catastrophic, and it was preventable.

“Detroit Lake should not be the next site for a preventable kokanee massacre. The Corps should revise its plans to ensure our communities and environment are protected.” 

The January Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board Meeting will be held Wednesday January 21, 2026 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 January 21, 2026.

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

About TVWD 

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

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

Salem, Ore. — One street south of Capitol State Park will be closed Jan. 19 for a planned event. Travelers and pedestrians are asked to be aware of the closures and plan other routes or schedules if necessary.

Court Street NE between 12^th Street NE and Winter Street NE will be closed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 19. No additional closures are planned.

Drivers traveling west through downtown Salem should expect increased pedestrian traffic and some delays on Court Street NE. Temporary signage indicating road closures and lane restrictions will be in place.

Drivers are asked to plan accordingly and seek alternate routes during the listed event times. Please drive safely and watch for an increase in pedestrians in the area.

The City of Salem appreciates residents’ cooperation and patience during this event and is committed to ensuring the safety and accessibility for all residents and visitors.

Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited

What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Cleanup, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente & Community Gathering in partnership with Mike Bennett Studios

When: Monday, January 19, from 10 am to 12 pm (Cleanup) / 11 am to 4 pm (Gathering)

Where: 700 NE Fremont, Portland, OR 97212 | Map Link

EVENT DESCRIPTION: SOLVE’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Cleanup invites community members to care for Irving Park and the historic Albina neighborhood, followed by a creative community connection hosted by Mike Bennett Studios. From 10 am to 12 pm, volunteers of all ages will come together to remove litter and recyclables from Irving Park and nearby streets, helping keep this historic neighborhood welcoming while preventing waste from entering our waterways.

Following the cleanup, participants and neighbors are invited to cross the street to Mike Bennett Studios for a family-friendly community gathering celebrating service, creativity, and connection, including SOLVE-themed coloring sheets, warm drinks, snacks, along with an exclusive sneak peek of the first unreleased episode of the Zooquarium Podcast and Q&A with Mike Bennett and co-host Chanel Hason.

WHY: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, recognized as a National Day of Service, is a community-driven initiative paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy. It encourages all Americans to volunteer and contribute to making a positive change in their communities. Each year, SOLVE marks this day by hosting volunteer projects that honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy as well as bringing the community together.

SOLVE’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 is presented by Kaiser Permanente and supported by Swire Coca Cola, the National Recreation and Park Association, Love Your Happy Place, and Portland Parks & Recreation as part of SOLVE’s broader effort to support community-led service projects across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

MEDIA CREWS: Arrive by 9:45 am under the covered basketball courts on the corner of NE Fremont and NE 7th to see approximately 300 volunteers of all ages checking in, collecting their cleanup supplies, receiving a safety speech and event overview, and then heading out in groups to pick up litter in the surrounding area. Volunteers are expected to pick up trash and recyclables along NE MLK Jr Blvd and the adjacent neighborhoods.

This event will have plenty of visuals of volunteers picking up litter, making for great community packages, VOs, and VOSOTS.

Available interviewees: 

• Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
• Mike Bennett, Portland-based cartoonist & owner of Mike Bennett Studios

Visit solveoregon.org/mlk or the event registration page for more information.

About SOLVE

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. You can follow SOLVE on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon, Facebook at @SOLVEOregon, or at www.solveoregon.org. 

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Meeting Minutes

Approve the October 23, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Fire Policy Committee

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – Chris Heppel, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Christopher Wade, DPSST No. 30403; Christmas Valley RFPD – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on November 19, 2025.

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Jennifer Cameron, Vice-Chair

d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Shane Bond, DPSST No. 59946; DOC/Union County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on December 16, 2025.

B. John Deardorff, DPSST No. 42771; DOC/Oregon State Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on November 12, 2025.

C. Mark Farmer, DPSST No. 55203; Multnomah County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on November 20, 2025.

D. Emily Fisk, DPSST No. 61817; DOC/Deer Ridge Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on November 12, 2025.

E. Jesus Gutierrez, Sr., DPSST No. 61908; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on November 12, 2025.

F. Michelle Hubbard, DPSST No. 31820; DOC/Oregon State Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on November 12, 2025.

G. Erica Hurley, DPSST No. 29900; Portland Police Bureau – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on November 20, 2025.

H. Bonnie Kessell, DPSST No. 46671; Umatilla County Community Corrections – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on November 12, 2025.

I. August Lowthian, DPSST No. 61677; Washington County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on November 12, 2025.

J. Jonathan McNichols, DPSST No. 60995; Salem Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on November 20, 2025.

K. James McQueen, DPSST No. 55471; Hillsboro Police Department – Revoke

Seven (7) to two (2) vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on November 20, 2025.

L. Kathleen Williams, DPSST No. 43028; Bureau of Emergency Communications – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the TPC on August 12, 2025.

M. Committee Appointments

Police Policy Committee

• • Anel Ceric – Non-Management Law Enforcement. Re-appointment to the PPC, 2nd term effective January 25, 2026.
  • Michelle Duncan – Oregon State Sheriffs' Association. Re-appointment to the PPC, 2nd term effective January 25, 2026.
  • Warren Hensman – Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police. Appointment to the PPC, 1st term effective January 22, 2026.

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Dan Lenzen, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote).

A. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0120, 259-060-0135, 259-060-0136, 259-060-0300, 259-060-0310, 259-060-0320, and 259-060-0380

Related to Emergency Suspension

6. DPSST Recommendations (The following items to be ratified by one vote each)

a. Advisory Discussion of Upcoming Changes to the Basic Police Program

b. Approval to Study Implementation of Fee Schedule for Registration to Regional Training Courses

c. Approval to Study Implementation of Fee Schedule for Use of DPSST Facilities

d. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-008-0001

     Recommended Repeal

e. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-030-0005

    Relating to the Authority of the Director of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training

f. Workgroup/Rules Advisory Committee Request

    Related to Law Enforcement Officer Certification Maintenance Requirements Per OAR 259-008-0065

g. Imposition of Civil Penalties – House Bill 2527

h. Imposition of Civil Penalties – House Bill 2527/Senate Bill 300

7. Agency Updates – Agency Director, Phil Castle 

8. Next Meeting Date: April 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

PF&R responds to pedestrian struck by freight train

At just before 7 PM Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a freight train striking a pedestrian alongside the Union Pacific railroad tracks in the NE Portland Wilkes Neighborhood. Union Pacific officials connected with BOEC dispatchers to generate a response to the area of NE 158^th and Rose Parkway which was the closest identifiable location to the possible incident. Initially the incident was categorized as a railway derailment but was quickly confirmed to be a pedestrian struck reducing the response by nearly 50%. Reports from the train conductor of the eastbound train were there was a belief someone was struck around the area of NE 158^th but by the time the train was able to come to a stop, the locomotive was already 23-30 blocks to the east and there was no visible confirmation of a victim which makes location a challenge as the stopped train prevents the ability to safely access the opposite side of the tracks for responders and vehicular travel is very limited along this section of the railroad tracks forcing a hike from either the East or West.

Gresham Fire Engine 74 traveling westbound on I84 was the first response vehicle on scene followed by Portland Fire Engine 30. The victim was visible from I 84 lying on the south side of the railroad tracks and was seen moving indicating this was not a fatal event. Crews used a 24’ extension ladder to descend from the freeway the 12’-15’ to the level of the railroad tracks and made access to the patient, a houseless adult (mid-40’s – gender unknown) and performed appropriate medical care in this traumatic event. The victim complained primarily of hip pain leading to crews performing appropriate interventions for this and all other treatments given the mechanism of injury.

While medical interventions were taking place alongside the tracks, other crews on scene repositioned the ladder to the full 24’ extension providing for a very slight angle from the freeway down to the level of the railroad tracks. This permitted crews to use this ladder as a safe pathway up to the waiting AMR ambulance for transport to the hospital. Crews used the specifically designed low angle rope system as both a safety and assistance device to move the patient up the ladder along with members ensuring the backboard carrying the patient advanced in a slow, safe, controlled manner to the freeway. The patient was in critical condition and was entered into the trauma system, so the appropriate medical team was ready to properly treat the patient upon arrival at the medical facility.

Portland Fire would like to remind you that walking alongside an active railroad line is extremely dangerous and encourages everyone to refrain from such activities. Transit along sidewalks or properly designed safe walking paths is a far better option.

Portland Fire would like to thank the officials of Union Pacific, our partners at Gresham Fire, the dispatchers at BOEC, the transporting crew of AMR, and Portland Police for their assistance in this emergency incident.

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January 15, 2026 – Newport, OR
 

On January 15, 2026, at approximately 08:37am, The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received reports of an unknown crash near the 2800 block of Moonshine Park Rd in Logsden, OR. While enroute, Deputies learned the incident involved a helicopter, which crashed into a cow pasture. The crash did not physically harm nearby structures, individuals, or livestock. There is no ongoing threat to the community.

Responders contacted the pilot onsite, who was the sole occupant of the commercially operated Bell JetRanger helicopter. The pilot suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported for further evaluation and treatment.

The cause of the crash is still unknown and under investigation. The investigation has been turned over to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

###

PORTLAND, Ore.— A man from Delhi, India, was sentenced to federal prison today for conspiring with others to export controlled aviation components and a navigation and flight control system to end users in Russia, in violation of the Export Control Reform Act.

Sanjay Kaushik, 58, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and 36 months of supervised release.

“This was no lapse in judgment. It was a calculated, profit-driven scheme involving repeated transactions, substantial gains, and coordination with foreign co-conspirators, including sanctioned Russian entities,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “This defendant sought, on multiple occasions, to undermine safeguards critical to U.S. national security and foreign policy for his own personal gain.”

According to court documents and following today’s sentencing, beginning in early September 2023, Kaushik conspired with others to unlawfully obtain aerospace goods and technology from the United States for entities in Russia. The goods were purchased under the false pretense that they would be supplied to Kaushik and his Indian company, when in fact they were destined for Russian end users.

In one such instance, Kaushik and his co-conspirators purchased an Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS), which is a device that provides navigation and flight control data for aircraft, from an Oregon-based supplier. Components such as the AHRS require a license from the Department of Commerce to be exported to certain countries, including Russia. To obtain an export license for the AHRS, Kaushik and his co-conspirators falsely claimed that Kaushik’s Indian company was the end purchaser and that the component would be used in a civilian helicopter. Kaushik and his co-conspirators obtained the AHRS – which was ultimately detained before it was exported from the United States – on behalf of and with the intention of shipping it, through India, to a customer in Russia.

Kaushik was arrested in Miami, Florida, on October 17, 2024, pursuant to a criminal complaint and arrest warrant and has remained in custody since then.

On November 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Kaushik with conspiring and attempting to export products in violation of the Export Control Reform Act and the Export Administration Regulations, specifically attempting to illegally export a navigation and flight control system from Oregon to Russia through India, and false statements in connection with an export.

On October 9, 2025, Kaushik pled guilty to count one of the indictment, conspiring to sell export-controlled aviation components with dual civilian and military applications to end users in Russia.

The sentencing was announced by Scott E. Bradford, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Special Agent in Charge Brent Burmester of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), San Jose Field Office.

BIS Portland investigated the case, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Gregory R. Nyhus, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.

# # #

The Battle Ground Police Department is proud to announce the release of its newly redesigned badge unveiled during the January 5^th City Council meeting.  The new badge reflects both the department’s enduring traditions and its shared commitment to the community it serves.

The redesign was developed with input from every police department employee, making it a truly department-wide effort. From sworn officers to civilian professionals, team members contributed ideas and feedback to ensure the badge represents the values, pride, and identity shared across the organization.

Badge Design

The new badge features a brushed silver finish and incorporates imagery that reflects the local landscape and community identity. The background includes depictions of Mount St. Helens and Battle Ground Lake, framed by a grove of Western hemlocks, the official state tree of Washington.  At the center of the badge, a bald eagle is displayed alongside the United States flag and the City of Battle Ground flag. The badge is bordered by the words “Battle Ground Police,” and includes a banner identifying the officer’s rank and displays the City’s year of incorporation, 1951.

“The police badge carries tremendous significance,” said Police Chief Dennis Flynn. “It is a symbol of public trust, responsibility, and service. Every officer who dons it does so with the understanding that they represent the citizens they serve, and with a vow to honor, every day, what that badge stands for.”

The collaborative effort respects the contributions of past members whose service and dedication helped shape the foundation of the department. The new badge represents a continuation of that legacy and the values carried forward with the next generation of officers.

The Battle Ground Police Department will begin transitioning to the new badge this month (Janaury 2026).

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Law Library this week announced the addition of a new self-help kit: Tenant Defense Against Eviction Lawsuit.

“The kit includes forms and instructions for tenants facing an eviction case who have been served with a Summons and Complaint by their landlord,” said Maria Sosnowski, Clark County Law Librarian. “People can download the kit at no cost from the Law Library website.”

This kit was created by the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program using grant funding from Superior Court. 

Information on Clark County Law Library’s wide variety of self-help kits including ordering instructions is available on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/law-library/self-help-form-kits.

The Law Library provides a professional legal collection and is open to the public. The library is located on the first floor of the Clark County Courthouse, 1200 Franklin St. Learn more at https://clark.wa.gov/law-library/law-library-overview. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hillsboro, Oregon — High school seniors in Washington County public schools now have a new pathway to a high-wage, high-demand career through a free commercial driver's license (CDL) program launching this spring.

The program prepares students to safely operate commercial trucks and equips them with the skills needed to enter the workforce shortly after high school graduation. Graduates will be prepared for employment opportunities with local construction, public transit, utility, transportation, energy, and waste management companies.

Thanks to generous community sponsors, the program is free for students. Comparable CDL training programs typically cost an estimated $8,000.

Program Details

• Open to high school seniors who attend public schools in Banks, Beaverton, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, Sherwood and Tigard-Tualatin school districts 

• Training begins in March at the regional office in Hillsboro

• Continues through July at Elite Truck School in Hillsboro

• No cost to participate

• Applications available in English and Spanish

Application Deadline: Friday, January 30

Applicants must:

• Provide contact information, including school and parent/guardian details

• Select an educator sponsor from their school

  • Sponsors support students during the application process and provide mentoring throughout the program

• Submit a short essay

• Provide one letter of recommendation (from a supervisor, teacher, counselor, coach, or similar reference)

• Submit a resume

Learn more at nwresd.org/cdl. 

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Brush Prairie, Washington, woman pleaded guilty yesterday and was sentenced for mail theft while working as a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee.

Darcy Rae Nolan, 57, pleaded guilty to the information charging theft of mail by an officer or employee. Nolan was sentenced to two years of probation. The court ordered Nolan to pay restitution.

According to court documents, from February 2024 through December 2024, Nolan, as a city carrier for the USPS Parkrose Station Post Office, stole medications from the mail on at least 15 occasions by manipulating USPS records regarding parcels or opening parcels and stealing the medications. A search of Nolan’s purse and vehicle recovered approximately 137 pills and capsules that were later identified as five different types of prescription amphetamines.

On November 10, 2025, Nolan was charged by information with theft of mail by a postal employee.

The USPS Office of Inspector General investigated the case. First Assistant United States Attorney William M. Narus and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Trisotto prosecuted the case.

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GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION ON THE

LAW ENFORCEMENT MEDAL OF HONOR

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Governor's Commission on the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor will hold a teleconference meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Shelby Alexander at (503) 378-2191 or shelby.alexander@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Minutes for August 19, 2024, Meeting

3. Michael Snyder, DPSST No. 60486; Reedsport Police Department - Nomination for Medal of Honor

     Presented by Phil Castle

4. Next meeting - TBD

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be digitally recorded.

The Sandy Fire District Board of Directors will hold a regular board meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Agenda items include monthly division reports and an Operation Santa presentation.

If you would like to provide public comment during the meeting, please sign up by completing the Sandy Fire District Public Meeting Comments form by Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

The public may attend either via remote video conference or in person at the Sandy Fire District Station 71 Annex (17459 Bruns Ave., Sandy, OR 97055). If you would like to attend online or by phone, please access Sandy Fire’s website for the Zoom meeting link and passcode at: https://sandyfire.org/about/board. 

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon’s classrooms are growing more diverse faster than its teacher workforce. In 2024–25, students of color make up 42.5% of K-12 enrollment (per the Oregon Statewide Report Card), but teachers of color are 14.1%, which is a looming gap as districts move toward required implementation of social science standards integrating ethnic studies in 2026–27.

And nationally, 80% of U.S. teachers are non-Hispanic White (2020–21), making educator diversity a nationwide challenge, not just an Oregon one, according to the Pew Research Center.

Chantell Wesley, a Portland Community College alum, single mother and first-generation college student, is positioning herself to help close that gap. Wesley is graduating summa cum laude from Portland State University’s Honors College, applying to PhD programs in Black Studies and Education, and building youth-led research projects that put students’ lived experiences at the center of learning.

Wesley, who was born in Portland and raised in San Francisco, first enrolled at PCC in 2014. A single mother and first-generation college student, she chose an associate’s degree designed for transfer, keeping a long-term dream in view: earning a PhD. Her path is important as there are an estimated 3.1 million undergrad student-parents nationally, nearly one in five, who are following the single-mother pathway.

“I didn’t know exactly how to pursue a PhD, so I took things step by step,” Wesley said. “As a first-generation student, I initially chose PCC because it was the closest school to my mother after I moved back to Portland following my son’s father's passing away. I met with an advisor who recommended a program that suited my goals, and I followed their guidance.”

After time away from school, Wesley returned to PCC in Fall 2022. She soon enrolled in the Critical Educators of Color Pathway (CECP) after being inspired by instructor Gabriel Higuera’s “Decolonizing Education.” The experience reshaped her academic goals and solidified her commitment to becoming an educator and community leader.

Wesley said that completing the CECP program gave her valuable mentorship, practical experience, and insight into what it means to be an educator of color and provided a pathway to be active in the community and work with youth. It also helped her believe that she could apply for a PhD program. 

Supportive Faculty And Staff

“PCC has always felt like home where I found mentors who became like family,” she said. “Instructors like Dr. Higuera, Jess Brooks in the Math Department, and Dr. Clifford Meeks in the Multicultural Center reminded me of my abilities, my worth and my potential.

“They have seen me stress, cry and persevere,” she continued. “Being a single mother striving for a better life, while trying to survive day to day, is beyond challenging. But the community I found at PCC has kept me going, and I’m deeply grateful for that.”

At PCC, Meeks said Wesley displayed academic prowess throughout their many conversations and showcased inquisitiveness of her courses and strategies that would help her successfully navigate them.

“She asks thoughtful, engaging questions that generate philosophical discourse about the past, present and future state of the Black American community,” said Meeks, who oversees PCC’s Multicultural Center. “I am excited to witness her manifest her aspirations into the reality she is actively cultivating for herself and her family."

In 2024, Wesley transferred to Portland State as a dual-enrolled student while completing CECP. She is currently in her final term and will graduate in March 2026. She has applied to nine PhD programs in Black Studies and Education and plans to move directly from her bachelor’s degree into doctoral study.

“As a student and peer mentor at PCC, she was deeply committed to learning and supporting others, with a natural ability to connect with students and make them feel seen,” said Jess Brooks, PCC math instructor. “Through mentoring, study groups, and showing up during stressful moments, Chantell helped build genuine community through collaboration.”

While in CECP, Wesley facilitated impactful youth projects at Franklin High School and Vernon Middle School using Youth Participatory Action Research. She also co-organized the Oregon Ethnic Studies Youth Conference, where students from across the state presented research, advocated for change, and led initiatives in their schools and communities.

Charting The Future While Giving Back

“She has positively impacted hundreds of young people's lives in Oregon,” Higuera said. “Chantell's drive, pursuit of knowledge and passion for justice shine in her interactions with others, and are the qualities that will get her to wherever she wants to go."

She assisted with PCC’s Ninth Ethnic Studies Youth Conference, held for the first time on the PSU campus in December. About 400 middle and high school students presented their own research, art and solutions for the critical issues shaping their lives, from environmental justice and healthcare equity to civil rights.

“Witnessing youth use their agency and voice was incredibly inspiring,” she said. “It confirmed that my work belongs in classrooms and community spaces where young people are leading.”

Wesley’s long-term goal is to become a professor and to found a nonprofit for at-risk youth, focusing on emotional development, trauma-informed care and financial literacy. With graduation from PSU on the horizon and doctorate decisions ahead, Wesley said she is committed to continuing the cycle of mentorship and support that started at PCC.

“The community I found at PCC kept me going," she said. "PCC has been foundational to who I am today. These experiences, combined with PCC’s supportive environment, taught me that asking for support, engaging deeply in your community, and building networks are essential parts of creating your path to success.

To learn more about PCC's Ethnic Studies Program or the youth conference, visit its webpage. 

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

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

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

ST. HELENS, Ore. [Jan. 15, 2026] — The Columbia County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution formally censuring Commissioner Casey Garrett during a public meeting on January 14, 2026.

The resolution follows prior actions taken by the Board to address conduct-related concerns and reflects the Board’s determination that certain actions by Commissioner Garrett did not align with established expectations for commissioners or with County policies governing staff interaction and governance processes.

The Board’s action affirms its commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace, upholding clear lines of authority, and ensuring that County operations are carried out in accordance with adopted policies and procedures. The resolution took effect immediately upon adoption and has been entered into the official meeting record.

A copy of the resolution is posted on the County’s website and maintained by the County Clerk in accordance with public records requirements.

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Yamhill County, Ore. (Jan. 15, 2026)- On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 8:43 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 154, near milepost 6, in Yamhill County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Kia Spectra, operated by Marcel Israel Benavides (35) of Dayton, crossed the centerline for unknown reasons and struck a northbound International commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Jose Armando Perez Torres (26) of Salem. 

The operator of the Kia (Benavides) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the International (Perez Torres) was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, Dayton Fire and Rescue, Lafayette Fire and Rescue, McMinnville Fire District, and ODOT.

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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.

Lane County, Ore. (Jan. 15, 2026)- On Monday, January 12, 2026, at 8:57 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 58, near milepost 40, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Ford F-250, operated by Aaron Henry Longton (64) of Port Orford, lost control and rolled in the ditch. The roll event ejected the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle.

The operator of the Ford (Longton) was declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by Oakridge 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.

Salem, OR – The Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) is part of Oregon’s statewide land use planning system that is intended to facilitate housing production, affordability and choice to meet housing needs for Oregonians statewide, outlined by House Bill 2001.

The Oregon Department of Administrative Services published the Office of Economic Analysis’ 2026 Production Targets and Adopted Methodology. The report presents both the final methodology and the initial statewide and regional results. The OHNA report will be updated and released annually by Dec. 31.

For more information on OHNA, visit the Office of Economic Analysis webpage.

HELICOPTER CRASH EAST COUNTY – UPDATE 01
 

January 15, 2026 – Newport, OR
 

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is aware of a helicopter crash near Milepost 3 on Moonshine Park Rd (east Lincoln County). Our team and partnering agencies are currently on-site. The scene is contained and there appears to be no danger to the community. Community members are asked to stay clear of the area while responders  assess the situation.

More information will be shared as the situation develops.
 

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LINCOLN ALERTS

Emergency Notifications and Time-Sensitive Updates

You can stay informed about emergencies and important community alerts by signing up for Lincoln Alerts, an emergency notification system coordinated by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office through Oregon’s OR-Alert system. These alert messages can be sent by Public Safety, City, Tribal, and County Officials. You can also subscribe to automated alerts like weather alerts, air quality advisories, flooding alerts, and more.

What to Expect

Lincoln Alerts sends time-sensitive messages on topics such as:

• Severe weather
• Distant tsunamis
• Evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods due to emergency events
• Available resources during and after a disaster

Flexible Notification Options

Subscribers can choose how they receive alerts. Notification options include phone calls, emails, text messages, and mobile app notifications. Alerts are sometimes sent only to affected areas. Be sure to include the address of your home, work, and school in your account to receive notifications for those areas. Regardless of your subscription, you can always view Lincoln Alert messages on the Member Portal.

Alerts are sent out in order of your preferred contact. Subscribers may receive multiple alerts depending on how quickly they confirm the notifications, or if their contact information is listed on multiple accounts. 

Sign Up Today

It is recommended that each household member create their own account with personal contact information to receive alerts during an emergency. Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. Keeping yourself and your loved ones connected to emergency alerts is one step you can take to stay safer and better prepared.

• Sign up for a Lincoln Alerts account: www.member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/new   
• Update an existing account: www.member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/login  
• Member Portal can be viewed here: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/notif

More information about Lincoln Alerts: www.co.lincoln.or.us/789/Lincoln-Alerts

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver invites prospective students and their families to attend Preview Day, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 on the WSU Vancouver campus. The event is free and open to everyone.

Preview Day offers an inside look at campus life and the academic opportunities available at Southwest Washington’s only four‑year research university. Attendees will meet current students, admissions counselors and financial aid experts who can help them navigate their path to college.

During the event, guests will:

• Get insider tips on applying from WSU Vancouver admissions counselors
• Hear from current students about what it’s really like to be a Coug
• Learn how scholarships, financial aid and strategic planning can make college more affordable than many expect
• Get a tour of campus and resources available to help students succeed in college
• Have the chance to win fun Coug prizes, including the university’s signature Cougar Gold cheese

“Preview Day is one of the best ways to discover whether WSU Vancouver is the right fit,” said Jason Yi, campus director of admissions. “It’s an opportunity to explore the campus, meet our vibrant community and see how we support students in achieving their goals.”

To register, visit vancouver.wsu.edu/preview.

For event accommodations, call 360‑546‑9739 or email van.accommodations@wsu.edu.

For more information about WSU Vancouver admissions or Preview Day, email van.admissions@wsu.edu or call 360‑546‑WSUV (9788).

About WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is one of six campuses of Washington State University and the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington. The campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs that support workforce development, innovation and economic growth through strong partnerships with businesses, industries and community organizations.

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver and is accessible via I-5, I-205 and C-TRAN bus service.

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov

The meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve November 5, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

     Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

a. Emma Todd; DPSST No. 65491

     Basic Telecommunicator and Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certifications

b. Nicole Silbaugh; DPSST No. 52445

     Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Telecommunicator, and Basic Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certifications

4. Mileena Edwards, DPSST No. 61544; Warm Springs Police Department

     Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

5. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-008-0005, 259-008-0290, 259-008-0300, 259-008-0310, 259-008-0320, 259-008-0330, 259-008-0340, and 259-008-0400

     Amending Public Safety Professional Certification Denial and Revocation Standards and Processes

     Presented by Jennifer Howald

6. Agency Updates

7. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: May 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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