SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will host a virtual only informational session on a proposed rule change to adopt a new Forest Management Plan (FMP) for western Oregon state forest lands managed by the department. The Jan. 6 session starts at 1 p.m. and will include a presentation outlining the purpose and proposed changes to the FMP.  After the presentation there will be a question-and-answer period. 

ODF staff will NOT take official public comments during this session, it is informational only. The public comment period began Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 31. Comments can be submitted or given in person at any of four formal hearings in January. Comments can be submitted electronically. No question-and-answer period will be offered at the hearings.

To participate in the information session, use this link: Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan Informational Meeting. A recording of the session will be available on ODF’s website.

The proposed change to the FMP will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The ODF’s State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan.

The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan contains guiding principles, goals, and strategies that are compatible with the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan. The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan provides management direction for all Board of Forestry Lands and Common School Forest Lands managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry west of the crest of the Cascade Range.

The FMP does NOT include the Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF). The ESRF is not within the scope of the draft Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan. There are scattered Board of Forestry Lands within and adjacent to the ESRF, along with scattered Common School Forest Lands outside of the ESRF that are still managed under prior Elliott State Forest Management Plan which will be managed under the new Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan, once adopted. The ESRF has its own management plan, under the authority of the Department of State Lands.

The Board of Forestry may review, modify, or terminate the FMP at any time; however, the BOF will review the FMP no less than every 10 years. The current Southwest and Northwest FMPs were last revised in 2010, while the Elliott FMP was last revised in 2011. More information about State Forests Management Plans can be found here.   

 Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 at 11:55 p.m. Rulemaking hearings will be held on Jan. 13 (virtual), Jan.15 (Forest Grove), Jan. 20 (Tillamook), and Jan. 22 (Eugene) at 5:30 p.m. The locations of the hearings are in The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The notice also includes important details including but not limited to the proposed rule text and instructions for submitting public comments and participating in the hearings.  

More information on this rulemaking effort and ongoing updates can be found on the Rulemaking activity page of the ODF website. 

On December 27, 2025, at approximately 11:55 p.m., Vancouver Police responded to a disturbance with a weapon near the 13200 block of NE 46th Street in Vancouver. The initial call involved a male outside a residence who had pointed a firearm at a woman inside the home and had fired at least one round prior to officers’ arrival.

When officers arrived, the male confronted officers with a firearm. Two Vancouver Police Officers at the scene discharged their firearms, striking the male, who was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Three Vancouver Police Officers, the two involved officers and one witness officer, have been placed on critical incident leave, per standard protocol.

The information being released is preliminary, and this is an ongoing investigation. The Vancouver Police Department notified the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII), who will be investigating the shooting.

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

In compliance with WAC 139-12, Vancouver Police Department personnel will not be involved in the independent investigation.

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

No further information is available.

SWEET HOME, OREGON — Fire crews responded to a 2-alarm structure fire involving a fully involved residential home on Old Hufford Road. Due to the intensity of the fire and rural water supply needs, a substantial response was requested from neighboring agencies.  A family member who lives across the ridge happened to be up and noticed a large fire, reporting it to 911 at 4:22 am.   

A total of 4 water tenders, 3 engine companies, and 3 chief officers which included 24 firefighters, and 3 support personnel worked on scene to obtain extinguishment. Water supply was a challenge due to the large footprint of the home and the remote location requiring approximately 45,000 gallons of water to be shuttled to scene. Along with the structures involved the owner lost 3 vehicles and 1 tractor.  Fire was extinguished at 12:26 pm.  No civilian or firefighters were injured during the event. Oregon State Fire Marshall office assisted in the investigation and at this time the cause of the fire is still undetermined.  We would like to thank Lebanon Fire District, Brownsville Rural Fire District and Oregon State Fire Marshall Office for their assistance.  

At 3:08pm, Saturday December 27th, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire in the 43000 block of SW Dudney Avenue in the community of Dilley. It was reported that a motorhome was on fire and spreading to a nearby building, at that time the incident was upgraded to a structure fire. Crews arrived to find a motorhome fully engulfed and flames spreading to a nearby trailer and garage. Firefighters stretched hose lines and were able to quickly extinguish the flames and spent over an hour checking for hotspots in the burned portion of the garage.

One person sustained burn injuries and was transported to a burn center in Portland with serious injuries. One dog was found passed away in the motorhome. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

A total of 22 fire personnel responded to the scene, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue received assistance on scene by Cornelius Fire Department, Gaston Fire District, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Elsie-Vinemaple Fire District, AMR Ambulance, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Forest Grove Police and Oregon State Police. 

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

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MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Oregon (MCSO) – Deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) have arrested a 62-year-old man who is accused of ramming his car into two patrol vehicles in an attempt to escape a traffic stop.

This investigation began around 7:20 a.m. on Thursday, December 25, 2025, when MCSO deputies saw a car parked near Northeast Prescott Drive and Northeast 136^th Avenue in Portland. The car had a stolen license plate on it.

When deputies approached the car, they could see a person, later identified as Steven Thomas Fitzpatrick, sleeping inside. The vehicle identification number (VIN) was also covered.

Deputies positioned their vehicles around the car to box it in. They also placed a device near the tire to cause a controlled release of air in case the driver took off.

When deputies knocked on the window and announced their presence, Fitzpatrick woke up, moved to the driver’s seat, started the car, and began to rev the engine.

Fitzpatrick is accused of driving forward and in reverse, hitting the MCSO patrol vehicles that boxed him in – causing minor damage.

Eventually, Fitzpatrick exited the car. Deputies took him into custody without further incident.

Deputies booked Fitzpatrick into the Multnomah County Detention Center. He is charged with two counts of attempting to elude in a vehicle.

Several photos from the scene are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

ORS 133.870 generally prohibits the release of jail booking photos to the public unless it is determined that there is a law enforcement purpose.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change. 

Secondary groundwater source provided supplemental water supply during heavy turbidity

The Portland Water Bureau has returned to providing 100 percent Bull Run water to Portlanders.

Recent heavy rains caused a rapid increase in turbidity (organic material in the water) in the Bull Run Watershed. Due to this increased turbidity, on December 19 we temporarily turned off the Bull Run water supply and began serving 100 percent groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field.

A return to more seasonal weather has allowed the turbidity to settle, allowing us to resume serving water from our primary water source, the Bull Run Watershed.

It can take up to two weeks for customers to receive 100 percent Bull Run water at their taps, depending on their location. As the turbidity continues to settle, customers may notice a slight tea like color to the Bull Run source. This is a harmless discoloration from fine organic matter in the Bull Run.

Careful management of the groundwater system allowed us to provide clean, safe drinking water to the region despite this year’s heavy rains.  

“Extreme weather events are prompting us to invest in water infrastructure like groundwater and filtration that help keep our water clean and safe,” said Portland Water Bureau Interim Director Quisha Light. “We’re investing in maintenance and improvements today so our community can count on reliable water no matter the weather.”

Water system investments matter  

Our ability to reliably provide clean, safe water for future generations depends on sustaining investments in our water system. Customer funding makes it possible for the bureau to tap two sources of clean, reliable water to adapt to a changing environment.

Portland Water is planning a new filtration facility and pipelines to keep our water safe and abundant for the nearly one million people who depend on it today and for future generations.

The new Bull Run filtration facility will be another powerful tool in addressing the potential water quality impacts of extreme weather events. The filtration facility will be able to remove sediment, organic material and other contaminants from our water—enabling the Water Bureau to reliably serve Bull Run water after an event like an extreme storm. It will also remove disease-causing microorganisms from our water to make it even safer.

“We share in the benefits and costs of the critical work to maintain our resilient water system,” Light said. “You fund this critical work every time you pay your water bill.”

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of 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.

Access and accommodations

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

Vancouver Police Department's investigators are requesting public's assistance in locating Reycardo Sentell Johnson.  Johnson is a forty-two-year-old black male. Johnson is approximately 6'1" tall and weighs approximately (170) pounds.  He has brown eyes and black hair. 

Johnson was last seen on November 28, 2025, and his vehicle was towed from NW Erwin O Rieger Memorial Highway, near Vancouver Lake on November 29, 2025. 

Family members and friends report that they have not heard from or seen Johnson in since November 28, 2025.  

Johnson's photograph is attached to this news release.  

Citizens with information regarding Johnson's latest whereabouts are asked to contact Vancouver Police Department's dispatch center.

Associated case number is 2025-024899.  

UPDATE:  Correction on location for disabled vehicle.

On Christmas Eve morning, a Camas Police Department Officer was headed to a cold burglary at a business in the 4100 block of NW Camas Meadows Drive. While enroute to the call, the officer noticed a disabled vehicle blocking a lane of travel in the 100 block of SE 192^nd Avenue; two Vancouver Police Department units were stopped with the vehicle.

The Camas Police Department Officer recognized this vehicle as similar to the description of a suspect vehicle involved in an attempted burglary two days prior at the same business where the cold burglary call was pending. The officer suspected this vehicle was possibly involved in the Christmas Eve burglary as well.

After coordinating with the Vancouver Police Department Officers and the Manager of the business, the Camas Officer was able to determine the people in the disabled vehicle were involved in the burglary. The vehicle had run out of gas after they left the scene of the crime. An estimated $2,000 in food was taken in the burglary and located in the vehicle. Items taken included boxes of seafood, frozen cuts of meat, sausage patties, and french fries.

51 year-old James Bailey and 37 year-old Camille Parayo were arrested and booked on charges of Attempted Burglary for the incident on December 22, 2025, and Burglary in the 2^nd Degree and Theft in the 3^rd Degree from the incident on Christmas Eve.

“When our businesses are targeted for burglaries, it has negative impacts for the business owners and drives up prices for consumers,” said Chief Tina Jones. “This capture is the result of good old-fashioned police work and coordination with our Vancouver Police Department partners. Once again, our team members apprehended some Christmas Eve grinches and I am proud of their efforts.”

Photo Descriptions:

Burglar tools and some of the food items taken in the burglary, which were recovered in the suspects’ vehicle.

Meat found in bed of truck, which had been taken in the burglary.

NEW YEAR’S SAFETY

Among all the fun and noise of a New Year’s celebration, it’s important to ensure festivities are safe. If alcohol is involved, there should be people in attendance who are designated to stay sober and ensure safety. While laws can help prevent mishaps, people making the right choices and being respectful of each other will help keep people safe while still having fun. The responsibility and much of the liability of a safe party remains with the host. If you are hosting a party, there are safety measures you can implement to keep people safe and reduce liability during New Year celebrations.

Party Safety Tips:

• Use common sense. This includes not driving after drinking or using substances.
• Designate a non-drinking driver before the party.
• Utilize public transportation where available.
• Consider spending the night at the party location.
• If you are hosting a party, ensure that nonalcoholic drinks are also served.
• Communicate with neighbors before the party. Work together to respectfully address noise levels and other potential disturbances.
• Have the courage to refuse serving a friend a drink if they are acting strange or are intoxicated.
• Do not pressure friends to drink if they say no, have a drinking problem, or are already intoxicated.
• Consider the safety and welfare of pets. Loud music, people, and fireworks can result in distress.
• Ensure that pets have ID tags with current information on them and that they are safely secured before the party. Ensure pet licenses and microchips are updated so they can be easily reunited with you.
• Candles, fireworks, kids, and pets don’t mix. Keep them away from each other.

Use Caution When Consuming Alcohol

There can be misconceptions about different types of alcohol and their effects. For instance, beer and wine are just as intoxicating as distilled spirits. A 12-ounce can of beer, a five-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce wine cooler, and an ounce and a half of liquor contain nearly the same amount of alcohol.

While it is important to limit alcohol and stay hydrated, juices, sodas, and other mixers won't help dilute alcohol; they just make alcohol tastier. Alcoholic drinks using artificial sweeteners lead to a higher rate of alcohol absorption resulting in a greater blood alcohol concentration compared to drinks made with sugar-based mixers. Carbonated mixers like club soda or tonic water cause alcohol to be absorbed more quickly. Fruit juice and other sweet mixers mask the taste of alcohol and may cause people to drink more. Use caution when mixing drinks or serving sweet beverages, these can lead to accidental over-consumption of alcohol.

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

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At 6:22 p.m. today, callers to 911 reported seeing flames coming from a home in the 17900 block of SW Roy Rogers Road. Firefighters arrived at a two-story home that was more than 4,000 square feet, with smoke coming from multiple eaves and fire beginning to breach the roof. The incident commander upgraded the call to bring additional personnel and units to the scene.

Fire crews began to search the home to confirm all occupants had safely exited the home. As they searched the second floor, they encountered holes in the floor, due to fire, which made access to the fire and search operations challenging. Fire crews confirmed all occupants were safely out of the home and made progress in putting out the fire. To supply the attack on the fire, one of the first arriving fire engines laid over 800 feet of large diameter hose down the long driveway. Another 500 feet of hose was deployed around the large home to bring the fire under control.

With assistance from Washington County Sheriff’s Office and King City Police, Roy Rogers Road was closed to protect first responders. A fire investigator was called to the scene, and the cause remains under investigation. TVF&R was also assisted on scene by American Medical Response.

The Red Cross is assisting the displaced family.

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

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Bend Fire & Rescue was called to a house on NW Terra Meadow Dr Christmas Eve just before 2pm for a fire in a garage. Occupants and neighbors both reported a fire in the garage. Fire crews arrived and quickly extinguished the fire. The fire was reported to be related to an electric car in the garage. During the fire neighbors were asked to shelter in place due to the possible smoke containing lithium-ion by products which can be toxic. The 2 adults and 3 dogs in the house safely evacuated prior to our arrival.
 

The fire was traced back to a failed lithium battery in an electric vehicle. The vehicle was a passenger car converted from gas to an electric vehicle. The battery failed and caught fire, spreading to the contents of the garage. The occupants and neighbors noticed the fire and quickly called 911. With little delay in getting the fire department notified and the construction of the garage, the fire was kept inside the garage. Minimal smoke damage was found throughout the house. The smoke alarms did sound but not right away as the smoke was in the garage until after the occupants opened the door ingo the garage during the incident. The house is not occupiable anymore due mostly to the damage to the home utilities that all come through the garage, but all the family’s Christmas presents and much of their personal belongings were saved from damage. Modern attached garages are built with fire barriers between the garage and the main part of the house. This includes more sheet rock and heavier duty doors leading into the house to prevent a fire in the garage from spreading into the house.

Bend Fire & Rescue wants to if any portion of the vehicle or charging stops working or is not working as it normally does, stop all charging immediately and have the entire system checked out by a qualified professional. This goes for cars, bikes, scooters, and all other types of electric vehicles.

Here are some safety tips for charging EVs from the US Fire Administration, a branch of FEMA:

• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines when charging your vehicle. Check with your local dealer if you need additional information.
• Purchase a charging device that is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Plug Level I EV chargers directly into an outlet designed to handle the amperage of the charging device. Never use a multiplug adapter or extension cord.
• Install a residual current device with the charging unit. It will turn off the power if a fault is detected and help prevent a fire.
• Place all charging device components out of reach of children when not in use.
• Maintain the components of your charging station according to the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. Signs of excessive wear may indicate a potential shock hazard. Never use an EV charger with obvious signs of damage.
• Cover the EV charging station outlet to stop water from entering. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure it is safe to charge your EV in wet conditions.

As always, never throw any lithium batteries into the trash. These batteries will end up in the landfill where the process of trash collection, dumping, and packing into the landfill can cause the damage needed to start a fire. A fire in the landfill is a major concern of any solid waste department. This includes items with built in lithium batteries such as flashlights, alarms, and other small electronics. Contact your trash service provider, your local landfill, or many electronics stores for safe recycling options in your community.

Portland, Ore. – Advanced practice providers (APPs) represented by the Oregon Nurses Association have reached a tentative agreement with Legacy Health following a strike that began on December 2.

The tentative agreement will be presented to the full membership for a ratification vote, opening Friday, December 26 at 12:00 p.m. and closing Saturday, December 27 at 12:00 p.m.

If ratified, the agreement would become the first contract for Legacy APPs and among the first secured by one of the many newly organized bargaining units across Legacy Health, including more than 2,100 frontline nurses who joined ONA in January 2025.

Key provisions of the tentative agreement include across-the-board pay raises and new pay scales with clearer tier definitions, moving several departments into higher pay tiers. While the agreement does not fully close the wage gap with OHSU APPs, it represents meaningful progress toward more competitive compensation. The contract also provides expedited pay increases in years two and three, with no caps on those increases.

Additional improvements include increased extra shift pay, enhanced compensation for night and extended shifts, and the creation of a Labor–Management Committee to improve communication and proactively address workplace issues. The agreement also establishes just-cause protections for discipline and termination, ensuring due process and clear standards.

APPs will remain on strike during the ratification vote. Strike line times may vary due to weather conditions and the holiday season. If the tentative agreement is not ratified, APPs will continue their strike until a new agreement is reached.

Legacy APPs voted to join ONA in December 2023 and have been bargaining with Legacy Health since April 2024. The bargaining unit includes nurse practitioners, physician associates, and clinical nurse specialists who play a critical role in patient care across Legacy Health facilities.

NOTE: ONA will not provide further comment until after the ratification vote concludes. 

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

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Salem, Ore.— As of 12:30 p.m., Dec. 24, the National Weather Service cancelled its High Wind Advisory for the Willamette Valley.

Earlier this morning, the National Weather Service updated its High Wind Advisory for all of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. Throughout the day, we monitored conditions as the potential intensity of the wind event reduced.

You can stay up to-date and on track of road conditions by:

• Following Salem Police Department’s social media accounts for traffic alerts. https://www.facebook.com/salempolicedept/ and https://x.com/SalemPoliceDept
• Monitoring Current Road Conditions (including closures) through Salem’s website: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/transportation-getting-around/traffic-road-conditions/current-road-conditions-map

See Salem’s Emergency and Disaster Preparedness webpage for tips on preparing for winter weather to protect yourself and your home. You can also track power outages and updates on Portland General Electric’s website: https://portlandgeneral.com/outages and Salem Electric’s website: https://www.salemelectric.com/outages-safety/outagemapreport/

Contact the Public Works Dispatch Center any time at 503-588-6311 to report weather-related concerns. Sign up for Community Alerts to receive emergency notifications.

COOS COUNTY, Ore. (24 December 2025) – On Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at 5:19 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Highway 42 near milepost 20 in Coos County.
 

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Ford Ranger, operated by Crystal Leann Joffroy (45) of Coos Bay, was traveling eastbound on Hwy. 42 when it struck a pedestrian, Faith Scarlet Rose Andersen (29) of Myrtle Point, who was standing in the travel lane for an unknown reason.  
 

The pedestrian (Andersen) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
 

The operator of the Ford Ranger (Joffroy) was not injured.
 

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

OSP was assisted by the Myrtle Point Police Department, the Myrtle Point Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.     

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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 documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using 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.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Stephen Wayne Newell, died the morning of December 24, 2025. Newell was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Newell entered DOC custody on November 14, 2024, from Josephine County with an earliest release date of July 23, 2033. Newell was 47 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

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

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Corrections can be found at www.oregon.gov/doc.

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Vancouver, Wash. – Following a nationwide search, City Manager Lon Pluckhahn has named John L. Drake II as Vancouver’s new fire chief, starting Dec. 29. Drake succeeds Fire Chief Brennan Blue, who retired earlier this year after 38 years of fire service.

Chief Drake brings 38 years of leadership and operational experience in fire and emergency services to Vancouver. He is a retired chief deputy of emergency operations for the Los Angeles City Fire Department and served as acting fire chief, overseeing one of the nation’s largest fire departments. His career includes directing large-scale emergency operations, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and leading more than 3,400 personnel across organizational services, safety, and community resilience advancements.

Drake holds a doctorate in policy, planning, and development from the University of Southern California, where he also taught public-sector performance management and emergency services improvement.

“I am excited to have Chief Drake joining Vancouver,” said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. “With his extensive public safety experience, commitment to strengthening emergency operations, and drive to advance community resilience, he will inspire and challenge our fire service. As fire and emergency service needs grow and evolve, Chief Drake’s insight and strategic approach will be invaluable.”

“I am truly honored to serve the Vancouver community as your next fire chief,” said Chief Drake. “I am grateful to our city leaders, public safety personnel, and community members for their support throughout the selection process. I look forward to serving not only as your fire chief, but as a collaborative public safety partner working to ensure a safe and prepared community."

As fire chief, Drake will lead a department focused on meeting the evolving needs of Vancouver’s growing community. Drawing on his background in strategic planning and performance management, he will work to further strengthen service delivery, operational readiness, and community response.

Read full bio.

Clatsop County Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee Has 1 Vacancy

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County invites applications from individuals interested in serving on one open seat on the Clatsop County Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee.

The Board of Clatsop County Commissioners created the Clatsop County Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee to assist the County in the development of long-range plans for County parks and to direct the formulation and preparation of amendments to Clatsop County’s Recreational Lands Element of the Comprehensive Plan.

The Committee advises County staff regarding the County’s update of its Parks Master Plan and provides a public forum for citizen input regarding proposed changes that potentially impact parks, recreational lands, trails, boat ramps and related programs within the county.

The Board of Clatsop County Commissioners may use the County Recreational Lands Planning Committee as a primary public review body for any County actions related to recreation issues such as:

• Potential county land sales, trades or exchanges involving county park lands or lands adjoining county park properties
• Potential county timber sales involving county park lands or lands adjoining county park properties
• Land acquisitions
• Major improvement proposals, and
• Annual budget proposals

The Recreation Lands Planning Advisory Committee regularly meets in Astoria on the last Thursday of each month at 1 p.m.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026. Applications are available online or at the County Manager’s Office, at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria OR 97103.

For more information about this committee’s meetings or responsibilities, contact Corey Johnson at 503-741-0767. 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) — The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is investigating the death of an adult in custody at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail, located at 11540 Northeast Inverness Drive in Portland.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the person who died as we move through this investigation,” said Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “Incidents like this can also impact MCSO employees and our partner agencies.”

“MCSO has policies and procedures that guide our response following an in-custody death, and those processes are underway to ensure we conduct a thorough investigation,” Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell added.

At approximately 2:40 a.m., on Wednesday December 24, 2025, deputies found an unresponsive adult in custody in a dorm.

Deputies and Multnomah County Health Department Corrections Health personnel administered lifesaving measures. Paramedics from the Portland Fire Bureau and American Medical Response (AMR) continued medical care and transported the person to the hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, the adult in custody died at the hospital.

In accordance with standard protocol, the East County Major Crimes Team was activated to conduct a death investigation.

The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office is leading the death investigation. The person’s age and identity will be released once their family has been notified.

Information about how and why the person died will be shared after the Medical Examiner completes their investigation.

No additional information can be released at this time.

The East County Major Crimes Team includes detectives from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Detective Unit, Port of Portland Police Department, Gresham Police Department and Oregon State Police.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

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Salem, Ore.— City crews remain on high alert in preparation for response to anticipated high wind gusts Dec. 24.  

Earlier this morning, the National Weather Service updated its High Wind Advisory for all of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. As of 9 a.m., the potential intensity of the wind event has reduced. However, today’s wind event may still produce impactful wind gusts which may exceed 45 miles per hour, resulting in possible wind damage to trees and power lines.

The National Weather Service forecasts winds will increase as the morning progresses, coming from the southwest, with sustained winds 16-21 mph and gusts in the 30 mph to 50 mph range. The duration of the strongest winds will be one to three hours, with the strongest winds arriving sometime after 11 a.m. today. 

If strong wind gusts in the 45 mph or greater range, downed tree limbs, downed trees and downed power lines are possible, particularly due to saturated soils from recent rains.  

We will provide an update on conditions after 12:30 p.m. today. 

At this time, all Salem roads and parks remain open. 

• Follow Salem Police Department’s social media accounts for traffic alerts. https://www.facebook.com/salempolicedept/ and https://x.com/SalemPoliceDept
• You can monitor Current Road Conditions (including closures) through Salem’s website: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/transportation-getting-around/traffic-road-conditions/current-road-conditions-map

See Salem’s Emergency and Disaster Preparedness webpage for tips on preparing for possible power outages and other tips to protect your home. You can also track power outages and updates on Portland General Electric’s website: https://portlandgeneral.com/outages and Salem Electric’s website: https://www.salemelectric.com/outages-safety/outagemapreport/

Contact the Public Works Dispatch Center any time at 503-588-6311 to report downed trees or other weather-related concerns. Sign up for Community Alerts to receive emergency notifications. 

Vancouver, Wash. - Clark County is revising its Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, a 20-year guide for managing growth and development with respect to the natural environment and available resources. In addition, the cities of Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Washougal, Woodland and Yacolt are also updating their comprehensive plans.

Three land use alternatives were studied for those cities and the county in a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) that was the subject of a 60-day review and public comment period which ended on Nov. 30, 2025. The City of Vancouver is also updating its Comprehensive Plan and is preparing separate environmental documentation.

The purpose of the joint hearing will be to take public testimony on a preferred land use alternative. The Clark County Council will ultimately select a preferred land use alternative, and a final EIS will be prepared on that alternative.

The hearing will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in a hybrid format. Attendees can join in person in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or virtually via Webex. Information on how to attend the meeting can be found on the council’s meeting page at https://bit.ly/CCCouncil.

Proposed mapping and related information is available at https://bit.ly/2025CPUpdate. The staff report and related materials will be available 15 days prior to the hearing date on the county's website at https://bit.ly/CCPlanComm. Copies are also available by request to Jose Alvarez, Jose.Alvarez@clark.wa.gov, 564-397-4898. For other formats, contact the Clark County ADA Office at ADA@clark.wa.gov, voice 564-397-2322, Relay 711 or 800-833-6388, Fax 564-397-6165.

Written comments for the hearing can be submitted via email to Jeffrey.Delapena@clark.wa.gov or via the U.S. Postal Service to Clark County Planning Commission, c/o Jeffrey Delapena, PO 

Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810. Comments can also be read into the record. Instructions are available on the county website at https://bit.ly/CCCouncil.

Staff would appreciate receiving written testimony at least 24 hours before the hearing to ensure that it is forwarded to the Councilors and Commissioners by the hearing. Written testimony may also be submitted for the record during the hearing.

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

Salem, Ore.— City crews remain on high alert in preparation for response to anticipated high wind gusts today.

Yesterday, the National Weather Service issued a High Wind Advisory for all of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. This period of sustained wind gusts may begin about 10 a.m. today. The system is fast-moving and the highest winds will likely occur for about 1-2 hours in duration. If strong wind gusts in the 45 mph or greater range, downed tree limbs, downed trees and downed power lines are possible, particularly due to saturated soils from recent rains.  

Winds are anticipated to move north up the Willamette Valley, arriving in Corvallis about 9 a.m. We will provide an updated forecast from the National Weather Service after 9:30 a.m. 

At this time, all Salem roads and parks remain open. 

• Follow Salem Police Department’s social media accounts for traffic alerts. https://www.facebook.com/salempolicedept/ and https://x.com/SalemPoliceDept
• You can monitor Current Road Conditions (including closures) through Salem’s website: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/transportation-getting-around/traffic-road-conditions/current-road-conditions-map

See Salem’s Emergency and Disaster Preparedness webpage for tips on preparing for possible power outages and other tips to protect your home. You can also track power outages and updates on Portland General Electric’s website: https://portlandgeneral.com/outages and Salem Electric’s website: https://www.salemelectric.com/outages-safety/outagemapreport/

Contact the Public Works Dispatch Center any time at 503-588-6311 to report downed trees or other weather-related concerns. Sign up for Community Alerts to receive emergency notifications. 

December 23, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Upper Klamath Lake

Continue to keep pets away as levels detected remain above educational guideline values for animals

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Upper Klamath Lake in Klamath County.

OHA issued the advisory July 24.

Water monitoring has confirmed the level of cyanotoxins in Upper Klamath Lake are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

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

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December 23, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Prineville Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Prineville Reservoir in Crook County.

OHA issued the advisory Oct 13.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Prineville Reservoir are below recreational guideline values for people and below safety values for dogs.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

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

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December 23, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Thief Valley Reservoir

Continue to keep pets away as levels detected remain above educational guideline values for animals

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Thief Valley Reservoir in Baker and Union Counties.

OHA issued the advisory on Aug 20.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Thief Valley Reservoir are below recreational guideline values for people.

However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom. Learn more about potential exposures and symptoms here.

When recreating on, or in the water, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water.

If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

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

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

First Friday Open Mic Music Night     January 2, 2026

Performer sign-ups:  6:00 to 7:00 pm

Music:  7:00 to 10:00 pm

Host: Wayne Hoffman

All ages welcome.  It is a fun filled evening with talented artists playing the guitar, banjo, autoharp, fiddle, piano, and singing.  The Dora Young Chapel resonates with the sound of music.

Cake and ice cream will be served during a break halfway through the evening.

No Admission Fee.                          Donations appreciated.                                Wheelchair accessible.

Visit website at northclarkhistoricalmuseum.com.

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

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

PRESS RELEASE 2

A25-29565 HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

DECEMBER 23, 2025

At 1853 hours of December 16, 2025, Cowlitz 911 received a report of suspicious circumstances in the 3600 block of Old Lewis River Rd, Woodland.  The reporting party stated they had just spoken with a family member, identified as Ricky Dean Miller, age 67, who reportedly said he had killed someone.  Miller resides at the Old Lewis River Rd address and reportedly said that the victim’s body was hidden on his property.

Deputies with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and contacted Miller.  Detectives obtained a search warrant for Miller’s property and located a deceased male subject, identified as 71-year-old Dennis Eugene Schmitt.  Schmitt’s body had been hidden inside a barrel on the property.  Miller was reportedly Schmitt’s landlord, with the two parties living in separate residences on Miller’s property.

An autopsy was conducted on December 19, 2025.  Forensic examination determined Schmitt had multiple blunt-force injuries to the head and evidence of strangulation.

Ricky Miller was booked into Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Murder 2^nd Degree and Unlawful Disposal of Human Remains.  The Sheriff’s Office requests anyone with information about this case to contact Detective James Hanberry at 360-577-3092.

Troy Brightbill

Chief Criminal Deputy

Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 12:16 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a traffic crash near the 7000 block of SW Taylors Ferry Road in Tigard. The caller heard the crash and saw people running from the scene. Witnesses told deputies the driver of a 2009 Hyundai Elantra and three occupants ran after hitting a parked car.

Sheriff’s Office deputies and Tigard Police Department officers set up containment and requested assistance from a K9 handler. Corporal Terry and K9 Griff responded to assist in searching for the suspects.

A patrol officer quickly apprehended one of the suspects, but the three others ran through neighborhoods and jumped fences to avoid capture. The K9 team pursued the suspects and located all three near the 9000 block of SW Picasso Place in Tigard.

Deputies arrested the driver, 18-year-old Josa Zozaya, for the following:

• Reckless Driving
• Reckless Endangering
• DUII
• Failure to perform the duties of a driver
• Criminal mischief in the second degree

The three other occupants were determined to be juveniles.

If you witnessed this incident and have not spoken to deputies, please contact the Sheriff's Office through non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 referencing case number 50-25-17942. 

In 1999, the Oregon Legislature passed HB 2977, Mandatory Boater Education, requiring operators of motorboats with engines greater than 10 horsepower and youth 12-15 years of age operating any size motorboat, to take a course on basic boating skill and/or pass an equivalency exam to demonstrate basic boating knowledge. The primary reason for passing the law was to reduce accidents, injuries, deaths, property damage, and conflict on Oregon’s waterways. Oregon was the first state west of the Mississippi to enact an education requirement. Today, there are more than 45 states and U.S. territories that require some form of boating safety education.

Back in 1999, the Oregon Legislature gave the agency three years to implement the program, first offering a home-study and mail-in application option between 2000 and 2003. Then in 2003, the age phase-in began and ended in 2009, when all boaters, regardless of age, had to meet the education requirement.

From the beginning, the Marine Board wanted to have plenty of options for boating safety education by offering internet, in-person classroom, and equivalency exams for boaters to choose from. When the age phase-in began in 2003, there were three approved Internet course providers. The Marine Board also partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Power Squadrons (America’s Boating Club), and the Red Cross to offer classroom courses around the state. Additionally, the agency developed its own volunteer instructor program with certified instructors teaching the “Boat Oregon” classroom course. The third option available for boaters included equivalency exams, offered through certified Boat Oregon instructors or county Sheriff’s Offices with approved marine patrol proctors. The three options remain today, and approved internet courses have expanded, including courses in Spanish. Virtual classes are also offered throughout the year in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Of note, when the law was passed in 1999, the accident reporting threshold was set at $500. In 2001, the threshold was increased to $2,000 to reduce the number of reports for minor damage and to align with changes in the cost of boat repairs. This reporting change is evident in a significant drop (in the chart below) in 2001. What’s more, the data below for accidents (incidents) and fatalities includes non-motorized boaters per reporting requirements for the U.S. Coast Guard. Since 2010, paddling in Oregon and across the nation has shown exponential growth. Motorized boating incidents and fatalities have been declining on average over the last 15 years.

The inference can be made based on submitted boating incident reports, indicating whether the boat operator did not have a boating safety education card.

Very little has changed in the Marine Board’s administrative rules for the program in reference to ORS 830.082 for the Mandatory Boating Safety Education Program. The program has been self-supporting through boating education card fees with very little agency administration and does not rely on other funding. In the past 25 years, the price of the lifetime card increased once, from $10 in 2000 to $20 in 2020. Replacement cards increased from $8 in 2000 to $16 in 2020. The increase was due to other rising costs in US mail postage, other supplies, and the card printing itself.

Course options remain the same, although approved internet courses have modernized, giving the student an interactive learning experience. Oregon-specific course content and testing are routinely updated to remain relevant to current national standards or changes in state boating laws. The agency now offers a digital Boat Oregon classroom course manual, also available in Vietnamese, Simple Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.

With the popularity and growth in paddling, the agency encourages people who recreate in kayaks, canoes, rafts, and stand up paddleboards to take advantage of FREE online paddling safety courses. They’re fun, interactive, and outline not only Oregon state boating laws, but also other important tips to reduce accidents out on the water.

Currently, over 439,700 education cards have been issued, and Oregon’s boating safety education program continues to be a model for other states and territories.

The BEC is a lifetime card and must be carried by the operator when the boat is in use. The BEC must be shown to a marine law enforcement officer upon request.

Visit Boat.Oregon.gov to learn more about all things recreational boating.

-End-

Safety tips for coastal beach visitors during rainy season

Salem, OR – December 23, 2025 – Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson supports local public safety professionals in their opposition to Salem City Council’s appointment of convicted murderer, Kyle Hedquist. Hedquist was appointed to serve on the Community Police Review Board and the Civil Service Commission.

District Attorney Clarkson openly opposed the 2022 sentence commutation by then Governor Brown, expressing her “significant safety concerns surrounding the sudden and ill-planned governor’s commutation” of the Hedquist’s original life sentence. As to the nature of his crimes, Clarkson informed our community that “Hedquist tricked the victim into driving him to a rural Douglas County location where he shot the victim execution-style in the back of the head and dumped her body along the road.” (see the April 22, 2022 Press Release titled Notice Regarding Recent Governor Brown’s Commutation of Convicted Aggravated Murder.)

She stands by her original comments and upon learning of the Salem Police & Fire Unions’ opposition to the Salem City Council vote to place Hedquist on these important public safety oversight boards added,  “Common sense standards should exist for those that serve on key community boards – especially those with direct impact on our public safety professionals who risk their lives every day in service to our community. While I acknowledge there are certainly appropriate ways for those who have completed their full sentences and displayed honest rehabilitation to give back in our County, this is not one of them.  Our police and fire professionals have a right to expect better from city leadership.”

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About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

Vancouver, Wash. – The play areas at Hazel Dell Community Park will be closed beginning in early January for the removal of old play equipment and the installation of new equipment. Other areas of the park will remain open during construction. Those visiting the park during construction are reminded to stay out of closed areas and watch for construction traffic.

The replacement play equipment was selected based on community feedback from an online survey and several events. A castle/medieval theme was selected.

More improvements will be made at Hazel Dell Community Park in 2026 and beyond. Construction of accessibility improvements to the parking areas and walkways is expected to begin in summer 2026.

Additional information and project updates are posted on the park’s webpage: clark.wa.gov/public-works/hazel-dell-community-park.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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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DOUGLAS COUNTY (23 December 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is investigating a report of bull elk that was shot and left to waste on Nov. 22, 2025, the opening day of Tioga Second Season. The bull elk was left in the area of the 8400 line near Bear Creek off Hubbard Creek, Umpqua, in Douglas County.

OSP Fish and Wildlife received a report of someone hearing a gun shot on the foggy opening morning around daylight. The next day, the reporting person was hunting in the same area and located the dead bull. The individual noticed three male subjects – possibly a grandfather, father, and son – walking in the area the bull elk was found. The men were all wearing camouflage clothing and were not carrying firearms. However, the bull elk was not recovered from the clear-cut area.

Fish and Wildlife troopers are asking if anyone shot and lost a bull elk in the area, or knows of someone who did, contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 800-452-7888 or call OSP (677) from a mobile device. Please refer to case number SP25-479764.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

For more information visit the Oregon State Police Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) web page.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

Media hotline: 503-813-6018  

Pacific Power is prepared to respond to weather-related outages ahead of forecast storm

PORTLAND, Ore., (Dec. 23, 2025) — Pacific Power is monitoring a significant storm system off the coast that could bring high winds to large parts of Oregon and northern California, which could cause power outages.  

Pacific Power’s meteorology team is closely monitoring the approaching storm and crews are ready to respond to any weather-related outages.   

Pacific Power encourages customers to always be prepared for outages and supports state and local emergency management organizations, who recommend Oregonians have an emergency plan for up to 72 hours without essential services.   

Here are some simple steps customers can take to prepare and stay informed:     

• Update your contact information so we can reach you.   
• Sign up to receive outage alerts by text, email or phone.   
• Restock your outage kit.   
• Keep mobile devices charged so that they may be used in an emergency.   
• Track outages, update contact info and do more with our free app.   
• Text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.    

Visit PacificPower.net/Outages for restoration estimates.   

As a reminder, stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Customers should avoid both downed trees and powerlines as well as keep pets far away from those areas.    

Call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.    

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About Pacific Power  

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

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – As final holiday packages arrive over the next 24 hours, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) reminds community members to pick up deliveries as soon as possible.

This reminder follows the arrest of a 44-year-old woman accused of stealing packages from six different homes in Gresham.

“This arrest is the result of our deputies doing exactly what our community expects of them – being alert and committed to their patrol districts so that when something seems out of place, they assess the situation and take appropriate action,” said Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “Our MCSO deputies are proactive and making a difference when it comes to public safety and this case shows why strong and consistent community-oriented policing matters.”

Around 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, MCSO Deputy Josh Delatorre saw a woman walking near Southeast 282^nd Avenue and Southeast Chase Street.

Deputy Delatorre stopped and talked with the woman. The woman hadn’t committed any crimes, so Deputy Delatorre told the woman to be safe and continued his day.

About 30 minutes later, Deputy Delatorre finished report writing and went back to the area to check on the woman. As he approached, he saw the woman carrying several packages. Deputy Delatorre had reasonable suspicion the packages were stolen so he contacted her once again.

Deputy Delatorre confirmed the woman was in unlawful possession of stolen mail. He requested backup and with the help of other MCSO deputies and Gresham Police, they identified six victims who had items including shoes and other packages stolen.

All the items had been left outside on the homeowner’s front porch or at their front door – most appeared to be recently delivered Christmas packages.

MCSO is releasing video of one of the alleged package thefts. Media may use this video by crediting the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies developed probable cause to arrest 44-year-old Patty Walker. Deputies booked her into the Multnomah County Detention Center. Walker is charged with one count of theft in the second-degree.

Tips to help prevent package theft include:

• Collect packages as soon as they are delivered, if possible. Package thefts are crimes of opportunity.
• Consider installing smart locks to your garage, home or shed. These locks allow delivery drivers to place packages inside for additional security.
• If you’re not home, enlist help from a trusted neighborhood to collect your packages.
• If your employer allows, have your packages sent to your office or use a retail pick-up option like Amazon Lockers.
• Invest in doorbell cameras and external home security cameras, if possible. While these may not always deter a thief, they can help provide law enforcement evidence.
• Sign up for tracking alerts to get real-time text/email alerts and provide specific drop-off instructions.

A photo of Deputy Delatorre is being released. Media may use this photo with credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

ORS 133.870 generally prohibits the release of jail booking photos to the public unless it is determined that there is a law enforcement purpose.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SALEM, Ore. — On Monday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.m., the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) downgraded its Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) activation from Level 3 (Regional Response) to a Level 4 (Steady State) following the recent atmospheric river event that caused widespread flooding and landslides across the state. 

Recovery Efforts Continue Statewide 

 While the ECC has returned to a steady‑state posture, OEM remains fully engaged in recovery operations and is actively monitoring incoming weather and hazards. The ECC stands ready to increase activation levels if conditions change.  

“Oregon communities were hit hard by this storm, and our work is far from over,” said OEM Director of Recovery and Response Andrew Jahier. “We’re continuing to coordinate resources for affected areas, and the State Emergency Coordination Center remains ready to support local jurisdictions and coordination efforts to protect lives, property and the environment.” 

OEM is working closely with local jurisdictions and partners to ensure communities receive the assistance they need and is prepared to reactivate if the approaching high wind event over-extends local response resources. State Recovery Functions are active, and OEM is supporting Long-Term Recovery Groups and Community Organizations Active in Disaster to address disaster-related unmet needs. 

As always, OEM encourages anyone driving this week to check TripCheck.com for road hazards or closures, and to have a full tank of gas and fully stocked emergency car kit. Also, if you encounter a downed powerline, leave it alone and call 911. 

For more information on recovery efforts and disaster assistance, visit Oregon.gov/OEM

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. The meeting is open to the public and will also be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel.

The board’s business agenda includes:

• Oregon Forest Resource Institute presentation values and beliefs survey
• 2025 Forest Practices Operator of the Year awards
• Review of Federal executive orders and update on United States wildland fire service

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage.

Signing up for live testimony is required. Instructions are available online. Written testimony will also be accepted. Written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day by mail to the Board Support Office, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310 or email to oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. Please include the appropriate agenda item and topic with the submission.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30-million-acre forestland base. Read more information about the board.

If you live in one of 19 Oregon counties and lost food bought with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits because of recent storms and power outages, you now have more time to ask for replacement benefits.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has extended the deadline to 30 days for people whose food was lost or spoiled due to power outages Dec. 17, 2025.

Households in the counties listed below have until Jan. 16, 2026, to report food losses and request replacement SNAP benefits.

Counties included in the extended deadline:

• Benton
• Clackamas
• Clatsop
• Columbia
• Coos
• Douglas
• Hood River
• Jefferson
• Klamath
• Lane
• Lincoln
• Linn
• Marion
• Multnomah
• Polk
• Tillamook
• Wallowa
• Washington
• Yamhill

What if I live in another county?

If you live outside these counties, the usual rule still applies.
You must report food losses within 10 days of the incident. ODHS may ask for proof.

How to request SNAP replacement benefits

If your food was lost because of the storms or power outages, you can request replacement benefits in any of these ways:

• Calling 800-699-9075, relay calls welcome
• Filling out a request form and emailing it to egon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov">oregon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Visiting a local ODHS office
• By mail:
  ONE Customer Service Center
  PO Box 14015
  Salem, OR 97309
  (Mail must arrive by the deadline.)
• Online: Log in to your ONE Online account

Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the household’s existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The maximum replacement amount is the cost of the food lost, not to exceed the household's normal monthly SNAP benefit.

Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: Visit oregonfoodbank.org
• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit adrcoforegon.org.
• Find more resources near you: Dial 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211info.org

When does the extended deadline end?

The extended deadline ends Jan. 16, 2026.
After that date, the 10-day reporting rule will apply again.

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 in 5 eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Individuals in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at benefits.oregon.gov

On Monday, December 22, 2025, at 8:41 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to multiple reports of a traffic crash between a pedestrian and a vehicle near the intersection of SW Tualatin Valley Highway and SW 198th Avenue in Aloha. The pedestrian did not survive.

41-year-old John McKinney of Portland was crossing Tualatin Valley Highway when he was hit by a passing vehicle. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigators. The Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) responded to assist with the investigation and does not believe impairment is a factor. No arrests have been made.

McKinney’s family has been notified of his death and is asking for privacy at this time.

Investigators believe that additional witnesses have yet to come forward, specifically the driver and passenger of a silver Audi sedan with a partial license plate number of 091, who briefly stopped at the scene.

If you witnessed the crash or have information about this incident, please contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 referencing case number 50-25-17937. 

SAIF, Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation company, has promoted Mike Watters to chief diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) officer. In their new role, Mike will evolve SAIF’s DEI approach, integrate DEI with SAIF’s overall health and well-being strategy, align DEI efforts with employee and customer experience outcomes, and overall foster a culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Watters joined SAIF in 2012 and has held several positions since, including communication and design director and their most recent role, customer experience (CX) director for policyholders. Throughout their time at SAIF, they have been dedicated to advancing DEI and accessibility through our communication and CX strategies.

“Mike has an intimate knowledge of SAIF, strategic expertise, and a stellar track record of launching and sustaining programs in our company,” said Chip Terhune, president and CEO of SAIF. “Mike is a trusted and exceptional leader who will approach this work with humility, creativity, and enthusiasm.”

In addition to their work at SAIF, Watters has served the broader DEI community, most recently as the board president of Oregon Pride in Business. They have also served on City of Salem’s Human Rights Commission, leading efforts to improve resources and community outreach. 

Watters started in the position in late November.

About SAIF 

SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, we’ve been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.

SALEM, Ore. — Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Cecil Owens has been appointed Oregon’s new state chair for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program that helps strengthen relationships between the Guard and Reserve members and their civilian employers.

The ESGR program was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between service members and employers, educate employers about their responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and recognize workplaces that support military employees.

Oregon is home to about 8,100 Guard and Reserve members. These Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen regularly deploy overseas and are also activated at home to support a variety of missions, including disaster response.
 

As state chair, Owens will lead a statewide team of volunteers focused on employer outreach, awards, and education programs. The position is the highest volunteer leadership role for ESGR in Oregon and is appointed by the Secretary of Defense.

“After 30 years of military service, ESGR gives me the chance to continue serving Soldiers and Airmen by ensuring they have strong support from their employers,” Owens said. “Supportive employers are essential to readiness and to the well-being of our service members and their families.”

Owens currently serves as director of the Oregon National Guard State ESGR Committee. He has also held leadership roles at both the state and national levels within ESGR.
 

ESGR relies on trained volunteers to help employers and service members navigate military service obligations and workplace responsibilities, resolve conflicts, and highlight employers who go above and beyond in supporting the Guard and Reserve. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Cecil Owens to this vital leadership role,” said John Sampa, national chair for ESGR. “His dedication and experience will be a tremendous asset as we continue to support our nation’s dedicated service members and their civilian employers.”

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More information about ESGR and employer support resources is available at www.esgr.mil. A video interview with Owens is available at: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/976045/oregon-esgr-honors-cunningham-welcomes-
owens-new-state-chair

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Released Images: 

251110-A-ZJ128-5833.jpg: Oregon Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Chair Cecil Owens (left) pauses for a photo with Benton County commissioners and the Benton County sheriff at the Kalapuya Building in Corvallis, Ore., Nov. 10, 2025. (Oregon National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne)

251110-A-ZJ128-6880.jpg: Oregon Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Chair Cecil Owens (left) pauses for a photo with Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan (center) and Col. Paul Dyer, commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, at the Kalapuya Building in Corvallis, Ore., Nov. 10, 2025. The group gathered after Owens and Dyer presented Benton County Government, Grogan’s employer, with the ESGR Seven Seals Award. (Oregon National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne)

251101-A-FS713-7026: Oregon Employer Support Guard & Reserve Chair Cecil Owens (Oregon National Guard photo by Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)