On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Albany Police Department was involved in an officer involved shooting in the 1300 block of Twins Lane NW, Albany, Oregon.  At approximately 10:48 AM, Officers responded to a Domestic Disturbance involving a weapon and upon arrival encountered an individual with a knife. 

Two officers on scene discharged their firearms, striking the subject who had the knife. Officers immediately rendered medical aid until emergency personnel arrived. The subject was transported to an area hospital for treatment and condition is unknown.

No officers were injured during the incident. The other individual in the home was not injured.  The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy and state law. The Benton County Major Crimes Team is conducting an independent investigation, and the Albany Police Department is fully cooperating.

During the initial police response, both North Albany Middle School and North Albany Elementary School were placed in lockdown.  The lockdown was lifted after the scene was secure, about 20 minutes later.

Further details and names of the officers involved will be released as they become available by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the Benton County District Attorney Office. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 541-753-8477.

Cowlitz County, WA – Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to a shop on fire early Sunday morning in the 400 block of Moilanen Rd. at 4:21 am.  Fire crews arrived on scene and reported the fire was contained to the large shop with some surrounding trees now burning.  Firefighters had the fire under control just after 5:30 am.  All occupants were out of the home, and no injuries were reported.  Fire officials consider the shop a complete loss; however, another adjacent shop and the primary residence were undamaged.  Suppression efforts were initially challenged as there were no hydrants in the area, requiring water tenders to shuttle water to the scene.  Firefighters from Cowlitz County Fire District #6 (Castle Rock), and Longview Fire also responded to assist.  Cowlitz County Public Utility District and law enforcement Deputies also responded.  The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Gresham, Ore.— On Sunday afternoon, Gresham police arrested 56-year-old Eric Stinson on a warrant for sexual abuse, sodomy, and attempted sodomy.  Stinson is the Director of the Northwest Gymnastics Training Center in Gresham.  His arrest comes after multiple former Northwest Gymnastics Training Center athletes reported experiencing inappropriate sexual behavior by Stinson.   Stinson was booked at the Multnomah County Detention Center.  Anyone with information about Stinson’s behavior is asked to contact Detective Tim Taaca at Timothy.Taaca@GreshamOregon.gov. 

Any athlete who has experienced abuse or misconduct by a coach, trainer, or other athletic official is encouraged to report their concerns to law enforcement and the US Center for SafeSport.  The US Center for SafeSport can be reached at 833-5US-SAFE (833-587-7233) or https://uscenterforsafesport.org.

Update: At 9:55 a.m. this morning Hillsboro Fire & Rescue crews were notified that smoke and flames were seen from the front of the residence located in the 2200 block of NE Sunrise Lane.  Fire crews responded and worked to extinguish the fire and overhaul the residence.  The fire is still under investigation.

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At 8:59 p.m. today, callers to 911 reported smoke and fire coming from the front of a home in the 2200 block of NE Sunrise Lane in Hillsboro. 

The first arriving fire engine upgraded the response to a first alarm to bring additional resources to the incident based on calls to 911 and a significant amount of fire showing from the residence.  As the first crews were arriving, an energized electrical line to the house had dropped across the roadway and crews had to quickly and safely work around the line until it was secured by PGE.  Fire crews found fire throughout the single-story residence and attacked the fire and began to search the residence for any occupants.  Two occupants were found outside of the residence, and both were evaluated by medical personnel.  One of the occupants was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries for evaluation.  It was reported that there was a total of six pets in the residence and four were found by firefighters.  Unfortunately, all four of those pets did not survive.  Fire crews continued to work on extinguishing the fire and ventilating the residence.  Crews began to overhaul the structure, and no firefighter injuries were reported.

Hillsboro Fire investigators responded to the incident, and the fire investigation is ongoing.  The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.  

A public safety chaplain responded to the scene to support and assist the occupants.  A total of two adults were displaced by the fire.

Hillsboro Police, AMR, and PGE assisted Hillsboro Fire & Rescue and Cornelius Fire Department and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue helped answer other 911 calls during the fire. 

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue reminds everyone that smoke alarms save lives.  Test your smoke alarm once per month and ensure you and your family know your home escape plan and outside meeting place. 

In 2025, the Lebanon Fire District responded to 7,181 emergency incidents, reflecting continued high demand for emergency services as the community grows.

In 2022, the district handled 6,711 incidents. That number shifted slightly in 2023 to 6,626, increased in 2024 to 6,745, and rose again in 2025 by more than 400 additional calls. Compared to 2022, overall call volume has grown by nearly 7 percent in just three years, reflecting steady growth rather than a temporary spike.

“Fire protection and emergency medical services are directly tied to the size of the community we serve,” said Fire Chief John Tacy. “As Lebanon continues to grow, our firefighters are responding to more calls across a larger and more active city.”

In 2025, ambulances and firefighter-paramedics responded to the majority of incidents, providing patient care, transporting patients, and remaining at hospitals until transfer of care was complete. While units are committed to those calls, they cannot respond to new emergencies, even as additional calls continue to come in.

In recent years, providing ambulance service has become more challenging. Rising operational costs, funding limitations, inflation, and ongoing staffing shortages have affected EMS systems across Oregon and the nation, including Lebanon. At the same time, the district has faced increasing difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified paramedics.

Rising costs, funding limitations, and ongoing staffing shortages are forcing the Lebanon Fire District to reduce ambulance staffing. The district made the decision in August 2024 to take one medic ambulance, known as M30, out of service, with that change taking effect in January 2026. Once implemented, the reduction will leave even fewer ambulances available to respond to emergencies, further straining limited resources during periods of high medical call volume.

With fewer ambulances in service, remaining units stay committed to calls for longer periods of time, particularly when multiple medical emergencies occur at once or when hospital wait times increase. As a result, crews must carefully coordinate responses and prioritize calls when emergencies happen simultaneously.

The impact of this workload becomes clearer when looking at how often incidents occurred at the same time. In 2025, only 2,054 incidents occurred without any other emergency happening concurrently. The remaining 5,127 calls overlapped with one or more active incidents. Many overlapped with two or three others, and on several occasions the district was managing six or more emergencies at once. Each incident commits firefighters, ambulances, and engines for the duration of the call, meaning those same resources are not available for new emergencies until they return to service.

For many residents, it may appear that each emergency has a dedicated crew waiting at the station. In practice, the same firefighters, engines, and ambulances are shared across all calls. When incidents overlap, response distances can increase and fewer options are available until additional resources arrive or neighboring agencies are able to assist.

This reality becomes especially clear during structure fires. National standards for career fire agencies recommend a minimum of four firefighters on each engine or truck company and at least 15 firefighters on the initial alarm for a low-hazard structure fire, with additional staffing required for higher-risk or larger incidents. These standards exist because many critical tasks must occur at the same time, including search and rescue, hose line advancement, ventilation, water supply, fire suppression, and firefighter safety operations.

For a typical single-family house fire, recommended staffing would include approximately 15 firefighters plus a Battalion Chief, who serves as the Incident Commander and oversees the entire fireground. One engine company would be assigned to fire attack, with a lieutenant and firefighter advancing a hose line inside the structure while an engineer operated the pump. A second engine company would provide a backup hose line, again staffed with a lieutenant, firefighter, and engineer.

A truck company would typically handle rescue and ventilation functions and would be staffed with a lieutenant, an engineer, and a firefighter. Two medic units would also be assigned. One medic crew would serve as the Rapid Intervention Crew, dedicated to firefighter rescue if needed, while the second medic crew would provide medical support and rotate with interior crews to manage fatigue and safety.

Altogether, this structure provides the recommended 15 firefighters and one Battalion Chief, which meets the national minimum for a low-hazard residential fire. In Lebanon, initial fire responses often begin with fewer firefighters until additional on-duty crews, volunteers, off-duty personnel, or mutual-aid partners arrive. When fires occur during periods of heavy medical activity or multiple simultaneous incidents, available staffing may already be spread across the community.

Lebanon Fire District operates as a special service district, which means it is funded differently than city departments such as police or public works. Rather than drawing from the City of Lebanon’s general fund, the fire district relies primarily on a dedicated tax base set at the time of its formation. That funding structure does not automatically increase as population, call volume, or service demands grow, making long-term planning closely tied to changes in the community it serves.

Throughout 2025, Lebanon Fire District firefighters responded to every call for help while also balancing training requirements, equipment maintenance, and coordination with regional partners. That workload often meant crews were moving directly from one incident to the next, with limited opportunities to return to stations, reset staffing, or restore full coverage before another call came in. The data from the year illustrates how emergency response operates as a shared, finite system — one that becomes increasingly stretched as call volume grows and incidents overlap more frequently.

“As our community grows and calls increase and overlap more frequently, understanding how emergency response works becomes increasingly important,” Fire Chief Tacy said.

Residents interested in learning more about call volume, response trends, and operational data can explore the district’s public data dashboards at https://data.lebanonfireoregon.gov. The data hub is continually being updated and expanded, with additional dashboards planned in the coming months to provide greater transparency and insight into district operations. Additional information about services, programs, and community resources is available at https://lebanonfireoregon.gov.

At 10:07 a.m. Jan. 2^nd, 2026, Lebanon Fire District responded to a structure fire in the 200 block of W. Cedar Dr.

Upon arrival, the Incident Commander found light smoke coming from the eaves of the roof of a single-family residence. Two adults and two small children had already evacuated prior to firefighters’ arrival; however, an elderly female was still inside the home. Interior conditions were relatively free of smoke, allowing firefighters to quickly enter and safely escort her outside

While some firefighters located the fire inside a wall and worked on extinguishing it, others performed a thorough search for occupants of the building and pulled additional hoselines for protection.  Further information revealed the fire had spread for some time, unnoticed into the attic space, where it burned through portions of the truss members. The occupants reported recent electrical issues, including half of the home losing power sometime the previous evening, which may be related. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Occupants were alerted by a burning smell and bubbling paint on the kitchen wall and promptly called 911. Their quick action helped keep the fire from growing larger, and all occupants were able to escape safely. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters remained on scene for approximately two hours to ensure the fire was fully contained and completely extinguished.

While Lebanon Fire District crews were committed to this incident, Albany Fire Department provided district coverage with an engine and medic unit.

Lebanon Fire District reminds the public to check smoke alarms at least every six months and ensure they are working properly. Early detection and quick reporting can save lives and limit damage.

BEGINNING OF THE YEAR SCAMS
 

The start of the new year brings new and old scams alike. Be on the lookout for scams which often come through emails, texts, and phone calls aimed at tricking you into disclosing personal and financial information. Common scams may also threaten you with late fees, missed jury duty, or other penalties which “require” you to pay immediately or in untraditional payment types such as gift cards, BitCoin, money orders, and others. Here are some things to keep in mind throughout the year.

Protect Yourself Throughout the Year
Although some scams target specific events and deadlines, such as tax season or open enrollment, scams happen throughout the year. Scammers are creative and resourceful; they will try to convince you they are with a legitimate agency. They will sometimes create a fake, professional-looking profile or a website that looks very similar to the organization’s actual page. Scammers may try to use your emotions against you, such as pretending to be a family member in jail or threaten legal consequences if you do not pay immediately. When in doubt, hang up without providing personal or payment information and contact the real organization to verify the request is really coming from their office.

Some things you can do to protect yourself and loved ones from scams:

• Confirm an agency is legitimate (and the contact is really with the agency) before sending sensitive information or payment. Do not click on links or call phone numbers sent to you in suspicious communications. Instead, look up the agency’s contact information by searching online or in a phone book.
• When you set up an account with an agency (bank, utilities, healthcare, etc.) bookmark their website and save their office number. This will make it easy to follow up with them if you receive a call, text, email, or letter requesting payment or sensitive information.
• Be wary of social media comments. Do not click on links from other users or share sensitive information with them.
• Help your friends and family members recognize scams and suspicious communications.
• Remember, in general agencies such as law enforcement, healthcare, and financial institutes will not ask you for your account login and password information.
• Remember what agencies will contact you about.
• Our office will not call you regarding federal jury duty, local jury duty, etc.
  • We will not ask for payment over the phone.
  • Our office and other government agencies will not ask you to pay fines or fees with gift cards, money orders, bitcoin, etc.
  • Our office will not try to sell you merchandise or swag over social media through third party comments. Bookmark our pages below to know which pages are official.

How do I know if information is really from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office or not?

• It comes directly from one of our Facebook accounts, not a third party comment: Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon or Lincoln County Animal Shelter or Lincoln County Oregon Emergency Management
   
• It is on our official website: www.co.lincoln.or.us/sheriff
   
• Our staff can verify the information is true. Give us a call at 541-265-4277 if you have questions about a service or need to connect with someone in our Office.

More Information and Resources

• For more information on phishing (suspicious emails) and identity theft, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.
• For information on preventing or handling the aftermath of identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission Web sites at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft and www.OnGuardOnline.gov.
• Report Fraud - Federal Trade Commission: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov./#/
• Report Scams and Fraud - Oregon Department of Justice: https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/sales-scams-fraud/report-scams-fraud/
• Internet Crime Compliant Center - FBI: https://www.ic3.gov/

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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Lincoln County, Ore. - Lincoln County is requesting the public’s help to assess damage in the county from the December Winter Storm. We are looking for individual property owners and businesses who sustained storm damage from wind, flooding or slides this month.

Oregon Office of Emergency Management has set up a Survey 123 link to assist with collecting damage data. This data will help determine the scale and scope of the impacts. This information is critical in determining what resources the state has available to assist and/or determine if the state has met the criteria to request Individual Assistance (homes and businesses) and/or Public Assistance (public infrastructure).

Please note that sharing this data is not a guarantee that public assistance will become available. Please email gencymanagement@co.lincoln.or.us">lcemergencymanagement@co.lincoln.or.us if you have any questions.

Public Individual Assistance Collection Survey: https://arcg.is/1zTW891

Public Business Impacts Collection Survey: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dbfa37426a0e46cb9f312823b85f90f2  

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports today, January 6, 2026 at 12:44 p.m., Linn County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the Albany Police Department at 2600 Pacific Blvd to investigate a male with a gunshot wound. Albany Police Department employees discovered a male slumped over near their building and requested assistance due to an unrelated high priority call demanding significant staffing needs.

Deputies arrived on scene and took over the investigation from the initial responding Albany Police Department Officers. Deputies located a male sitting against the building with a single self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies continue to investigate the incident, locate associates and family, and follow up on information. For this reason, the name of the deceased will not be released at this time.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Albany Police Department, Linn County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Albany Fire Department.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) are investigating a suspected impaired driving crash that resulted in a vehicle going down an embankment and becoming partially submerged in a creek.

This investigation began just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026, when the City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received a crash notification from a person’s cellphone near Southeast Troutdale Road and Southeast Division Drive in Troutdale.

The phone line remained open, but no one on the other end responded. Emergency dispatchers used GPS technology to map the location of the phone, which showed the phone and vehicle off the road.

MCSO deputies responded and located a vehicle down an approximately 20-foot embankment. They could hear the driver, later identified as Fred Jimenez, yelling for help.

Jimenez told deputies he had only sustained minor injuries but could not climb out.

Based on the preliminary investigation, Jimenez lost control of his car as he traveled through the intersection. The car landed on its roof, partially submerged in a creek.

The Gresham Fire Department responded and conducted a high-angle rope rescue to get Jimenez from the car and up the embankment.

Paramedics took him to the hospital for treatment.

Deputies have issued Jimenez a criminal citation for driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII).

Due to the potential environmental hazard, deputies asked a tow truck respond and had the car removed from the creek.

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

MCSO thanks the Gresham Fire Department for their assistance with this case.

No further information is available for release at this time.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  Contact: Jason Malloy

                                                                                                 541-574-3348

Incident: Introducing MyPD Connect: Easily report crimes online.

Location: City of Newport

Date/Time: January 6, 2026 / 8:00am

Today, Newport Police Department proudly announces the launch of MyPDConnect, a cutting-edge online reporting platform designed to allow you to report low-level crimes online right from your phone, tablet or desktop!

MyPDConnect empowers victims of crime to quickly and easily report crimes directly to local law enforcement without having to wait for an officer response or spend unnecessary time calling dispatch.

Key Features of MyPDConnect:

•Report Crime Easily: Report low-level crimes such as Damaged Property, Theft, Graffiti, Shoplifting and other crimes right from your mobile device, tablet or desktop.  A robust list of accepted online report types exist on the website.

•Upload Unlimited Pictures, Videos and Documents: An unlimited number of pictures, videos and documents can be uploaded with each report to easily provide information to law enforcement.

•Multi-Language Support: Submit the report one of the available languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, Korean and Chinese. Additional languages available!

•Instant Notification: Receive text and e-mail updates when your report has been processed and completed.

The Newport Police Department is eager to provide additional ways for the community to connect easily with our department to report crime and receive faster service.

You may visit https://newportpd.mypdconnect.com/index.html?lang=en to report a crime at any time.

Information Released By: Lieutenant Gainer, 541-574-3348

UPDATE: Major Crime Team Investigation – No Ongoing Threat to the Public

Location: Newport  

Date: 01/04/2026

Details:

The Lincoln County Major Crime Team continues to investigate the incident that occurred on Friday, January 2, 2026, at approximately 12:56 a.m. in the 1500 block of NW Grove Street.

As previously reported, Newport Police Officers responded to a disturbance and discovered one adult male deceased from a gunshot wound and another adult male suffering from multiple stab wounds. The investigation determined that 42-year-old Matthew Wonser of Newport was shot by the resident of the home after Wonser continued to stab 33-year-old Shawn Knuckey, also of Newport, on the resident’s front porch. Wonser died at the scene from a single gunshot wound.

Knuckey was transported by air ambulance to a Portland-area hospital, where he remains in critical condition after sustaining numerous stab wounds. Investigators determined that Wonser and Knuckey were not known to one another and that the attack on Knuckey appeared to be random.

During the investigation, identification belonging to 58-year-old Newport resident Robert Peddycoart was found in Wonser’s possession. Investigators conducted a welfare check at a nearby motel where Peddycoart had been staying. After receiving no response, officers entered the room under the Community Caretaking Doctrine and located Peddycoart deceased. Following the issuance of a search warrant, investigators determined that Peddycoart had also been the victim of multiple stab wounds. Wonser and Peddycoart were known acquaintances.

At this time, investigators do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the community related to this incident. The events appear to be isolated, and there are no outstanding suspects.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Upon completion, the case will be forwarded to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office for review and determination of any potential charging decisions. No arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed at this time

The Lincoln County Major Crime Team is comprised of detectives from the Newport Police Department, Lincoln City Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s office. The investigation has been further supported by the Oregon State Police Crime Lab.

Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding the case, please contact Sgt. Mike Leake of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.

Information Released By: Sgt Leake, 541-574-3348

Incident: Citizen shoots subject actively stabbing another

Location: Newport  

Date/Time: 01/02/2026 @12:56 am

Details: On Friday January 2^nd, 2026, at 12:56 AM, Newport Police Officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of NW Grove Street on the report of someone pounding on the door of a residence. When the resident went to the door, they observed a male actively stabbing another male. The resident went back inside, retrieved a handgun and 911 was called. The resident attempted to get the male to stop stabbing the subject, but the male continued to stab the other male and the resident ultimately shot the man who was stabbing the other, and that man died on scene. The stabbing victim was transported to the Hospital and is in a Portland area hospital in critical condition.  

Officers and Deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office arrived and began an investigation, which led to the discovery of another deceased male in the 1800 block of North Coast Highway. The second male was also stabbed.

The Lincoln County Major Crime Team was activated and are currently investigating. There is no further danger to the public.

The Lincoln County Major Crime Team is comprised of detectives from the Newport Police Department, Lincoln City Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police.  

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding the case, please contact Sgt. Mike Leake of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.

Information Released By: Sgt Leake, 541-574-3348

The Oregon City Police Department has received reports of a cougar sighting in the middle of town, near Singer Creek Park. The cougar has been captured on residential video surveillance on Latourette St. multiple times within the last 24 hours. The neighborhood is located off Molalla Avenue and Pleasant Avenue, backing up to Singer Creek Park, which is primarily accessible via Linn Avenue.

Please report any cougar sightings to the Oregon City Police Department via CCOM non-emergency at 503-655-8211. OCPD is collaborating with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to provide information for community safety.

If you are a firsthand in-person witness to the cougar in this area, please call ODFW at 971-673-6000 for documentation. At this time, there will be no attempts to proactively locate the animal. Please be cautious with pets and any outdoor food storage containers that could be attracting the animal.

UPDATE: News release updated to reflect the passenger of Dodge, Randy Laverne Samples of Bend, was declared deceased at the scene. The vehicle operator, Roland Lea Buckman, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. 

Klamath County, Ore. (Jan. 5, 2026)- On Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 10:07 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 31, near milepost 12, in Klamath County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Dodge Ram 1500, Roland Lea Buckman (56) of Bend, passed another vehicle in a passing lane before losing control and sliding off the roadway. The Dodge's driver's side tires caught in the ditch and the vehicle rolled before going airborne and coming to rest in a tree.

A passenger in the Dodge, Randy Laverne Samples (62) of Bend, was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Dodge (Buckman) suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. Roadway conditions and speed are considered primary factors in the crash.

OSP was assisted by 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.

Harney County, Ore. (Jan. 5, 2026)- On Wednesday, December 31, 2026, at 5:37 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 20, near milepost 84, in Harney County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Honda Accord, operated by Christopher Emanuel Cortez Morales (25) of Terrebonne, lost control and entered the eastbound lane where it clipped an eastbound Audi A6, operated by Jennifer Tiffany Carey (53) of Bend. The collision caused the Honda to roll and eject the operator.

The operator of the Honda (Morales) was not wearing a seatbelt and was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Audi (Carey) was reportedly uninjured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 1.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. Operator impairment is being considered as a primary factor of the the crash.

OSP was assisted by 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.

UPDATE: An additional photo is available for media use, showing the car that was recovered.

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Thanks to continued work on the case, an arrest has been made in a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed a Tigard woman more than two years ago.

Maria Negrete, 45, was hit by a car on SW Hall Boulevard just north of Pfaffle Street on the evening of September 18, 2023. She was rushed to the hospital and died two days later. The driver who hit her never stopped.

In the weeks and months that followed, investigators continued to follow up on leads, but key pieces of information remained missing.

Roughly a year later, in October 2024, a substantial tip came in that led investigators to the car that was involved. The car was missing its windshield and had damage consistent with the crash. A search warrant was served, and investigators impounded the car to look for and process additional evidence.

While tests were being done, a second substantial tip was received in April 2025 that corroborated evidence about who was driving the car at the time of the deadly crash. Investigators continued to conduct interviews and gather information, and trace evidence was sent to the Oregon State Crime lab. In December 2025, investigators were notified that the examination of trace evidence confirmed a link between Ms. Negrete and the car that hit her.

On December 30, 2025, a Washington County Grand Jury heard the evidence in the case. They indicted Ashley Wolff, age 37 of Tigard, as the driver who hit and killed Ms. Negrete. Ms. Wolff was arrested on December 31, 2025, on one count of failing to perform the duties of a driver to an injured person.

“I am thankful for the people who came forward with critical information in this case,” said Detective Kaci Mace, who led the investigation. “Without their help and the determination of our partners at the crime lab and the District Attorney’s office, we may not have been able to provide answers for Ms. Negrete’s family.”

The original news releases from 2023 are available here and here.

(Media partners: Detective Mace is available for interviews at 2:45pm today. Please contact the PIO to RSVP.)

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At approximately 9:00 p.m. last night, Vancouver Fire was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 4305 SE 167th Lane.

Crews arrived on scene to find heavy fire conditions. Firefighters quickly applied water from the exterior while performing forcible entry to gain access to the home and initiate interior fire attack. The fire was brought under control within approximately 20 minutes.

A total of seven fire units responded, with approximately 25 fire personnel on scene. No injuries were reported; however, the residents were displaced as a result of the fire.

Following extinguishment, Vancouver Fire crews worked diligently to salvage and protect many of the homeowner’s personal collectibles. Vancouver Fire would like to thank Camas-Washougal Fire Department for providing an engine company to assist, and the Vancouver Police Department for traffic control and scene safety.The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office.

Vancouver Fire reminds the community that working smoke alarms save lives. Residents are encouraged to ensure smoke alarms are properly installed and maintained in their homes.

Update

Today, the susepct in this shooting self-surrendered at the Vancouver Police Department West Precinct. 

Jared D. Taylor, 28 years old, was arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail for Murder II and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. 

The investigation is continuing and nothing additional is being released at this time. 

Vancouver, Wash. – On January 3 at around 12:50 a.m., Vancouver Police responded to the Off-Ramp Sports Bar at 400 NE 112^th Avenue for the report of a shooting. According to witnesses, two males got into an argument, went outside and shortly after, patrons heard gunshots. The suspect fled the scene. When police arrived, they located a 43-year-old male deceased in the parking lot.

The Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit is investigating. There is not believed to be a threat to the public.

Nothing additional is being released at this time.

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On December 28, 2025, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) was involved in a shooting while contacting a male with a firearm outside a residence in the 13200 Block of NE 46^th St. Two Vancouver Police Officers discharged their duty weapons. One Vancouver Police Officer witnessed the incident. The involved officers were placed on Critical Incident Leave, per standard protocol. All responding Vancouver Police Officers were wearing body-worn cameras (BWC).
 

Following an officer-involved shooting involving the Vancouver Police Department, the department will release a Critical Incident Video, which includes portions of video captured from department cameras. The release of these videos is at the discretion of the Chief of Police and is separate from the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII), who is investigating the shooting.
 

The Vancouver Police Department is not involved in the shooting investigation. VPD will conduct an administrative investigation/review after the OII team has concluded their investigation.
 

The Critical Incident Video can be viewed on the Vancouver Police Department website: Critical Incident Videos -The City of Vancouver, WA
 

The Vancouver Police Department will not be commenting on the investigation or the content in the Critical Incident Video. Release of the video is to provide some visual context of the incident as the Vancouver Police Department understands the events to have occurred, according to the video and incident information.
 

The Vancouver Police Department values the sanctity of human life and the dignity of all persons, and any loss of life is tragic.
 

Please be aware the video contains graphic images and viewer discretion is strongly advised.

On Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 10:49 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a domestic disturbance at 17191 SW Eldorado Drive in Tigard. Deputies learned one of the parties involved, 37-year-old Jaime Lopez, also had a felony warrant for his arrest and requested additional units to help take him into custody.

The remaining family members exited the home, leaving Lopez alone inside. Lopez refused to come out, and deputies were told he had access to firearms.

The Tactical Negotiations Team (TNT) and Crisis Negotiations Unit (CNU) were requested to assist in getting Lopez to surrender. While the tactical team and negotiators were making efforts to gain compliance from Lopez, he began setting the house on fire from the inside.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) responded to provide support for the residential fire and integrated hose lines with the perimeter units. Lopez continued lighting fires inside the home, which eventually burned him. When Lopez finally came to a window near the front of the home, he was rescued by the TNT and TVF&R. TVF&R extinguished the fire, making sure other neighboring structures were not endangered.

Lopez was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where he is being treated for burns and smoke inhalation. No police or firefighters were injured during this incident.

Lopez remains in police custody at the hospital, and when released, will be charged with the following:

• Arson in the first-degree
• Felony warrant from the Oregon State Parole Board
• Domestic harassment

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be added.

The Sheriff's Office is grateful for the collaborative response from surrounding police departments and the cooperation with TVF&R and AMR. 

On Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 7:48 p.m., multiple Sheriff’s Office deputies and officers from Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Forest Grove Police Departments responded to an attempted kidnapping at the Cornelius Walmart at 220 N Adair Street. The caller reported that a man attempted to take their child from their stroller inside the store and was armed with a knife.  

The father stopped the man from grabbing the child out of the stroller, but was injured during the confrontation. As they struggled, the attacker pulled a knife from a pocket, but fortunately dropped it.

Before deputies arrived, they learned that the suspect had run from the scene and left in a white Jeep. A witness provided the vehicle's license plate number, and responding officers began searching for the vehicle. The suspect was identified as the vehicle’s registered owner, 37-year-old Denis Villalobos of Cornelius.

Villalobos was located a short distance from the Cornelius Walmart and arrested by a Forest Grove Officer. Deputies lodged Villalobos in the Washington County Jail.

On December 29th, 2025, a Washington County Grand Jury heard evidence supporting the investigation and issued an indictment for the following charges:

• Attempted kidnapping in the second degree
• Assault in the second degree
• Assault in the fourth degree
• Unlawful use of a weapon
• Menacing

If you witnessed this incident and have not spoken to deputies, please contact the Cornelius Police Department through non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111, referencing case number 57-25-1325. 

On December 29, 2025, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation after an adult reported being sexually assaulted. The suspect, 36-year-old Andrew Dwayne Graham, met the victim on a dating application and sexually assaulted the person in Portland and near Metzger Park.

Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit learned Graham was trying to meet up with the victim again. Detectives were able to message Graham on an undercover phone number, leading him to believe he was still talking to his victim. During those chats, Graham expressed interest in meeting a child to pay for sex. He also offered to bring alcohol and marijuana for the group.

On December 31, 2025, Graham drove to Metzger Park, believing he was going to pick up the original adult victim and the child to take them to an area hotel. Instead, Graham was arrested by the Washington County Tactical Negotiations Team (SWAT) and turned over to detectives. Graham was arrested with more than $750 in cash, condoms, alcohol, and marijuana.

Detectives booked Graham into the Washington County Jail on the following charges:

• Sodomy in the first degree
• Felony strangulation
• Commercial sexual solicitation
• Online sexual corruption of a child in the first degree
• Attempted compelling prostitution

Additional charges will be added as the investigation continues, and Graham is being held without bail pending the state’s request for preventative detention.

At the time of his arrest, Graham was living in Ridgefield, Washington, and has prior addresses in Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Idaho, and Florida. Graham is from Jamaica and may have used the false name “Michael.”

Based on the investigation, detectives believe there may be other victims and would like to speak with anyone who has additional information. Please call 503-846-2500 and reference case 50-25-18221 to speak with detectives.

Graham’s booking photo is being released to help identify additional criminal activity, in accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273.

On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at just before midnight, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of four people breaking into parked cars near the 17000 block of NW Countryridge Drive in Portland. Before deputies arrived, the suspects left in a dark-colored sedan.

As deputies arrived in the area to search for the suspects, they encountered the dark-colored sedan. The driver of the sedan began trying to elude and accelerated southbound down NW Bethany Blvd, before crashing near NW Bronson Road.

Deputies arrived at the crash and saw four people running from the vehicle. Three were quickly apprehended and determined to be juveniles. The fourth continued running and was later located with the help of a Sheriff’s Office K9 (Puddles) and a caller who saw the subject hiding in their yard on a cellphone.

The fourth suspect, 18-year-old Jayden Collins of Portland, was identified as the driver and subsequently arrested. Deputies discovered that Collins was on the cellphone, calling the owner of the crashed vehicle and trying to convince them to falsely report it stolen.

Collins was taken to the Washington County Jail for the following:

• Attempting to elude in a vehicle
• Attempting to elude on foot
• Reckless driving
• Criminal conspiracy
• Criminal trespass in the second degree

Deputies anticipate theft victims have yet to come forward. If your vehicle was illegally entered near the area of 17000 NW Countryridge Drive, or if you have video of the suspects, we would like to hear from you. Please contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 referencing case number 50-25-18322. 

Woodburn, OR: On Sunday, January 4, 2026, at approximately 2:22 p.m., Woodburn Police officers responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash near the intersection of Mt. Hood Avenue and Park Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers located a 49-year-old female, Maria Mejia-Romero of Woodburn, who had sustained critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle. The preliminary investigation indicates the pedestrian was crossing Mt. Hood Avenue in an area not designated as a marked crosswalk. Witness statements reported the driver was making a right-hand turn onto Mt. Hood Avenue at the time of the collision.

Medical personnel responded to the scene and transported the victim to Salem Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.

The involved vehicle, a 2007 Ford F-150, was driven by a 16-year-old Woodburn resident. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. Preliminary information indicates the crash appears to have been accidental in nature, and no criminal charges or citations are expected at this time.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information is encouraged to contact the Woodburn Police Department at (503) 982-2345 and reference Case #26-137.

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January 4, 2025-REDMOND, OR- At approximately 7pm this evening Redmond Fire & Rescue was altered to a possible structure fire at 830 NW Teak Ave. Multiple 911 callers advised of a fire in the garage with fire extending to the house. 

Fire crews arrived on scene of a single family residence with heavy fire coming from the garage and fire beginning to extend into the main residence. 

It was confirmed that all residents had escaped the residence along with all pets. Fire crews quickly worked to extinguish the fire keeping the fire contained to the garage. There were no reported injuries to the residents or firefighters.

Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be the ignition of gasoline vapors from a nearby operating propane heater.  Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind you, anytime you are working with flammable liquids to ensure that all ignition sources are completely out. 

Salem, OR – January 2, 2026 – On October 23, 2025, the Cherriots Board of Directors approved the donation of three retired buses to the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), helping support training for Oregon’s next generation of public safety professionals. On December 30, 2025, the buses were delivered to DPSST headquarters at the Oregon Public Safety Academy on Aumsville Highway in Salem.

DPSST is the State’s training and certification agency for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other public safety personnel. Each year, the agency trains approximately 1,500 basic police, corrections, and parole and probation students at the academy. The donated 2008 Gillig buses will be used as stationary training props for a wide range of exercises, including de-escalation, communication, and confined-space scenarios.

“These buses have served our riders and community for many years,” said Tom Dietz, Cherriots Chief Operations Officer. “By donating them to DPSST, we’re giving them a new role in service to public safety and supporting the training of officers and first responders who protect our communities every day.”

DPSST currently uses a collection of retired transit and school buses as part of its hands-on training facilities. The donated Cherriots buses will replace older props that have reached the end of their useful life. While these vehicles will no longer be driven, they play a vital role in helping trainees gain realistic, situational experience before entering the field.

“These buses provide realistic environments that add valuable context to scenario-based training exercises,” said DPSST Director Phil Castle. “We are grateful for Cherriots support of DPSST and Oregon’s public safety professionals.”

“This is a great example of how local and state agencies can work together to benefit Oregonians,” said Maria Hinojos Pressey, Cherriots Board President. “We’re proud that these vehicles will continue to make a difference by helping prepare Oregon’s public safety professionals.”

The Federal Transit Administration approved the donation in lieu of scrapping the vehicles, which would have otherwise been sold at auction for a nominal amount.

SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet at 2 p.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.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Review annual board governance performance evaluation
• Review updated new board member orientation packet
• Work on agenda development document
• Plan for future meetings

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov.

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

Households in nine additional Oregon counties — Baker, Crook, Deschutes, Jackson, Josephine, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla and Wasco — now have more time to report lost or spoiled food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to recent storms and power outages.

If you live in one of these counties and lost food bought with SNAP benefits because of recent storms or power outages, you may be eligible for replacement benefits. 

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has extended the reporting deadline to 30 days for people whose food was lost or spoiled due to power outages that occurred on 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:

• Baker

• Benton

• Clackamas

• Clatsop

• Columbia

• Coos

• Crook

• Deschutes

• Douglas

• Hood River

• Jackson

• Jefferson

• Josephine

• Klamath

• Lane

• Lincoln

• Linn

• Malheur

• Marion

• Morrow

• Multnomah

• Polk

• Tillamook

• Umatilla

• Wallowa

• Wasco

• 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

REMINDER: Virtual media availability today on West Coast Health Alliance decision to continue endorsing AAP-recommended immunization schedule 

Editors: Dr. Sidelinger will be available to answer questions about the WCHA’s statement during a virtual media availability at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6. Reporters can join the Zoom call at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1613203232?pwd=fE7eEbtMQ264uQOVMVgUunF0EgKsII.1; members of the public can view the livestream on OHA’s YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/live/u_Vv_BcO70A.

January 5, 2026

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

OHA statement: West Coast Health Alliance continues to endorse AAP-recommended child, adolescent immunization schedules

• What you need to know: 

  • CDC’s Jan. 5 decision to revise the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule did not follow established procedure.

  • The West Coast Health Alliance continues to recommend vaccination in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics-recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.

  • The Alliance will continue to review available vaccine science and ensure continued access to recommended vaccines.

PORTLAND, Ore.— On Jan. 5, 2026, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) signed a decision memorandum to revise the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and significantly reduce the number of vaccinations routinely recommended for all U.S. children. This decision did not follow established procedure for vaccine policy recommendations and threatens an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases in children nationwide. Children getting sick from the diseases prevented by recommended immunizations leads to missed school for children, missed work for parents, and even hospitalization and death in some children.  

The current American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule is based on established vaccine safety and effectiveness evidence. AAP recommendations consider:  

• When children are most vulnerable to diseases;  
• When vaccines work best with children’s immune systems;  
• The safety of vaccinations being recommended;  
• The risk of diseases in the United States;  
• Our current access to health care and immunizations; and 
• Cost effectiveness of implementing national recommendations for a particular vaccination.  

While the first three concerns are similar across countries, the last three concerns may differ considerably between countries. The AAP-recommended immunization schedule serves as a starting point for discussions between families and their providers, as it always has. Parents should continue to make informed decisions about the vaccines that their children receive based on discussions with their child’s health care provider.  

Prior to 2025, AAP had endorsed the CDC recommendations, based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which followed a rigorous review of data on risk of disease and safety of vaccination in the United States. Changes in the newly released recommended immunization schedule are not based on changes in vaccine safety and effectiveness data. The changes were based on a comparison of the number of routine vaccinations recommended in the United States versus select other countries. It did not consider the different conditions in each country. These changes were also not vetted by experts from medical and public health organizations, health care providers, or the public before they were published.  

We do not expect these changes to affect insurer coverage for vaccines for this plan year. All child and adolescent immunizations recommended as of Dec. 31, 2025, will remain available and covered by public and private insurers however the changes create confusion and will put more children at risk of preventable diseases.   

The West Coast Health Alliance will continue to review available vaccine science and ensure continued access to recommended vaccines. Each state is examining the impact of these federal changes on vaccine access in our respective states. WCHA and AAP continue to support these longstanding recommendations including informed parental decisions for the best protection of their children. 

West Coast Health Alliance

The West Coast Health Alliance was formed to ensure that public health recommendations are guided by science, effectiveness and safety at a time when CDC leadership changes, reduced transparency and the compromise of key advisory panels have called into question the federal government’s capacity to address the nation’s public health challenges.

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December 31, 2025

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

Six tips to support 2026 health and well-being goals

PORTLAND, Ore. - Making New Year’s resolutions or setting goals for 2026? Oregon Health Authority is here to help with six quick ideas.   Whether choosing to get vaccinated against respiratory diseases or quitting tobacco, the decisions you make about your health affect not only longevity and quality of life, but the health of the entire state. When it comes to health, we’re all connected.

Here are six ways to prioritize your health and well-being in 2026:

1. Quit tobacco

Nearly seven in 10 Oregonians who smoke want to quit. If you or someone you know is ready to quit tobacco, free help is available. Contact the Oregon Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or at https://quitnow.net/oregon or in Spanish at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA or online at https://quitnow.net/oregonsp.

2. Get vaccinated for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pertussis

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can be dangerous, particularly for infants, older adults, pregnant people and individuals with chronic medical conditions. Each year, RSV leads to significant numbers of hospitalizations nationwide and Oregon health care systems routinely experience increased strain during RSV season. 

The vaccine for pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is called DTaP, and it’s a combination of vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. For pertussis, talk to your health care provider about vaccination, which is required in Oregon for children and adolescents and recommended for adults.

3. Get vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19

It’s still important to take precautions against influenza and COVID-19 — common respiratory viruses that can cause mild to severe illness. The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, while the seasonal COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for children under 2 years, adults over 64 years, and anyone 2-64 years at increased risk for severe illness such as people with underlying medical conditions and those who live in congregate facilities. Both vaccines are widely available through pharmacies and health providers.

4. Eat better

Shared and family meals not only improve nutrition but also build stronger family bonds and emotional health. CDC offers ideas for having healthier meals and snacks, and tips for healthy eating to maintain a healthy weight.

5. Rethink the drink

Raising awareness of the effects of excessive alcohol use across Oregon and giving people tools to start conversations about alcohol’s role in their lives - including during the holiday are goals of OHA’s Rethink the Drink initiative. RTD resources can help people cut back on their drinking or reduce the impact that excessive drinking has in their communities.

6. Reach out for help when you need it

In Oregon, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The easy-to-remember 988 number is available for people experiencing any type of mental health challenge, substance use crisis or thoughts of suicide or self-harm.  Anyone who needs support can call, text or chat in English and Spanish (interpretation services and American Sign Language are also available) and connect with trained crisis counselors. The 988 Lifeline is also a resource for friends and families concerned about a loved one.

Online resources from Sources on Strength - Sources of Strength has two online resource packets. The first is Resources for Practicing Strength at Home, and the second is a shorter version that also offers a wellness plan. Any resource in these packets can be used in classrooms, staff meetings, in individual or group counseling, or to practice strength wherever you are.

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The previous version of this press release contained an error in one of the links. Please refer to this release for the correct link.

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public feedback on proposed rules governing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) takeoff and landing in Oregon’s state parks and along the ocean shore.

The proposed rules establish where and how UAS may take off and land on state park property, to balance recreational opportunities with protection of natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources.

Public comments on the proposed rule changes will be accepted beginning January 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and can be submitted:

• Online:
  • https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2025-Drones-Take-off-and-Landing.aspx
• By email:
  • D.PublicComment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.PublicComment@oprd.oregon.gov
• By mail:
  • Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
    Attn: Robert Ellison
    725 Summer St. NE, Suite C
    Salem, OR 97301

A public hearing will be held to allow members of the public to provide testimony.

• Virtual hearing
  January 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X3ChSlJkTE-Y3FRh3WIy-Q

The draft rules focus on regulating takeoff and landing locations, which are within the department’s authority, while recognizing that UAS flight is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Under the proposal, UAS use would generally be limited to designated areas for drone operations, with additional requirements for commercial or research purposes.

The proposed rules were developed in response to Senate Bill 109 (2021), which directed OPRD to create a regulatory framework that provides recreational UAS access while protecting sensitive park resources and minimizing conflicts with other visitors.

OPRD convened a Rule Advisory Committee made up of recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists, commercial operators and other stakeholders. The committee reviewed draft rules and provided recommendations that helped shape the proposal now open for public comment.

Once the public comment period closes, OPRD staff will review all feedback, revise the draft rules as appropriate, and present a final proposal to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration later in 2026.

If adopted, the rules would be implemented in phases, allowing the department to adapt management strategies over time, based on resource conditions, visitor use and operational experience.

###

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has approved new rules and interim actions designed to continue expanding protections for residential utility customers, especially those facing financial hardship, medical needs, or severe weather conditions. These changes apply to customers served by Oregon’s investor-owned utilities, including Avista, Cascade Natural Gas, Idaho Power, NW Natural, PacifiCorp, and Portland General Electric (PGE).

The new and updated rules are aimed at making utility services safer, more affordable, and easier to access. They also expand protections during emergencies, such as extreme weather, air quality, and wildfire evacuations, and help prevent unnecessary disconnections.

Below is a list of key customer protection expansions as a result of new and updated rules.

• Easier access to utility service – Utilities will now accept additional forms of identification to initiate service.
• Lower reconnection costs – No reconnection fees when utilities can do so remotely or for income-qualified customers and those with medical certificates at any time. Additionally, no reconnection fee or outstanding balance payment required for income qualified or medical certificate holders seeking reconnection after a wildfire evacuation or severe weather event.
• More time to pay past-due bills – Customers seeking reconnection now have up to six billing cycles to catch up on overdue utility balances, expanding on the previous two billing cycles.
• Stronger weather-related shutoff protections – Disconnections will be paused during and for 48 hours after a severe weather event for all residential customers.
• Clearer Information about customer protections – Utilities will offer simple explanations of available protections in bill inserts, online, and through community action agencies and customer service teams.

In addition to the new and updated rules, the PUC also approved additional temporary measures following growing concern about energy insecurity and the need for stronger customer protections from Oregon legislators, energy justice advocates, and PUC staff, in light of federal policy changes and ongoing uncertainty.  

The approved temporary actions directing Avista, Cascade Natural Gas, Idaho Power, NW Natural, PacifiCorp, and PGE to:

• Temporarily submit monthly reports that will regularly track and monitor energy burden metrics for residential customers.
• Provide the option for 24-month Time Payment Arrangements for customers with overdue balances on their utility bills who request additional flexibility through at least May 1, 2026.
• Provide a minimum 30-day pause on disconnections for customers who self-report economic hardship through March 1, 2026.

Additionally, Idaho Power, PacifiCorp and PGE are directed to:

• Implement a temporary disconnection moratorium for bill discount program participants and customers with medical certificates through March 1, 2026, with no late fees assessed during this time.
• Provide a one-time arrearage forgiveness grant of up to $500 for eligible low-income customers, automatically applied to past-due balances on March 2026 bills.

“These rules and temporary measures reflect months of collaboration among utilities, community organizations and advocates, and PUC staff,” said PUC Chair Letha Tawney. “They provide some of the strongest customer protections in the country and are critical steps to protect our most vulnerable neighbors by reducing unnecessary disconnections, protecting health and safety during emergencies, and supporting low-income households.”

For more information about available customer protections, residents are encouraged to contact their electric or natural gas utility service providers directly.

# # #

The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.           

Salem, OR – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved a modest rate decrease for PacifiCorp customers effective January 1, 2026. The reduction is a result of PacifiCorp’s annual forecast for the costs required to purchase power to meet customer demand in the coming year. The updated rates reflect an agreement reached among PUC staff, PacifiCorp, and consumer advocates.

A typical residential customer using 900 kWh is expected to see their monthly bill decrease by $0.96 or 0.7%, resulting in a new average monthly bill of about $153.28. Actual bill impacts will vary based on energy usage and customer type, including single-family or multi-family residential, commercial, or industrial.

The primary drivers for this decrease include PacifiCorp’s forecast of fuel costs, purchased power, and wholesale sales, among other anticipated power cost expenses for 2026 when compared to rates collected in 2025.

“We appreciate the hard work of PUC staff, stakeholders, and PacifiCorp in this case, which resulted in a slight decrease for customers to start 2026,” said Commission Chair Letha Tawney. “Thanks to House Bill 3179, customer rates cannot increase during the winter heating season, helping families manage utility bills when they need it most.”

Additional rate adjustments are expected to take effect April 1, 2026. The PUC will announce those impacts in March.

Resources for Pacific Power Customers
To help manage energy usage and reduce future bills, customer can explore Energy Trust of Oregon’s current incentives and opportunities, including income-qualified offers and learn more about low-cost and no-cost tips.

For information on bill payment assistance, support for past-due balances, utility discount programs, weatherization services, or the Equal Pay Program that spreads energy costs evenly throughout the year, call Pacific Power at 888-221-7070 or visit the company’s website. Customers may also reach out to their local Community Action agency to learn about available assistance programs and how to apply.

Pacific Power serves more than 620,000 customers in Oregon.

# # #

Salem, OR – The State Library Board will meet virtually 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026. This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Jessica Sokoloff at jessica.sokoloff@slo.oregon.gov. See the agenda below.
Questions or concerns can be addressed to Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian at 503-378-4367 or wendy.cornelisen@slo.oregon.gov. Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested 48 hours before the meeting; notice 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in an alternate format 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to Jessica Sokoloff at jessica.sokoloff@slo.oregon.gov.

STATE LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
January 16, 2026
Virtual
Anne-Marie Deitering, Chair
Agenda

9:00 a.m. Approval of the Minutes – October 24, 2025 Meeting Deitering
9:05 Public Comment
9:10 Report of the Board Chair and Members Deitering
9:20 Report of the State Librarian Cornelisen
9:50 Budget Report Cornelisen
10:00 Key Performance Measures Review Cornelisen
10:10 Quarterly Strategic Plan Report Cornelisen
10:20 Quarterly Statistics Cornelisen
10:30 Break
10:45 Government Services Advisory Council Bylaws Bruton
10:50 Advisory Council Membership Nielsen, Robinson
10:55 Tribal Relations Update Nielsen
11:20 Volunteer Update Henderson
11:40 Executive Director Evaluation Process Cornelisen
11:50 Board Logistics Deitering
11:55 Q & A Deitering
Noon Adjournment Deitering

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

NOTE: The times of all agenda items are approximate and subject to change.

The Battle Ground City Council welcomed new and returning members and selected its Mayor and Deputy Mayor during its first meeting of 2026, held on January 5.

Councilmembers who took their ceremonial oaths of office at the meeting include:

• Troy McCoy, re-elected to Position No. 1, serving his second consecutive term in office.
• Jeanie Kuypers, elected to Position No. 4, serving her first elected term in office following her appointment to fill a vacancy in February 2025.
• Aimee Vaile, elected to Position No. 5, serving her first term in office.
• Brian Munson, elected to Position No. 6, serving his second non-consecutive term in office after serving in Position No. 1 from 2018 – 2021.

These members join sitting councilmembers Shane Bowman (Position No. 2), Victoria Ferrer (Position No. 3), and Eric Overholser (Position No. 7).

During the meeting, the council selected Eric Overholser to serve a two-year term as Mayor and Aimee Vaile to serve as Deputy Mayor. In addition to holding the same authority and responsibilities as all councilmembers, the Mayor presides over council meetings and serves as the ceremonial representative of the council. The Deputy Mayor fulfills these duties in the Mayor’s absence.

Battle Ground councilmembers are elected at large by voters to serve four-year terms. The City Council is responsible for the legislative functions of the city, including establishing policy, adopting ordinances, approving budget appropriations, and setting the overall vision for the community.

Under the city’s Council-Manager form of government, the City Council appoints a City Manager to implement council policies, provide professional guidance, and oversee the city’s day-to-day administrative operations.

To learn more about the Battle Ground City Council, visit www.cityofbg.org/council.

(Photo Description:  BG Council Swearing In - Pictured from left to right, Deputy Mayor Aimee Vaile, Councilmembers Troy McCoy, Jeanie Kuypers, and Brian Munson)

Salem, Ore.— On Dec. 30, Salem stopped drawing drinking water from the City of Keizer, closing the connection after taking in about 25 million gallons of water to meet demand from Salem’s water customers since Dec. 23. All drinking water remained safe during this time. 

Salem drew water from Keizer due to recent storms, which limited drinking water production capabilities at the City’s Geren Island Water Treatment Facility. As planned and previously tested, Salem was able to draw water from Keizer, groundwater wells at Geren Island and our Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility. 

Recent storms limited drinking water production capabilities at the City’s Geren Island Water Treatment Facility, resulting in the need for additional water from Keizer, groundwater wells at Geren Island and our Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility. 

This City of Keizer water connection will be opened again in late January 2026 during a planned test of a recently completed pump station at a second connection to Keizer’s water supply. This new connection is one of several resiliency measures authorized by the City Council in July to prepare the Salem water system for a planned deep drawdown of Detroit Lake that will occur in late fall or early winter 2026.

Testing this new connection in January will allow staff to make observations under conditions similar to those we expect to see at the time of the deep drawdown. Your drinking water will remain safe during our connection to Keizer’s reliable groundwater system, though customers (primarily in the West Salem area) may notice a difference in taste. More information will be provided ahead of the testing.

The drawdown of Detroit Reservoir is detailed in a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service in December 2024 as required by the Endangered Species Act. The opinion directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to lower the elevation in Detroit Reservoir to a level not seen since the dam was built over 70 years ago.

The purpose of this deep drawdown is to improve downstream passage of ESA-protected fish. However, the drawdown will also result in high levels of suspended sediments — fine particles of clay, silt and other matter — in the North Santiam River downstream of the dam. High levels of suspended sediment over an extended period of time present a significant risk to the operation of the City’s water treatment plant, which draws water from the North Santiam River at its location on Geren Island.

High levels of suspended sediment in the intake water will require the City to stop using river water at its water treatment plant, possibly for several weeks. During this period, the City will use other water sources to meet the anticipated demand. These alternative sources include existing and new groundwater wells on Geren Island, the Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility in South Salem, and an emergency supply of drinking water through a connection with the City of Keizer. These sources should meet the expected water demand during the drawdown and recovery period in 2026 and the years following.

New measures will not only increase our alternate supply for the drawdown, but also will make our drinking water system more resilient in the face of other disruptions, such as the recent flooding.

Customers should contact Salem Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311 if they have any questions or concerns about their drinking water. For more information about Salem’s Drinking Water, visit https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/household/water-utilities/salem-s-drinking-water.

SEASIDE, Ore. – Dec. 31, 2025 – The City of Seaside Visitors Bureau and Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) have concluded the 2025-2026 grant cycle, awarding a combined $41,800 to support offseason events, public art, and placemaking projects throughout Seaside. Funding requests totaled $69,650 across two grant programs, both designed to strengthen Seaside’s appeal as a year-round destination. The longstanding Destination Events & Programming grants opened on a rolling basis May 2, 2025, and the new Community Arts & Vitality grants program opened Oct. 2, 2025. The application deadline for both grant programs was Dec. 5, 2025.

Destination Events & Programming Grants
Total Awarded: $25,000

This grant program supports events and programs that encourage overnight visitation during Seaside’s fall, winter, and spring seasons. Because grants were awarded on a rolling basis, funding supported a mix of recently held and upcoming events:

• Doxies of PNW Club received $3,750 to support the sixth annual DachSand dachshund beach gathering event held Sept. 5-7, 2025.
   
• Seaside SandFest received $3,000 to support the fourth annual SandFest master-level sand sculpting event held Sept. 11-14, 2025.
   
• Seaside Museum & Historical Society received $2,500 to support the annual Saltmakers Return Lewis & Clark historical event held Sept. 6-7, 2025.
   
• Winter Waters, an event series celebrating seafood with an emphasis on seaweeds, shellfish, and sustainably caught Oregon fin fish, received $3,000 in funding for the February 2026 event series.
   
• Seaside Downtown Development Association received $3,000 to support the annual family-friendly Halloween Happenin’s event held on Oct. 25-26, 2025.
   
• Beach Books received $5,000 to enhance and market to visitors an event celebrating the store’s 20^th anniversary held on Nov. 1, 2025.
   
• Tsunami Skippers Jump Rope Team received $3,750 to bring the Oregon Coast Classic tournament back to Seaside April 24-25, 2026.
   
• North Coast Land Conservancy received $1,000 to support an Indigenous Gathering event at Circle Creek May 1-3, 2026.

“Events are a solid driver of overnight visitation outside the summer season,” said Joshua Heineman, Tourism Marketing Director for the City of Seaside. “This longstanding grant program ensures those offseason events have support to continue thriving in the months where their impact matters most to the community.”

Community Arts & Vitality Grants
Total Awarded: $16,800 (with an additional $8,000 request pending)

This brand-new grant program supports public art, placemaking, and beautification projects that enhance Seaside’s visual landscape and long-term appeal as a tourism destination and coastal community. For the inaugural grant cycle, the TAC awarded the following:

• The Seaside Chamber of Commerce received $6,800 to complete installation of vinyl art wraps on the City’s trash receptacles through the chamber’s Trash Receptacle Art Campaign. In the first phase completed October 2025, 44 receptacles were furnished. This award will fund completion of the remaining 68.
   
• The Seaside Downtown Development Association (SDDA) received $10,000 to support beautification and wayfinding work on the alleyway between the Avenue A public parking garage and Broadway in downtown Seaside. SDDA will work with the Planning Commission and building owners to move forward.

Additionally, the TAC is continuing to consider an $8,000 grant request from the Necanicum Watershed Council for a mural project while site location and permissions are finalized.

“Investing in public art and placemaking shapes how people experience Seaside when they visit and live here,” Heineman said. “We look forward to these first projects and what the future of this grant program will bring to enhance Seaside’s sense of place and support downtown vitality.”

The Seaside Visitors Bureau is a department of the City of Seaside and the official destination marketing/management organization. The Seaside Welcome Center, located at the intersection of Highway 101 and Broadway, also serves as an official State Welcome Center in collaboration with Travel Oregon.

end of release

TUALATIN, OR — The City of Tualatin is excited to announce a new program, "Pennies for Climate Action.” In this program, community members will have the option to pay $0.99 via their utility bill every month to help fund the implementation of our Community Climate Action Plan. The Tualatin Community Climate Action Plan is a roadmap of actions we can take as a community to achieve our citywide goal of net zero emissions by 2050. This new program will serve as one of several dedicated funding sources for achieving this goal and implementing the plan.
 

Adopted in May 2024, the Community Climate Action Plan provides a comprehensive framework to reduce climate pollution and prepare the Tualatin community for the local impacts of climate change that we have already begun to experience, like extreme heat and more intense winter storms. “This plan provides a road map for how the community can address the current and future impacts of climate change in Tualatin,” said Tualatin Mayor Frank Bubenik. “The actions included in the plan will help ensure that our community is a healthy, resilient, and thriving place to live now and for generations to come.”
 

Pennies for Climate Action will launch with the January 2026 utility bill. If you do not wish to participate in this program, you can opt out on the City’s website.

For more information, visit www.tualatinoregon.gov.

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. Two Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in each of the 50 liters sampled on December 30 and December 31, 2025. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run drinking water source on December 29, 2025.

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

Drivers advised to use detour for east and westbound travel on NE Bryant St.

PORTLAND, OR – Portland Water Bureau crews have closed NE Bryant Street between NE 18th and 22nd avenues to traffic after responding to a broken water main (pipe). The repair process revealed that the structural integrity of the street is undermined, and the street remains closed pending further restoration.

Crews responded to the scene quickly and worked over 10 hours without breaks to repair the water main. Work to repair the water main wrapped late Sunday night, ending flooding on the street. More work is needed to repair the resulting street damage, and the scope of work is being evaluated.

The City is advising drivers to avoid the area. Bryant Street is closed to traffic in both directions between NE 18th and NE 22nd avenues, with a flagger directing traffic.  

Drivers should use caution while driving in the area. Keep your distance from crews, give flaggers plenty of space, and slow down when traveling through work zones.

Limited water service impacts

Water service is no longer impacted. Crews contacted the 30 homes affected by the initial break prior to initiating the repair. If you have yellow or brown water at your tap and are impacted by a discolored water event, the Water Bureau is here to help. Report discolored water to the Water Quality Line. 

About the break
Crews responded to a vertical break in an 8-inch water main that was originally installed in 1951. Work to fix the break proceeded quickly, but when crews began to refill earth excavated to access the main, they detected significant undermining of the street. There are currently several sinkholes along that section of Bryant Street. We are still investigating the cause of the compromised street integrity.

We are working to assess next steps to fully repair the street. The soil condition in the area could complicate the repair.

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.

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

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 December 26 to December 29, 2025, two Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in the 50 liters collected on December 28 and one oocyst was detected in the sample collected on December 29. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the samples collected on December 26 or December 27. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run drinking water source on December 9, 2025.

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

State of Oregon v. Tyler Holman

Marion County: 25CR06138

Salem, OR – January 5, 2026 - Today, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Jodie Bureta, accepted a change of plea in State v. Tyler Holman.  Holman (age 40) pled guilty to one count of Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm. The remainder of his charges will be dismissed in exchange for his guilty plea. 

Holman was arrested on January 30, 2025, for the shooting death of Ashley Jean Gandalfi.   Her body was discovered when Holman- while driving Gandalfi's car in Polk Co., Oregon, while intoxicated- crashed in the early morning hours. Gandalfi's body was discoverd at the scene of the crash.  An autopsy later determined her death was not related to the traffic accident. 

In Oregon, Murder in the Second Degree is a life sentence, with a 25-year mandatory minimum sentence prior to parole eligibility. 

The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. 

Sentencing is set to occur on Monday, January 14 at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Bureta.  No further information will be released at this time.

About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for seeking justice through promoting accountability for criminal offenders; interpreting, enforcing, and executing law; responding to the concerns of victims and the public; and working cooperatively with members of the justice system.

###

Public’s Help Sought to Locate Wanted Subject     -UPDATE Angelina Minor turned herself in and is now in the Multnomah County Jail. Thanks to all who spread the word.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is asking for the public’s help to locate a defendant with a felony warrant. 29-year-old Angelina Latisha Minor has a felony warrant for Manslaughter in the First Degree in connection with a March 2024 traffic crash where Minor is alleged to have been driving under the influence of intoxicants and killed her 4-year-old son in the crash. Minor violated her supervised release, which has resulted in the court issuing a warrant for her arrest. Minor’s last known address was in North Portland.

Anyone seeing Minor should call 9-1-1.

                                                                            ###MCDA###

Public’s Help Sought to Locate Wanted Subject

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is asking for the public’s help to locate a defendant with a felony warrant. 29-year-old Angelita Latisha Minor has a felony warrant for Manslaughter in the First Degree in connection with a March 2024 traffic crash where Minor is alleged to have been driving under the influence of intoxicants and killed her 4-year-old son in the crash. Minor violated her supervised release, which has resulted in the court issuing a warrant for her arrest. Minor’s last known address was in North Portland.

Anyone seeing Minor should call 9-1-1.

                                                                            ###MCDA###

Case: 22CR41680                                                                                                                                           Release date: 12/31/25

Portland, OR-Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Jenna Plank Tuesday (12/30/25) sentenced Mohamed Osman Adan to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years. Adan pled guilty to Murder in the Second Degree for the brutal killing of his domestic partner, Racheal Abraham on August 27, 2022. 

Adan was also convicted of Felony Strangulation Constituting Domestic Violence, Contempt of Court for Violating a No Contact Order, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and Felony Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer for crimes committed separate from the murder.

Adan made an escalating series of attacks on Racheal in 2022. At the time of the murder, there were three small children living with them in an apartment in southeast Portland. 

On May 2, 2022, Racheal told police Defendant punched her in the head two times while she was on the couch. She said he was intoxicated and angry that he’d found a text message between Racheal and a female friend. (22CR29868 - Probable Cause Affidavit)

On June 23, 2022, officers were sent to the same apartment. Racheal had by now taken out a restraining order against Adan. This time Racheal reported that one of the children mistakenly let Defendant into the apartment. He refused to leave and broke her phone so she could not call for help. She said he strangled her multiple times while saying things like “I’m going to put you to sleep” and “I should kill you.” She also remembered being punched in the face. She was able to escape when Defendant went upstairs to check on the children. Officers observed Racheal with a black eye and her left cheek was swollen. Adan was arrested. (22CR29868 - Probable Cause Affidavit) 

At the arraignment, Racheal provided the following statement concerning Defendant’s release: “Judge please hold him im concerned for my [safety] and my kids statics show that strangulation cases lead to homicide and i dont want to be a victim to this when he was strangling me is did speak in the third person askin if he should kill me im concerned for my [safety] and the [safety] of my kids."

Defendant was released with GPS supervision and other conditions. 

After being released, Defendant failed to abide by his release conditions. Defendant returned to the restricted address on July 27, 2022. He then subsequently cut off his GPS monitor. Close Street Supervision Deputy Amie Banta requested a warrant for his arrest.

On August 11, 2022, officers were sent to the same apartment again. This time, Defendant locked Racheal out of the home. She said he earlier slipped into the apartment using a key, that he covered her mouth so she could not scream and beat her with prayer beads. 

(22CR38755 - Probable Cause Affidavit)

Adan was arrested and held in custody. He asked that his bail be lowered and over the State’s vehement objection, the court lowered bail and set it at $20,000.

That’s when the Portland Freedom Fund stepped in. The group bailed out Adan using donations from members on August 22, 2025 with no regard to the threat he posed toward Racheal. 

With bail set at $20,000 the Portland Freedom Fund paid 10% of his bail, which totaled $2,000 for Adan’s release.

As part of the resolution of this case, MCDA asked for and the court ordered forfeiture of the remaining bail amount due which is $18,000. The money will be used for restitution including helping Racheal’s children to heal. 

This case involved multiple risk factors that are studied, known and understood by experts in the field of domestic violence to represent a significant risk of homicide when present. The Affidavit of Probable Cause in 22CR38755 clearly lists the lethality factors assessed by DDA Kenzie Ludwig using a well known danger assessment tool. By bailing out Defendant, the Portland Freedom Fund ignored those risk factors which led to her death.

Five days after being released, Adan cut off his GPS bracelet in the early morning hours and once again returned to the apartment where he brutally murdered Racheal. The murder was horrific, with Racheal suffering catastrophic knife wounds to her face and other parts of her body. The Medical Examiner concluded that she died by strangulation, and opined that the strangulation occurred after suffering the knife wounds. The three young children were present in the home at the time of the assault and murder.

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero and Deputy District Attorney Andrew MacMillan prosecuted the case for the State. After the conviction and sentencing Marrero said:

“This case is an absolute tragedy that never should have happened. The warning signs were there and Racheal Abraham did everything in her power to protect herself. Mohamed Adan should have never been out of custody. Those who believed they knew better than the professionals tasked with ensuring safety, including Racheal herself, were wrong. And it cost her life. Racheal deserved better. Her children deserved better. She should be here with us today. 

It’s important to those closest to Racheal that she is remembered for more than her brutal killing. Racheal Abraham was a deeply selfless and loving person. She was a devoted mother, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. She was loved and is deeply missed.” 

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Portland Police Bureau, and specifically Detectives Rico Beniga and Jennifer Hertzler for their excellent work on this case, and Close Street Supervision Deputy Amie Banta, who worked to keep Racheal safe prior to her murder.

MCDA would also like to thank Victim Advocate Rebecca Leediker and previous advocates Lora Smith and Heather Malenke for the care and compassion shown to Racheal, Racheal’s family, and loved ones.

Finally, we’d like to thank DDA Kenzie Ludwig, who fought tirelessly to protect Racheal while she was still alive along with Racheal’s family and friends who were there for her as she tried to escape the abuse.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or text START to 88788. Multnomah County also provides a variety of resources, which may be accessed here:https://multco.us/info/domestic-violence-resources

###MCDA###

DALLAS (OR) – Ahmir Rasheed Dunn, 28, has been sentenced to serve 48 months (4 years) in prison for committing felony Public Indecency in September of 2025.

Dunn, of Salem, was sentenced by Polk County Circuit Judge pro tem Timothy Park, after pleading guilty to one count of Public Indecency stemming from an incident in which he exposed himself to employees of the Pizza Hut in West Salem. He will also be required to serve a one-year term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release. Judge Park ordered Dunn to register as a sex offender and undergo mental health and sex offender treatment while on Post-Prison Supervision. This is Dunn’s fifth conviction for Public Indecency since 2022.

The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department. It was prosecuted by Polk County Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew Wilson.

EUGENE, Ore.— The former owner of Zadeh Kicks LLC, a now-defunct Oregon corporation that sold limited edition and collectible sneakers online, was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a vast fraud conspiracy that cost customers more than $65 million in unfulfilled orders and defrauded financial institutions out of more than $15 million.

Michael Malekzadeh, 42, a Eugene resident, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit more than $15 million in assets. Restitution will be determined at a later date.

“This million-dollar fraud was fueled by the defendant’s insatiable greed and wreaked havoc on the lives of his victims and their families—delaying home purchases, retirements, and engagements,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Michael Malekzadeh fed his lavish lifestyle by cheating his customers, collectors, and investors out of millions and defrauding banks. The sentence imposed today reflects the seriousness of these crimes and should serve as warning to anyone contemplating fraud as a get-rich-quick scheme.”

“While the defendant lived in luxury, he took money from kids and adults for goods he was never going to deliver,” said Acting FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Shark. “In this case, part of the cost of his crimes are the unfulfilled desires of individuals who trusted him with their money. It is a good reminder that when transactions require us to rely on those who we do business with; it is important to do whatever we can to also verify they can deliver what they promise. Investigating fraud and deception in our communities remains an FBI priority.”

“The devastating effects of financial crime are real, as Mr. Malekzadeh’s greed harmed many lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “The consequences for financial crime are equally as real however, as shown in Mr. Malekzadeh’s sentencing. IRS-CI is committed to protecting our communities from financial fraudsters.”   

According to court documents, Malekzadeh started his business in 2013 by purchasing limited edition and collectible sneakers to resell online. Beginning as early as January 2020, Zadeh Kicks began offering preorders of sneakers before their public release dates, allowing Malekzadeh to collect money upfront before fulfilling orders. Malekzadeh advertised, sold, and collected payments from customers for preorders knowing he could not satisfy all orders placed.  By April 2022, Malekzadeh owed customers more than $65 million in undelivered sneakers.   

Beyond defrauding his customer base, Malekzadeh conspired to provide false and altered financial information to numerous financial institutions—including providing altered bank statements—on more than 15 bank loan applications. All told, Malekzadeh and his co-conspirator received more than $15 million in loans from these applications.

During the investigation, agents seized millions of dollars in cash and luxury goods that Malekzadeh acquired with the proceeds of his fraud, including luxury watches, jewelry, and hundreds of handbags. Additionally, almost $7.5 million was seized from the sale of Malekzadeh’s residence in Eugene, his watches, and luxury cars manufactured by Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche.

On July 29, 2022, Malekzadeh was charged by criminal information with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and money laundering. On March 20, 2025, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

As part of their plea agreements, Malekzadeh and his co-conspirator agreed to pay restitution in full to their victims. A restitution hearing is currently set for March 31, 2026.

This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS-CI, and Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Oregon Intellectual Property Task Force. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Forfeiture and restitution proceedings are being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office’s Asset Recovery Unit.

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From No-Buy January to subscription audits, credit union offers realistic ways to cut spending and pay down balances

PORTLAND, Ore. – Americans racked up an average of $1,223 in holiday debt this year, according to LendingTree’s Holiday Debt Survey released on December 22. The survey also found 41% of Americans are still paying off holiday debt from 2024.

“January is an ideal time to take a clear-eyed look at your spending and build a plan that’s sustainable,” says Amber Kelly, Oregon City branch manager at OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Small changes — like reducing impulse buys and trimming recurring expenses — can free up cash quickly and help people make measurable progress on debt.”

To help people in Oregon and southwest Washington start 2026 on stronger financial footing, OnPoint recommends these practical post-holiday reset strategies:

• Try a “No-Buy January” reset. Instead of vague belt-tightening, commit to 30 days without non-essentials. This trend gained traction online in 2025 as a quick way to reset habits and free up cash for debt payoff.
• Do a digital detox. Unfollow shopping accounts on social media and avoid online shopping platforms and email promo lists. Research shows reducing exposure to ads can significantly lower impulse spending.
• Scrub your subscriptions. January is a great month to cancel or pause unused subscriptions (streaming, apps, meal kits). One popular challenge is to tally up all auto-renewals, then redirect those monthly savings toward debt repayment.
• Leverage consolidation tools — with a plan. Consider balance transfer credit cards or personal loans to lower interest rates — paired with a clear payoff timeline and monthly payment target to avoid extending the debt. Consumers who want additional guidance can also consider building a simple debt-payoff roadmap (listing balances, interest rates, and minimum payments) and setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates and late fees.
• Explore relief options through your bank or credit union. Many financial institutions offer short-term tools to help members manage post-holiday strain, such as payment deferrals, hardship programs, or financial counseling. OnPoint’s Winter Skip Pay program allows eligible members to skip a qualifying loan payment in January, and members can also access personalized financial counseling through the credit union’s GreenPath Financial Wellness partnership.

The start of a new year offers an opportunity to reassess financial habits and create a plan that supports long-term stability. By identifying opportunities to cut costs, using available tools responsibly, and partnering with a credit union that prioritizes member well-being, consumers can take practical steps toward paying down debt. Learn more about financial resources and support available through OnPoint.

About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 633,000 members and with assets of $9.53 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and four Washington counties (Cowlitz, Clark, Lewis and Skamania). OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at OnPointCU.com.

Ridgefield location marks the eighth OnPoint branch in Clark County

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union announced today it will open its eighth branch in Clark County — its 59^th branch overall. The latest location will be in the Union Ridge Town Center at 420 N. 56th Place, Ste. 102 and is slated to open its doors on January 12. To celebrate, OnPoint will donate $5,000 to Neighbors Helping Neighbors Ridgefield and host a community grand opening event on February 21.

“Ridgefield is growing quickly with new businesses and development, and many of our members call it home,” said Rob Stuart, president and CEO, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “We want everyone in the community to feel welcome and have access to our services. As the region grows, we’re proud to grow alongside it and support financial well-being — one person at a time.”

Local Leadership, Local Connection

Long time Ridgefield resident and area vice president/branch manager Kristen Gillis will lead the new branch. Gillis has been with OnPoint since 2011 and most recently managed the Mill Plain Branch.

“I’ve spent nearly my whole life in Ridgefield, and I’m excited to bring OnPoint’s financial services and community support to my hometown,” Gillis said. “We look forward to building long-lasting relationships with new members, nonprofits, and small businesses.”

OnPoint’s donation to Neighbors Helping Neighbors Ridgefield is an example of building community-focused relationships. The nonprofit works to alleviate hunger by providing food, clothing, and household staples to needy residents of Ridgefield, La Center, Felida, and Salmon Creek.

"We’ve worked to give essential items to our neighbors in need for over 40 years, but getting support from local organizations like OnPoint is always critical,” said Judy Chipman, board treasurer, Neighbors Helping Neighbors Ridgefield. “We’re very grateful to OnPoint for this gift and for their commitment to partnering with organizations working to make our community stronger.”

The donation will help purchase food, maintain its building, and assist in starting a Saturday program to give working families access to the food bank. 

OnPoint will also team up with its members to make additional donations to two local nonprofits: Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation and Friends of the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. Each new member who opens a personal or business checking account at the Ridgefield branch between January 12 and April 12 can choose which of the two nonprofits receive a $50 donation from OnPoint.

Grand Opening Celebration

The Ridgefield community is invited to join OnPoint’s grand opening celebration on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Guests can meet the branch team and explore the new space.

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

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

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

Ridgefield will be the first of OnPoint’s new branches on tap for 2026. Last year, the credit union announced an expansion of its Washington charter, allowing it to offer membership to people who live, work, worship, and/or attend school in Cowlitz and Lewis counties. The expansion builds on OnPoint’s current southwest Washington service area of Clark and Skamania counties.

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 633,000 members and with assets of $9.53 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and four Washington counties (Cowlitz, Clark, Lewis and Skamania). OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at OnPointCU.com.

OREGON CITY – The Clackamas Community College Environmental Learning Center is hosting free weekly wildlife- and water-friendly garden workshops – with an emphasis on Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Each week, a range of tribal members and organizations will present on practices that focus on protecting wildlife and watershed health from an Indigenous perspective. Workshops will be held virtually Thursdays, Jan. 8-Feb. 19, noon-1 p.m. Learn more about the workshops at https://bit.ly/ELCgardenseries2026.

The workshop topics include:

• Jan. 8 – Indigenous perspectives
• Jan. 15 – Landscape and first foods
• Jan. 22 – Medicinal plants
• Jan. 29 – Introduction to Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Ecological Knowledge and how they are used to make tribal resource management decisions
• Feb. 5 – Presentation by Ecotrust
• Feb. 12 – Reconstructing Willamette Valley environments
• Feb. 19 – Indigenous partnerships and restoration

For questions, email michelle.scholz@clackamas.edu. The workshop series is sponsored by Clackamas County Water Environment Services and in partnership with Clackamas River Basin Council, Clackamas River Water Providers, Oak Lodge Water Services, Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District, Tryon Creek Council and Greater Oregon City Watershed Council.

About the Environmental Learning Center

The Environmental Learning Center has a rich history as an educational resource for Clackamas Community College, regional schools, industry and the community. Located on the former site of a Smucker's processing plant, the center was created to demonstrate what people could do to reclaim industrial sites, address stormwater issues and restore wildlife habitats in urban areas. Each year, thousands of people visit to explore the 5-acre site and learn about watershed health. The site serves as an important stormwater facility for the college campus and provides critical wetland habitat for resident and migratory birds, such as the great blue herons, cedar waxwings and mergansers. For more information about the Environmental Learning Center, visit CCC's Environmental Learning Center webpage.

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OREGON CITY – The Clackamas Community College Alexander Gallery presents “When the World Looks Away,” a solo exhibition by artist Sam Marroquin. This exhibition runs through Jan. 30. An artist reception will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14, noon-1 p.m., and Marroquin will speak about her work at 12:30 p.m.

“When the World Looks Away” is a mixed media exhibition combining drawing and painting that calls attention to recent events experienced by the Palestinian people. In this showcase of more than 100 pieces, Marroquin uses techniques of blind contour drawing, acrylic color application and the introduction of handwritten text to create compositions that highlight the atrocities of war and illuminate humanity.

Marroquin comes to art-making with a digital design background. Working from sourced images, she presents ideas of pain and suffering through an illustrative and graphic storytelling lens. Her work has been supported by numerous organizations, including Oregonian Media Group, Artist Trust, EXCEL Foundation and Oregon ArtsWatch.

The Alexander Gallery is located in the Niemeyer Center on the Clackamas Community College Oregon City campus, 19600 Molalla Ave., and is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with the exception of college holidays.

This exhibition is free and open to the public. For questions, contact Kate Simmons at 503-594-3032 or kates@clackamas.edu. For more information on Clackamas Community College’s art exhibits and performances, visit www.clackamas.edu/art.

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Experienced Higher Education Leader to Oversee Student Services

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Clark College named Dr. Sue Orchard, PsyD, to serve as its Vice President of Student Affairs. Dr. Orchard brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience to the college in student services, enrollment management, and holistic student support in higher education. She started on Jan. 5, 2026, at the start of the college’s winter term.

In the role of Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Orchard will lead the strategic vision for a broad range of student programs and services, including enrollment, career services, financial aid, athletics, international programs, disability support, the Veterans Center of Excellence, and the Counseling & Health Center, among others. Dr. Orchard will also serve on the college’s Executive Cabinet, a leadership team led by Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards.

“I'm honored to join Clark College and work alongside such a dedicated community,” said Dr. Orchard. “I believe that fostering trust, connection, and joy is essential to building a culture of continuous improvement, and I look forward to partnering across the college to ensure every student feels supported and empowered to achieve their goals.”

Most recently, Dr. Orchard served as Vice President of Student Services at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Wash., for nine years, where she led all student services departments and served on the president’s executive leadership team. During her tenure, she co-led the collegewide Guided Pathways implementation, strengthened advising and onboarding practices, advanced strategic enrollment management efforts, and championed equity-focused student support initiatives. 

Prior to Lower Columbia College, Dr. Orchard has also served as the Dean of Counseling & Student Support Services for Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Ore.; Associate Director for Student Access at Oregon Health & Science University; Training Director for University of Puget Sound; and a Staff Psychologist for the University of Oregon.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Orchard to Clark College. She brings an exceptional depth of experience in student affairs. Her collaborative leadership style and strategic vision make her an outstanding fit for this role and for our college community,” said Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards.

Throughout her career, Dr. Orchard has been recognized for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to creating systems that center on students’ academic, personal, and career success. In addition to her executive leadership experience, she has served in statewide leadership roles with the Washington State Student Services Commission, including as president, and has contributed to many task forces and advisory groups focused on student success and equity.

Dr. Orchard holds a Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology from Pacific University, a Master of Science in mental health counseling from Eastern Washington University, and bachelor’s degrees in organizational communication and psychology, also from Eastern Washington University.

Dr. Orchard was hired after a nationwide search that included extensive interviews with a hiring committee, college leadership, and an open forum with the college community. She succeeds Dr. Mark Wahlers, who is retiring after serving as Interim Vice President of Student Affairs for the past year.

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. This public community college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves almost 10,000 students including high school students, veterans, displaced workers, multilingual and mature learners. About three-quarters of its students are the first in their families to attend college.   

Clark College’s main campus is located in Vancouver’s Central Park, with classes also held at Washington State University Vancouver, Columbia Tech Center, and the new Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield, Wash.

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MEDIA ADVISORY

RIDGEFIELD, Wash. – Please join Clark College to celebrate the public ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at Clark College at Boschma Farms, located at 7000 East Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, Washington, at 3 pm on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

This milestone marks the culmination of years of strategic design to meet the current and future workforce needs of our regional manufacturing partners. The AMC will serve as the home of Clark College’s Advanced Manufacturing Technician program, as well as support general education, continuing education, and Running Start programs. 

Designed to be a vital new resource for northern Clark County, the AMC will play a key role in preparing the region’s future manufacturing workforce. Video preview available here.

Media planning notice: Members of the media are encouraged to notify Clark’s Communications & Marketing at k@clark.edu">commark@clark.edu if they plan to attend. Requests for interviews, camera placement, b-roll access, and press tours may be accommodated, where possible.

General attendance: Although reservations are not required, advance notice is greatly appreciated. Please RSVP here for this important milestone event.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Thursday, January 8, 2026

            2:50 pm:       Guest arrival

            3:00 pm:       Speaking program (outdoors)

            3:30 pm:       Ribbon Cutting (outdoors)

            3:40 – 5 pm: General building tours and refreshments

Where: Advanced Manufacturing Center, Clark College at Boschma Farms

7000 East Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, Washington

Speakers:

• Alijah Machida, President, Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC)
• Dr. Karin Edwards, President, Clark College
• Marilee Scarbrough, Chair, Clark College Board of Trustees
• Tanisha Harris, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell’s Office
• Matt Cole, Mayor, City of Ridgefield

About Clark College
 

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education, serving almost 10,000 students per term. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. 

Clark College offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 47% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

Clark College’s main campus is located in Vancouver’s Central Park, with classes also held at additional instructional sites at Washington State University Vancouver, Columbia Tech Center, and the new Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield, Wash.

Accommodations: If anyone needs an accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 or email: hr@clark.edu

Clark College expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.

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SOUTHWEST PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College will host “Thinking Machines: Art, Authorship, and the Future in the Age of AI,” a panel conversation from noon to 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17 at the North View Gallery, Sylvania Campus (12000 S.W. 49th Avenue). 

The event is organized alongside interdisciplinary artist Hannah Newman’s exhibition, “Neural-Lithic Harvests,” on display through Jan. 27. This discussion is free and open to the public. The art gallery is located in Room 214 of the Communication Technology (CT) Building.

The panel brings together artists and scholars to examine how advancing AI tools, especially image/video generators and large language models, are reshaping creative practice, authorship and education. Participants include Newman, artist Myra Lilith Day, poet Megan Savage, artist David Torres, philosopher Matt Stockton and humanities professor Jo McLendon.

The conversation probes the tension between human agency and machine creation amid intensifying real-world debates about who benefits from generative AI and who bears the costs. U.S. courts are entering a pivotal year in lawsuits that question whether training AI on copyrighted books, images, and journalism is “fair use,” with outcomes that could redefine creative rights and compensation. 

At the same time, recent headlines have underscored how image-generation tools can be misused to create nonconsensual “nudification” and sexualized deepfakes, raising urgent questions about consent, safety, and accountability online.

Panelists will also address the environmental footprint of AI systems, including the growing energy and water demands of data centers powering today’s models, and what responsible use can look like in the arts and humanities. 

PCC is home to three art galleries: the North View Gallery, the Paragon Arts Gallery and the Helzer Gallery, each located on comprehensive campus locations in Portland – Sylvania, Cascade and Rock Creek, respectively. The Art Galleries are dedicated to supporting education and community building through the arts.



For more information, visit the PCC art galleries webpage: pcc.edu/galleries/.

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.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Re-Imagined Radio launches Season 14 this month with a landmark work of post-apocalyptic science fiction that examines what remains after human civilization collapses.

The episode presents “Earth Abides,” adapted from the 1949 novel by American writer George R. Stewart. The story explores the aftermath of a sudden and deadly pandemic virus that wipes out most of Earth’s human population, while the natural world quietly continues.

Set in the 1940s, the novel is narrated by Isherwood Williams, a survivor who escapes the pandemic while living in the mountains of Northern California. Williams travels across the United States to New York City, encountering only a handful of survivors along the way. He eventually returns to his family home in Berkeley, California, where he spends the rest of his life observing nature’s resilience and the emergence of a new, less technologically dependent human society.

Williams describes himself as a student of ecology. He studies how nonhuman populations respond after generations of living under human dominance. Some species adapt and thrive. Others disappear. Humans also change, initially surviving by scavenging canned food, occupying abandoned homes and using deserted machinery. Literacy fades quickly, replaced by oral storytelling. When electrical and water systems fail, survivors revert to a hunter-gatherer lifestyle reminiscent of their distant ancestors.

The novel’s central theme is the impermanence of human effort and achievement. Civilizations rise and fall, but Earth endures.

Published in 1949, “Earth Abides” received widespread acclaim. It won the first International Fantasy Award in 1951 and was later named to Locus magazine’s best all-time science fiction lists in 1987 and 1998. The novel was also nominated for the Prometheus Hall of Fame.

The story was adapted for radio by David Ellis and broadcast in two episodes of the adventure radio series “Escape” in November 1950. With minimal editing, Re-Imagined Radio combines the two parts for this presentation as part of its Adventure and Science Fiction series.

“This adaptation, like Stewart’s original novel, examines nature’s resilience following the collapse of human civilization caused by a sudden and deadly pandemic virus,” said John F. Barber, producer and host of Re-Imagined Radio and faculty member in the Digital Technology and Culture program at Washington State University Vancouver. “For decades, this scenario seemed like speculative science fiction, until January 2020 and the beginning of the COVID pandemic.”

Re-Imagined Radio episodes air on KXRW-FM (99.9) in Vancouver, KXRY-FM (91.1 and 107.1) in Portland, and KNOM-AM (780) in Nome, Alaska, with additional broadcasts and streaming through partner stations.

New episodes premiere on the third Monday of each month. Programs stream globally and later become available as podcasts and on YouTube. Listening links and an archive of past episodes are available at reimaginedradio.fm, which also features Re-Imagined Radio EXTRA, offering additional sound-based storytelling between monthly episodes.

About Re-Imagined Radio

Created in 2013 by Barber, Re-Imagined Radio explores sound-based storytelling across genres including drama, comedy, documentary and sound art. Through performances, broadcasts, streaming, podcasts and social media, the program reimagines radio storytelling for contemporary audiences.

About WSU Vancouver

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

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

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Voters will have an opportunity to hear information about Battle Ground Public Schools' replacement educational programs and operations levy on the ballot for Feb. 10. A public presentation will cover information about the levy (Proposition 10) and give voters a chance to ask questions.

Presentation details

When: Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m. 

Where: Battle Ground High School media center (300 W Main St., Battle Ground, WA)

Childcare will be available.

Ballots will be mailed by Jan. 23 for the Feb. 10 election.

If approved, the levy would support programs that help give students skills and knowledge for today's economy so that they leave school prepared for a wide range of options, including joining the workforce or military, getting a technical certification or going to college. Levy dollars would help maintain the current level of career and technical education classes and programs, as well as classes that help students prepare if they are going to college. Levy funds also would be used to provide curricula that are up to date and address the knowledge and skills that students need to enter the workforce. In addition, a replacement levy would fund student safety, smaller class sizes, special education, teachers, nursing, mental health support and sports/extracurricular activities. 

Battle Ground is now the only school district in Southwest Washington without an educational programs and operations levy.  If a replacement is approved, tax collection would begin in 2027 and continue through 2030. All registered voters who live in the district are eligible to cast a ballot.

More information is available on the district website.

The Washougal School Board announces the resignation of Board member Jim Cooper, effective January 30, 2026.  Cooper has served on the school board since 2019, representing district 1.

Cooper said, “It is an honor to have been elected to represent our community as a Director of the Washougal School Board, and it is with mixed emotions that I resign my position to focus more time and energy on my health and my family.”

Cooper cited both his own public education and his many family members working in K-12 education as part of his motivation for serving on the school board.  Cooper opposed exclusion and inequity in school policies and procedures, and advocated for increasing enrichment activities for Highly Capable students, and for helping students identified for services reach their full potential. He worked with the superintendent and finance office to improve financial management and to systematize the communication of financial information to help board members make prudent fiscal decisions.

Cooper served in a leadership capacity on the board, being elected by the board to serve as the vice president for several years.  During his tenure, the board ran a thoughtful hiring process for the superintendent, selecting Aaron Hansen as superintendent.  

He worked with the board to expand opportunities for the public to engage in with board members, including the start of the listening tours and inviting both middle and high school students to serve as board representatives.  He further expanded opportunities for community members through committee work like the strategic planning steering committee, the instructional materials committee and the resource optimization workgroup.

Cooper volunteers with a number of local organizations serving the Washougal Community, including the City of Washougal Arts Commission, the nonprofit Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance, and the Parkersville Landing Advisory Committee for the Port of Camas Washougal. 

Superintendent Aaron Hansen noted that, “We celebrate Jim for his leadership and commitment to the Washougal School District. Throughout his tenure, he consistently prioritized student achievement, ensuring every learner receives the support necessary to realize their full potential. Whether asking the hard questions, championing college-readiness, or advocating for a long-range vision, Jim’s guidance, dedication, and support have made a lasting difference for the WSD community.” 

Board President Sadie McKenzie said, “Jim has been so amazing to learn from in serving on the school board. He values honest conversation around complex issues while keeping the board focused on making decisions that benefit students.”

The Washougal School Board of Directors will follow their policy to fill the vacancy, and details about the process will be posted to the district website and shared with the community once they are ready.

WOODLAND, WA — While the school year is still in its first half, Woodland Middle School is already making waves across the state. The school was recently announced as a recipient of the 2025 AWSL/AWSP Culture Kickoff Award, a prestigious honor recognizing schools that excel in creating an inclusive, high-energy, and welcoming environment from the very first bell.

Presented by the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) and the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), the award isn't just about a single event; it’s about the intentionality behind how a school makes its students and staff feel.

Why Culture Matters

The Culture Kickoff Award highlights schools that don't leave their environment to chance. This year, Woodland Middle School stood out for its:

• Student-Adult Collaboration: Working side-by-side to plan events that resonate with everyone.

• Engaging Assemblies: Moving beyond standard announcements to create moments of genuine connection and excitement.

• Vibrant Fall Kickoffs: Establishing a "theme" for the year that promotes a sense of shared purpose.

A Community Where Everyone Belongs

"This award highlights schools like Woodland Middle School for creating welcoming environments and setting a positive tone for the entire year," the AWSP stated in the award announcement.

For the students and staff at Woodland, the recognition validates the hard work put into "Day One" strategies. By focusing on belonging, the school ensures that every student—regardless of their background—feels valued and inspired to thrive academically and socially.

Sustaining the Momentum

While the "Kickoff" award focuses on the start of the year, the real victory lies in the strategy to keep that spirit alive. The leadership at Woodland Middle School has demonstrated a clear roadmap for sustaining this positive momentum, proving that a great school culture is a year-long commitment.

Reflecting on the achievement, Principal Davies called the award a team effort, stating,  “The culture of our school is something that all staff and students are a part of. We received this award because of all of the hard work our teachers and staff have put into the school year and because of the positive way our students have responded to what we are doing here. WMS is a great place to be!” 

Congratulations to the students, teachers, and administrators of Woodland Middle School for leading the way in Washington State!

OMEGA Gymnastics is closed on New Year's Day.  Reopening Friday, January 2, 2026 with School's Out Camp, modified Competitive Practices, and normal Recreational Class schedule and Office Hours.

OMEGA Open for morning Recreational Classes, modified Competitive Practices, and School's Out Camp.  No afternoon classes.  Closing at 5:30PM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, remaining closed on New Year's Day.  Reopening Friday, January 2, 2026 with School's Out Camp, modified Competitive Practices, and normal Recreational Class schedule.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Sammuel Hawkins
Outreach & Public Programs Manager
Clark County Historical Museum
outreach@cchmuseum.org
360-605-1126

Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM | Presentation begins at 7:00 PM
Location: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
Sponsors: Humanities Washington, Vancouver NAACP, Historic Preservation Commission

CCHM Speaker Series Presents: How America Talks (Differently) About Slavery

The Clark County Historical Museum is proud to present the next installment of its Speaker Series, How America Talks (Differently) About Slavery, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Clark County Historical Museum.

Since colonial times, religious and political divides have shaped how Americans discuss and interpret the history of slavery. From The New York Times’ 1619 Project to the Trump administration’s 1776 Report, competing visions of race and slavery reflect long-standing tensions between critiquing and celebrating America’s past.

In this timely and thought-provoking talk, attendees will explore the ongoing debates surrounding the history of slavery and how these conversations continue to influence education, politics, religion, and culture. The presentation will examine how struggles over historical memory extend beyond the classroom into the public sphere, revealing the central role these debates play in America’s fractured civic life and national identity.

The evening will feature guest speaker R. Charles Weller, PhD, Associate Professor of History (Career) at Washington State University and Senior Research Fellow at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Dr. Weller’s work focuses on religious-cultural identity and relations in Western-Asian and world history. He has published extensively in both English and Kazakh and is currently working on a multi-volume study examining how Jewish, Christian, and Islamic sacred law traditions have shaped American legal heritage. Dr. Weller resides in Redmond, Washington.

Admission to this program is free and open to the public. However, space is limited, and advance registration is required to ensure a seat. Registration is available at cchmuseum.org.

This program is made possible with generous support from Humanities Washington, the Vancouver NAACP Branch 1139 - B, and the Historic Preservation Commission.

About the Clark County Historical Society & Museum

The Clark County Historical Society and Museum is committed to responsible collections stewardship, innovative collaboration, and inspiring exhibitions and programs that engage the community in an exploration of Clark County’s past, present, and future. Our purpose is to share an understanding of the past that will help build a better future for generations to come.

Hello, 

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is celebrating 10 years of its Winter Ski & Snowboard Series with Mt. Hood Meadows and the Meadows Learning Center. The eight-week program, launching tomorrow, January 7, removes financial barriers for blind and visually impaired athletes by covering instruction, equipment, lift passes, and transportation, supporting 300+ athletes over the past decade with 30+ participants each season.

Supporting 2025 b-roll and photography are available here, and outlets interested in on-site coverage or interviews may contact me directly.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NWABA Celebrates 10 Years of Its Winter Sports Series with Mt. Hood Meadows, Empowering Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes

Vancouver, Washington— January 6, 2026 — Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) proudly celebrates a major milestone this winter: 10 years of providing adaptive ski and snowboard opportunities for children, youth, and adults who are blind or visually impaired through its annual Winter Sports Series in partnership with Mt. Hood Meadows and its Meadows Learning Center.

NWABA’s eight-week Winter Ski & Snowboard Series officially kicks off on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort. Open to athletes of all ages and abilities, the program removes financial barriers by covering the full cost of instruction, equipment rentals, lift passes, and transportation, eliminating expenses that can exceed $600 per participant each season. Athletes of all experience levels are supported, from beginners to advanced riders, through one-on-one support from Mt. Hood Meadows specially trained instructors equipped with communication tools such as in-helmet two-way radios that promote independence while ensuring safety.

“We are incredibly grateful for the community, partners, and athletes who have made the past ten years possible,” said Billy Henry, NWABA Founder and President. “Living near the mountains gives our athletes the opportunity to experience the thrill of winter sports, something that has a lasting impact on their confidence and independence.”

As part of its continued growth, NWABA serves athletes in Idaho by partnering with Boise Adapted Snowsport Education (BASE) to offer skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin Ski Resort, extending its impact beyond Oregon and Washington.

Over the past ten years, NWABA’s Winter Sports Series has supported more than 300 blind and visually impaired athletes, with over 30 athletes hitting the slopes each season, proving that adventure belongs to everyone.

To learn more about NWABA’s winter programming or find an event near you, visit www.nwaba.org and follow NWABA as the season transitions into spring with tandem biking, hiking, and more.

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About NWABA

The mission of Northwest Association for Blind Athletes is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Today, NWABA is a rapidly expanding 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides more than 5,000 program and service interactions to children, youth, adults, and military veterans with visual impairments through tailored programming which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, promotes independence, creates an inclusive community of supporters, and builds the skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life including school and employment.

For over 30 years the Yachats Lions Club has held an annual Crab Feed event in Yachats, Oregon. The annual trek to Yachats to eat Dungeness crab is a tradition for families and groups from across Oregon, Washington and beyond.

This year’s Crab Feed will go back to All-You-Can-Eat and the price will be $50 per person. The meal will consist of Dungeness crab, baked beans, coleslaw, bread and soda. We will have four seatings this year; two at the Lions Hall at 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm and two at the Yachats Commons at 12:30 pm and 4:00pm.The $50 per person meal tickets are available for sale online at https://yachatslionsclub.org/ You can select the seating and order as many meals as you like. For more information please send an email to YachatsLionsCrabFeed@gmail.com.

Lion David O’Kelley, coordinator of the popular Crab Feed, says “We are very pleased to be offering the fund-raiser as we have done for so many years.” We get great support from the community and local businesses in Yachats, Waldport and Newport. South Beach Fish Market cooks and cleans the best tasting  local crab you have ever eaten. 

With our motto of “WE SERVE” among the many services we provide eyeglasses and exams, hearing aids and exams, eye screening in Lincoln County schools, pancake breakfasts, crab feed, lunch bunch, speaker series, peace poster and flag day events in our schools, and  ommunity use of our clubhouse. Through community donations to the Yachats Lions Thrift Store our sales allow us to donate to local, student scholarships, food pantries, school programs, projects, and upkeep of the clubhouse.

In addition, donations are made to Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing as well as Lions Club International Foundation.
Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization with a network of 1.4 million men and women in more than 200 countries and geographical locations. We serve where we live, as well as globally, and we have fun doing it. 

The proceeds for this fund-raising event are for Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.

MEDFORD, Ore. - A new policy at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (AARMC) is leaving hospital units short staffed and putting patients at risk as managers turn away nurses who are ready to work. In early December, Asante chief nursing officer (CNO) Julie Bowman and hospital administration began requiring nurses to sign away their rights to overtime or incentive pay when doing extra work to cover the hospital’s staffing shortages. 

As a result, dozens of nursing shifts are going unfilled every day—leading to real impacts for patients and the community. Over the holidays, Asante’s emergency department and neonatal intensive care unit were short significant numbers of staff and the IMCU/critical care unit was forced to close due to staffing shortages—requiring vulnerable patients to be relocated to other units.  

Asante’s contract with nurses outlines overtime and incentive compensation for nurses who volunteer for extra shifts to fill staffing shortages. However, Asante is now requiring registered nurses to sign a waiver giving up their legal and contractual rights to overtime and incentive pay before allowing nurses to fill critical vacancies.  

“Nurses are willing to sacrifice our personal time to be there for patients and families and fill the gaps in Asante’s schedule,” said Fred Katz, RN, ONA bargaining unit chair at Rogue Regional. “But we expect Asante to keep its word to healthcare workers who are going above and beyond. Asante needs to honor the contract incentives it agreed to for nurses willing to work extra shifts and ultimately hire more nurses so we can give the community the care it expects.” 

Requiring nurses to forfeit their rights goes against the hospital’s contract and raises serious moral questions about its commitment to safe staffing and patient safety. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has filed a grievance, noting that nurse managers are knowingly violating agreed upon staffing plans. The grievance calls upon Asante to drop all practices and policies that create barriers to safe patient care and violate the nurse staffing law.

“The incentives were developed to encourage workers to fill in holes in the schedule ahead of time to assure safe staffing. In the last contract negotiations, ONA agreed to reduce incentives given some improvements in staffing post-Covid. Now, the hospital is making every effort to break their contractual obligation, even when staffing ratios are falling below the levels defined in the safe staffing law. Nurses should not be forced to accept unsafe staffing conditions or assignments in order to maintain a healthy profit margin for the hospital," said Katz. 

“Nurses will not forgo the hard fought for and earned benefits outlined in their contract. The hospital attorney can claim to interpret the law but nurses know their contract. We know what the hospital has agreed to, just like we know the verbiage of the staffing law. We do not leave these things to interpretation for profit taking as the hospital’s administration and lawyer has done repeatedly."

Local emergency room nurses are circulating a petition to Asante leadership highlighting their concerns about unsafe staffing in the ER and the effects of forcing workers to forfeit their rights to agreed-upon pay. The petition says in part:

“We are deeply concerned that staffing vacancies are being intentionally left open despite qualified staff offering to cover, despite our patient volumes being as high as they’ve ever been. We are also concerned that Asante is choosing not to hire nurses and emergency technician for positions that are open because of turnover, creating shadow vacancies that result in more open shifts ... We strongly urge leadership to address this issue promptly to mitigate patient safety risk” 

Nurses are concerned because short staffing puts patients at greater risk of harm, results in longer wait times and increases the chance of missed care along with accelerating healthcare provider burnout and turnover. 

If Asante continues refusing to fill vacancies with willing nurses, it will continue violating hospital staffing plans and incurring financial penalties. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has repeatedly investigated Asante for staffing violations and found 125 staffing law violations and counting since June 5, 2025. OHA has proposed fining ARRMC more than $34,000 for staffing law violations that occurred in June 2025 alone. OHA is expted to assess additional penalties as it completes its work on complaints from July to the present.  

ONA represents more than 1200 registered nurses working at ARRMC. It is the only critical access hospital for hundreds of miles and serves rural communities from the South Coast to Northern California. In early December, Asante announced it was turning Ashland Community Hospital into a satellite campus and eliminating inpatient admissions and the birth center. The change will force more patients to travel to Medford for care and increase the strain on the current workforce. Asante says the changes are needed to ensure financial stability, but in 2024 the hospital made more than $64 million. 

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PORTLAND, Ore. — Legacy Health advanced practice providers (APPs) have overwhelmingly voted to ratify their first union contract, marking a historic victory for frontline healthcare workers and a major turning point in labor relations at Legacy Health. The contract includes across-the-board pay raises, accelerated timelines for raises, and new protections for APPs if Legacy makes unilateral decisions about the workplace.

The landmark agreement follows a 29-day strike that began December 2, when APPs walked off the job demanding respect for their work, competitive pay, and a sustainable future for patient care. The first contract is a clear demonstration of what healthcare workers can win when they stand together.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we accomplished together on the strike line,” said Megan Barckert, a nurse practitioner (NP) in oncology and member of the bargaining team. “Advanced practice providers make up 41% of all providers nationally, and that number is steadily growing. Our strike is a clear representation of this changing market. APPs are integral leaders within healthcare, and our voices will not be silenced.”

Over the course of the strike, Legacy management dramatically shifted their position. Prior to the strike, executives said they would not bargain or improve their “last, best, and final” offer. During the strike, however, Legacy APPs and management met numerous times at the bargaining table, ultimately reaching an improved second tentative agreement that delivers accelerated pay increases, a fourth raise, and new protections against unilateral workplace changes.

The ratified contract represents a breakthrough not only for APPs, but for workers across Legacy Health. Long considered a historically low–union density health system in Oregon, Legacy has undergone a dramatic transformation—especially in 2025.

While the Legacy APPs who were just on strike joined the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) in December 2023, nearly 2,900 frontline Legacy workers—including registered nurses (RNs) and APPs—joined ONA in 2025 alone. This includes more than 2,300 RNs at Legacy Emanuel, Randall, and Good Samaritan hospitals who voted to unionize in January 2025, a campaign that was three decades in the making. Those workers are still bargaining their first contracts.

During the strike, APPs were joined by their colleagues from Legacy GoHealth and Legacy Pediatrics in “solidarity strikes,” an uncommon event in healthcare settings and a powerful demonstration of the growing unionization at Legacy. APPs at GoHealth and Pediatrics are among the groups that organized with ONA in 2025.

This shift reflects growing discontent among healthcare workers in an increasingly corporatized healthcare system—one that asks frontline caregivers to do more with less while patients wait longer for care, and executive compensation continues to rise. These issues are not unique to Legacy, but the scale of organizing and the number of first contracts being negotiated is.

The agreement comes more than two years after APPs joined ONA and follows over 18 months of bargaining.

Among other things, Key provisions of the historic contract include, among other things:

• Across-the-board wage increases and clearer pay scales, moving multiple departments into higher pay tiers. The agreement represents meaningful progress toward competitive compensation, which will improve recruitment and retention.

• Regular cost-of-living adjustments, increased extra-shift pay, and enhanced compensation for night and extended shifts.

• Accelerated pay increases across the life of the contract, with no caps on raises, and an additional fourth raise.

• Just-cause protections for discipline and termination, ensuring due process and fairness.

• A new Labor–Management Committee to improve communication and proactively address workplace issues.

Perhaps most importantly, the contract ends an era of one-sided decision-making at Legacy. APPs now have enforceable rights, a real voice on the job, and a union contract that sets clear standards.

“This historic strike and ratification send a clear message: Legacy is now a union shop,” continued Barckert. “There will be no more unilateral decision-making by Legacy, no more shortchanging providers, and far more solidarity and strength for frontline workers.”

APPs already ended their strike on December 30 and began the process of returning to work as part of the tentative agreement.

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

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Portland, Ore. - Striking advanced practice providers (APPs) have reached a second tentative agreement with Legacy Health, marking a significant victory for the 135 frontline providers who have been on strike demanding a fair contract since December 2. As part of the agreement, the strike will end before the completion of the ratification vote, and APPs will return to work in the coming days.

This agreement represents a major shift by Legacy Health. When ONA members first issued their 10-day strike notice, Legacy stated they would not bargain. They did. Legacy then claimed they would not change their offer. They did. And after the first tentative agreement was overwhelmingly rejected by APPs, Legacy moved further—advancing the timing of raises along with other improvements.

In addition to across-the-board raises, key provisions of the second tentative agreement include a clarified provision on 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.

If ratified, this agreement would be the first contract for Legacy APPs and would end Legacy’s ability to make unilateral decisions about critical workplace issues. The contract establishes just-cause protections for discipline and termination, ensuring due process and clear, enforceable standards.

If the contract is not ratified, Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) members and Legacy Health have agreed to a 90-day cooling-off period. During this time, ONA will not return to strike as negotiations continue.

APPs play a critical role in our healthcare system, standing on the frontlines, caring for Oregonians, and saving lives. If their contract is ratified, they will gain the full protections of a union, marking a significant milestone for healthcare workers in Oregon. Once again, APPs are leading the way and demonstrating what true solidarity and collective action look like.

ONA will not provide further comment until 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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Registration is open for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K

Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  You must register by April 1^st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event.

Participants can walk, run, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 18 and 26 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. Last year, we had to close registration early due to higher than anticipated participation, so register as soon as possible.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15, or earlier if more participants sign up than we have available swag.

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.  This year’s tree plantings will be placed in the Santiam Canyon.

Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its sixth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include fifteen other states. Together, all sixteen states will help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

“We are thrilled to honor Bob Ross and continue our efforts to plant at least One Million Trees in Oregon.” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.  “To date, we have funded the planting of 850,000 trees.”

“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.”

Participants can register at www.orparksforever.org.

For more information, contact Seth Miller at 503/966-1053 or seth@orparksforever.org

Portland, OR – REACH Community Development (REACH) is pleased to announce that Madison Moskowitz has joined the organization as Government Relations Manager. In this role, Madison will engage with state, local, and federal offices to advance REACH’s mission, advocating for policies and resources that expand access to affordable housing, strengthen communities, and help residents thrive.

A fifth-generation Oregonian, Madison was born and raised in Northeast Portland. She brings extensive experience in federal policy, most recently serving as U.S. Senator Ron Wyden’s Domestic Policy Director in 2025. From 2021 to 2025, she served as the Senator’s Economic Policy Advisor, leading efforts on housing, homelessness, small business, and real estate policy. Madison began her career in public service after graduating summa cum laude from the University of Oregon in 2017 and joining Senator Wyden’s Washington, D.C. office as a staff assistant.

“Madison’s expertise in policy and advocacy, combined with her deep roots in Oregon, make her an incredible addition to REACH,” said Margaret Salazar, CEO of REACH. “Her work will focus on advancing our mission, securing vital resources, and shaping policies that benefit the residents and communities we serve.”

“I am excited to return home to Portland and put my experience to work advancing REACH’s crucial mission,” said Madison Moskowitz. “I look forward to collaborating with staff, residents, and partners to expand affordable housing opportunities and create thriving communities throughout the region.”

Madison joins REACH at a pivotal time as the organization continues to expand its affordable housing initiatives and strengthen its commitment to equitable, community-driven development.

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About REACH Community Development

REACH’s mission is to create opportunities for all people to thrive by developing and promoting equitable access to quality, affordable homes, supportive services, and community. Since 1982, REACH has built innovative and affordable housing serving lower-income families and individuals in the Portland metropolitan region. More information about REACH and its programs is available at http://reachcdc.org.