CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has identified the man found deceased in the Willamette River on November 29, 2025, as Jonathan Avery Smith, 34, of Albany.

Smith was identified after investigators received tips in response to the tattoo images released on December 9. Next of kin were notified promptly so the family did not learn of his death through the news. He had not been reported as a missing person.

Deputies recovered Smith around 4:15 p.m. near river mile 122 on the west side of the river by Hyak Park after a river-goer reported seeing a body floating in the water. He had been in the river for several days prior to recovery.

BCSO thanks the community for sharing the tattoo images and assisting in the identification process.

Anyone who has information that may help investigators understand the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death is urged to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call the anonymous tip line at 541-753-8477 (TIPS).

Further information will be released as the investigation progresses and as appropriate.

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CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is releasing photographs of two tattoos found on an unidentified adult male who was discovered deceased in the Willamette River on November 29, 2025. Investigators are sharing these images due to the absence of leads and the urgent need to identify the individual.

Deputies recovered the man around 4:15 p.m. near river mile 122 on the west side of the river by Hyak Park after a river-goer reported seeing a body floating in the water. The individual does not match any known missing persons in the region.

Investigators have confirmed these are the only two tattoos located on the individual:

• A color tattoo on the upper left arm depicting a sea-goat figure, possibly representing the Capricorn zodiac symbol (December 22–January 19).
• A black-and-white tattoo on the right ribcage featuring a jester, with the phrase “Life’s all fun & games until the joke is on You” written in cursive.

In addition to the tattoos, the man has a distinct scar located above the navel. Race remains undetermined at this time.

Investigators estimate the man had been in the water for at least a week before he was recovered.

Images of the tattoos have been released to assist with identification. BCSO typically withholds such personal details to allow families to receive information privately; however, due to the lack of leads, investigators believe releasing these images may help bring closure to this case.

Anyone who recognizes these tattoos or has information that may help identify the individual is urged to contact the BCSO at entonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov">BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call 541-753-8477 (TIPS).

The man’s name will be released once identification is confirmed and next of kin have been notified.                                                            

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Attention fisherman!

The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting the first annual Winter Boater Safety Inspection Station on Saturday, December 27^th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. across from Englund Marine in Astoria.

Be among the first to receive your 2026 Oregon Boater Safety Inspection Sticker.

To get your sticker, please bring the following six items:

1. Current proof of registration for your boat
2. Current registration year sticker posted next to you OR numbers
3. Boater safety education course card (or equivalent)
4. Non-expired, good condition fire extinguisher
5. Proper life jackets
6. A throwable cushion or ring

Depending on your vessel you may also need a carburetor spark arrestor and bilge fume blower.

If you have any questions, you can contact Deputy Shimer at 971-704-4465.

We hope to see you there!

The FBI is seeking the public’s help in identifying additional victims of Aaron William Pizer, 41, who recently pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).

Pizer was arrested and taken into custody on May 30, 2024, by local authorities. According to court documents, on or between July 10, 2016, and July 9, 2017, and on or between August 22, 2019, and August 21, 2020, Pizer sexually abused two minors under the age of sixteen on the CTUIR. On April 19, 2024, Pizer engaged in sexual contact on the reservation with a minor under the age of sixteen.

We believe that Pizer may be responsible for assaulting or contacting additional victims both on and off the reservation.

If you were a victim of Aaron Pizer’s behavior or know someone who was, contact the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or email _tips@fbi.gov">CTUIR_tips@fbi.gov.

The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Identified victims may be eligible for certain services and rights under federal and/or state law.

This investigation is being conducted in partnership with Pendleton Police Department and the Umatilla Tribal Police Department.

Female on Mobility Scooter Killed in Crash

December 6^th, 2025

On Saturday, December 6^th, 2025, at approximately 6:46 a.m., Forest Grove Police Department Officers responded to an injury crash near the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Oak Street.  It was reported a vehicle struck a female on a mobility scooter.

On arrival, officers were advised by medical personnel the female was deceased.  The female was identified as a 71-year-old Forest Grove resident.  The female’s family has been notified. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) responded and processed the scene.  The driver remained on the scene and cooperated with investigators.  The crash remains under investigation. 

While investigators were processing the scene, an uninvolved vehicle drove past a police car with its emergency lights activated, a road closure sign and a public works truck with its overhead warning lights activated and into the crash scene.  The driver was arrested for DUII and determined to have a blood alcohol content of twice the legal limit. 

The Forest Grove Police Department was assisted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Beaverton Police Department, Sherwood Police Department, Forest Grove Fire and Rescue, American Medical Response, Washington County Medical Examiner’s Office and Forest Grove Public Works.

RELEASE DATE:               Dec. 8, 2025
CASE NUMBER:                 25-50506
 

Gresham, Ore.— Detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred in the Rockwood Neighborhood last night.

Officers with the Gresham Police Department responded to reports of gunfire and a person down in the area of SE 187 Ave. and SE Stark St., shortly after 9:00 p.m., last night.  They determined the incident occurred in the area of SE 188 Ave. and SE Burnside Rd. and ultimately located three people who had been injured by gunfire. One adult male was transported to an area hospital and is in critical condition. Two juvenile males, with non-life-threatening injuries, were transported to a hospital as well. No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Detective Conroy at oy@greshamoregon.gov">tyson.conroy@greshamoregon.gov or Detective Taaca at timothy.taaca@greshamoregon.gov and reference case number 25-50506.

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RELEASE DATE:               Dec. 7, 2025

CASE NUMBER:                 25-50383
 

Gresham, Ore.— Detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early this morning in the parking lot of a fueling station.

Officers with Gresham Police Department responded to reports of gunfire and a person down in the area of W Powell Blvd. and Miller Ave., shortly after 1:00 a.m. They found one person who was deceased of an apparent gunshot wound.

The East County Major Crimes Team, a multi-agency team comprised of detectives from Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Port of Portland Police Department, responded and are investigating the shooting. No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Detective Isaac Hibbs at bs@greshamoregon.gov">isaac.hibbs@greshamoregon.gov or Detective Mark Hawley at k.hawley@greshamoregon.gov">mark.hawley@greshamoregon.gov and reference case number 25-50383.

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For Immediate Release

Gresham Police to Host “Fill the Cruiser” Toy Drive
Distributed: 12-8-2025

GRESHAM, Ore.— Help spread holiday cheer with the Gresham Police Officer’s Association at the 6th 
Annual "Fill the Cruiser" holiday toy drive to benefit children in the Gresham community.

In partnership with the Department of Human Services, local officers will collect the donated toys 
and ensure they are distributed to children who may otherwise go without this holiday season. The 
toy drive provides an opportunity for community members to make a direct impact on the lives of 
children in Gresham.

Where: Fred Meyer, 2497 SE Burnside Rd., Gresham, OR 97030
When: Friday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
How: Donate new, unwrapped toys, gift cards, and wrapping supplies

Toys are needed for all ages, infants to teens. Gift cards help officers fill gaps in donations and 
make nice gifts for teens.

Your generosity will help ensure the holidays are bright for some of our most vulnerable community 
members.

About Gresham:
Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition meets opportunity in 
Oregon's fourth largest city. Gresham’s residents care deeply about our roots and are committed to 
building a vibrant future.To learn more, visit www.GreshamOregon.gov or visit us on X at @GreshamPolice
 

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RELEASE DATE:               Dec. 8, 2025

CASE NUMBER:                 25-50383
 

Gresham, Ore.— Detectives with the East County Major Crimes Team made two arrests in connection with yesterday’s fatal shooting near W Powell Blvd. and Miller Ave.

Yesterday, shortly after 1:00 a.m., Gresham police officers responded to reports of gunfire and a person down in the parking lot of a fueling station. Officers located one person who was deceased of an apparent gunshot wound. The victim has been identified as Laquincy Fletcher, 48, of Gresham.

Later in the day on Dec. 7, members of the East County Major Crimes Team arrested Alejandro Perez-Magdaleno and Ricardo Perez-Magdaleno in connection with the homicide. Both were booked into the Multnomah County Jail on suspicion of Murder in the Second Degree.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Isaac Hibbs at isaac.hibbs@greshamoregon.gov or Detective Mark Hawley at mark.hawley@greshamoregon.gov and reference case number 25-50383.

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Just hours after completing its Volunteer Fall Fire Academy, the Lebanon Fire District (LFD) put its newest recruits to the test during a real emergency.

The academy concluded yesterday with six new volunteers successfully finishing their final live-fire training exercise — a crucial benchmark that certifies them to respond to structure fires and other emergencies within the district.

Shortly after crews finished restoring equipment from the training, LFD was dispatched to a structure fire in the 31000 block of Waterloo Road. Thanks to the large number of volunteers still at the station, the district was able to assemble and deploy personnel quickly.

Accessing the fire, however, proved challenging. The residence sat at the top of a long, narrow, and steep driveway, limiting apparatus access. LFD managed to get one engine and one tender to the top, while additional firefighters, tools, and equipment had to be shuttled up the driveway using staff vehicles.

Despite the difficult terrain, firefighters contained and extinguished the fire quickly. Crews remained on scene for approximately three hours to fully extinguish hot spots and ensure the structure was safe.

The fire was determined to have been caused by an improperly discarded cigarette butt.

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that on December 5, 2025, at approximately 9:06 p.m., Linn County Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a two-vehicle collision with occupants trapped at the intersection of Berlin Road and McDowell Creek Drive.

Deputies arrived and located a 2017 Ram 3500 that had been struck in the intersection by a 2002 Mazda B-Series pickup. Deputies learned that the operator of the Mazda, Zayne Hannah-Gray, age 19 of Lebanon, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. A passenger in the Mazda was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

The operator of the Ram 3500 was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. An 11-year-old female passenger from the Ram was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland with life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that the Ram 3500 was struck at a high rate of speed on the passenger side by the Mazda, which failed to stop at the posted stop sign. Alcohol has also been determined to be a factor in the crash. Due to the seriousness of the crash, the Multi-Agency Investigation Team was called to assist with the investigation.

Deputies were also assisted at the scene by the Sweet Home Fire Department and the Lebanon Fire Department.

Anyone with information about this crash is encouraged to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at 541-967-3950.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is investigating a case involving Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated images depicting potential Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

“Incidents like this, although rare, are deeply personal and upsetting for families,” said MCSO Detective Sgt. Brad Robertson, whose team is handling this investigation. “We want our community to know that our detectives are working to collect the necessary evidence to build a legally sufficient case that can be presented to the district attorney’s office.”

CSAM can potentially include both real and computer-generated content, such as images created with AI technology.

This investigation began on Saturday, December 6, 2025, when Corbett High School administrators contacted MCSO, reporting inappropriate, AI-generated images of at least one student.

Based on the preliminary investigation, someone posted the images onto a social media platform. The extent of the images’ distribution is not fully known.

By the time the report was made, the photos had been deleted, according to the initial information provided to MCSO by high school officials.

Because this case involves students under the age of 18, no additional information about the investigation can be provided, including a description of the images.

MCSO detectives will continue their investigation and consult with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether the available evidence establishes probable cause sufficient to warrant the filing of criminal charges.

Oregon's House Bill 2299 (HB 2299), from the 2025 Regular Session, which goes into effect January 1, 2026, addresses the unlawful dissemination of intimate images, focusing specifically on including content created or altered using digital technology or AI.

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MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is investigating a case involving Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated images depicting potential Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

“Incidents like this, although rare, are deeply personal and upsetting for families,” said MCSO Detective Sgt. Brad Robertson, whose team is handling this investigation. “We want our community to know that our detectives are working to collect the necessary evidence to build a legally sufficient case that can be presented to the district attorney’s office.”

CSAM can potentially include both real and computer-generated content, such as images created with AI technology.

This investigation began on Saturday, December 6, 2025, when Corbett High School administrators contacted MCSO, reporting inappropriate, AI-generated images of at least one student.

Based on the preliminary investigation, someone posted the images onto a social media platform. The extent of the images’ distribution is not fully known.

By the time the report was made, the photos had been deleted, according to the initial information provided to MCSO by high school officials.

Because this case involves students under the age of 18, no additional information about the investigation can be provided, including a description of the images.

MCSO detectives will continue their investigation and consult with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether the available evidence establishes probable cause sufficient to warrant the filing of criminal charges.

Oregon's House Bill 2299 (HB 2299), from the 2025 Regular Session, which goes into effect January 1, 2026, addresses the unlawful dissemination of intimate images, focusing specifically on including content created or altered using digital technology or AI.

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Lincoln County, Ore. (10 Dec. 2025) – Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to locate the person(s) responsible for the waste of one cow elk in Lincoln County near Waldport.

On November 28, 2025, Fish and Wildlife troopers responded to a report of a dead cow elk in the Alsea Unit within the Siuslaw National Forest. The cow elk was found in a remote area near the end of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Road 3462, off the main USFS 58 Boundary Road. The entire cow elk had been shot and left to waste. Additionally, the intestinal remains of a bull elk were discovered nearby, indicating that someone had likely shot and taken a bull elk from the same area around the same time.

The investigation determined the elk were most likely shot sometime between November 22 and November 24.   

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, call OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number SP25-482212.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

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

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About the Oregon State Police

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

Update- Hyundai operator name updated related to arrest.

Jackson County, Ore. (Dec. 9, 2025)- On Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 6:13 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Highway 99 (Rogue River Highway), near milepost 7, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Hyundai Elantra, operated by Bobbie Rae Stinson-Payne (28) of Grants Pass, struck a pedestrian, Jarrod Edward Garwood (43) of Rogue River, as the pedestrian was pushing a go-kart on the highway. The Hyundai fled the scene and the operator later contacted law enforcement to report their involvement.

The pedestrian (Garwood) was declared deceased at the scene. An occupant of the go-kart, James Eric Johannes (41) of Grants Pass, suffered reported minor injuries.

The operator of the Hyundai (Stinson-Payne) and passenger, Dillon Edward Gasser (33) of Grants Pass, were reportedly uninjured. 

The operator of the Hyundai (Stinson-Payne) was arrested for Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, and Manslaughter 1.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. The crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Rogue River Police Department, Rogue River Fire Distrist 1, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, and ODOT.

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

Lane County, Ore. (Dec. 8, 2025)- On Friday, December 5, 2025, at 2:14 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 58, near milepost 51, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Audi Q5, operated by Jessica Nicole Ingoglia (37) of Klamath Falls, left the lane of travel for unknown reasons, crossed the eastbound lane, and struck a dirt embankment.

The operator of the Audi (Jessica Ingoglia), who was not wearing a seatbelt, was declared deceased at the scene.

A passenger in the vehicle, Clifford Gary Ingoglia (37) of Klamath Falls, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

A female juvenile (8) passenger suffered critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for two hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by Oakridge Fire and EMS.

# # #

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.

Douglas County, Ore. (Dec. 8, 2025)- On Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11:13 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 138E, near milepost 12, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Chrysler 200, operated by Domonik Randsome Wright (30) of Roseburg, left the roadway for unknown reasons, went airborne, landed in a field, and rolled before becoming fully engulfed in flames. 

The operator of the Chrysler (Wright) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Glide Volunteer Fire Department and Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

# # #

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.

Portland Fire responds to 2^nd alarm Apartment Fire

On Sunday December 7, 2025, at 10:17 AM Portland Fire responded to reports of an apartment fire in the Centennial Neighborhood. Upon arrival the command officer upgraded this to a second alarm fire to add more resources to the incident which included members of Gresham Fire along with more members from PF&R. In total there were nearly 80 members of Portland and Gresham Fire on scene addressing this emergency.

The cause of the fire was a catastrophic explosive event that caused significant damage to a 4 plex with 2 individual dwellings on the bottom floor and another 2 on the second and top floor of the building. Crews arrived to heavy fire showing and evidence of significant damage to the structure. Crews went to work to extinguish the flames while also ensuring the safety of all other occupants of the apartment complex.

One individual was transported to the hospital after jumping from an elevated platform to safety due to the fire activity in the building. The transported patient is stable and still undergoing treatment at an area hospital.

The Fire Investigations Unit along with the Metro Explosives Disposal Unit, has decided, with consultation of PF&R Structural Engineering Specialist along with the Structural Collapse Team, that entry into the building is unsafe due to the structural conditions present. After obtaining a criminal search warrant, the team has operated an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), remotely examining and documenting the interior of the apartment of explosion origin. This technology was successfully utilized in 2023 at the scene of the Korean Church Fire.  The FIU has interviewed a person of interest, but no arrests have been made.

This remains and open and active investigation and Portland Fire - Portland Police FIU will be releasing information as it becomes available.

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Vancouver, Wash. – On December 5, 2025, the Vancouver Police Department was made aware of an incident that occurred in Vancouver on December 4^th involving agents from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Vancouver Police Department learned of this incident via a video that appeared to be taken with a cell phone of the ICE arrest that was subsequently circulated by community members. The video appears to show that the arrested person’s foot may have been struck by an ICE agent’s vehicle during the arrest.

Based on the information regarding a vehicle that is alleged to have struck a person within the city limits of Vancouver, per our policy, the Vancouver Police Department will be conducting a traffic investigation to determine the facts.

Inquiries related to ICE enforcement should be directed to ICEmedia@ice.dhs.gov.

Nothing further is releasable at this time

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Woodburn, Ore. – On December 6, 2025, at approximately 3:54 p.m., the Woodburn Police Department responded to a report of an attempted robbery in the back parking lot of the Woodburn Premium Outlets, located at 1001 Arney Road in Woodburn. The victim reported being approached by a male suspect who made a motion that the victim believed indicated a concealed firearm. A brief physical altercation ensued before the suspect fled the scene on foot.

Responding officers conducted an area search but were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as approximately 5’8” tall with a medium build, a light-brown complexion, and appearing to be in his late 20s to early 30s. He was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket, a black beanie, white shoes, and a pink or purple face mask. Security footage indicated the suspect had been in the rear parking lot for an extended period prior to the incident. He was last observed leaving the area along a tree line located in the northwest section of the rear parking lot.

The Woodburn Police Department reminds the community to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid leaving valuables in plain view inside vehicles, and report any suspicious activity.

Anyone who may have seen the suspect before or after the incident, or who has information relevant to this case, is asked to contact the Woodburn Police Department at 503-982-2345 and reference case number 25-16064.

KAISER PERMANENTE OREGON HOSPITALS RECOGNIZED AS “ 2026 BEST HOSPITALS FOR MATERNITY CARE” BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

[PORTLAND, Ore.]  December 10, 2025  —  Kaiser Permanente’s Sunnyside and Westside medical centers have been designated as “2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care” by U.S. News & World Report for providing high-quality maternity care to patients.

This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study. Kaiser Permanete’s medical centers are the only hospitals in the Portland metro area to receive this recognition.

Kaiser Permanente’s maternity care teams have served thousands of families who entrusted us with their care. Through November of 2025, Sunnyside Medical Center delivered 1,995 babies and our Westside Medical Center delivered 1,183 babies.

U.S. News recognizes hospitals that meet rigorous standards in caring for patients with uncomplicated pregnancies. These ratings are intended to help expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, make informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their family’s needs.

“We are honored that both Kaiser Permanente hospitals have been recognized for excellence in maternity care,” said Elizabeth Melendez, M.D., chief of obstetrics and gynecology for Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Supporting pregnant patients and their babies through this extraordinary milestone is a privilege we never take for granted. This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of our integrated hospital and maternity teams to deliver compassionate, high-quality care and uphold the highest standards every single day.”

The Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside and Westside medical centers earned the high performing designation based on measures of quality, such as such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, birthing-friendly practices and transparency on racial and ethnic disparities, among other measures.

“Hospitals designated as a U.S. News Best Hospital for Maternity Care are national leaders. This recognition means they are consistently hitting crucial patient safety benchmarks compared to other hospitals,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. “It's a clear signal to expectant parents about where the highest standards of care are being practiced – when parents see this designation, they can be assured they are choosing a hospital dedicated to exceptional, evidence-based maternity care.”

U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis. 

This year, the national designation was awarded to only 495 hospitals in the United States, or about 55% of the 899 hospitals that participated.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals for Maternity Care

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technological advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

PORTLAND, ORE. December 8, 2025 – Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel is pleased to invite families and children of all ages to the annual Swim with Santa event from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the North Clackamas Aquatic Park located at 7300 S.E. Harmony Road in Milwaukie.

Members of the Randall Children's Hospital Child Injury Prevention team will be there to help families learn more about water safety at our lifejacket fitting station, car seats and boosters at a child passenger safety station, and home safety tips just in time for the holidays. Health educators and certified child passenger safety technicians will be available to answer questions and provide parents with hands-on demonstrations.

Children under the age of 10 must have a supervising adult actively participating in the water with them. Children can visit the safety stations with their parents or caregivers and then enjoy the attractions of the aquatic park. Home safety supplies will be available to take home, and each child will leave with a gift-wrapped present. Santa will make a special appearance to ring in the holidays!

Details:

Activity: Randall Children's Hospital Free Swim with Santa

Date & time: Saturday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Location: North Clackamas Aquatic Park

Address: 7300 SE Harmony Road Milwaukie, OR 97222

Ages: Children of all ages

Fee: Free

Register: Catalog - North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District

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About Legacy Health
Legacy Health is a local, nonprofit health system driven by our mission to improve the health of those around us. We offer a unique blend of health services – from wellness and urgent care to dedicated children’s care and advanced medical centers – to care for patients of all ages when and where they need us across the Portland/Vancouver metro area and mid-Willamette Valley. For more information, visit www.legacyhealth.org

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Albert Schlotfeldt to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2025.

“We’re honored to welcome Albert to our Foundation Board,” said Karen Santangelo, Chief Philanthropy Officer. “Albert’s deep roots in Clark County, his longstanding professional relationships, and his unwavering commitment to the region’s growth and vitality reflect the very heart of our mission. Like Albert, we believe in investing in our community, bringing hope, healing, and essential services to our neighbors.”

Albert brings nearly 35 years of legal expertise to the Foundation, with a distinguished career focused on construction law, commercial leasing, and real estate. He is widely respected for his work with public entities, contractors, developers, and individuals, guiding them through every phase of the construction process. Albert advises clients on property transactions, development, leasing, and business formation, always with a focus on protecting their interests and assets. He earned his Juris Doctor from Lewis & Clark Law School in 1989 and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Portland, class of 1986.

Albert’s leadership and dedication to Clark County make him a valuable addition to the Foundation Board. We look forward to the insight and energy he will bring to our shared mission of advancing health and well-being in our community.

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About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

REDMOND, Ore. - The Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program (OYCP) held its graduation ceremony for Class 70 on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, for 160 Cadets who completed its 22-week program. The graduation ceremony took place at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. OYCP is an alternative high school operated by the Oregon National Guard, located in Bend, Oregon.

“Today, 160 cadets will walk across the stage thanks to the collaborative effort of the Youth ChalleNGe staff, the Oregon National Guard, the Department of Education, the Oregon Legislature, the Governor's Office, our advisory board, and the Deschutes County community,” said Frank Tallman, Director of the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program. “The growth and transformation you see in the cadets over these past five months is no accident. It’s a direct reflection of their connection, passion, and commitment.”

The program offers at-risk students a second chance to earn credits. It also lets participants re-enter high school, graduate on time with their peers, or graduate from OYCP with a state-accredited high school diploma.

In delivering his welcome message as the guest speaker for the ceremony, Oregon Army National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Philip R. DeMontigny congratulated them on their accomplishments over the past five months, but also addressed their future.

“Today is not the end. It’s a transition point. It’s an important transition point; nevertheless, academically, each of you followed the pathway in your past, in your own situation, and each situation is unique,” he said, reminding each cadet of the journey that brought them to OYCP. “Whether rebuilding credits, or accomplishing a GED certificate, completing your high school graduation, or following other academic plans…you did the work, you met the requirement, and earned being here today. That's super important, and congratulations to each of you.”

The mission of the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program is to provide opportunities for personal growth, self-improvement, and academic achievement for high school dropouts, teens who are no longer attending school, and those who are academically struggling. This is achieved through a highly structured, non-traditional environment that integrates training, mentoring, and a variety of educational activities.

In 1999, the Oregon National Guard established the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program (OYCP) in Bend, Oregon, as an intervention initiative aimed at helping teens who had either dropped out of high school or were at risk of not graduating. The term "at-risk" refers to students who might not complete their high school education. To support these at-risk students, the Department of Defense invested in the OYCP's challenge model, which focuses on youth development and community outreach.

Attendees must be between 15 and 18 years old, be legal residents of the U.S. and Oregon, and be academically behind in high school credits or at risk of not graduating. OYCP can be reached via their website at https://www.oycp.com or by calling 541-317-9623.      

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Released photos:

251210-Z-CH590-1103: Cadet Larson M. Szulc, Student Body President of Class 70 for the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program, delivers opening remarks at the graduation ceremony for Class 70 on Dec. 10, 2025, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon. OYCP is the Oregon National Guard's alternative high school in Bend, providing at-risk students the opportunity to graduate from high school or meet other academic requirements and life goals. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

251210-Z-CH590-1111: The Oregon Youth Challenge Program, Graduating Class 70, stands as the Color Guard enters for their graduation ceremony at the Fair & Expo Center, Redmond, Oregon. OYCP is the Oregon National Guard's alternative high school in Bend, offering at-risk students the opportunity to graduate from high school or meet other academic requirements and life goals. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

251210-Z-CH590-1117: A group of Cadets led the singing of the National Anthem for their graduation ceremony for Class 70 for the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program on Dec. 10, 2025, held at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, Redmond, Oregon. OYCP is the Oregon National Guard's alternative high school in Bend, providing at-risk students the chance to graduate from high school or meet other academic requirements and life goals. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

251210-Z-CH590-1127: Oregon Army National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Philip R. DeMontigny delivers the welcoming address as the guest speaker during the Oregon Youth Challenge Program Graduating Class 70 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, on Dec. 10, 2025. OYCP is the Oregon National Guard's alternative high school in Bend, providing at-risk students the chance to graduate from high school or meet other academic requirements and life goals. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

251210-Z-CH590-1138: Several Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program cadets are recognized for their outstanding achievements during the graduation ceremony for Class 70 for the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program, held at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, on Dec. 10, 2025. OYCP is the Oregon National Guard's alternative high school in Bend, providing at-risk students the chance to graduate from high school or meet other academic requirements and life goals. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

251210-Z-CH590-1145: Frank Tallman, Director of the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program (left) and Oregon Army National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Philip R. DeMontigny (right) pauses for a photo with Cadet Jennifer  Gil-Rodriguez as she received her award as the Class Valedictorian during the OYCP Graduation of Class 70 on Dec. 10, 2025, held at the County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon. OYCP is the Oregon National Guard's alternative high school in Bend, providing at-risk students the chance to graduate from high school or meet other academic requirements and life goals. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

251210-Z-CH590-1146: Frank Tallman, Director of the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program (left) and Oregon Army National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Philip R. DeMontigny (right) pauses for a photo with Cadet Julissa Espinoza Gonzalez as she received her award for Overall Outstanding Cadet of the Company during the OYCP Graduation of Class 70 on Dec. 10, 2025, held at the County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon. OYCP is the Oregon National Guard's alternative high school in Bend, providing at-risk students the chance to graduate from high school or meet other academic requirements and life goals. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

251210-Z-CH590-1335: Cadet Yazlyne Martinez celebrates with her family and friends after the graduation ceremony for the Oregon Youth Challenge Program Class 70 on Dec. 10, 2025, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon. OYCP is the Oregon National Guard's alternative high school in Bend, providing at-risk students the opportunity to graduate from high school or meet other academic requirements and life goals. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

RE-SENT FOR AN UPDATED VERSION

New fee reductions and expanded cutting areas offer meaningful savings for families this winter

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management has announced a series of holiday affordability measures that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention efforts across Oregon and Washington during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits. Local BLM offices are also opening new cutting areas in overstocked woodlands to provide families with more opportunities to gather their own firewood and Christmas trees, while also supporting forest thinning and hazardous fuel reduction.

 “Here in Oregon and Washington, families rely on public lands for tradition, recreation, and essential resources,” said Barry Bushue, BLM OR/WA State Director. “These fee reductions and expanded access make it easier for people to gather firewood and Christmas trees close to home, all while helping us reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.”

These actions align with the Trump administration’s mission to lower costs for American families and will contribute to national savings estimated at more than $9.4 million this holiday season.

Effective immediately, the BLM will:

• Reduce fees for personal-use Christmas tree and firewood permits.
• Increase household limits to up to 10 cords of firewood and up to three Christmas trees, with flexibility to adjust limits in areas with abundant resources.

These steps will help reduce household costs, expand access to local woodlands, and improve forest conditions by removing overstocked or hazardous fuels. The BLM will continue coordinating with community partners, tribal governments and local organizations to share information about permit availability and new cutting areas.

Residents can find up-to-date information on permit locations, cutting area maps, and safety guidance at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/forests-and-woodlands/forest-product-permits/oregon-christmas-trees

-BLM-

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

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) is pleased to announce it has awarded grants totaling $800,000 to expand campus veteran resource centers and enhance services for student veterans at Oregon’s public universities and community colleges.

These centers play a key role in helping veterans make the transition from military service to college life and pursue their educational and career goals.

The purpose of the Campus Veteran Resource Center Grant Program is to strengthen existing campus resources by funding innovative and impactful projects that improve the lives of student veterans and support their success.

A record 19 of Oregon’s 24 eligible public universities and community colleges applied for grants during this cycle, reflecting a broad commitment to serving student veterans across the state. All 19 institutions that applied received a portion of the available funds.

This level of participation demonstrates the strong, continued partnership between ODVA and Oregon’s higher education community in ensuring that veterans have access to the tools and support they need to thrive.

Awardees include Blue Mountain Community College, Central Oregon Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Clackamas Community College, Columbia Gorge Community College, Eastern Oregon University, Klamath Community College, Lane Community College, Linn-Benton Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Portland Community College, Portland State University, Rogue Community College, Southern Oregon University, Southwestern Oregon Community College, University of Oregon, and Western Oregon University.

The proposed projects were evaluated by a committee composed of veterans service officers, current and former student veterans, education partners, and others who provide direct services to veterans.

“Student veterans enrich our campuses and our communities with their leadership, discipline, and life experience,” said Dr. Nakeia Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Yet we know that navigating higher education after military service can bring unique challenges. Veteran resource centers provide a place where student veterans can connect with one another, access benefits and support, and build the foundation for success—both in school and beyond the uniform.”

Highlights of funded projects include:

• Support for campus veteran coordinator and outreach positions to help ensure student veterans can access the benefits and services they have earned.
• Creation of peer mentor programs and other peer support services to strengthen connection and retention among student veterans.
• Purchase of technology and electronic equipment for student use.
• •Programs to address student veteran food insecurity, mental health, transportation, and other urgent needs.
• Veteran-focused events, ceremonies, career fairs, and skill-building workshops.
• Marketing and outreach to engage historically underrepresented and underserved student veteran populations.

More information about this grant program can be found on ODVA’s website at www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/grants/Pages/Campus-Grant.aspx.  

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or Tribal veteran services office online at oregon.gov/odva. 

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2025 Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

 and Policy Committee

Open Vacancy – Recruitments

The Board on Public Safety Standards & Training (BPSST) and established Policy Committees have open vacancies looking to be filled before the end of the year! The current vacancies are as follows:

BPSST: All Board applications must be submitted through Workday.com 

• One member who is a representative of the collective bargaining unit that represents the largest number of individual workers in the DOC
• One member of the Oregon State Fire Fighters Council recommended to the Governor by the executive body of the council
• One member who is a representative of nonmanagement law enforcement
• One member recommended by and representing the private security industry
• Public Member

Policy Committees: All Policy Committee applications must be submitted by December 18, 2025.

Corrections Policy Committee:

• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a corrections officer

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

• One person representing the retail industry
• One person who is a private investigator licensed under ORS 703.430, and is recommended by the Oregon State Bar (will also serve on the PI Sub-Committee upon appointment)
• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a private security provider or investigator
• One person representing the manufacturing industry
• One person representing the hospitality industry

Private Investigator Subcommittee:

• Currently licensed private investigator

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• One person representing Emergency Medical Services & Trauma 

To inquire about a vacancy, please visit Department of Public Safety Standards & Training : Board on Public Safety Standards & Training and Policy Committees : Boards and Committees : State of Oregon.

If interested in applying for a Policy Committee position, please complete and submit the Policy Committee Interest Form found under the ‘Board and Committee Resources’ section of the website listed above.

If interested in applying for a BPSST position, please complete the online application at Workday Board and Commission Opportunities. (Please note that an account may need to be created if not already in Workday)

For further information regarding the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training or its respective Policy Committees, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Thank you,

DPSST Board & Committees Staff

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined a Medford contractor $128,345 for safety violations after an inspection found the company exposed employees to multiple hazards, including a potentially deadly fall from heights.
 

The division completed its inspection of Shrader Homes Inc. in November, citing the company for five violations of requirements to protect workers from serious injury or death. The inspection focused on a jobsite in White City, where employees were doing framing work on a two-story residence.

One of the violations was a fourth repeat infraction for failing to provide fall protection. Another was a second repeat violation of a ladder safety rule. Falls are one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry. Oregon OSHA significantly increases penalties for repeat violations. The division ordered the company to correct the violations.
 

“Any employer that directs workers to do jobs at elevations must take action beforehand to make sure protective systems are in place,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “Workers have a right to safety and health under the law. Employers are responsible for making that right a reality.”
 

Oregon OSHA conducted the inspection of Shrader Homes under its prevention-based emphasis program addressing fall hazards in all industries.

The division cited the company for the following violations:  

• Protection systems were not implemented where employees were exposed to a hazard of falling 6 feet or more to a lower level. The serious violation was rated as “death,” because the typical result of the hazard would be the death of an employee. It was a fourth repeat violation. Penalty: $110,309.
• The side rails of a ladder were not extended at least 3 feet above an upper landing. The serious violation was a second repeat offense. Penalty: $13,800.
• Protection systems were not implemented where employees were exposed to a hazard of falling from a wall opening on the second-floor decking to a lower level. It was a serious violation. Penalty: $1,412.
• A ladder with a broken anti-slip safety device was used when it should have been tagged as defective or removed until it was repaired. It was a serious violation. Penalty: $1,412.
• Eye protection was not used while running a pneumatic nail gun. It was a serious violation. Penalty: $1,412. 

The total penalty issued to Shrader Homes included a standard reduction based on the size of the company. Employers have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal. Shrader Homes filed an appeal of its citation.
 

Oregon OSHA offers employers free resources – involving no fault, no citations, and no penalties – to help protect their employees from job hazards:

Consultation services – provides free help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training:

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Field offices
• Online
• Email: consult.web@dcbs.oregon.gov

Technical staff – helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Online
• Email: tech.web@dcbs.oregon.gov

The division also offers free fall protection video training in English and Spanish, and key information for employers and workers.

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Salem – Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) consumer advocates continue to work to help Oregonians. In the third quarter of this year – July through September – the advocates helped recover $1,836,127, bringing the year-to-date total to $5,658,813 that is back in the pockets of Oregonians.

DFR’s consumer advocates have extensive knowledge across many areas of regulation, including helping those experiencing difficulties with insurance, mortgages, banking products, securities, student loans, and a variety of other financial services DFR regulates.

“Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation makes sure every day Oregonians get a fair shake,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “Their work is a powerful reminder of what effective consumer protection looks like in action.”

In the most recent quarter, the consumer advocates received 1,422 total complaints and, much like previous quarters, insurance continues to be the leading topic with 890 complaints – the most of any quarter in 2025. Credit union complaints were the next highest with 53, followed by mortgage servicers (44) and student loans (32). In the first and second quarters of 2025, more than $3.8 million was recovered through nearly 2,800 complaints.

Examples of consumer complaints successfully resolved by DFR advocates in the third quarter include:

• A consumer’s home caught fire from an errant firework over the July 4 holiday. The claim was not progressing to the consumer’s satisfaction, so they filed a complaint. The insurer completed a subsequent review, which led to an increase in the scope of work for the repairs. This resulted in an additional $40,872.18 being paid to the consumer. This additional review also consisted of a reinspection of the overall claim, which opened more negotiations on the costs for plumbing and windows.

• A consumer had an upcoming surgery scheduled. She called the insurance company to find out how much she would owe out of pocket due to the facility being out of network, but the insurer could not provide her the information. She received a bill for $42,009.82, which was a shock, so she filed a complaint. After reviewing the complaint, the insurer negotiated a single-case agreement with the facility. The claim was then reprocessed and the consumer’s responsibility changed to $3,316.55.

• A consumer’s husband has a long-term care policy. As the husband is disabled and qualifies for benefits under his policy, his wife called the company to make a claim and asked about providers for his care. She was told by a company representative that as long as the independent provider is licensed, she can choose the provider they want. An independent caregiver was hired based on the advice given. Claims were filed, but were denied, as the information provided was incorrect. After the consumer filed the complaint, and the company listened to the phone recording that provided misinformation, the insurer overturned its decision and approved the provider and agreed to pay the claims.

“I am very proud of the level professionalism and expertise our consumer advocates display every day to help Oregonians,” said Sean O’Day, director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes the Division of Financial Regulation. “They are helping people with issues that have real impacts on the daily lives of Oregonians and they often bring positive resolutions to those families.”

Anyone who may need a consumer advocate can call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for insurance-related issues and .finanicialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.finanicialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for financial-related issues.

“Our team of industry experts continues to put its knowledge to work for the benefit of Oregonians,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator and Oregon insurance commissioner. “They deal with many cases that are highly complex and take a lot of time to navigate, but their work does not go unnoticed and I am happy to see so much money going back to hard-working people.”

Here is the list of complaints through the first three quarters of 2025:

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Geoffrey Don House, died the morning of December 5, 2025. House was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

House entered DOC custody on May 22, 2020, from Clackamas County with an earliest release date of July 9, 2039. House was 64 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

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

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

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EUGENE, Ore. – The many ways trees protect human health will be the focus of the 2026 Oregon Urban and Community Forestry Conference to be held June 4 in Eugene at Venue 252.

Registration for the conference—We Thrive When Trees Thrive—is now open at https://www.oregoncommunitytrees.org/2026-conference

This annual conference is put on by the non-profit organization Oregon Community Trees in partnership with the Oregon Department of Forestry and USDA Forest Service. It is open to anyone interested in urban tree issues and their impact on people and communities.

Keynote speaker will be Geoffrey Donovan, a natural resource economist with the private consultancy firm Ash and Elm Consulting, LLC. When he was a researcher based at the USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station, Donovan published a ground-breaking study that found each tree planted in Portland by the non-profit Friends of Trees was associated with significant reductions in non-accidental and cardiovascular human deaths. Donovan had access to years’ worth of tree planting data from Friends of Trees. Specifically, he used the planting data from the nearly 50,000 trees that organization had planted in Portland neighborhoods since 1990. Donovan was able to rule out other possible explanations for the lower death rate like race, education, and income, by using the statistical models using data from the American Community Survey. The findings were published in December 2022 in the journal Environmental International.

Donovan’s work has also shown a strong correlation between sudden tree canopy loss and higher death rates using data from the Midwest where ash trees were suddenly killed by emerald ash borer, leaving residents exposed to air pollution, noise, and other stressors. He has also investigated how pregnant women in Portland who live near large shade trees are less likely to give birth prematurely.

Continuing education credits will be available for conference attendees.

Opportunities to be a speaker, panelist or poster presenter are open until Jan. 31. Visit www.oregoncommunitytrees.org/2026-conference to apply.

Early-bird registration pricing remains $150. Students can register for $80. Ticket includes entry, lunch, snacks, and networking social hour following the conference. Scholarships are available for those with an expressed financial need.

About Oregon Community Trees

The mission of this non-profit, Oregon-based organization is to promote healthy urban and community forests through leadership, education, awareness and advocacy. OCT serves as the advisory committee to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program.

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Portland, OR – DOGAMI and other state permitting agencies have issued draft permits for the Grassy Mountain project; DOGAMI is accepting public comments through February 6, 2026, as outlined in the public notice.

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

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

Portland, OR—The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of Oregon from 10:00 AM PST Monday (12/8/2025) through late Thursday (12/11/2025) night. Heavy rainfall may result in landslides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires. The watch area includes the following Oregon counties: Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill.

Find the latest information here: https://www.weather.gov/pqr/

Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.

If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area:

• Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio, or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
• Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
• Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.

For more landslide and debris flow information: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Tyler Shoop, age 15, a child in foster care who went missing from Clackamas on Dec. 10. Tyler Shoop (he/him) is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Tyler Shoop and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Tyler Shoop.

Tyler Shoop is suspected to be in Clackamas or Portland Metro area.

Name: Tyler Shoop
Pronouns: he/him
Date of birth: 3/3/2010
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 148 pounds
Hair: Blonde
Eye color: Blue Eyes
Other identifying information: Tyler’s hair is cut short and is a reddish tint. He typically wears jeans that are really stained and a hat.
Molalla Police Department # 25-024563
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2070863

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

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

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

Tyler Shoop, age 15, is a child who went missing from went missing from Molalla on Dec. 8. He was found Dec. 9.

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

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

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Chayton Owings, age 13, a child in foster care who went missing from Portland on Oct. 02. Chayton is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find him and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see him.

Chayton is suspected to be in the outlying areas of the Portland Metro area and is known to frequent forest areas.

Name: Chayton Owings
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Feb. 1, 2012
Height: 4-foot-9
Weight: 94 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Blue gray
Portland Police Bureau #25-272053
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2063587

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

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

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SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on its normal monthly schedule in December, following disruptions in November due to the federal government shutdown. SNAP plays a major role in Oregon’s food security and economy. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, contributing an estimated $1.6 billion to Oregon’s economy each year.

“Every month hundreds of thousands of children, older adults and hard-working families and individuals depend on getting their SNAP food benefits on time to get enough food,” said ODHS Director Liesl Wendt. “After last month’s uncertainty and disruptions, we are grateful to be able to return to issuing SNAP food benefits when and how people expect us to. We also recommend that people take simple steps today to protect their EBT cards. By changing your PIN, locking your cards and blocking online and out-of-state purchases you can keep your benefits safe.”

SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, about 18 percent of households, buy groceries, including children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities.

At the same time, with a significant amount of theft by skimming of EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards in Oregon and nationwide, ODHS is doing everything it can to protect people. This week, ODHS turned off and replaced more than 1,300 EBT cards after detecting card-skimming activity in the Coos Bay and North Bend area.

EBT cards compromised by skimmers were turned off and replaced to protect benefits.

On Dec. 2, ODHS turned off 1,350 EBT cards from the Coos Bay and North Bend area that were known to be compromised by EBT card skimming due to devices being attached on payment machines. ODHS automatically sent new EBT cards to households whose cards were turned off to prevent fraud and they should be received by mail in five days. People who need a new EBT card urgently can visit their local ODHS office to get a replacement card right away.

If your EBT card suddenly stops working:

• Check your EBT balance at https://ebtEDGE.com or using the ebtEDGE mobile app. If you see a balance amount that is different than what you expected, your benefits may have been stolen. ODHS does not support any other EBT management apps or websites.
• If you see a balance, but your EBT card is still not working, it may have been turned off to prevent fraud. You can call the ONE Customer Service Center (800-699-9075) or your local ODHS office (https://bit.ly/ODHSoffices) to determine if that was the case.

Most theft occurs in the beginning of the month immediately after SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are issued to EBT cards. Criminals use methods like skimming devices, internet scams and fake websites to steal card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). Once they have this information, they use online or out-of-state purchases to drain SNAP food and TANF cash benefits from a person’s card.

ODHS recommends that everyone with an EBT card take these steps to keep their benefits safe:

• Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
• Freeze your card between uses: When you’re not using your EBT card, consider freezing it as an extra layer of protection. Simply unfreeze it when you’re ready to make a purchase. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for "Freeze Card" under "Account Services."
• Block out-of-state and online purchases: You have the option to block transactions made outside of Oregon and online purchases to safeguard your card from unauthorized use. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for “Protect My Account" under “Account Services." You can remove the blocks later.
• Change your PIN regularly: Get into the habit of updating your PIN often. This can help protect your account if someone does gain access to your card number. Here are the ways you can ​change your PIN:​
  • Call 888-997-4447;
  • Log into the ebtEDGE website;
  • Take your EBT card to the closest ODHS benefits office​.
• Keep your PIN secret: Never share your PIN or write it on your card. Cover the keypad whenever entering your PIN in a public setting. Thieves may use small cameras to capture your PIN entry.
• Inspect card readers carefully: Before swiping your card at an ATM or other card reader, check for anything unusual. Skimming devices are often placed on top of existing card readers. If you see anything that looks out of place or tampered with, avoid using it and let the business know.
• Monitor your EBT account activity: Make it a habit to check your account regularly for any unusual charges. If you see a charge you didn’t make, report it immediately, cancel your card and request a replacement. Here are the ways you can ​get a new card:​
  • Call the EBT Replacement Line at 1-855-328-6715;
  • Go to an ODHS benefits office​.​
• Don’t respond to suspicious texts: If you receive a text message asking for your EBT card number or PIN, ignore it. ODHS will never ask for your information this way.
• Avoid social media scams: Only trust posts and messages about your benefits from official ODHS accounts. ODHS will never ask for your benefits case number, PIN or other card information on social media.

More information is available on the Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits webpage. There is a brochure, flyer and wallet card available in many languages. There are also short videos about using an EBT card, how to replace an EBT card and all the ways to protect your EBT benefits. These are posted in the How-to Videos section of benefits.oregon.gov.

How to request replacement for TANF benefits

ODHS can replace TANF benefits that are lost due to fraud. TANF families who believe benefits have been stolen from their EBT card should contact ODHS to request replacement benefits within 30 days of the benefits being stolen. Information on card safety and how to request replacement TANF benefits can be found online here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx

ODHS cannot replace SNAP benefits

The federal funding to replace benefits ran out on Dec. 21, 2024, and ODHS is no longer authorized to replace stolen SNAP benefits.

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December 10, 2025

Media Contact: Kim Lippert, erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831

OHA seeks applicants for the Oversight and Accountability Council

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon Health Authority is seeking applicants to serve on the Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC), a Council established by Ballot Measure 110 in 2020. The OAC is a public body of the state of Oregon that advises the Oregon Health Authority on the grant program described in ORS 430.389

Members of the OAC serve four-year terms. Members may be eligible for a stipend to compensate them for their time engaged official duties of the OAC. OHA is seeking new members in the categories described below:

• (a)(G) An academic researcher specializing in drug use or drug policy

To apply, submit an application here by 11:59 p.m., Jan. 16, 2025.

A team at OHA will review applications and inform applicants of appointments by Feb. 1, 2026.

For questions or more information, email e110@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">OHA.Measure110@oha.oregon.gov ,or contact Karli Moon at li.moon@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Karli.moon@oha.oregon.gov or 971-240-8690.

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December 10, 2025  

OHA releases new data showing Oregon's maternal pertussis vaccination rate too low, especially in rural counties

• What you need to know: 
  • Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that spreads easily through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes.
  • Pertussis can cause severe disease in people of all ages, but babies are most at risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death from infection.
  • Vaccination is important for people of all ages, and it's the best way to prevent severe disease and hospitalization. 

PORTLAND, Ore - Pertussis cases in Oregon have reached an all-time high, prompting state officials to urge people to make sure they and their families are up to date on vaccinations—especially those who are pregnant or spend time with babies—and take steps to reduce spread. 

In 2025, as of today—Dec. 10—Oregon Health Authority has received a record-high 1,475 reported cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, breaking the state's all-time annual record of 1,420, set in 1950. The current outbreak began in spring 2024, when Oregon recorded 1,252 pertussis cases by year's end. Other U.S. states have reported similar caseload spikes.

Pertussis can cause severe disease in people of all ages, but babies are most at risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death from infection. To reduce that risk, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends every pregnant person receive a single dose of Tdap vaccine during their third trimester (weeks 27-36) to protect their newborn from pertussis. That's because babies' immune systems are too weak to protect against infection until they get vaccinated at 2 months old.

Spouses, partners, grandparents and any adult routinely in the baby's life should also consider receiving a Tdap dose at least two weeks before the baby is born.

However, vaccination is important for people of all ages, and it's the best way to prevent severe disease and hospitalization. In addition to pregnant people, pertussis vaccination is recommended for infants and children starting at 2 months through 4 to 6 years old, adolescents at age 11 or 12, and any adult who has not previously been vaccinated.

“I worry people may not fully appreciate the risk pertussis poses as case counts are rising, especially for babies and older adults," said Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA's Public Health Division. “One of the most important things someone can do to protect their newborn is to get the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. Unfortunately, we've seen a statewide decline in maternal Tdap vaccination rates in Oregon, which is a dangerous trend."

VIDEO: Videos of Dr. Chiou discussing Oregon's historic pertussis spread and its impact are available at the top of OHA's Media Resources page.

The numbers

In 2025, 87 cases of infant pertussis (children younger than 12 months)--22 of whom were hospitalized—have been reported in Oregon so far. One infant died in Oregon earlier this year. It is the only death from pertussis reported in Oregon during 2025.

OHA's new Pregnancy Immunization Data dashboard shows only 69% of pregnant people received Tdap vaccination in 2024, down from 72% in 2020.

Maternal Tdap vaccination rates also vary widely from county to county, with rates as low as 17% and as high as 82%. The lowest rates are largely in rural counties, where it's often harder to find vaccinations, and where vaccine hesitancy rates are also higher.

Pertussis outbreaks occur regionally about every three to five years and do not necessarily follow seasonal patterns. Because of widespread masking and social distancing during the pandemic, Oregon saw only three reported cases of pertussis in 2021, followed by 17 in 2022 and 40 in 2023. Health officials attribute the skyrocketing cases since then to a return to pre-pandemic norms that coincides with waning immunity and decreased vaccination rates. 

Why the vaccine matters

Studies show Tdap vaccination during pregnancy is highly effective in preventing pertussis infection and hospitalization. Long-term protection from the pertussis vaccine wanes over time, however, which can create confusion about the vaccine.

“I hear the confusion in my community about pertussis vaccination," said Benton County Health Officer Carolina Amador, M.D., MPH. “When we use the word 'booster,' people may think the vaccine isn't very effective because protection fades, so they may not want to bother. At the same time, we strongly recommend it for certain people, such as children and pregnant people, because in the short term it does a great job protecting the most vulnerable among us."

The disease

The only way a baby will become infected with pertussis is if they are exposed to someone with pertussis, a bacterial infection that spreads easily through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes.

But pertussis often goes undiagnosed. The illness is tricky to diagnose because not everyone with pertussis will have the trademark “whooping" sound when coughing. For some, pertussis can be severe and result in a trip to the hospital, while others may experience mild symptoms and may not necessarily seek medical care while they still spread disease.

Jennifer Gibbons, N.D., is a naturopathic pediatrician in Portland whose practice attracts many parents who are vaccine hesitant.

“When parents of my little patients also happen to be pregnant, they often tell me their own OBGYN has recommended the Tdap vaccine, and they will ask me, 'But do you think it's right for me?' The answer is always yes," she said. 

“I can say, 'I've seen whooping cough, and it's truly awful for infants,'" Gibbons added. “Then I'll explain how the vaccine merely adds to the suite of protective antibodies that the mother is already providing the baby through the placenta. I'm always exploring ways to change my language with patients to see if I can get them to look at it differently."

Click here to learn more about pertussis in Oregon.

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West Coast Health Alliance, OHA, leading national medical organizations continue to recommend hepatitis B vaccination for newborns

Salem, Ore. – For the second time this year, Powerball players have a chance to win a jackpot close to $1 billion. Wednesday’s drawing climbed to an estimated $930 million - ranking as the seventh largest Powerball jackpot ever.

Since the current jackpot run began on September 7, Oregon has seen 453,136 winners and more than $2 million in total Powerball game winnings.

"Playing the Powerball when the jackpot is this high gives players the opportunity to dream," said Oregon Lottery’s Player Services Manager Heidi Quiring. "You can imagine what the holiday season would be like with extra money for gifts and surprises."

Oregon Lottery retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, a retail location that sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus.

In 2024, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, his wife, and friend together shared a Powerball jackpot worth $1.3 billion. The prize was life changing for Saephan and by far the biggest prize ever won in Oregon. Previously, the largest Powerball prize won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005. The biggest Powerball ever won in history was a $2.04 billion jackpot in 2022 by a player in California.

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

Silverton, Oregon— Enjoy guided nature hikes, seasonal crafts and educational activities at the Silver Falls State Park Winter Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the park in winter, including the changing landscapes and habitats of resident and migratory birds and animals.

Activities at the South Falls District include guided walks and classes; building bird nest boxes; making bird feeders, paper bird crafts and creating wreaths. Activities at Smith Creek Village (1.5 miles from South Falls District) include native plant propagation and gingerbread and sugar cookie decorating. Hot food will be available for purchase at Bigleaf Market and Grill.

Schedule of Activities:

• Make a wreath at the Evergreen Picnic Shelter
• Build a bird nest box at the Creekside Shelter
• Make a bird feeder or paper bird craft in the Stone Kitchen Shelter
• Attend a guided walk at the South Falls Lodge Courtyard:
  • 11 a.m.: Winter Tree ID hike (1-hour hike)
  • 12 p.m.: Mushroom ID hike (1-hour hike)
  • 1 p.m.: Winter Tree ID hike (1-hour hike, Saturday only)
  • 2 p.m.: Mushroom ID hike (1-hour hike)
• Visit discovery tables to learn about the waterfalls in winter, the winter solstice and other seasonal topics
• Learn how maple syrup is made from native bigleaf maple trees (Saturday only)
• Earn a commemorative Silver Falls ornament by taking part in at least eight of the above activities

All activities are free, but a day-use parking permit is required. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon residents and $12 for non-residents; annual permits are available for sale at the park for $30 through December 31, 2025. For more information, visit the event page on our calendar at stateparks.oregon.gov or call 503-874-0201.

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SALEM, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene online at 8 a.m. on December 15 for a special business meeting.

The draft agenda includes requests to: appoint an interim agency director effective January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026.

The full agenda and supporting documents will be posted on the commission web page before the meeting.

People who wish to attend may watch the meeting live on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams, or come to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department office at 725 Summer St NE, Salem OR 97301 to observe the video livestream.

Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. December 14 to C.PublicComment@OPRD.oregon.gov">OPRC.PublicComment@OPRD.oregon.gov. Verbal public comments will not be accepted live during this special meeting, but comments will be accepted as usual at the regularly scheduled meeting in February.

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules, and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year at locations across the state.

If you’re planning to gift a boat to a friend or loved one, remember there’s more to boating than just a boat, such as required equipment, including a life jacket and whistle.

Purchasing paddlecraft such as a kayak, canoe, raft, or stand up paddleboard (SUP) is made easy through many retail stores, big and small.

Recreational boating is a great way to connect with the outdoors, stay fit, and give the mood a lift. And human-powered paddlecraft offers a unique experience to be near the surface of the water, to feel every riffle (shallow place in a river where water flows quickly past rocks) and the flow of the current. Wildlife viewing and being fully present are added benefits.

Boats come in all shapes and sizes and have associated required equipment for your safety out on the water. Paddlers need to have on board a properly fitting US Coast Guard-approved life jacket and a whistle, but it’s more practical to just wear them. If paddling at night or during periods of reduced visibility, then paddlers also need to display a white light source, like a flashlight.

So, what does it cost for the additional required equipment? That depends. A comfortable, inherently buoyant vest-style life jacket can range in price, with inflatable belt packs being on the higher end. A whistle costs a few dollars, and a light source varies depending on the model and brand.

The other requirement is having a Waterway Access Permit, which all paddlecraft operators will need in 2026 when using the boat on the water. Permits are transferable to other paddlecraft, and youth under 14 do not need to have one.

Waterway Access Permit options cost $6 for a 7-day permit, $20 for an annual permit, and $35 for a 2-year permit. Your boating dollars are returned to you through improved or new non-motorized access and will help expand boat inspection stations for aquatic invasive species through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Then there’s the gear needed for the activity! Kayak and SUP fishing are booming, as is wing foiling. Just remember, you’re a boater first. Take the time to plan ahead, learn the skills you’ll need for the type of waterway where you plan to boat, and always communicate or write down a float plan with family and friends. Education, planning, and preparation go a long way for you to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Marine Board also offers FREE online paddling courses to help newcomers learn the basic skills and techniques to stay safe. Want to learn how to get started? Visit Boat.Oregon.gov and let your water recreation adventures begin!

-End-

Vancouver, Wash. –The Clark County Commission on Aging (COA) will not hold its regular monthly meeting in December. Meetings will resume Jan. 21, 2026.

The COA will focus their 2026 “Fireside Chat’ series on chapters 3 (Housing) and 4 (Mobility) of the Aging Readiness Plan with guests ranging from government and service organizations to private sector experts.

Meetings occur on the third Wednesday of each month and begin at 4:30 pm. All meetings are open to the public.

Commission on Aging meetings are held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Training Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.

Commission meetings are carried on CVTV Channel 23/323 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the of the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.

Vancouver, Wash. – As heavy rains and gusty winds continue, county roads and parks are beginning to see impacts. Updates are listed under “Closures and Impacts”. Latest update: 10:55 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10

Public Works response
Members of the public who encounter flooding, standing water, downed trees, or other issues on county roads are encouraged to report it by calling 564.397.2446 or using the online form at clark.wa.gov/public-works. As Public Works receives these reports, staff respond to the location of the issue and assess the situation. Where our crews are able to solve the issue, for example, by removing leaves from a clogged storm drain or moving a fallen tree off the roadway, they are doing so as quickly as possible. In many cases, such as where rising rivers and creeks are flooding roads and bridges, the only recourse is to close the road and wait for creek, stream or river levels to decrease.

Closures and Impacts

This information will be updated throughout this weather event.

Closures

UPDATES, 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10

• REOPENED: Northeast 156th Street at Northeast 102nd Avenue in Brush Prairie
• REOPENED: Northeast 112th Avenue north of Northeast 156th Street in Brush Prairie
• REOPENED: Daybreak Regional Park
• REOPENED: Haapa Boat Launch
• REOPENED: Lewisville Regional Park
• REOPENED: Lucia Falls Regional Park
• REOPENED: Moulton Falls Regional Park

Closed

• Northeast J R Anderson Road between Northeast 72nd Avenue and Northeast Mason Creek Road, east of La Center

Estimated reopening times are not known.

Other Impacts

Many parks, including Haapa Boat Launch, Daybreak Regional Park and Lewisville Regional Park, are experiencing areas of localized flooding. In some locations, roads and parking lots are inundated. Fast-flowing and rising water, storm debris and slope instability are creating hazardous conditions.

Safety Reminders

Drivers are reminded to:

• Not drive through water if they can’t tell how deep it is
• Never drive into areas closed with signs or barricades
• Slow down and increase following distance
• Slow down and give space to workers on or near the roadway

Park and trail visitors are reminded to:

• Avoid flooded areas
• Never drive off-road to avoid standing water
• Do not approach or enter rivers and streams

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

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

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

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

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

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Vancouver, Wash. – To allow staff and residents time to prepare for the holiday season, the Clark County Joint Lobby will close early on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025.

• Lobby hours: The Joint Lobby will close to the public at noon.
• Phone services: Available until 12:30 p.m.

Normal operating hours will resume on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025.

Residents are encouraged to complete any necessary transactions in advance of the early closure. The county Assessor, Auditor and Treasurer appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation.

The Clark County Joint Lobby is a collaboration between the Assessor’s Office, Auditor’s Office, and Treasurer’s Office. Team members are cross-trained across the three offices to provide many of the most common services in one convenient location - providing efficient, accurate and timely service.

For more information or to access services online, please visit www.clark.wa.gov or contact the appropriate office directly.

Vancouver, Wash. – With heavy rains and gusty winds forecasted, Public Works is sharing information for county residents to prepare and respond to storm-related hazards.

Responding to weather-related impacts in unincorporated county

Clark County Public Works begins preparing equipment and crews for inclement-weather impacts early in the fall and is ready to respond during this week’s weather event. The department responds to reports of hazards and issues on roads and county properties in unincorporated parts of the county, i.e., areas that are not within a city’s limits.

• A tool is available on the Public Works website to find out whether a road or property is within the county’s response area.
• The tool on the Public Works website also includes links to other agencies for issues with roads or properties within their service areas.
• Residents can report hazards and issues on county roads and properties (including parks), such as downed trees, standing water/flooding, by calling 564.397.2446 or using the online reporting form. Urgent issues, including those requiring an immediate response outside business hours, should be reported by phone.
• Downed power lines should be reported directly to Clark Public Utilities.
• Hazards on state roads (Interstate 5, Interstate 204, State Routes 14, 500, 501, 502, 503) should be reported by calling 911.

Resources for residents

• Sandbags are available to residents, for free, at two Public Works locations. Bags and sand are provided; residents need to fill their own bags. The materials are available all hours of the day, all days of the week at:
  • 78th Street Operations Center, 4700 NE 78th St.
  • 149th Street Operations Center, 11609 NE 149th St.
• Public Works shares information about storm-related closures and impacts to county roads and parks in several ways. Residents are encouraged to:
  • Check Public Works’ social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram and X) for updates, and beware of information, speculation and rumors shared on social media from unofficial accounts.
  • Sign up to receive closure information via email.
  • Sign up to receive news releases via email; news releases are shared with local news media to provide lists of closures and storm-related impacts, and residents can now sign up to receive that same information directly to their email.
  • Check the Public Works News page on the county website.

Important storm safety tips

• Never drive or walk through floodwaters.
• Always respect closure signs and barricades – they are there to protect people from hazards and dangerous conditions.  
• Slow down in areas with water on the roadway, give other vehicles plenty of space and avoid sudden maneuvers.
• Give crews working in the roadway or right-of-way plenty of space and slow down. Follow all signage and directions given.
• During gusty winds, avoid wooded/forested areas. Listen and watch for falling branches.
• Never enter or approach rivers during high water or flooding. Recreational river users (such as anglers) should always wear life jackets when recreating in or near local water bodies, especially in winter, when the water is swift, cold, and carries hazards such as logs and storm debris.

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

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

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

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

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

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ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County is alerting the public to a recent scam targeting individuals who have applied for permits. Scam callers or emails are posing as legitimate representatives and request payment via wire transfer.

Clatsop County does not request payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or unconventional methods. Official payments are only accepted through approved methods and official county channels.

Anyone who receives a suspicious payment request:

• Do not send payment
• Do not share personal or financial information
• Contact the appropriate county department directly using a verified phone number
• Report the scam to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov

If you believe you may have been targeted or have already made a payment, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident as soon as possible.

Clatsop County takes these incidents seriously and encourages residents and businesses to remain vigilant.

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ASTORIA, OR – Due to forecasted inclement weather, the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners’ work session and regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, 2025, will be held virtually only. There will be no in-person attendance at the Judge Guy Boyington Building.

“This change, while still allowing our work to continue, will contribute to the safety and well-being of the public, Board of Commissioners, and staff,” said Don Bohn, Clatsop County Manager.

The Board’s work session will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m.

How to Join the Meeting

Community members can join the virtual meeting by Zoom, by phone, or by watching the live stream on YouTube. Instructions and links to join by computer or smart device are available on the meeting page and in the online agenda packet at ClatsopCounty.gov.

Public Comment
Community members who wish to provide oral public testimony during the virtual meeting must register in advance by 3 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Registration can be completed by calling 503-325-1000 or emailing s@clatsopcounty.gov">commissioners@clatsopcounty.gov.

Residents with questions about accessing the meeting or needing special accommodations are encouraged to call 503-325-1000.

https://www.clatsopcounty.gov/boc/meeting/board-commissioners-work-session-regular-meeting-2

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The Battle Ground City Council adopted the city’s 2026 annual budget in a unanimous vote on December 1 after months of budget planning, meetings, and public hearings.

The budget was developed with an emphasis on service level improvements, efficient use of public resources, and focus on priorities expressed by residents through the Battle Ground Community Survey completed earlier this year.  This includes thoughtful investments toward transportation improvements, park facilities and amenities, and strengthening local economic development efforts. 

2026 Budget Highlights

Transportation System Improvements

The budget includes the investment of approximately $8 million in one-time street preservation and capital projects planned in 2026. 

Street preservation efforts will prioritize the reconstruction of:

• NW 20^th Avenue, from Main Street to Onsdorff Boulevard
• SW 20^th Avenue, from NW 6^th Street to Scotton Way
• SW Scotton Way, from SR 503 to Parkway Avenue
• Grace Avenue, from Main Street to NE 10^th Street

“Our council recognized that maintaining a strong community starts with the basics, including better roads,” said Mayor Troy McCoy.  “Knowing that this historic investment in our infrastructure will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives makes me proud to be a part of this Council.”

Parks and Community Spaces

Parks remain at top priority for the City Council.  The approved budget includes approximately $2.8 million for parks capital improvement projects, supported by $1.7 million in grant funding and $1.1 million in park impact fees.

In 2025, the city welcomed new playground structures in Kiwanis, McConnell, Cresap, and Dublin Meadows Parks.  The 2026 budget will fund the new outdoor recreational equipment at Florence Robison Park as well as the construction of the first phase of the Remy Park Improvement Project, adopted as part of the Parks Master Plan in December 2024.

Supporting Local Economic Development

Battle Ground is proud to have a strong small-business environment, supported by a diverse and thriving community of local entrepreneurs.  To further bolster our local economy, the City will be introducing a new funding program that will invest $50,000 directly into small businesses.  This program will be designed to support the Battle Ground Business community, and advance the City’s recently approved Old Town Revitalization Plan.

As we move into the year ahead, the City eagerly looks forward to these and other targeted public investments that will ensure Battle Ground continues to flourish.  To learn more about the 2026 Budget, please visit us online at www.cityofbg.org/Budget.

On December 6, 2025, the Battle Ground Police Department (BGPD) proudly hosted its annual Shop with a Cop program, partnering with Walmart, Battle Ground Seniors Inc., and Pepsi Co. to bring holiday joy and vital support to local children and their families.

More than 20 Battle Ground children were paired with uniformed police officers for a special shopping experience at Walmart. Professional staff from BGPD and volunteers from Battle Ground Seniors Inc. also took part, making the event a true community effort.  Mayor Troy McCoy and Deputy Mayor Shane Bowman joined in the festivities, and Rafferty, BGPD’s comfort dog, was also on hand, adding to the warmth and excitement of the day.  A visit from Santa made the experience even more memorable for everyone involved.

The children, selected through a nomination and lottery process, were each provided with a set budget and invited to choose items of their own.  While many might expect the focus to be on toys, officers and volunteers were moved to see how often the children first chose gifts for siblings and parents before selecting anything for themselves. Equally touching were how many selected basic necessities that are often taken for granted; items such as toothbrushes, socks, and shoes.

The program offered more than just financial assistance; it also created meaningful moments of learning and connection. Officers and volunteers watched as the children practiced decision-making and budgeting, weighing wants versus needs while staying within their allotted funds. When a child’s purchases exceeded their budget, more than once did an officer quietly stepped in, reaching into their own pocket to cover the difference. These unspoken acts of kindness, repeated throughout the event, reflected the compassion and dedication of BGPD personnel.

In addition to sponsoring the event, Walmart went above and beyond, recognizing that this year has been particularly challenging for many families.  After the shopping concluded, the children were gathered at the front of the store near a BGPD patrol vehicle with an attached trailer.  With Santa standing nearby, the trailer was opened to reveal a brand-new bicycle for each child.  As the children realized the surprise, their faces lit up with joy, prompting more than a few happy tears among the adults present.

Events like Shop with A Cop exemplify BGPD’s motto, “Partners with the Community.” The program allows children to see police officers in a role beyond enforcement and gives officers the opportunity to build positive, mentoring relationships with youth in a relaxed, supportive environment.

The Battle Ground Police Department is humbled to serve such an exceptional city, surrounded by residents, businesses, and community partners who care deeply for one another. BGPD remains grateful for the continued opportunity and honor to serve what it proudly considers the very best community around.

Salem, Ore. – Heavy rainfall is expected in the Willamette Valley over the next few days, so the City of Salem is closing Parking Lot 3 at Woodmansee Park. This is the lot closest to the playground.

Updated weather models show that Parking Lot 3 could be under water tonight through Wednesday.

A flood watch remains in effect from the National Weather Service.

Rainfall probabilities calculated early this morning predict a significant amount of rain for the next 60 hours or so. The most likely rainfall amounts range for 1.75 inches to 2.75 inches.

Find more information about flooding online.

# # #

The City of Tigard is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Anderson to the Tigard City Council. Anderson will serve a term beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Tigard community once again,” said Anderson. “I look forward to working with my fellow council members and the community on a robust council agenda for 2026.”

Following Yi-Kang Hu’s appointment as Mayor on October 7, 2025, the City Council filled Hu’s vacant seat through this appointment as required by City Charter. Voters will elect a councilor to the full four-year term in November 2026, with the new member taking office January 1, 2027.

Anderson brings extensive experience and dedication to this role, including four years on the Tigard City Council and seven years on Tigard Planning Commission, where he served two years as President.

His commitment to the community is further demonstrated by his role as a business owner and member of the Tigard Downtown Alliance, supported by over 25 years of real estate experience as Principal Broker.

“Tom has demonstrated a deep commitment to the Tigard community. His steady leadership and perspective will be an asset to the council. I look forward to the contribution he'll bring in this next chapter of service,” Tigard Mayor Hu.

The City of Tigard welcomes Tom Anderson and looks forward to his service as Councilor.

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The City’s emergency notification system vendor, OnSolve (Crisis24), experienced a cybersecurity incident that disrupted service nationwide and may have exposed some subscriber information tied to the public safety alert system, known as CodeRED. This incident is affecting multiple jurisdictions across the country and is not isolated to our community.

It is possible some of the following types of subscriber information may have been impacted that were used in CodeRED user profiles:

• Name
• Email address
• Password
• Phone number
• Address

No action is required for those who do not use a password for their CodeRED account. For individuals who created a password for CodeRED and uses that same password for other accounts, the City encourages users to change those passwords immediately. For users unsure about their CodeRED account password, please contact the vendors customer service at support@crisis24.com">crsupport@crisis24.com.

Recommended Safety Tips for Community

As a precaution and reminder, community members are encouraged to:

         • Avoid clicking links or opening attachments from unknown or unexpected senders.

• Use strong, unique passphrases for your accounts and never share passwords or verification codes.

         • Monitor accounts for unusual activity.

Emergency notification services are functional. The City will continue to use multiple communication channels to share urgent public information and any updates regarding this incident will be shared as they become available on the City’s newsroom webpage.

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What

The City of Vancouver will host a “Muddy Boots Tour” of the Bridge Shelter site, offering a first look at construction plans and how the campus will serve people experiencing homelessness. Policymakers, donors and partners will tour the site with the project team.

In 2023, the City of Vancouver declared a homelessness emergency. A key component of the City’s emergency response action plan includes the opening of a bridge shelter with 120 beds. The shelter will provide medication-assisted treatment and other support services to help people transition to stable housing.

Construction is underway and is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting. 

Who

Invitation-only guests include:

• Liz Cattin, PeaceHealth – contributed funding to help build a commercial-grade kitchen at the shelter campus.
• Michael Lynch, Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, Community Foundation of Southwest Washington – contributed funding to support new, limited-term positions on the Homeless Assistance and Resources Team (HART) to provide outreach and help guide people into the shelter once it opens.
• Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and City Councilors Bart Hansen, Diana Perez and Ty Stober.
• Clark County Councilors Glen Yung and Wil Fuentes.

When

10 to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 

Where

5313 N.E. 94^th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98662

Limited on-street parking is available in the neighborhood surrounding the construction site. Please wear closed toe shoes and dress for rain.

Visit Bridge Shelter to learn more about the future shelter, and visit Homelessness Emergency to learn more about the City’s emergency response efforts related to homelessness.

B-roll and photos will be available for media following the event.

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Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring of source water. The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. In the 50 liters sampled each day from November 30 to December 3, 2025, two Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in the 50 liters collected on November 30 and one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in each of the samples collected on December 1 and December 2. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the sample collected on December 3. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run Watershed intake on November 19, 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

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Wilsonville, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today after a federal jury in Portland found him guilty of transporting and possessing photos and videos depicting child sexual abuse.

Joshan Rohani, 41, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and testimony at trial, between July and December 2021, Rohani participated in at least 34 chatrooms, some of which were focused on sharing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and the sexual exploitation of children, on the New Zealand-based cloud storage and file hosting service Mega. Additionally, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents discovered that Rohani had multiple accounts that had been suspended by Mega due to suspected CSAM.

On May 24, 2022, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Rohani’s residence. Investigators found CSAM on several of the devices seized from Rohani’s residence.

On October 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Rohani with distributing, transporting, accessing with intent to view, and possessing child pornography.

Following a five-day jury trial from December 2 to December 6, 2024, Rohani was convicted of transporting, accessing with intent to view, and possessing child pornography.

“Protecting our children remains our highest priority in the District of Oregon,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s sentence marks an important step to hold this defendant accountable and seek a measure of justice for the victims. Our efforts to combat child exploitation within our community will continue.”

“Securing this lengthy sentence for transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material is a direct result of the incredible partnership between HSI and the District of Oregon to seek justice for the innocent,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “The outstanding outcome of HSI’s investigation reaffirms our commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.”

This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Newberg-Dundee Police Department and the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs. It was prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman and Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

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

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Portland, Oregon, man appeared in federal court today after being charged and arrested for sex trafficking of a child.

Tyler Matthew Mandera, 25, made his initial appearance in court today after being charged by a federal grand jury for sex trafficking of a child. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on February 3, 2026.

According to court documents, from October 11, 2025, until October 14, 2025, Mandera recruited and enticed a minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts.    

If convicted, Mandera faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, a life-term of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from Tigard Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.

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

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.  

If you or someone you know are victims of human trafficking or have information about a potential human trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also submit a tip on the NHTRC website.

# # #

HILLSBORO, Ore- For the second consecutive year, the Washington County District Attorney's Office, on behalf of the Washington County Interagency Organized Retail Theft Taskforce, has secured grant funding to combat organized retail theft and shoplifting across the county. The State of Oregon awarded this office $1,535,173. This represents the largest grant award in Oregon for the Organized Retail Theft Grant Program and outpaced the second-largest distribution by more than $230,000.
 

The funding will be used to enhance efforts to investigate, prosecute, and stop shoplifters and organized retail theft crews from targeting businesses in Washington County. The money awarded will allow law enforcement and prosecutors to engage in more joint retail theft missions, will help gather additional evidence of retail theft crimes, and will allow investigators to focus more resources on criminal fencing operations. Grant funding will also be distributed to eligible small and medium-sized retailers to support a retailer security camera upgrade program. Grant funding is anticipated to be available in the first quarter of 2026.
 

This is the second year in a row that this office has received this funding. In 2025, the DA’s Office received approximately $1.5 million in grant funding and distributed more than $281,000 to 38 small and medium-sized businesses across Washington County. The business owners used the funding to purchase security cameras and alarm systems.
 

Western Pet Supply participated in the grant program and installed 18 new security cameras, allowing staff to better guard against theft.
 

“We now have the ability to make sure we can identify the bad apples who attempt to, or do, steal from our store,” Andy Griggs, Owner of Wester Pet Supply, said. “With the way the economy is now, our store has to be so careful with managing theft because, as an independent, family-owned business, we can't afford to lose any products that affect our bottom line. Thanks to the grant funds, we now have an added sense of security.”

A collection of testimonials from business owners who received funding and support can be found here.
 

“This grant award demonstrates that Washington County continues to be a leader in combating crime,” said Washington County DA Kevin Barton. “Criminals warn each other to avoid Washington County and complain when they are caught here because they know they will be arrested, prosecuted, and convicted.”
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office works collaboratively with the Organized Retail Crime Association of Oregon (ORCAOR) on this effort. Jeremy Girard of ORCAOR explains how this partnership helps strengthen the outreach to and support of Washington County retailers.
 

“The Organized Retail Crime grant funding received in 2025, along with anticipated future funding, will position both ORCAOR and Washington County to more effectively support the retail industry and implement strategies that help reduce organized retail crime in Washington County and beyond. This critical funding enhances our ability to build long-term solutions through partnership, education, and enforcement,” said Mr. Girard, Retail President, ORCAOR.
 

The DA’s Office also partners with local businesses, including Colombia Sportswear Company, to host training opportunities, such as the 2024 Washington County Retail Theft Symposium. This regional training brought together loss prevention teams and members of law enforcement in a collaborative effort to combat retail theft.
 

“Our headquarters and our very successful Employee Store are located in Washington County, and we expanded our footprint in 2019,” added Peter Bragdon, EVP Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, Columbia Sportswear Company. “We made this decision, in part, due to the safety and security provided by our Washington County law enforcement partners, including the ORT Task Force. Our retail spaces cannot grow and remain successful without strong partnerships with law enforcement that make our stores, and the stores of our wholesale customers, feel safe for our shoppers and our employees.”
 

This funding also allows this office to expand our current shoplifting deterrence campaign by providing free shoplifting and theft warning signs to area businesses. Visit our website for additional information. 

HILLSBORO, Ore- The Washington County District Attorney’s Office has filed motions to dismiss charges in 20 cases involving drug-endangered children because of a September Oregon Court of Appeals decision, State v. Stevens, 343 Or App 321 (2025).
 

In Stevens, the Court of Appeals ruled that a caregiver who knowingly exposed an 18-month-old child to methamphetamine, causing detectible levels of methamphetamine in the child’s system, could not be convicted of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree for failing to provide necessary and adequate care for that child.  The impact of this ruling extends beyond methamphetamine.  It makes it very difficult to arrest or prosecute parents and other caregivers who knowingly expose children to detectible levels of dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine and fentanyl.
 

As a result of the Stevens ruling and change to Oregon law, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office has been forced to dismiss 20 pending cases in which children were exposed to detectible levels of controlled substances in their bodies.  These include cases with controlled substances such as methamphetamine, marijuana, and fentanyl. The dismissed cases involve situations where children were exposed to active drug use by adult caregivers in the children’s living environment. These situations pose significant safety risks to children, including the risk of child overdose and death. Click here for more information on the dismissed cases.
 

“This ruling makes it more difficult to protect children and hold accountable those who threaten their well-being,” said Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton.  “Caregivers and parents who knowingly expose children to dangerous drugs to the point where they test positive should be held accountable.  We are committed to pursuing legislation in the upcoming short legislative session to address this problem.”
 

“Every child deserves to grow and thrive in a home free from dangerous drugs and life-threatening hazards,” said Oregon Child Abuse Solutions Executive Director Shelly Smith.  “We are committed to advocating and supporting policies and practices that safeguard their well-being.”
 

The Oregon District Attorney’s Association (ODAA) and the Washington County DA’s Office are actively seeking new legislation to address this gap in Oregon’s law. ODAA has put forward proposed legislation for the Oregon legislature to consider during the 2026 legislative session.  Click here for the ODAA 2026 Proactive Legislative Agenda.

PORTLAND, Ore. – It's that time of year again for baubles, bangles and bling! 

Portland Community College employees are once again turning holiday spirit into support for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students through an annual jewelry sale that benefits the ESOL Fund.

The sale took place in early December in the CC Building Upper Mall at the Sylvania Campus. All jewelry has been donated by PCC staff, along with their friends and family members, with 100% of proceeds going to help ESOL students cover fees, tuition and textbooks. Other PCC campuses also host jewelry sales throughout the year to benefit ESOL students, too.

“We've had this fund for about 15 years, and we help students with tuition, fees and textbooks,” said Luciana Diniz, ESOL instructor who organized Sylvania’s sale. “Last year, we raised about $1,000 and we are hoping for more this year. We do many other events at different campuses and the jewelry sale is just one of them.”

ESOL instructors and retired instructors lead the fundraising efforts. The jewelry sale typically raises around $1,000 each year and is one of many events held annually to support ESOL students across the district.

While the fund has traditionally focused on academic non-credit students, this winter it will award $10,000 to ESOL Level 7 (credit) students districtwide. Some ESOL students volunteered at the sale, giving donors and shoppers a chance to meet the students they are supporting.

Jewelry donations are accepted year-round, with about 10-15 employees contributing pieces in the past three months alone. Organizers hope this year’s sale will surpass previous fundraising totals.

To donate to the fund, contact the PCC Foundation, or to give jewelry, get in touch with Diniz at luciana.diniz@pcc.edu.

Holiday donation energizes PCC’s food bank

At PCC’s recent Free Food Market at its Sylvania Campus, staff not only distributed groceries and winter gifts to students, they also received a meaningful gift themselves. During the event at the Sylvania Campus, the PCC Student Basic Needs Center (SBNC) was honored with a $5,000 donation from The MamaBerries Nonprofit Foundation, in partnership with Shades by Shan Cosmetics.

The funds will provide seasonal assistance gift cards to single parent students at PCC, helping to ease the financial strain of the holiday season for families balancing college, caregiving and basic expenses. A recent survey showed 64% of PCC’s students experience at least one form of basic needs insecurity such as food or housing challenges.

This Student Is A Smile-Maker

Caribbean grade schoolers, adults in custody, and community members are smiling more brightly thanks to Kristina Hsu. The PCC Dental Hygiene student volunteered recently on a smile-giving trip to Saint Lucia, an island nation in the Eastern Caribbean. Hsu continues to serve patients this holiday season as she completes her studies and helps to staff the PCC Dental Clinic at the Vanport Building in Downtown Portland that provides free preventive and limited restorative dental services to the community, PCC faculty, staff, and students. 

Learn more about Kristina Hsu Caribbean work and current assistance with the college’s reduced-cost dental clinic.

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.

The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet for their Regular Business Meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. 

The Board and key staff will attend in-person at CSD's District Office - 18135 SE Brooklyn St., Portland, OR  97236. The public and guests may join in person or virtually via the Zoom app.

To join the meeting, please click on the link below

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87941653784?pwd=i4siR5r-Wc2a2g6vAJDjTqeCuM5gmg.r7p523k5R3NramTn
Passcode:017162

Or Telephone, dial:
     +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799

Webinar ID: 879 4165 3784
Passcode: 017162

Note: The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet in executive session, during their regular business meeting, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(d) - to conduct deliberations with persons designated to carry on labor negotiations.  Members of the news media are prohibited from attending, and access is limited to designated staff only.

The full board meeting packet is available for reference on the Centennial School District website at www.csd28j.org and can be found on the School Board page. The meeting agenda may be updated as needed and additional board meeting documents may be added as they become available. 

For information about the agenda email dan@csd28j.org">melissa_grindle@csd28j.org or oard@csd28j.org">board@csd28j.org.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Finance Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/82869498779?pwd=ojgOsYYyNcub0SBJycNNsrgs4vEVGX.1
Passcode:016661

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Policy Committee will meet at 12:00 p.m. on December 11, 2025. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/84013745237?pwd=tBPFSjkPCCZoGbuOYmtUONbm67vEXm.1 
Passcode:070513

Businesses and organizations looking to connect with students as well as workers of all ages are invited to attend the 11th annual Battle Ground Public Schools Industry Fair. Representatives of all industries are encouraged to participate at this event, which drew more than 1,000 attendees last year.

There is no cost for businesses and organizations to participate. The deadline to sign up is Friday, Feb. 13. Those interested in reserving a table should secure their spot using this online form. Contact Career Guidance Specialist Kevin Doyle at 360-885-6598 or doyle.kevin@battlegroundps.org with questions about participation.

About the fair

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026

Battle Ground High School (300 W. Main St., Battle Ground)

Resume workshop from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Fair from 5 to 7 p.m. 

The Industry Fair is sponsored by Battle Ground Public Schools in partnership with Goodwill Industries of the Columbia-Willamette and WorkSource of SW Washington.

Date: 12/8/25

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Hockinson Community Center 

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

On December 9, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the December 2025 Employees and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees!

Students of the Month

Yvi Hall, Pre-K at the Early Learning Center

This month, we are thrilled to celebrate Yvi for showing our Early Learning Center’s character trait of the month: Responsibility. Yvi always does her best work and takes good care of our classroom materials. She follows routines, makes good choices, and is always ready to help when someone needs it. Yvi is also very kind and welcoming to others. She helps make our classroom a place where everyone feels happy and included. She enjoys her teachers and loves being an important part of our classroom community, and that joy shows in everything she does. We are so proud of Yvi and the positive example she sets each day!

Adalyn Spence, 1st Grade at South Ridge Elementary School

Adalyn consistently demonstrates our core character traits of Be Kind, Be Strong, and Be Well, making her an exceptional role model for her peers. She approaches each day with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to make our school community a better place. Whether she is greeting classmates with a smile, offering support to a friend who needs help, or showing appreciation to her teachers, Adalyn’s kindness shines through in everything she does. Her strong work ethic is equally impressive. Adalyn gives her best effort on every assignment, asks thoughtful questions, and actively seeks feedback to improve her understanding. Teachers often note how engaged she is during lessons and how responsible she is with managing her materials, completing tasks, and staying focused. She approaches challenges with determination and demonstrates resilience when learning feels difficult. Adalyn’s willingness to go above and beyond—for both her classmates and her own growth—embodies what it means to “Be Well.” She creates a supportive classroom environment by encouraging others, collaborating respectfully, and stepping in to help without being asked. For her kindness, strength, responsibility, and commitment to excellence, Adalyn is truly deserving of Student of the Month.

Kobe Edwards, 3rd Grade at Union Ridge Elementary School

Kobe Edward’s teacher immediately noticed him, not because he was the first to have every correct answer or to show off how smart he was, and he is very smart. He was not the most outspoken, the fastest to finish his work, the silliest, or the loudest. What stood out was a kid who was continuously looking for ways to help others shine. From the first week of school, Kobe has been the first to step in when someone needs help, whether it is cleaning up a spill, reorganizing materials, or supporting classmates who are struggling with new concepts. He explains things with clarity and patience and never seeks recognition. His kindness is steady, genuine, and woven into everything he does. When the teacher asked students during conference time whether they had a friend they could count on, Kobe’s name surfaced again and again. He is everyone’s friend, someone who notices when others need support, makes sure every student feels included, and works to ensure every voice is heard. Kobe embodies integrity and humility, and he truly represents what it means to be Student of the Month. Staff members across Union Ridge see the same qualities in him. In the art room, he participates thoughtfully, applies learning goals to his work, and spreads kindness. At recess and lunch, he helps clean tables, picks up equipment, and goes above and beyond without being asked. He treats others with respect, plays fairly, and models what it means to be a positive community member. Kobe is an exceptional student and an even better human being. We are so proud to celebrate him!

Sawyer Shaffer, 6th Grade at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School

Sunset Ridge Intermediate is proud to recognize Sawyer Shaffer as our December Student of the Month. Sawyer is the kind of student who quietly lifts everyone around him. He works hard in every class, produces high-quality work, and eagerly makes revisions when needed. When he finishes early, he often asks how he can support a classmate—always looking for ways to help others succeed. What truly sets Sawyer apart is his heart. He notices people in ways many sixth graders don’t, and he treats everyone with empathy and respect. He stands up for what’s right, ensures others feel included, and models the character traits we value most at Sunset Ridge. Alongside his kindness and leadership, Sawyer brings a sharp, sophisticated sense of humor that brightens the room and reminds us that learning can be joyful. He represents the very best of Sunset Ridge, and we’re grateful to have Sawyer as part of our Coyote community. 

Gracie McCutcheon, 8th Grade at View Ridge Middle School

Gracie brings such a positive energy to our school. She truly embodies what it means to be a Heron! Her talent, dedication, and positivity inspire both students and staff alike. Her teachers share that Gracie is a natural leader in class whose consistent hard work has collided with her immense store of natural talent. She has a positive attitude  and a smile on her face every day. She collaborates well with others, is always willing to share her math ideas with the whole class, and is kind and considerate to everyone. Gracie exemplifies excellence in so many ways, and we are proud to have her as part of our school community. Congratulations, Gracie!

Michelle Robbibaro 10th Grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy

When you talk to Michelle about her future, there's no guessing. She knows exactly what she wants to do and, more importantly, she has a clear plan for how to get there. That kind of laser-focus and self-direction is incredibly rare in a high school student. Michelle is the perfect example of how Wisdom Ridge works for students who have big dreams that require a flexible schedule. She's living proof that you can achieve great things, even when you can't be in a traditional classroom every day. Michelle will send messages letting us know she's on the road, traveling to a rodeo in another state, but she’s still logged in and getting her schoolwork done. She doesn't use her passion as an excuse; she uses her remote status to make her dream a reality while keeping up with her studies. The best part is seeing the results. Michelle has sent her teachers pictures and videos of her competing, and it’s touching every time they see one. It shows a young person who sets meaningful goals, figures out how to make them happen, and is executing the plan perfectly. Her family is right there supporting her, and together, they are a powerful team making her dreams come true. We really cannot say enough about how driven and impressive she is. Michelle Robbibaro is an ideal role model for any student here at Wisdom Ridge!
 

Cole Blehm, 12th Grade at Ridgefield High School

Cole is the kind of student who elevates every space he enters—through his positivity, his work ethic, and his genuine care for the people around him. Cole appreciates the many opportunities RHS has offered, especially in history and science, where he has found the classes engaging and meaningful.  His teachers have helped fuel his love of learning and shown him that school is more than assignments—it’s a place to explore what inspires him.  Cole’s teachers describe him as upbeat, dependable, and consistently engaged. He brings curiosity and humor to class, he supports his peers without being asked, and he creates an environment where everyone feels included. Whether he’s tackling challenging material in AP Physics, setting the tone in zero-period High Performance training, or simply stopping by a former teacher’s classroom with a smile, Cole brings an energy that makes RHS feel lighter and more connected. Outside the classroom, Cole is an explorer at heart. He loves finding historical treasures at antique shops and yard sales, spending time outdoors golfing, fishing, and camping with friends, and working on cars. After graduation, he hopes to attend Northwest Lineman College in Idaho, a path well suited to his determination and hands-on work ethic. Cole embodies the spirit of Ridgefield High School—curious, hardworking, community-minded, and authentically himself. We are proud to honor him as December’s Student of the Month.  Congratulations, Cole!

Employees of the Month

Pam Chamblee, Custodian at Union Ridge Elementary School

Pam consistently goes above and beyond to help keep our school safe and running smoothly. She takes the time to engage with every student, building meaningful connections that make our school a welcoming place for all. Her dedication to doing things the right way and ensuring that everything is done to the best it can be reflects her strong work ethic and genuine care for our school community. She truly makes a positive difference every single day.

Alicia Ensley, Third Grade Teacher at South Ridge Elementary School

Alicia is a dedicated teacher, gifted PLT facilitator, and a kind human. As a teacher, she is always looking to hone her craft. Whether it's layering in Building Fact Fluency to help her students understand the why behind multiplication and division, providing lots of math play opportunities for her students, studying how to build a Building Thinking Classroom and then leading a book study on it, or giving her students opportunities like having kinder buddies, she cares about continually evolving as a teacher for her students and their families. In her PLT, she has taken on the role of facilitator and does so with a positive attitude, always using a diplomatic tone and words, and digs into the work as a team member with a systems-minded approach that considers the needs of the team as well as the school and district as a whole. As a teammate, she is generous with her time and resources. She can remember details about what a teammate has shared, like an inconsequential one about the color of a building block shown to her, for example, and then turn it into one of the many acts of kindness she is known for. We are lucky to have her on our team!

Congratulations, Woodland Beavers! 

WOODLAND, December 9, 2025 — The Woodland High School Boys Football team has truly defined what it means to be a student-athlete by securing the prestigious Academic State Champion award for Classification 2A. This honor celebrates the team's ability to balance the demanding schedule of high school football with academic excellence, making the Beavers true champions both on the field and in the classroom.

The award is presented to the high school sports team with the highest collective grade point average (GPA) in their classification across the entire state. The Woodland Beavers’ phenomenal collective GPA of 3.461, achieved by 24 dedicated student-athletes, set them apart as the state's best in academic achievement.

The Mark of a Champion

Woodland Athletics fosters a growth mindset with an emphasis on the two things that athletes can control: Attitude and Effort. The program is all about developing GRIT (Gratitude, Respect, Integrity, Team) in the athletes and giving them the tools they need to be successful long after their playing days are over. Senior offensive lineman and defensive lineman, Isaiah Mattison, who currently carries a 3.981 GPA, said, "As a team, we preach that the ability to play is a privilege. A privilege that is only earned if and when we excel in our education. If we can take care of ourselves in the classroom, the outcome is a strong philosophy that pushes the team to excel on the field."

The hard work of these young men, who managed rigorous training and game schedules while maintaining exceptional grades, embodies the ideal of the high school athlete. Athletic Director Taylor Adrian sees it as a collaborative effort: “The teachers, the coaches, and the athletes all worked together for this success.” The importance of academics in Woodland athletics is visible on the game rosters, which include honoring those athletes who maintain GPAs of 3.2 and higher.

Head Coach Glen Flanagan also leads this culture of excellence, guiding the team both on the field and in their studies as a teacher at Woodland High School. Coach Flanagan added, “We are proud of all of our students at Woodland High School. This town and this school district believe in developing young people of character who are excellent in everything they do. This was shown in our high achievement, which these young men displayed in the classroom.  This is something to be very proud of as a community, as there is not a single 2A school in the state that performed as well in the classroom as our boys. This is an amazing community to raise families in, as you see the people of this town consistently rally around our schools and our young people.  It truly is a great day to be a Beaver!”

Honored on the Grand Stage

The team's achievement was publicly celebrated at the Classification 2A State Football Championship game during halftime on Saturday, December 6, 2025, as well as at halftime of the basketball game on Friday, December 5, 2025. 

Join us in celebrating the Woodland High School Boys Football team, the Beavers, for their remarkable accomplishment. They demonstrate that commitment, hard work, and discipline lead to success in every arena.

Evergreen Virtual Academy - 12/11/2025

EVERGREEN VIRTUAL ACADEMY NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS December 11, 2025, 6:30PM Evergreen Virtual Academy Board Members are Hereby notified that a Session of the Board will be held via Zoom Webinar at https://evergreenvirtual-org.zoom.us/j/87931930355
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 253 215 8782, +8 793 193 0355, +1 346 248 7799

Steps PDX proudly presents an all-new original production, The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Winter Dance Celebration. “Now you've probably wondered where holidays come from. If you haven't, I'd say it's time you begun…”

This vibrant reimagining invites audiences on a magical journey from ghoulish goblins to sprightly snowflakes—into the delightful chaos that unfolds when two holidays meet by mistake. A beloved seasonal tradition, the Steps PDX winter production showcases dancers of all ages and styles, featuring Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Modern Contemporary, Ballet Folklórico, and live music.

Perfect for families, dance enthusiasts, and holiday lovers alike, this heartwarming performance blends creativity, humor, and whimsy with the artistic excellence of the Steps PDX community. The show is appropriate and enjoyable for all ages.

Choreography is created by Artistic Director Kathryn Harden and artistic staff Lauren Smith, Olivia Ornelas, Decimus Yarbrough, Wes Lambeaux, TJ Yale, Kevin Fisk, Gabriela Guerra, and Denise Busch.

Proceeds from the production support Steps PDX and the nonprofit Steps for Youth, helping sustain community partnerships, expand scholarship opportunities, and increase access to high-quality dance education for young people throughout Portland.

About Steps PDX

Steps PDX is a Portland-based dance school and community arts organization dedicated to providing high-quality, inclusive dance education for students of all ages, levels, and backgrounds. Founded in 2017 by Artistic Director Kathryn Harden, Steps PDX was created with a vision of offering accessible, exceptional training in an environment rooted in joy, curiosity, and belonging.

The studio is home to a diverse faculty of professional dancers, choreographers, and educators who are committed to nurturing each student’s artistic voice. Programs span creative movement for young dancers, youth training, adult classes, and pre-professional pathways.

Steps PDX is equally committed to community impact. Through outreach initiatives, financial assistance, and inclusive programs such as the BIPOC Youth Dance Program and adaptive DanceAbility classes, the organization works to expand access to dance across Portland. More than a studio, Steps PDX is a welcoming, supportive home where dancers and families come together to learn, create, and celebrate the joy of movement.

Event Details

What: The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Winter Dance Celebration
Presented by: Steps PDX
When: December 11 - 13
Where: Lincoln Hall, 1620 Southwest Park Avenue, Portland, OR 97201

Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/steps-pdx-presents-the-nightmare-before-christmas-tickets-1860624932259?aff=oddtdtcreator

December 8, 2025 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Paige Parker, Public Relations Manager

Oregon Community Foundation, ker@oregoncf.org">pparker@oregoncf.org  

OREGON NONPROFITS STRENGTHEN THEIR COMMUNITIES WITH FALL FUNDING FROM OCF

Oregon Community Foundation Awards $5.1 Million in Grants to Support Education, Housing, Economic Opportunity, Arts and More

PORTLAND, Ore. — From classrooms and concert halls to food banks and housing services, 260 Oregon nonprofits will get a boost this fall. Oregon Community Foundation is awarding $5.1 million through its Community Grants program to organizations working to expand access to education, health services, economic opportunity, arts and culture and more. Grants awarded in rural towns and urban neighborhoods reflect OCF’s commitment to strengthening communities and tackling urgent needs.

“We are so inspired by the hard work our nonprofits are doing to improve the lives of all Oregonians,” said Marcy Bradley, OCF’s Chief Community Engagement and Equity Officer. “Community Grants is our open door for new ideas and the ‘what if’ dreams of our communities. We are proud to stand with the problem solvers in our state.”

For 28 years, OCF’s Community Grants program has supported nonprofits, Tribal organizations and government agencies in all 36 Oregon counties.  The 2025 Fall Cycle prioritized small capital projects (under $500,000), capacity building and new or expanding programs and projects.

Donors to Oregon Community Foundation make OCF’s Community Grants program possible. Grant applications were reviewed by regional OCF staff and volunteers in every region of Oregon.

The next cycle of Community Grants from OCF will prioritize general operating support for small rural organizations, culturally specific organizations and culturally responsive organizations. Program applications opened on December 2, 2025, and will close on January 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. PST.  Grants will be awarded in May 2026. Learn more here.

Find the full list of 2025 Fall grantees here.

Fall 2025 Community Grants Will Support

• 99 first-time OCF nonprofit grantees
• 22 housing-related nonprofits
• 23 food and nutrition service organizations
• 5 library projects
• 14 nonprofits that work with immigrants and refugees
• 14 nonprofits that work in economic development
• 11 environment nonprofits
• 8 mobile programs such as mobile clinics, laundry trucks, libraries and food hubs

Community Grants Breakdown by Region with Representative Nonprofits

Central Oregon | 21 Nonprofits | $366,768

• Columbia River Institute for Indigenous Development Foundation will expand the Kuskuspum program and launch a full-day, year-round early learning center designed by and for the Warm Springs community.
  
  “Language classes helped me mentally in many different ways, such as helping me learn more about my culture, and really made me feel closer to my grandma and helped come out of my bubble and talk to more people and get closer to new people.” — Cassidy Dixon, CRÍID youth participant
   
• Council on Aging of Central Oregon will grow its Caring Connections program that matches a volunteer with a client who has been identified as lonely or isolated.

“If it weren’t for this program, I would feel totally alone.” — Prineville client Kay B.

Bend client Pam T. says she and a volunteer “have been talking for two and a half years. He keeps me going, he listens to me, we laugh together and get along great ... I don't know what to do without him, I've never had a friend for this long.”

Eastern Oregon | 17 Nonprofits | $265,889

• Four Rivers Community Radio will purchase equipment to launch a community radio station in the Western Treasure Valley.
  
  "Four Rivers Community Radio is much more than a radio station providing passive listening opportunities. We are a medium for community members to connect to one another, build a shared identity across the region, and begin to understand and meet the varying needs of one another. Our service area is a region that has been under-resourced and ignored for many years, contributing to the deepening divisions we see spreading across the country. Through the dedication and support of our volunteers and local community members, we believe FRCR can change these trends and are deeply grateful to the Oregon Community Foundation for supporting that critical vision." — Andi M. Walsh, Board Secretary 

• Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness will create a Wellness Park and Community Garden.

Metro Portland | 100 Nonprofits | $2,225,112

• Centro Cultural will increase access to culturally specific wellness services and free meals for low-income seniors through its Edad de Oro program.
   
• New Narrative will modernize its commercial kitchen, which serves 2,000 meals weekly to residents in transitional and permanent housing.
  
  “It’s been a major challenge, but New Narrative has been a huge part of the positive experience through [my son's mental health] journey. Having a clinician involved on-site, talking about his goals and medications with him, it made an incredible difference. For New Narrative’s staff, this is their passion.” — Father of a New Narrative participant
  
  “New Narrative's decades of experience position us as an expert in what works and what doesn't. We are seeing more people in the region with a serious and complex set of mental health needs, and we are determined to meet those needs. No one deserves to be ostracized or stigmatized because of their mental health situation. Everyone deserves dignity, community and a roof over their heads.” — Julie Ibrahim, CEO

• Workforce Investment Council of Clackamas County will expand legal services for criminal and eviction expungement and immigration needs in rural areas.
  
  “Through Clean Slate Clackamas, it is our role to educate the population and help to create a more equitable workforce and true system change. Now a fully expunged ‘graduate’ of Clean Slate Clackamas, Mike has access to doors he thought were closed forever – better employment opportunities, access to housing, even a better credit score. Mike credits Clean Slate Clackamas with helping turn his life around and giving him the tools he needed to overcome this barrier.” – Amanda Wall, Communications Director, Clackamas Workforce Partnership

North Coast | 12 Nonprofits | $211,535

• Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association will replace lighting for a community soccer field serving more than 600 youth.
  
  “The amount of growth that we have seen our daughter make is remarkable. (Coach) Danielle‘s positive attitude, correct level of competitiveness and love for the game is contagious, and it shows in the joy that her players exhibit on the field. We’ve seen the game of soccer finally click for many of these girls this year, and it’s due to the support and effort Danielle puts in every week.” — Player's parent
   
• Amani Child Abuse Assessment Center will expand outreach across Columbia County.

Northern Willamette Valley | 32 Nonprofits | $583,682

• St. Francis Shelter will become fully powered by solar energy and plan to reinvest savings into programs for houseless individuals.
  
  “Our work makes a difference because it works. Last year, 27 of the 29 families who lived at St. Francis transitioned into permanent housing — and remain housed today. When families have a safe place to live, consistent support, and the chance to rebuild the skills and confidence stolen by trauma and homelessness, they are able to create the stability their children deserve.” — Kim Lemman, Executive Director
   
• Salem for Refugees will expand employment and student support services for refugee families.
  
  “My name is Anina, and I am from Syria. When I arrived, everything was new and overwhelming, but Salem for Refugees welcomed me like family. They didn’t just help me with housing and basic needs, they supported me emotionally, encouraged me, and made me feel safe again. Their help gave me hope for my future.” — Amina, Salem for Refugees client
  
  “Since launching in 2016, Salem for Refugees has walked alongside thousands of newcomers from nearly every region of the world. Today, we serve more than 2,000 refugee and immigrant clients across the Salem and Corvallis areas. We provide initial resettlement, case management, housing, employment and education services. Our mission is far more than providing services — we strive to create a community of belonging, safety and opportunity for families who have endured immense hardship.” — Luke Glaze, Executive Director, Salem for Refugees

South Coast | 8 Nonprofits | $152,500

• Bay Area Enterprises will launch a landscaping program to help rural Oregonians with disabilities access paid employment.
   
• Camp Myrtlewood will complete the Dogwood Cabin, a year-round bunkhouse serving low-income and under-resourced people through outdoor school and retreats.

Southern Oregon | 24 Nonprofits | $419,500

• Klamath Falls City Schools will pair high school students with downtown businesses to provide marketing services and career experience.
  
  “KU Digital Media turns classrooms into creative studios and our city into a campus. Students design real campaigns for local nonprofits and small businesses, learning professional skills while strengthening the community they call home.” ─ Dan Stearns, CTE Digital Media Teacher and Program Lead, Klamath Union High School
  
  “Working with real clients taught me how to listen, design to a brief, and deliver on deadline. I now see a creative career path that feels possible — and local partners cheer us on every step of the way.” ─ Isabella Armijo, KU Digital Media student
   
• A Greater Applegate will support a mobile food hub delivering local produce to rural pantries and neighborhoods in an isolated area.
  
  “A Greater Applegate's mission is to build community by sustaining and enhancing the local connections that promote the environmental, economic and social vitality of the Applegate Valley. We are building networks that expand access to local food and business resources and facilitating all-ages fairs and markets that bring families of the Applegate Valley together and help small businesses thrive.” — Megan Fehrman, Executive Director

Southern Willamette Valley | 46 Nonprofits | $848,700
 

• Calapooia Watershed Council will hire an eco-wellness instructor for its freshwater snorkeling program serving youth involved with the Juvenile Department.
  
  “As an environmental science teacher, I can think of few programs that have been as valuable and impactful on so many levels as the snorkeling program. The evolution of their understanding of the connections between the life below the surface, the surrounding forest and themselves in the city of Albany is exactly what environmental science is about.” ─ Gareth Engler, West Albany HS teacher
  
  “After we got back to school, everyone could not stop talking about how great it was!” ─ Gracie, fifth grade student
   
• PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation will expand its Telestroke Program to connect rural hospitals with neurology experts.
  
  “You never know when or where a medical emergency may occur or who will be there to assist. Time is of the essence.” — Sally Hampton, PeaceHealth Sacred Heart patient and aneurysm survivor

About Oregon Community Foundation

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 million in grants and scholarships in every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.
 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
View the Future Announces the 16th Annual New Year's Day Peace Hike: A Community Commemoration of Resilience and Remembrance

Held each January, the Peace Hike commemorates the cultural history and enduring resilience of the Tribal peoples who once lived in the lands we now call home. This year’s event continues that legacy, honoring stories of remembrance while celebrating the strength of community stewardship.

Event Details

• Event: 16th Annual New Year's Day Peace Hike

• Date:  January 1, 2026 - 8:30am-1pm

• Location:  Yachats, Oregon

About View the Future

View the Future is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting natural lands, restoring ecosystems, and ensuring long-term community resilience. Through conservation work, public education, and meaningful partnerships, View the Future strives to safeguard the places we love for generations to come.

Two new groups of healthcare providers declare strikes against Legacy and pledge to join APPs on the picket line 

PORTLAND, Ore. — In a major escalation, advanced practice providers (APPs) from Legacy Go Health clinics and Legacy Pediatric have voted to launch solidarity strikes to join the 140 APPs from Legacy’s hospitals and clinics already on strike. The 80 members launching the solidarity strikes are also represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). 

Late last week, the two APP groups at Legacy Go Health and Legacy Pediatric APPs—representing nurse practitioners and physician associates across the Portland Metro area and SW Washington—voted overwhelmingly to stand with their striking colleagues. 

Both groups cited concerns about patient care, staffing, equity across the healthcare system and Legacy management’s refusal to bargain fairly as key reasons for joining the strike line. 

“We didn’t take this vote lightly,” said Sara Lopez, a physician associate (PA) at Legacy Go Health clinics. “Our patients rely on us every day, but we also rely on a system that treats providers fairly and ensures care is safe and sustainable. Standing with our colleagues is the only way to move Legacy toward a solution that supports both providers and patients.” 

“APPs across Legacy provide excellent medical care to Legacy patients but many of us feel that our contributions go unrecognized. We unified to address compensation that is below market value, inadequate staffing, and workload demands that impact patient safety and provider well-being,” said Jordyn Luttrell, DNP, a Legacy Pediatrics APP. “We’re joining the strike because the problems affecting our colleagues today will affect all Legacy APPs tomorrow unless something changes.” 

Striking APPs at Legacy’s hospitals and clinics welcomed the show of unity from APPs at Go Health and Pediatrics. 

“This is what solidarity looks like,” said April Callister, a physician associate who is currently on strike. “Legacy has been counting on divisions between clinics and specialties to maintain the status quo. By standing together, we are sending a clear message: we want a fair contract, safe staffing, and a system that respects the work we do.” 

What is a solidarity strike? 
A solidarity strike is a legally-protected work stoppage in which a group of employees refuse to work in order to support another bargaining unit engaged in a labor dispute. 

Background
Legacy Go Health APPs won their NLRB election in January 2025. The ONA-represented bargaining unit includes about 50 nurse practitioners and physician associates working in immediate care clinics across the state. The Legacy Pediatric APP bargaining unit, which unionized in August 2025, represents about 30 nurse practitioners and physician associates delivering specialized pediatric care in the Portland area and SW Washington.

ONA leaders say the expanding strike reflects widespread frustration with Legacy’s bargaining approach and with APPs' working conditions systemwide. When Legacy management finally returned to the bargaining table on Monday, December 8, they showed little interest in meaningful mediation and announced they would not meet again with striking APPs until December 18. 

No notice has been given, and the length of the strikes has not been determined. The work stoppages will coincide with the strike already underway by 140 APPs represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).

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Interviews available upon request. 

Contact Peter Starzynski - 503-960-7989, zynski@oregonrn.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;">starzynski@oregonrn.org to schedule interviews

# # # 

For a video of the rally, visit: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pohr59isilyqx0in2cr0y/Video-Dec-06-2025-Rally.mov?rlkey=mveankuf6f8n3cddup3n52y6t&st=qpqnpi2s&dl=0 

(Portland, Ore.) – The rain held off the morning of Saturday, December 6, 2025, long enough for striking advanced practice providers (APPs) to rally for a fair contract outside Legacy Good Samaritan in downtown Portland. The APPs were joined by members of other unions and ONA bargaining units, Portland City Councilor Sameer Kanal, State Representatives Rob Nosse and Lamar Wise, and other Portland activist groups.

After four days of striking, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) was informed by federal mediators on Friday that Legacy management had agreed to mediation and to returning to the bargaining table with advanced practice providers (APPs) at Legacy—a step they had previously declined. This is a huge step forward and a sign that the APP’s strike is working.

APPs from Legacy were encouraged by the news and hope Legacy will bring their best to the table. “Our message to Legacy Health is the same today as it has been for the last 2 weeks. We are right where we belong: at Legacy, on strike, advocating for our patients and our colleagues,” said Rob Brookshire, PA at Legacy Emanuel. “We are making progress—Legacy leadership has agreed to bargaining dates and we have opened communication to leadership to ensure our message is being heard, without any filters, by those making decisions.”

Portland City Councilor Sameer Kanal shared a word of caution to Legacy executives, saying, “You cannot maintain high quality healthcare if no one wants to work for you. If you’re not retaining the highly skilled healthcare workers that many of you are, burnout is going to drive experienced providers out of the profession.” Addressing the APPs on the line, he added, “And I don’t know about you, but I don’t think workers should have to wait a year and a half for their first contract, do you? I know you’d rather not be here on the picket line, you’d rather be inside because you want to be in there, you want to be in there taking care of your patients. You’re here outside because advocating for your profession is advocating for your patients.”  

APPs have consistently communicated their willingness to negotiate at any time to avoid a strike. Legacy management, however, had not previously accepted federal mediation and did not participate in bargaining during the 10-day notice period before the strike. The first day of mediation will be Monday, December 8. The strike will continue during mediation.

Community members can visit OregonRN.org/RespectAPPs to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition in support of the APPs, and stay informed about the impact of the strike. 

A reminder to patients from APPs:  

If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Legacy executives’ refusal to continue meeting with APPs has forced us to strike to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need.  

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.

# # #

FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY: 

Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.  

MEDIA AVAILABILITY FOR SUNDAY, DEC. 7: 11 AM – 1 PM 

• Legacy Emanuel (501 N Graham St, Portland, OR 97227) 

Peter Starzynski, 503-960-7989, starzynski@oregonrn.org 

(Portland, Ore.) - After four days of striking, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) was informed by federal mediators that Legacy management had agreed to mediation and to returning to the bargaining table — a step they had previously declined. The first day of mediation will be Monday, December 8. The strike will continue during mediation. 

Legacy Good Samaritan, 1015 NW 22^nd, Portland
At the intersection of NW 22^nd and NW Marshall 

Why: APPs make up about a third of the providers with Legacy Medical Group but they have very little say in decision-making. They have worked for years to partner with Legacy leadership only to see their requests denied.

Like their RN colleagues, APPs in many departments are short-staffed and overworked making it difficult to retain existing caregivers or recruit new ones. Many APPs feel that they have not been provided with the right resources or support to do their jobs effectively. This has led to an increase in turnover and high levels of frustration.

Legacy Health is a private nonprofit health system that operates eight hospitals and more than 70 clinics in Oregon and Washington.

Strike lines at Good Samaritan and Emanuel will continue to run from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. 

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.

# # #

What: After four days of striking, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) was informed by federal mediators that Legacy management has agreed to mediation and to returning to the bargaining table with advanced practice providers (APPs) at Legacy—a step they had previously declined. This is a significant step forward and a sign that APP’s strike is working.

On the heels of this news, APPs from Legacy Health will hold a solidarity rally tomorrow, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. Lawmakers and union siblings will join to express their solidarity with the APPs, who began their strike on Dec. 2.

The APPs include nurse practitioners (NPs), physician associates (PAs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and certified nurse midwives (CNMs) who have been working to reach a fair contract agreement with Legacy for nearly two years.

When/Where: Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11 a.m.

Legacy Good Samaritan, 1015 NW 22^nd, Portland
At the intersection of NW 22^nd and NW Marshall

Who:

• State Rep. Rob Nosse
• State Rep. Lamar Wise
• Portland City Councilor Sameer Kanal
• Leigh Warsing, PA at Legacy
• Rob Brookshire, PA at Legacy
• Richard Botterill, RN at Providence Portland
• Steph Funk, RN at Legacy Emanuel
• April Callister, PA at Legacy

Why: APPs have consistently communicated their willingness to negotiate at any time to avoid a strike. Legacy management, however, had not previously accepted federal mediation and did not participate in bargaining during the 10-day notice period before the strike. The first day of mediation will be Monday, December 8. The strike will continue during mediation.

APPs make up about a third of the providers with Legacy Medical Group, but they have very little say in decision-making. They have worked for years to partner with Legacy leadership, only to see their requests denied.

Like their RN colleagues, APPs in many departments are short-staffed and overworked, making it difficult to retain existing caregivers or recruit new ones. Many APPs feel that they have not been provided with the right resources or support to do their jobs effectively. This has led to an increase in turnover and high levels of frustration.

Legacy Health is a private nonprofit health system that operates eight hospitals and more than 70 clinics in Oregon and Washington.

Strike lines at Good Samaritan and Emanuel will continue to run from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.

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.

###

Wage and retirement disparities grow as Legacy refuses to bargain with its own APP workforce.  

Portland, OR – More than 700 OHSU advanced practice providers (APPs) have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a historic first contract—while nearly 140 Legacy APPs remain on the picket line.  

OHSU APPs joined ONA in February 2024 to secure a real voice in their workplace, forming the largest bargaining unit of APPs in the country. The newly ratified agreement follows nearly two years of negotiations and delivers major wins, including workload protections and market-setting wages and benefits that will strengthen recruitment, retention, and the high-quality care OHSU patients and communities rely on.  

“We are excited by the overwhelming support our OHSU APP team showed for this contract, and we’re proud of the work we have done,” said Kelly Batte, a nurse practitioner at OHSU. “This contract is a big win for our members, for our patients, and for the entire state of Oregon which relies on our care. Our hope is that it sets a new standard for APPs right here in Oregon and across the country, including at Legacy, where our colleagues remain on the picket line.”  

Nearly 140 Legacy APPs have been on strike since December 2, citing in part, uncompetitive wages and benefits that undermine recruitment and retention. The new OHSU agreement further widens the gap in compensation and benefits between the two systems, intensifying the pressure on Legacy management to offer a competitive contract. With the new deal in place, Legacy APPs now fall 10-12% behind in wages compared to APPs who do the same work at OHSU, and another 8–9% behind in retirement benefits.  

“Congratulations to our counterparts at OHSU! They deserve every part of that contract and I know it will serve them and their patients well,” said Leigh Warsing, a physician associate (PA) at Legacy. “But the concerns about losing providers to OHSU are now even greater. Legacy needs to step up to the table and offer us a competitive contract, so we don’t lose more of our colleagues to OHSU.”  

For more than 18 months, Legacy APPs have bargained in good faith. When they issued a strike notice on November 21, Legacy cut off negotiations. Now, on day three of an open-ended strike that began December 2, APPs continue to show up, ready to return to the bargaining table and meet with a federal mediator at any time. Legacy management still refuses to come to the table.  

APPs include nurse practitioners, physician associates, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives.

December 10, 2025

Press Contact:

Monice Wong

mwong@portlandalliance.com

The Leading Commercial Real Estate Organizations Join Together to Form the Portland Metro Chamber Public Affairs Collaborative for the Commercial Real Estate Industry

PORTLAND, OR—December 10, 2025—Three of the city’s leading commercial real estate and development organizations have joined forces with the Portland Metro Chamber (PMC) to expand and strengthen their collective influence in public affairs, launching the Portland Metro Chamber Public Affairs Collaborative.

The Building Owners and Managers Association of Oregon (BOMA Oregon), the National Commercial Real Estate Development Association of Oregon (NAIOP Oregon), Oregon Smart Growth, and the Portland Metro Chamber have aligned around a shared goal: to address the region’s pressing commercial development challenges. As Greater Portland continues to experience economic headwinds, particularly in the Commercial Real Estate sector, these organizations have committed to leveraging their collective expertise and resources, collaborating closely on policy issues impacting commercial real estate, and advancing a unified voice on issues impacting the industry in the Portland region and across Oregon.

Avaly Scarpelli, Executive Director of BOMA Oregon, adds, “Through this partnership, our organizations will lead unified, focused action to improve the region’s commercial real estate environment. As the leading voice for the region’s office building and commercial real estate industry, BOMA Oregon will contribute the expertise and perspectives of industry leaders. We look forward to addressing this tough economic moment with even stronger collaboration.”

Sarah Zahn, Board Chair of Oregon Smart Growth, highlights, “This partnership will support our organizations in spearheading focused, collective action toward regional economic recovery. Oregon Smart Growth guides economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable development for Oregon’s future. We are excited to join with other leading organizations in our community and contribute our membership’s hands-on experience and expertise on how Oregon can create more jobs and housing opportunities, increase property values, and provide sustainable economic growth.”

Travis Drilling, Board Chair of NAIOP Oregon, adds, “Our region needs a stronger culture of unified action, and our organizations have committed to taking action together. As one of the most important forums for Oregon’s commercial real estate marketplace, NAIOP Oregon will contribute insights from developers, investors, and owners across all real estate product types throughout the state. We look forward to working alongside these three partners to advance productive commercial real estate policy that creates jobs and benefits the communities in which our members work and live.”

Michael Liu, Board Chair of the Portland Metro Chamber, states, “This is the beginning of a new chapter for our organizations. The Portland metro region is confronting significant economic challenges—restoring our region’s vibrancy will require strategic, coordinated investment to expand all housing options to address the high cost of real estate and scarcity, activate vacant commercial spaces, and revitalize our downtown core. Together, our organizations will achieve significantly greater impact on these issues than alone. Our team is grateful to BOMA Oregon, NAIOP Oregon, and Oregon Smart Growth for meeting this challenging moment with partnership.”

More than 18 months of collaborative planning informed the partnership. While each organization will retain its own independent board of directors and staff, they will combine resources to create a new position within the Portland Metro Chamber dedicated to advancing a proactive commercial real estate policy agenda.

At a time when the Portland metro regional economy faces significant economic headwinds, these regional economic leaders opt to collaborate even more closely, align their objectives and efforts, and leverage their collective resources to effectively drive economic recovery. The launch of the Portland Metro Chamber Public Affairs Collaborative marks a new chapter of strategic, unified leadership designed to drive economic solutions for the greater Portland metro region.

Las Posadas Portland – Latin American Traditional Holidays Celebration

Where the Journey Finds its Home: Portland's First Las Posadas Navideñas 

Note from Downtown Portland Clean & Safe: Downtown Portland Clean and Safe, alongside Lara Media and MOYPA, is proud to present Portland's first Las Posadas Navideñas celebration. Below is a press release from Lara Media. 

Portland, OR—December 13, 2025—The days grow short, but our community light shines brightest. Join us for Las Posadas Navideñas, Portland’s first celebration of its kind—a luminous, family-friendly event designed to honor the warmth, culture, and shared journey that defines us. 

This is more than a festival; it’s a living story. Rooted in centuries-old Mexican and Latin American  customs, we transform Downtown Portland into a vibrant gathering, a procession of hope and belonging that welcomes a toda la gente (everyone), no matter where their path began. 

Date: December 13, 2025 
Location: Director Park, Downtown Portland 
Presented by: Downtown Portland Clean and Safe, Lara Media Services, and MOYPA 

The word posada means inn or lodging, and traditionally posadas are a celebration of the Christmas story. Traditional posadas take place on nine nights from December 16 to 24 and commemorate the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph’s search for a place to stay where Jesus could be born. Today almost any party or event held around Christmas is called a posada. Posadas in Mexico feature hot food and drinks, sweets, music, and piñatas.

Why We Gather: Celebrating Identity and Resilience 

Las Posadas traditionally mark a journey, and in Portland, we reclaim that tradition to celebrate the resilience and heart of our immigrant communities. It’s a moment to honor the ancestral traditions that connect us, celebrating the diversity and shared humanity that allow our community to thrive. 

We fill the city with the vibrant colors, rhythmic music, and delicious flavors of Latin America, proving that inclusion and cultural pride are the true spirit of the holidays. 

Join us to illuminate downtown Portland with unity and joy. 

What to Expect: Music, Culture, and Puro Corazón 

Our event is crafted to connect families, lift local voices, and create economic empowerment for our artists and entrepreneurs. 

      1. Las Poderosas Pavilion 

• ​This is the heart of creativity and strength. Poderosas (powerful women) entrepreneurs lead artful businesses, celebrating the beauty of Latinx culture and indigenous art through every handmade artesanía. This dedicated space provides a platform for local businesses and artists to truly thrive. (Supported by the Poderosas Pavilion Sponsorship opportunities). 

      2. The Grand Procession & Entertainment

• Experience the powerful rhythm and color of our heritage. Rooted in customs that tell a story, our celebration fills the park with music, shared joy, and cultural connection. (Opportunities supported by Entertainment Sponsorship).

       3. The Kids’ Area 

• Designed for the next generation, this area is where our youngest members connect with their roots through fun, interactive engagement and shared joy. 

       4. Food, Community & Buen Provecho 

• Gathering around incredible food is how we share our culture. Experience the authentic flavors and aromas of Latin American food, connecting families through culinary traditions. 

Building a Stronger Future, Together 

By attending Las Posadas Navideñas, you are doing more than celebrating; you are supporting a vital community movement. Your presence helps us keep ancestral traditions alive for new generations and reinforces community engagement across Portland. We believe that celebrating culture is essential to achieving holistic well-being and community prosperity.

This is where identity is affirmed, and our community finds its light.

For More information visit:
https://lasposadasportland.com/
https://moypa.org/las-posadas/
https://www.instagram.com/lasposadasportland
https://www.facebook.com/LasPosadasPortland/

Or write to us: contact@laramedia.com