On January 29, 2025 Albany Police Department responded to Albany Options School after receiving emailed bomb threats from an unknown suspect. Officers searched the school, including utilizing an Oregon State Police explosive detection K-9 and it was determined the school was safe. School was not canceled or delayed but officers were present as kids arrived at school as a precautionary measure.
Originally, the email appeared to originate from out of the country. Upon further investigation, Albany officers developed a lead and a suspect was identified.
Yesterday, February 10, 2025 officers and detectives conducted a search warrant and arrested a 17 year-old juvenile male at his residence in Corvallis, Or. Multiple electronic devices were seized as evidence and no explosive materials were located. The juvenile was transported to Linn-Benton Juvenile Detention Center where he is currently being held on two counts of Disorderly Conduct in the 1st Degree.
We would like to thank Oregon State Police for their assistance and Greater Albany Public Schools for their prompt actions. Our priority is always the safety of students and staff, and we will continue to remain diligent when responding to all threats.
# # #
On Monday, February 3, 2025, an Albany resident reported to police that sometime around Christmas 2024, he believed he picked a virus up on his phone from advertisements on the Solitaire app he uses. After clicking on a link, he started receiving calls from a "Chris Wilson", a purported employee from PayPal who was attempting to notify him that his personal information had been compromised.
The victim was later connected to other people, "Eddy Cooper" and "Mack Jones" that claimed they worked for Edward Jones financial department and advised the victim that he had "been hacked into" for $37,500.00. The suspect convinced the victim that he needed to deposit an equal amount of money from what was taken to "mirror" the amount taken so that the transaction could be voided.
The victim was instructed to take $10,000.00 to a Bitcoin Depot Kiosk. "Mack" had set up a Bitcoin account for him where he could scan the code on the kiosk to input and he deposited $10,000 while on the phone with "Mack." The victim was advised to have the remaining balance at his residence to be picked up by a courier to complete the transaction. Thankfully, the victim became suspicious and contacted the Albany Police Department. Officers and detectives worked quickly with the victim to arrange a sting for the suspects for the following day, Tuesday, 02/04/2025.
At the arranged time, a white 2015 BMW X5, Washington License: CFT9253 arrived in the area, with the two suspects. An Asian male adult, known as "Tom" arrived to pick up the money. He provided the "passcode" to the undercover officer who verified the passcode. "Tom", later identified as Yong Xue, was quickly taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. The suspects are Chinese nationals who had their consulate notified. The FBI and Assistant United States Attorney were contacted and are assisting in the investigation. The following suspects are in custody at the Linn County Jail for the listed crimes:
Xue, Yong ("Tom") ,32 years old
Unknown Address, Tacoma, WA
Aggravated Theft I
Conspiracy to Commit-Aggravated Theft I
(Driver)
He, Zhen, 36 years old
Unknown Address, Tacoma, WA
Conspiracy to Commit-Aggravated Theft I
The Albany Police Department believes these two individuals could be involved in more fraud cases and are seeking anyone that recognizes one or both individuals with similar type interactions to contact the Albany Police Department at 541-917-7680. We would like to thank our officers, detectives and L.I.N.E. task force for completing a thorough investigation and promptly arresting two heinous scammers.
Scammers have bilked victims worldwide out of a staggering $1.03 trillion in the past year, according to the 2024 Global State of Scams report and is often underreported because people are too embarrassed or ashamed to report they are a victim of a scam. The Albany Police would like to encourage our residents to be alert for these scams and diligent in educating our community's vulnerable adults.
# # #
The Sandy Fire District Board of Directors will hold a regular board meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Agenda items include regular monthly division reports.
If you would like to provide public comment during the meeting, please sign up by completing the Sandy Fire District Public Meeting Comments form by Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
The public can attend either by remote video conferencing or in person at the Sandy Fire District Station 71 Annex building (17459 Bruns Ave., Sandy, OR 97055). If you would like to attend online or by phone, please access Sandy Fire's website for the Zoom meeting link and passcode at: https://sandyfire.org/about/board.
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Longview, WA -- Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to a house fire in the 4700 block of Pennsylvania St. early Friday morning just after 5:30. Multiple 911 callers reported heavy fire and black smoke coming from the garage of the two-story home, a vehicle, a travel trailer in the driveway and some trees near the home were also on fire. Fire crews arrived, attacked the fire with multiple hose lines, and confirmed that everyone was out of the house and trailer. The fire was under control within 26 minutes from the initial arrival of the first engine.
The home was not recently lived in prior to the fire, the resident living in the trailer did suffer a laceration and was treated on scene, according to fire officials. A second alarm was initially activated, but some resources were canceled later as they were not needed. Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, Longview Fire Dept., Cowlitz County Fire Districts 5 & 6 (Castle Rock and Kalama) were among the resources dispatched. Cowlitz County PUD and County law enforcement also responded. The cause of the fire is under investigation; no other injuries were reported.
A24-25191
DEATH INVESTIGATION -- ARIEL, WASHINGTON
PRESS RELEASE 2
FEBRUARY 5, 2025
At approximately 0806 hours of November 11, 2024, Cowlitz 911 received a report of a subject found down and unresponsive near SR 503 milepost 42. A Washington State Patrol Trooper arrived on scene and met with the reporting party, who had found a male subject down on a logging road near this location. The subject was determined to be deceased.
Detectives with the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene to investigate due to suspicious circumstances. The decedent was identified as 46-year-old Cesar Reyes of Portland. Reyes's cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head.
After extensive investigation, detectives were able to establish probable cause to arrest 45-year-old Joseph Klimas III of Vancouver for Murder 1st Degree and Unlawful Possession of Firearm. With assistance from the Vancouver Police Department, Klimas was located in Vancouver and taken into custody. Klimas was then booked into Cowlitz County Jail.
This investigation is ongoing; no further details are available for release at this time. The Sheriff's Office requests anyone with information about this incident contact Detective Kris Moore at 360-577-3092.
At 11:54 a.m. today, 911 callers reported smoke coming from the crawlspace and attic of a home on the 1100 block of NE Turner Drive in Hillsboro. Smoke alarms sounded, and the occupants quickly evacuated.
The first arriving fire engine confirmed smoke from the attic and upgraded the fire to a first alarm to bring additional resources to the incident. The company officer conducted a 360-degree visual evaluation of the home to determine what fire conditions could be seen outside. They reported finding pressurized black smoke seen through a window on the first floor of the back of the home. As firefighters attacked the fire, another fire crew performed a detailed search of the house for any victims that may be inside. No occupants or pets were found to be inside. Firefighters found active fire in both the crawl space and attic. Firefighters from two engine companies worked simultaneously to extinguish those fire areas, while a truck company ventilated the roof to help release heated gas and smoke. The fire was knocked down within 20 minutes. Crews then overhauled the structure to look for and extinguish hot spots. No injuries were reported.
Hillsboro Fire investigators responded to the incident, and a fire investigation is ongoing. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
A public safety chaplain responded to the scene to support and assist the residents. Two adults and one child were displaced by the fire. The American Red Cross was called to help aid the victims.
Hillsboro Fire & Rescue was assisted by the Hillsboro Police, AMR Ambulance, Cornelius Fire Department, and Hillsboro Public Safety Chaplains.
Hillsboro Fire & Rescue reminds everyone that smoke alarms save lives. Test your smoke alarms once per month and ensure you and your family know your home escape plan and outside meeting place.
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The Ambulance Service Review Committee (ASRC) intends to meet on Wednesday, February 12, 2024, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm via Zoom. The meeting will be streamed live on the Lincoln County website here: Agendas & Minutes | Lincoln County, OR (https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/129/Agendas-Minutes)
Any members of the public who have questions or would like to attend the meetings should email the Committee Recorder to request virtual meeting information at least 4 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting.
Overview
The Lincoln County Ambulance Service Review Committee (ASRC) meets quarterly; the committee members are appointed by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners with representation from Fire Districts, Ambulance Service Providers, Hospitals, and the public (2 representatives). The committee packets and agenda are posted prior to the meeting and the meeting minutes, once approved, posted at this County website location
Meetings
CELEBRATE SUPER BOWL AND SEAFOOD AND WINE SAFELY
Football fans are gathering for Super Bowl Sunday and Seafood and Wine attendees are getting ready to trickle into town. When you think of drunk driving, it's easy to think about the financial impact: fines, legal fees, and criminal charges are no joke and can seriously affect your future. But there are additional consequences that impact our communities.
Drivers that get DUIs (a driving under the influence citation) are the lucky ones. Many know someone that has been killed or injured by an impaired driver or know someone that made the wrong choice and was the drunk driver. During football season, special events, and throughout the year, we urge you to make the right choice and not to drive after drinking. If you are drinking, have a plan to keep yourself and your community safe. Have a designated driver, use a taxi, or alternate transportation. Friends also play a large role in keeping each other safe. Encourage those around you not to drive after drinking and when possible, help them find a safe way home.
If you didn't plan on drinking but find yourself drinking in the moment, do not drive home, find a safe alternative instead. But you really need your car for work in the morning and you're "just a little buzzed?". Buzzed driving is drunk driving. You may get hit with large fines, lose your car and your job due to court dates and a DUI charge on your record, and you may kill someone or yourself if you are in a crash. Don't be the reason someone doesn't make it home. Don't drive after drinking.
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff's Office -- Oregon.
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This morning, February 5th, 2025, at approximately 5:15 AM, the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to a single-vehicle crash near the 10600 Block of Mill Creek Rd SE, just outside of Aumsville.
First responders arrived to find the vehicle crashed into a power pole. Tragically, the driver and only occupant was pronounced deceased. He was identified as Nathan Allen, 23, of Aumsville. Our condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.
The roadway was closed for several hours for the investigation, and it does not appear alcohol was a factor in the crash. The roadway is now open, but there could be intermittent traffic delays with PGE completing their work.
Thank you to the following agencies that assisted in this case: The Marion County CRASH Team, Marion County UAS, Aumsville Fire Department, Marion County Medical Examiner's Office, Marion County Public Works, METCOM 911, and the Willamette Valley Communications Center.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. 10 Feb. 2025 -- On Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 6:44 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 (I-5) near milepost 288 in Washington County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Toyota Tundra pickup, operated by Aleksandr Vasilevich Yevtushok (57) of Boring, was traveling southbound on I-5 when it rear-ended a white Peterbilt semi-truck and trailer, operated by Marcelino Diaz Orozco (55) of Salem.
The operator of the Toyota pickup (Yevtushok) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries and later died at the hospital.
The operator of the Peterbilt semi-truck (Orozco) was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Tualatin Police Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
# # #
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.
UNION COUNTY, Ore. Feb. 6, 2025 -- The Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take of a wolf in Union County.
On January 29, 2025, Fish and Wildlife troopers responded to Catherine Creek Lane, about 11 miles southeast of Union, Ore., where they located a wolf tracking collar. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife identified Collar OR 86 as belonging to the alpha male of the Frazier Mountain pack.
The wolf carcass was not located. OSP Fish and Wildlife troopers believe the collar was removed following the unlawful take of OR 86, likely within the month of January.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-032551.
Anyone with information may remain anonymous. If the information leads to a citation or arrest, a TIP reward of cash or preference points will be offered.
Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.
The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.
Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar
The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling licenses or tags, 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
The Northwest Steelheaders Association and the Coastal Conservation Association sponsor, in part, the rewards for Games, Fish and Shellfish, and snagging/attempting to snag.
Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as "threatened" or "endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20
Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information, visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx
# # #
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.
KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. Feb. 5, 2025 -- On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near milepost 249 in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated that a green Ford Expedition, operated by Wyonna Elaine Weiser (38) of Chiloquin, was traveling southbound on Hwy. 97 when it slid sideways into the northbound lane, striking a white Ford F-350 towing a horse trailer operated by Franklin Scott Maricle (31) of Bend. During the crash, the F-350 struck the Expedition on the side. The Expedition came to rest in the northbound ditch and the F-350 came to rest blocking most of the highway.
Two of the Expedition's passengers, Winnie Mae Hescock (41) of Klamath Falls and Laurice Lee Foster (41) of Chiloquin, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator (Weiser) of the Expedition was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
A passenger, Wauseka Brown Jr. (56) of Chiloquin, of the Expedition was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
The operator (Franklin Maricle) of the F-350 was not injured.
Passengers Scott Nile Maricle (58) of Bend and Janelle Marci Maricle (32) of Bend of the F-350 were not injured.
Two male juvenile passengers, 21 months and 13 months, of the F-350 were not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Chiloquin Fire and Rescue and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
# # #
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.
CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. Feb. 5, 2025 -- On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 26 at Haley Road in Clackamas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a silver GMC Envoy, operated by Richard Allan Kerron (79) of Boring, was traveling southbound on Haley Road when it began to enter the intersection of Hwy. 26. The GMC drove in front of a gold Toyota Camry, operated by Derek Lorenz (33) of Sandy, heading eastbound on Hwy. 26. The GMC and Toyota Camry collided, causing the GMC to turn on its top and crash into a gold Toyota Solara operated by Austin Christopher Moore (19) of Salem.
The operator of the GMC (Kerron) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A passenger, Erlita Jean Kerron (82) of Boring, of the GMC was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
The operator of the Toyota Camry (Lorenz) was not injured.
The operator Toyota Solara (Moore) was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Sandy Fire Department, Clackamas County Medical Examiner, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
# # #
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.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, East Precinct officers, in collaboration with Neighborhood Response Teams from all three precincts, Multnomah County Parole & Probation, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, and business partners, conducted a retail theft mission in the Mall 205 and Gateway areas.
The mission resulted in 29 arrests and the recovery of more than $650 in stolen merchandise. PPB and MCSO have partnered on several missions which have resulted in hundreds of arrests and warrants served. PPB works with the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office (MCDA) Retail Theft Task Force in issuing criminal prosecutions from these missions.
Final results:
29 arrests
1 Vehicle elude
3 Stolen vehicles recovered
Retail theft is often more than just shoplifting items for personal use. Many suspects are involved in organized theft rings, which steal items that can easily be sold for cash on the secondary market or returned to stores for a "refund." Returning or attempting to return stolen property, no matter the value, is a class-C felony ( https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_164.055 ).
In many cases, these individuals are involved in criminal activity that extends far beyond retail theft, including illegally possessed firearms, drug possession and distribution, vehicle theft, and more. Additionally, disrupting theft preserves the viability of retail businesses that serve the Portland community. Therefore, these missions go a long way in improving livability across the area. Mission commanders analyze theft and other crime data to focus their missions on the neighborhoods most impacted by these crimes, which are often large retail shopping complexes. PPB recognizes that smaller local businesses are also impacted by retail theft and it's our belief and goal that arresting and holding prolific thieves accountable will help reduce these crimes for the entire business community.
PPB is grateful to its partners for their collaboration aimed at addressing retail theft in the Portland Metropolitan area.
Photo descriptions:
DA Nathan Vasquez speaks at roll call
Suspect in custody
###PPB###
One person is deceased following a crash in Southeast Portland.
On Sunday, February 9, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., officers responded to reports of a crash in the area of Southeast McLoughlin Boulevard and Southeast Umatilla Street. When they arrived, officers located a single motorcycle crash. The motorcyclist, an adult male, was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The Portland Police Bureau's Major Crash Team is responding to the scene. Streets in the area will be shut down during the investigation.
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to email investigators at crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov, attn: Traffic Investigations Unit, and reference case number 25-35709.
###PPB###
The driver killed in a single vehicle crash on January 4, 2025, has been identified as Russell R. Piltz, 60, of Portland. His family has been notified of his death.
No further information will be released at this time.
###PPB###
Original Message Below
On Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11.03 p.m., officers from the North Precinct responded to reports of a single vehicle crash at the intersection of North Willamette Boulevard and North Burr Avenue. Officers arrived to find the vehicle had crashed into a pole and the driver was seriously injured. Paramedics arrived and transported the driver to an area hospital, where they later died.
The Portland Police Bureau Major Crash Team has responded to the scene to investigate. During the investigation, North Willamette Boulevard will be closed from North Burr Avenue to North Alma Avenue.
If anyone has information about the incident, please contact crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov, attention Traffic Investigations Unit, and reference case number 25-003527.
###PPB###
The suspect from Wednesday's threats incident is identified as Sony Moan, 44. He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, Escape in the Second Degree, Interfering with a Peace Officer, and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.
A machete was recovered and seized as evidence (photo).
Photo description: a machete with dirty and stained silver colored blade, handle wrapped in a blue and white cloth, displayed on a table next to a stapler
###PPB###
Original Message Below
The armed suspect who was threatening people in the Old Town Neighborhood has been arrested.
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 4:03 p.m., Portland Police officers assigned to Central Precinct responded to a report of a threat with a weapon in the 600 block of Northwest Naito Parkway. Officers learned that a suspect was threatening community members with a large, bladed weapon that was described as a machete. When officers arrived, they found the suspect in an apartment complex just north of the Steel Bridge. The officers challenged the suspect from a distance and behind cover, but the suspect stepped toward them, swinging the knife, then tried to walk away. The officers got to a safe location and called in additional units from Central and North Precincts to assist. They were able to contain the suspect in a courtyard area. However, they were concerned about the residents of the apartment building.
The Incident Commander requested residents be notified of the public safety threat through the Public Alerts system. Residents were asked to stay inside with their doors and windows locked. Northwest Naito Parkway was closed to all traffic. Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team (ECIT) officers responded and attempted to communicate with him. When efforts were not successful, some on-duty CNT and SERT personnel responded in a partial team callout. At 5:59 p.m., the full CNT and SERT were activated to respond to the scene to bring additional personnel, resources, and equipment. PPB drones were utilized. A Multnomah County Sheriff's Office River Patrol boat responded and assisted from the water. Officers evacuated one of the apartment buildings of residents.
At 8:11 p.m., CNT negotiators convinced the man to surrender and he was taken into custody.
PPB personnel are clearing vehicle and equipment and the roads and walkways will be cleared shortly. PPB appreciates the patience of the community as we worked to resolve this situation peacefully.
Portland's community notification system is called PublicAlerts. Visit https://www.publicalerts.org to sign up. PublicAlerts sends information by text, email, and voice message about how to stay safe during an emergency.
Photo description: a PPB police vehicle with red and blue lights parked next to an armored police vehicle
###PPB###
Original Message Below
The Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) are responding to assist on a call of a man threatening community members with a machete or other bladed weapon.
The call is in the 600 block of Northwest Naito Parkway, just north of the Steel Bridge. Northwest Naito Parkway is closed to all traffic, and several sidewalks and pathways are also blocked. The Incident Commander has requested area residents, especially in the apartment buildings in the perimeter, to stay inside with doors locked to minimize the risk to the public and allow crisis communications officers to interact with him.
Officers have contained the suspect and are actively communicating with him. No injuries have been reported. The case number is 25-32004.
The PIO is responding to the scene.
###PPB###
Portland Police Bureau's Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) and its partners conducted a mission along 82nd Avenue. Portland's Human Trafficking Unit has recently received a significant number of complaints from neighborhood community members and businesses, and an increase in referrals from officers, regarding activity along Northeast 82nd Avenue. HTU committed to begin addressing these concerns by conducting a targeted mission. On July 13, 2023, the Human Trafficking Unit conducted a mission along Northeast 82nd Avenue, from Northeast Tillamook Street to Northeast Prescott Street. This was done in collaboration with members of all three precincts (North, East and Central Precincts), the Specialized Resources Division, Special Victims Unit, Air Support Unit, PPB Crime Analysts, Multnomah County Probation and Parole, Portland Police Victims Services Unit, Janus Youth-Vancouver, the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, and the FBI Portland Office. As a result of this mission, seven individuals were identified as potential victims of trafficking. Officers were able to offer these victims resources, and to connect them with victim advocates. In addition to helping victims, mission members arrested 12 people for Commercial Sexual Solicitation-Buyers, and two vehicles were towed. Due to limited resources, team members were unable to make more contacts; however further missions are planned for the future. Photograph: Suspect Arrest Photograph: Suspect Put in Car Photograph: Vehicle Contact ###PPB###
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 7:33 p.m., officers from the East Precinct responded to reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Southeast Powell Boulevard and Southeast 84th Avenue. Officers arrived to find the pedestrian seriously injured. Paramedics arrived and transported the pedestrian to an area hospital, where she remains in serious condition. The driver of the vehicle involved fled the scene.
The Portland Police Bureau Major Crash Team has responded to the scene to investigate. During the investigation, Southeast Powell Boulevard will be closed from Southeast 82nd Avenue to Southeast 86th Avenue.
If anyone has information about the incident, please contact crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov, attention Traffic Investigations Unit, and reference case number 25-031326.
###PPB###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 10, 2025
One arrested in menacing, bias crime incident
Salem, Ore. -- A Salem man was arrested Sunday afternoon, February 9, after menacing a family with a firearm.
Salem Police patrol officers responded to a call in the 2100 block of Coral AV NE just after 5:00 p.m. concerning a man who brandished a shotgun at two adults and a young girl who waited for a tow truck.
The suspect, identified as Jonathan Mauris Haun of Salem, approached the Hispanic family with the weapon in hand and shouted racially-charged remarks.
The 27-year-old Haun was arrested without incident and lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:
The shotgun used in the incident was located by officers and seized.
Haun is set to be arraigned today at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex.
We encourage Salem residents to report bias-motivated incidents to police. Whether threats to personal safety or hate speech, either verbal or in the form of graffiti, these incidents should be reported immediately so that an officers can investigate.
Acts of bias or hate can also be reported to the Oregon Department of Justice Bias Response Hotline at 1-844-924-2427. Reports can also be filed online.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 10, 2025
Four arrested in robbery, assault incident
Salem, Ore. -- Four young adults were arrested Saturday night for their role in a robbery and assault incident.
Just after 8:30 p.m. on February 8, officers responded to the call of several men assaulting a man outside a convenience store in the 2000 block of State ST. Multiple callers reported the suspects were hitting the man on the ground with their fists. Witnesses reported the suspects took items belonging to the victim and sped away from the scene in a sedan.
The victim, a 34-year-old Keizer resident, was transported to Salem Health with multiple, non-life-threatening injuries.
Officers learned the incident arose after a road rage encounter involving the victim and one of the suspects.
The involved vehicle was located less than a mile away from the store at an apartment complex in the area of 25th ST and Hyde CT SE. Officers contacted the suspects at one of the units, and all four were taken into custody without incident.
The following individuals were arrested and lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges of third-degree assault, second-degree robbery, and second-degree theft:
All four men face arraignment today at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 7, 2025
Arrests made, cars towed in follow-up investigations
Update 02/07/2025 | 1000
Strategic Investigation Unit detectives made two arrests yesterday, February 6, as they conduct follow-up investigations involving incidents that occurred during the street takeover on February 1 at the intersection of Lancaster DR and Market ST NE.
Miguel Garcia-Ramirez, age 27, and Armando Castaneda-Lopez, age 30, both of Salem, were arrested for their participation in the reckless vehicle display of speed. Their vehicles were used to perform dangerous burnouts in the roadway. Garcia-Ramirez and Castaneda-Lopez were lodged at the Marion County Jail.
Garcia-Ramirez's charges include:
Castaneda-Lopez's charges include:
The 2019 Dodge Charger owned by Garcia-Ramirez and the 1999 BMW 328 owned by Castaneda-Lopez were towed.
The specialty team will continue their follow-up investigations on various complaints of criminal activity that occurred that Saturday night. The media release will be updated with other arrests as they are made.
# # #
Originally published 02/02/2025 | 1330
Street takeover closes northeast Salem intersection Saturday night, five arrested
Salem, Ore. -- The intersection of Lancaster DR and Market ST NE was closed at about 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 1 after the area was taken over illegally by a crowd of people and vehicles.
At approximately 12:00 p.m., a crowd of people gathered in the parking lots of several businesses on the four corners of the intersection of Lancaster DR and Market ST NE. The group was demonstrating against national immigration enforcement efforts.
By 2:00 p.m., the group was estimated to have 300 participants. The gathered remained relatively peaceful, although traffic in the area was congested. As the event progressed, callers reported participants throwing objects and hitting passing cars.
Eventually, more police resources were called in to address the event.
Other reports were received at about 7:00 p.m. of participants standing in the crosswalk not allowing traffic to continue, fireworks being ignited, and vehicles driving recklessly. At this point further police resources were necessary, including calling in officers from home and requesting outside agency assistance.
At about 8:30 p.m., the intersection was overtaken by drivers performing burnouts and dangerously drifting and spinning in the roadway, and nearly 50 people occupying the street.
The intersection was closed shortly afterward with north and southbound Lancaster DR closed between D ST and Sunnyview RD, east and westbound Market ST was closed between Fisher RD and Tierra DR. Cherriots buses were rerouted. Oregon State Police temporarily closed the Market ST offramp.
As specialized crowd management officers from the Mobile Response Team (MRT) arrived, the group surrounded a vehicle on Lancaster DR blocking all northbound traffic. The officers cleared the area allowing the vehicle to proceed. The protestors threw water bottles and cans of beer at Salem Police vehicles.
MRT and patrol officers contacted individuals observed engaging in criminal activity and seized one handgun.
The following five individuals were arrested on various charges including reckless driving and disorderly conduct:
Galvez-Prado faces an added charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.
The remaining crowd gathered on the sidewalks dispersed slowly, and traffic diminished, allowing the street closures to be lifted at approximately 11:00 p.m.
There were no reported injuries; however, officers will be conducting follow up investigations on several complaints of criminal mischief.
Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack remarked, "Saturday's unruly protest, along with other emergency calls including an armed kidnapping, strained our limited patrol staffing resources. Multiple Salem officers were called in from home and partner agencies also responded to ensure safety was maintained and criminal offenders were appropriately held accountable.
"I am very proud of the work our officers accomplished under challenging and dangerous circumstances, yesterday's events just being the most recent examples. I want to thank them and our regional partners for their service, dedication, and professionalism."
For this incident, the Salem Police Department received assistance with traffic control from the Oregon State Police, and the Keizer Police Department assisted by handling calls in the city while patrol officers, MRT, and Strategic Investigations Unit detectives addressed the street take over and disorder.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: December 27, 2024
Public appeal for help locating missing, endangered Salem woman
Salem, Ore. -- The Salem Police Department asks for the public's help in locating a missing, endangered woman, Priscilla Joann Aldana of Salem.
Priscilla was reported missing on Monday, December 23; however, was last known to be in the area of Lancaster DR and Hagers Grove RD SE at approximately 4 p.m. on Friday, December 20.
Priscilla is a 43-year-old Hispanic woman with black, curly hair and brown eyes. She is approximately 5??'foot, 8??'inches in height and has a slender build.
Priscilla left her minor children and is without medication which she needs.
Anyone who sees Priscilla is asked to call the Salem Police Tip Line at 503-588-8477.
"Several posters are circulating asking the public to call alternate phone numbers and email addresses," said public information officer Angela Hedrick, adding, "However, it is important that the public specifically call the Salem Police Tip Line so that the information is received by the detectives handling the case."
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: January 2, 2025
Detectives search for other possible victims
Salem, Ore. -- Salem Police Special Victims Unit detectives arrested Salem resident Jeramey Lee Braman on December 31, 2024, on charges of second-degree sex abuse (nine counts), third-degree rape, and third-degree sodomy.
Braman became the focus of an investigation after detectives received a report he was posing as a minor on social media to meet teen girls.
Detectives are seeking additional information for anyone who had contact with Braman and are releasing his photograph, description, and usernames which he used to contact minor girls.
Braman, age 24, is 5-feet, 2-inches tall, has brown hair and brown eyes, and a slender build. He was an active SnapChat and Instagram user under the names lil j or jbraman0 or yaboylilj. He drives newer model, white sedans.
Anyone who has had similar incidents involving Braman, or who may have information relevant to the case, is asked to call Detective Cort Kirksey at 503-540-2418.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: January 15, 2025
Serial burglar in custody
Salem, Ore. -- On Tuesday, January 14, Felony Crimes Unit detectives arrested Johnathan Dale Korrell of Salem on charges of burglary and theft related to a five-week investigation into a series of northeast Salem business burglaries.
The first burglary occurred on December 2, 2024, with five other incidents occurring in the weeks that followed.
With the assistance of the Salem Police SWAT Team, detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of Locust ST NE. Recovered in the search were multiple pieces of property stolen in the burglaries which have a conservative aggregate value of $100,000.
Korrell, who was inside the Locust ST residence, was arrested without incident and lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available for release.
The 36-year-old Korrell is set to be arraigned today at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Circuit Annex.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: January 22, 2025
Wanted suspect shot during arrest attempt
Salem, Ore. -- Late this morning, two Salem Police officers were involved in a use of force incident resulting in the death of a suspect.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. officers were in a foot pursuit of a wanted adult male suspect. The suspect fled into an apartment complex near the 3200 block of River Road North and toward a residential unit while armed with a handgun. The officers confronted the suspect and shots were fired. The suspect was struck. Despite life-saving measures employed by responding officers, the suspect died at the scene.
No officers were injured in the incident.
The names of the suspect and the officers involved will not be released at this time.
The Marion County Law Enforcement Officer Deadly Use of Force Plan under Senate Bill 111 has been initiated for this incident, and the Oregon State Police will be conducting the primary investigation.
Additionally, per the use of force plan protocol, all future case updates will be provided by the Oregon State Police.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: January 30, 2025
Collision leads to discovery of deceased body
Salem, Ore. -- Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit detectives are investigating the death of a Salem resident after Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies discovered a body in the wreckage of crash in Polk County.
At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Monday, January 27, Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a single-vehicle rollover collision in the 10000 block of Corvallis RD in Independence. The driver, identified as Tyler Andrew Holman, age 39 of Salem, was located with injuries and transported for medical care.
Deputies also discovered the body of a deceased woman. The circumstances at the scene suggested that she was not killed in the car accident, rather, her body was being transported at the time of the crash.
An autopsy performed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner determined that the woman's cause of death was from a gunshot wound and manner of death to be homicide. The victim is identified as Ashley Jean Gandolfi, age 35.
The investigation into Gandolfi's death led detectives to a residence in the 1600 block of Acacia DR S where Holman resides. Gandolfi and Holman were previously in a romantic relationship.
Holman was released from Salem Health today, January 30, and arrested on the following charges:
The investigation is ongoing and no other information is available for release.
With Holman in custody at the Marion County Jail, all further media inquiries are to be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 2, 2025
Police search for woman, child abducted by armed ex-boyfriend
Salem, Ore. -- At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, a woman and her young child were reported as being abducted from her apartment in southeast Salem by her estranged boyfriend.
Officers learned the suspect, identified as Javier B. Munoz, Jr., entered the apartment at gunpoint at approximately 3:00 a.m. that morning, keeping the victim and child inside. About 12 hours later, Munoz made threats to the victim, compelling her to leave with him and the child.
While actively searching for Munoz and the victim, a caller reported a man and woman struggling over a child in the 400 block of Hawthorne AV NE. Officers arrived and learned the incident involved Munoz and the victim. Munoz, who was reported to have a handgun, fled with the child on foot toward Geer Community Park.
Patrol officers flooded the area in search of the pair. The Salem Police SWAT Team and officers from multiple regional agencies provided assistance in an extensive two-and-a-half-hour search using canines and unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones.
Munoz and the child were ultimately located concealed beneath a trailer in the area of Oregon AV and Bell RD NE. The young child was uninjured and safely returned to their mother.
Javier Munoz, age 45 of Salem, was arrested on multiple related charges including first-degree kidnapping, menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, and burglary. He is currently lodged at the Polk County Jail related to multiple outstanding warrants from other cases in that county.
The Salem Police Department extends its thanks to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, the Oregon State Police, and the Woodburn Police Department for their assistance in the search for and apprehension of Munoz. Patrol resources were limited due to other emergency calls for service and an immigration protest occurring during the same time period.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 5, 2025
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net
Driver in hit-and-run fatality surrenders to authorities
Update 02/05/2025 | 1230
Micah Lee Blacksmith, age 34 of Salem, turned herself in to the Polk County Jail on Tuesday, February 4. Blacksmith was the driver involved in a collision with pedestrian, Steven Craig Bishop, on December 23, 2024, in west Salem. Bishop died at the scene.
Blacksmith was taken into custody on the charge of failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured person.
The Polk County District Attorney's Office is handling the case, and all media inquiries should be directed to that agency.
# # #
Investigation determined a hit-and-run fatality
Update 12/30/2024 | 0830
The preliminary investigation done by the Traffic Team determined the man found in the roadway on the evening of December 23 was struck by a vehicle that left the scene. The victim, identified as Steven Craig Bishop, was pronounced deceased by responding paramedics.
The hit-and-run fatality occurred on Murlark AV just north of Edgewater ST NW at about 8:30 p.m.
Video surveillance near the area where Bishop was found shows a passing motorist minutes before the call to police was received. In the recording, a white vehicle is seen traveling eastbound on Edgewater ST NW as it approaches Murlark AV NW. The vehicle appears to be a Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly a 2015 or 2016 model year.
Investigators ask for the public's help in finding this vehicle of interest.
If you are the driver, know the person driving in the video, or if you have information about the case, please call the Traffic Team investigators at 503-588-8477.
# # #
Video URL: https://salempd.info/case-24111545
Originally published 12/24/2024 | 1200
Salem, Ore. -- At approximately 8:30 p.m. Monday evening, December 23, Salem Police officers responded to the call of an injured man found in the roadway in the area of Murlark AV and Edgewater ST NW.
The man, age 63, was pronounced deceased at the scene by paramedics. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification to the family.
The Salem Police Traffic Team is investigating the incident as a possible hit-and-run. Anyone who may have information related to this investigation is encouraged to call the Salem Police Tips Line at 503??'588??'8477.
The intersection was closed for three-and-a-half hours for the scene investigation.
No further information is available for release at this time.
# # #
Please be advised that the Bulletin does not include all calls for service to which officers respond. Many calls do not require that a report be written; such as:
Traffic Stops
Advising/Referring a Person to the Proper Agency to handle their request
Restoring the Peace
Premise Checks
Welfare Checks
Flagged Down by Citizen
There are significant updates to share in an ongoing multi-jurisdictional burglary investigation that has been tied to 39 known cases so far.
In November 2024, the Tigard Police Department shared a joint news release on a string of home burglaries that appeared to be connected. That release is available here: https://www.tigard-or.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/4963/638677866367430000.
Since November, the scope of the investigation continued to grow as detectives worked to identify suspect(s) and tied additional burglaries to the ever-growing list of related cases. As it stands today, investigators are aware of at least 39 home burglaries in Oregon that are linked to the same group of suspects.
On Sunday, February 2nd, simultaneous search warrants were executed in Oregon City, Bend and Portland related to this investigation:
On Wednesday, February 5th, the Tigard Police Department, in partnership with the Portland Police Bureau and PPB's Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT), executed an additional search warrant at an apartment complex in the 9400 block of North Bristol Avenue. Stolen jewelry and other evidence linked to the investigation was recovered at this location.
We'd like to thank several agencies throughout Oregon and Washington for their assistance, either in information sharing or helping execute these warrants on the ground, including the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Oregon City Police, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Washington County District Attorney's Office, Beaverton Police, Hillsboro Police, Gresham Police, Eugene Police, Portland Police Bureau, Lynnwood (WA) Police and the Snohomish County (WA) Sheriff's Office.
As the investigation continues, it is likely that additional charges will be filed, and additional arrests could be made.
###
Shortly before 10:30 p.m., fire crews responded to a residential fire in the 11700 block of Werburgh Lane in the Cedar Mill area. Callers to 911 reported that the home was engulphed in flames and the fire was spreading to the neighbor's home.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and fire on the first floor of a two-story residence with fire spreading to the second floor of the structure and fire spreading to the home next door. The fire was upgraded to a second alarm to bring additional resources to the scene. Crews quickly moved to search the neighbors' home and confirm it was unoccupied, while additional fire crews worked to knock down the fire in the home where the fire began. Fire crews worked to the interior of the primary structure and found that the stairs had burned through. Firefighters then accessed the second floor via ladders and the aerial platform of the Truck 68, eventually bring the fire under control.
One resident was checked out on the scene for a minor injury. A TVF&R fire investigator was dispatched to the scene and is working to determine how the fire started.
TVF&R was also assisted on scene by Portland Fire & Rescue, American Medical Response, Portland General Electric, and NW Natural Gas.
TVF&R approves the use of all images included with this release for the purpose of news dissemination.
###
At 09:10 on 02/10/2025 Vancouver Fire was dispatched to the report of a commercial structure fire at Additional Self Storage at 11000 NE Burton Rd in Vancouver, WA. Vancouver Fire responded with sixteen units and approximately forty firefighters with command staff. The first unit arrived just five minutes later to find one of the buildings on fire with heavy smoke coming from several storage units. Aggressive suppression efforts began with forcing open nearly all storage units, removing storage unit items when necessary and extinguishing the fire. It took nearly fifty minutes to bring the fire under control while crews made efforts to save and preserve the personal items in the affected units. The Vancouver Fire Marshals office was on scene to investigate.
At 07:02 on 02/05/2025 The Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a semi-truck that had gone off the road on SR-14 west of Lieser RD. Crews arrived to find a car carrier semi-truck that was buried deep in the mud off the highway on the west bound side. Neither the driver of the semi or anyone else was injured. Vancouver Fire worked with the Washington State Patrol to block and divert traffic around the scene as well as the Department of Ecology to investigate possible diesel and antifreeze leaking from the semi.
UPDATE:
On February 9, 2025, Treyson Brooks was located.
On January 24, 2025, Treyson Brooks, a 15-year-old male, ran away from a group home in the 600 block of NE 118th Avenue, Vancouver, WA. Treyson is considered endangered because of medical conditions and his lack of access to his prescribed medications. He is possibly frequenting the areas of the Vancouver Mall, Target, Walmart and Winco.
Treyson was last seen wearing a black hoodie with a white New Balance logo, "NB" on the left chest, black pants under black shorts with a horizontal white stripe, black socks, shoes and a black backpack. Treyson is a light complected black male with brown eyes and curly brown hair, standing 5'3 and 185lbs.
If you have information on where Treyson is, please call 911 for in-progress sightings or Detective Carlow for leads at jake.carlow@cityofvancouver.us.
In late January 2025, a detective from the Violent Crimes Unit for the Washington County Sheriff's Office began investigating reports of a man exposing himself to women and performing acts of indecency. The man was identified as 34-year-old Ryan Dutter of Beaverton.
Dutter, associated with a blue 2018 Kia Rio, was reported outside local businesses, like coffee shops. Dutter would order hot water at the drive-through and then linger in the parking lot in a way that concerned staff.
The investigation revealed that Dutter was linked to several separate incidents in the Aloha community between September 2024 and February 2025 for suspicious behavior and the exposure of his genitals in a state of self-gratification in view of the public.
Investigators located and arrested Dutter on February 7, 2025. Dutter was transported to the Washington County Jail on two counts of public indecency and carrying a concealed weapon- metal knuckles.
Investigators believe additional victims have yet to come forward and are asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 503-846-2500 and reference case number 50-25-1147.
The release of Dutter's booking photo is for law enforcement purposes and is in accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273 for the identification of additional criminal activity.
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 10:00 p.m., a Washington County Sheriff's Office deputy saw a vehicle drive off at a high rate of speed from a business near the intersection of SW 185th Avenue and SW Tualatin Valley Highway.
The deputy turned around to attempt a traffic stop but lost sight of the speeding driver. Almost immediately after, dispatch received a call stating a vehicle had just crashed into a residence on SW 187th Avenue and SW Vista Street, just north of the location.
Multiple deputies responded and learned the driver fled the location, leaving the vehicle with a dog embedded in the residence. Deputies contacted the occupants of the residence and found they were not injured. However, due to the vehicle being pinned against the residence's electrical panel, deputies could not immediately assess the dog.
Deputies set up containment in the area and began tracking the suspect with K9s assisted by drones. After more than two hours of searching the area, Corporal Akin and his K9 partner Puddles located the suspect hiding in a backyard and took the man into custody.
When safe, the dog was rescued from the vehicle and evaluated at Tanasbourne Veterinary Emergency before being transported to Bonnie L. Hayes Animal Shelter.
The involved vehicle, a 2021 Volkswagen, was discovered to have been stolen out of Multnomah County.
The driver, identified as 35-year-old Isauro Garcia of Beaverton, was taken to the Washington County Jail and lodged for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, DUII, reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person, hit and run, criminal driving while suspended, eight counts of identity theft, and seven outstanding warrants for arrest from Washington County.
On February 6, 2025, Wymon Smith was arrested again after additional victims came forward, and a grand jury indicted him for new crimes. After the initial coverage of Smith's arrest in January, detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit received multiple calls from other affected people. To date, investigators have spoken with nearly 20 people who have disclosed concerns and abuse dating back almost 25 years.
New evidence was presented to a grand jury on January 31, 2025. At the request of the Washington County Sheriff's Office, detectives with the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office took Smith into custody on February 6. He is facing charges of Sexual Abuse in the first degree and Sodomy in the first degree.
Investigators learned Smith worked as a teacher in Nevada in the 1990s, and then in Astoria in the early 2000s before moving to the Banks School District. Investigators strongly believe there are additional victims, witnesses, or affected people who have not yet come forward. If you have information, please call 503-846-2500. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
Original Media Release: Banks High School Teacher Arrested For Sexually Abusing Student
On the morning of January 8, 2025, Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies assigned to the city of Banks were notified by staff at Banks High School about concerns that a math teacher had sexual contact with a student. Deputies learned the school district was made aware of the allegations on January 7 and immediately placed the teacher, 66-year-old Wymon Smith, on leave. Officials at the high school notified the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline on January 7th, as required by law.
The case was assigned to detectives in the Violent Crimes Unit, which also handles child abuse investigations. Detectives learned Smith had sexually inappropriate conversations with multiple students and had sexual contact with at least one student on school property.
On the afternoon of January 14, 2025, detectives arrested Smith. Smith was lodged in jail on charges of sexual abuse in the second degree and luring a minor. Oregon law specifies that any sexual contact perpetrated by a teacher or a coach to a student is a felony.
Detectives are concerned there are additional victims and want to speak with anyone who has information about Smith's concerning behaviors. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
The Banks School District continues to cooperate with the law enforcement investigation.
The release of Smith's booking photo is for law enforcement purposes and is in accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273 for the identification of additional criminal activity.
On Sunday, January 12, 2025, at about 2:30 p.m., Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a welfare check for a woman who had fallen out of a kayak while recreating on the Tualatin River near Meriwether National Golf Club.
The woman was kayaking with friends when she hit a tree, fell out of her kayak, and experienced a medical emergency due to the cold temperatures. The woman was helped to the riverbank, where her condition began deteriorating.
Deputies arrived and located the kayakers on the opposite bank near the 18th hole. The kayakers were in an area difficult to see or access through thick brush. Using GPS markers in their body cameras, deputies began working to locate the boaters from the side of the river they were on.
One of the deputies used a kayak to cross the river and render aid, recognizing the need to get to the woman quickly. The other deputy used a machete to cut through the brush line, created a pathway, and led medical personnel to access the woman.
The woman was transported to a local hospital and survived.
The Sheriff's Office is grateful for the coordinated efforts by the caller, TVF&R, Hillsboro Fire, and American Medical Response (AMR) for their swift actions, which saved the life of a community member.
Additional media shared on IG and Facebook.
Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center is the only hospital in OR and WA to achieve the America's 50 Best Hospital for Cardiac Surgery Award for 10 Years in a Row (2015-2024)
[PORTLAND, Ore.] -- February 6, 2025 -- Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center was recognized as the only hospital in Oregon and Washington to achieve the America's 50 Best Hospital for Cardiac Surgery Award for 10 years in a row from Healthgrades.
"This recognition highlights Kaiser Permanente's unwavering commitment to providing our community with compassionate, high quality, advanced cardiac care," said Yong Shin, M.D., Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery for Kaiser Permanente in the Northwest. "We are proud to have built a top-rated heart program that has a rigorous focus on patient-centered multidisciplinary care using evidence-based medicine that is delivered compassionately by our amazing team of health care professionals.
In addition to achieving Healthgrades' top honor for Cardiac Surgery (2015-2024), Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center received the Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award, placing the hospital among the nation's top 5% for Cardiac Surgery for 11 years in a row (2014-2024).
"It takes the entire hospital to have a cardiac program that is continually recognized for its excellent care and patient outcomes," Shin said. "I want to thank everyone at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside, from the surgeons, cardiologists, critical care teams, hospitalists, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, dieticians, care coordinators, social workers, physical therapists, respiratory therapists and so many more for their ongoing dedication to our patients and the community."
Healthgrades evaluates hospitals solely on clinical outcomes: risk-adjusted mortality and complications. By focusing on what matters most, patient outcomes, the Healthgrades ratings provide critical feedback for both patients and hospitals. By offering easy access to objective performance measures, Healthgrades gives consumers the information they need to find a hospital that excels in providing the care they need. And, by shining a light on strengths and weaknesses, the Healthgrades ratings help direct hospitals to opportunities for clinical improvement. The 2024 hospital assessment evaluated patient mortality and complication rates for 35 common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to identify the top performers.
The 2024 Healthgrades analysis revealed that the variation in performance among hospitals continues to widen, making it increasingly important to seek care at top-rated programs. From 2020-2022, patients treated at hospitals among America's 100 Best for Cardiac Surgery had, on average, a 57.5% lower risk of dying than if treated in hospitals that did not receive the award.
"Healthgrades congratulates Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center for being a national leader and demonstrating a deep commitment to providing high quality care to all patients," said Brad Bowman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Head of Data Science at Healthgrades. "As health systems nationwide endeavor to elevate the quality of care, these elite facilities provide a roadmap for success. We commend Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center for their dedication to excellence in patient care."
Consumers can visit Healthgrades.com to learn more about how Healthgrades measures hospital quality and access a patient-friendly overview of how we rate and why hospital quality matters here.
Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for 2020 through 2022 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. Click here to view the complete 2024 Specialty Awards and Ratings Methodology.
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 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.
Below-freezing weather is predicted over the next several days and Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind community members that a few simple actions can help prevent disasters during and after the freezing temperatures.
Whether you are a property owner or renter, business manager or contractor - winterizing your home or place of business should be done in the fall, prior to the first freeze to best protect your property.
If you are just getting around to winterizing, here are some things you will want to do before the snow freezes this weekend:
Protect your pipes: These simple steps can prevent the costly damage from water line breaks and lessen the time to restore your property back to full operation following a break.
Create emergency access: By ensuring access to utilities and pathways, you will have a quicker exit in an emergency and help emergency services respond more efficiently.
Heat with caution: Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires in Oregon and was one of the top causes of structure fires last year in Bend.
Commercial Sprinkler Systems
Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind building owners, facility managers, and building maintenance personnel to act before the cold weather hits to prevent fire sprinkler systems from freezing. Our department responds to several fire sprinkler activations due to pipes breaking from freezing every year. These breaks can cause significant water damage and can easily be prevented. Even if they don't break, frozen fire sprinkler pipes render the sprinkler system inoperative, thus jeopardizing lives and property. Check your fire sprinkler system today:
For more information about preparing for winter, please contact Bend Fire & Rescue Prevention Division at 541-322-6300. Stay safe and warm!
FIRE POLICY COMMITTEE
MEETING SCHEDULED
The Fire Policy Committee (FPC) of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (Board) will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. February 26th, 2025, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at thea regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. February 26th, 2025, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For more information, please contact Madison Hockett at (971) 433-7899.
The Fire Policy Committee meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page @
https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.
1. Introductions
2. Approval of Minutes of February 26th, 2025 Meeting
3. Discretionary Case Review Quick Sheet
Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe
4. Jesse McFarland; DPSST No. 44129
Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe
5. John Cota; DPSST No. 44136
Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe
6. Rhett Sunia; DPSST No. 41600
Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe
7. Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-009-0005, OAR 259-009-0062, and OAR 259-009-0065
Presented by Jennifer Howald
8. Firefighter Benjamin Charles Sapper -- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Wall Nomination
Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe
9. Retired Captain Larry D. Dean (DPSST #26630) -- City of Salem Fire Department, Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Wall Nomination
Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe
10. Agency Updates
11. Next Fire Policy Committee Meeting- May 28th, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Administrative Announcement
This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Fire Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.
Salem -- The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning people to be wary of an unexpected text or direct message from a stranger -- it might be the first step in a relationship investment scam, also known as a romance scam or "pig butchering." These scams often involve fraudsters contacting targets seemingly at random, using social media or common communication apps.
The scammer gains the target's trust, often by starting a romantic relationship or a friendship. The scammer then starts to convince the victim to invest in phony investments, including fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, before falsely claiming the initial investment grew significantly. The scammer then asks for more money and demands payment of fees or taxes if the victim requests to withdraw the funds. Even when the victim pays the withdrawal fees, the fraudster does not refund the victim's money, but rather disappears with the funds without any further communication.
According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), there are several warning signs to be aware of involving these types of scams:
"Romance and crypto scams continue to be the source of significant losses for consumers," said TK Keen, DFR administrator. "Consumers who receive contacts out of the blue through messaging apps on their phone or other means should be especially suspicious of those trying to entice them into cryptocurrency or any other investments."
Several states and federal authorities have issued warnings about this type of fraud. In 2023, investment fraud caused the highest losses of any scam reported by the public to the FBI's Internet Crimes Complaint Center (IC3), totaling $4.57 billion, a 38 percent increase from 2022. Frauds involving cryptocurrency, including relationship investment scams, increased from $2.57 million in 2022 to $3.96 billion in 2023, a 53 percent rise. DFR accepts consumer complaints relating to investment fraud and will forward other scam complaints to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Consumers should also report scams to the FBI's IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov/. Learn more about relationship investment scams and how to outsmart scammers by visiting DFR's website.
Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of a relationship investment scam can fill out our online complaint form or contact DFR's consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.
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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Michael Lawson, died the evening of February 9, 2025. Lawson 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.
Lawson entered DOC custody on December 19, 2016, from Multnomah County with an earliest release date of November 21, 2029. Lawson was 67 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 that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.
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Salem, Ore.--The State Interoperability Executive Council (SIEC) will meet Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 1:30 -- 3:30 p.m. The meeting will take place virtually via Microsoft Teams. A dial-in option is also available. The meeting is open to the public and comments will be taken from those who wish to participate.
The agenda and handouts are posted on the council's website. Dial-In information for those who wish to attend over the phone or virtually are outlined in the meeting agenda.
What: State Interoperability Executive Council
When: Tuesday, February 11, 1:30 PM -- 3:30 PM
Where: Virtually via Microsoft Teams
Click here to join the meeting
Dial In: 503-446-4951 Pin: 266 306 980#
Who: Members of the State Interoperability Executive Council
The SIEC was created under the State Chief Information Officer to be the statewide interoperability governing body and to serve as the primary steering group for the Oregon Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP). The SIEC's mission is to develop and maintain the SCIP, develop recommendations and guidelines for policy, identify technology and standards, and coordinate intergovernmental resources to facilitate statewide public safety communications interoperability.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION OF DISABILITIES -- Reasonable accommodations, such as assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters and materials in large print or audiotape, will be provided as needed. In order to ensure availability, please contact William Chapman at the Oregon Department of Emergency Management at telephone 971-283-4607, or email SWIC.OR@das.oregon.gov at least 24 hours prior to the meeting with your request.
Oregon residents are bracing for continued winter storms bringing heavy snow, ice, and increased risks of falling tree branches and downed power lines. Emergency management officials urge the public to remain alert, be properly prepared for winter driving, and follow safety guidelines to protect homes, vehicles, and personal well-being.
Risk of Falling Branches
Many regions in Oregon are experiencing snowfall and ice buildup on trees. The added weight can cause branches--or even entire trees--to snap unexpectedly. Falling branches pose a danger to:
Vehicles: Branches can damage cars, so avoid parking under trees whenever possible.
Pedestrians: Tree limbs can break without warning, so be extra cautious when walking outdoors.
Power lines: Branches falling onto power lines may cause electrical hazards or widespread outages.
Downed branches can disrupt utility lines, potentially leading to extended power outages. To prepare:
Stock up on essentials: Have flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and blankets ready in case the lights go out.
Keep extra supplies: If safe to do so, store a few days' worth of food and water, especially in rural areas where utility restoration may be delayed.
Stay informed: Monitor local weather updates through official channels. Follow any advisories from the National Weather Service or your local emergency management office.
What to Do if a Power Line Falls
A downed power line is extremely dangerous. If you see or suspect a live wire has fallen on your property, car, or near your home:
Stay away and call for help: Immediately call 911 and report the downed line. Then contact your local utility provider. Do not approach or attempt to move the line. Even if it appears inactive, it could still be energized.
If a power line falls on your car: Stay inside your vehicle. Do not step out unless there is an urgent threat like a fire. If you must exit (e.g., due to fire), open the door carefully, jump out without touching the car and the ground at the same time, then land with your feet together. Shuffle or hop away, keeping both feet close together to minimize electrical risk.
Keep others clear: Alert neighbors and passersby to the hazard. Set up a safe perimeter, if possible, to prevent anyone from accidentally coming into contact with the live wire.
General Safety Tips
Use caution around trees: Weakened limbs can break at any moment--keep an eye on overhead branches and fallen debris.
Dress in layers: Winter conditions can change quickly, and frostbite can occur if you're not properly protected from the cold.
Only travel when necessary: If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you and allow extra time to reach your destination. Check road conditions before driving and let someone know your route if you must travel.
Stay safe, everyone! By keeping these precautions in mind--avoiding falling branches, staying prepared for power outages, and knowing what to do if a power line falls--you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community during Oregon's challenging winter conditions.
Additional Resources:
SALEM, OR -- Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed February Tsunami and Earthquake Awareness Month in Oregon.
In the past, Oregon has suffered considerable damage from moderate earthquake events--such as the 1993 Scotts Mills and Klamath Falls earthquakes--and from a deadly tsunami that originated in Alaska in 1964.
Scientific evidence indicates that the State of Oregon is at risk for a much larger event associated with the Cascadia Subduction Zone that is expected to generate strong ground shaking and a destructive tsunami, similar to the event that occurred in Northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011.
Loss of life and property is minimized by natural hazard mitigation planning and grant funding at the state, Tribal, and local levels, which reduce the impact of disasters through risk assessment and mitigation actions--such as seismic strengthening of existing buildings and public education on local tsunami evacuation routes.
As a result, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), within its role as chair of the Interagency Hazard Mitigation Team (IHMT), will be working with IHMT member agencies, federal partners, local jurisdictions, and neighboring states to highlight jurisdictional earthquake and tsunami mitigation strategies and provide education and information about individual preparedness for Oregon residents and visitors throughout the month of February and beyond.
Watch our social media channels and website for preparedness tips and upcoming dates for the Tsunami Preparedness Roadshow that will be traveling to numerous coastal communities February 27 through 28.
Salem, Ore.--With 298 Firewise USA sites in good standing, Oregon is again ranked number two in the nation for number of Firewise USA sites. In 2024, Oregon added 32 new sites to create more fire-adapted communities.
Oregon is also honored to share the first Firewise USA site in the country that is located in two states, along the Oregon and California border in Lake County.
Along with being number two as a state in 2024, Oregon is also home to the number four and number five counties with the most sites in the nation: Jackson County with 74 sites and Deschutes County with 78 sites. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication of community members and those that led the charge.
What is Firewise USA? Firewise USA is a program that helps guide communities in the process of protecting their homes and neighborhood from wildfire. The program is run by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and co-sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters and U.S. Forest Service. The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for administering the program in Oregon and is a resource to help communities create a community wildfire protection plan, find grants to fund projects, and give expert advice.
This work is not done alone. Through the help of ODF's partners, community coordinators, and local fire departments, we all work together to complete assessments and help the community develop action plans for implementing wildfire risk reduction activities.
How does a community become a Firewise community? Starting the journey to become a Firewise USA site is as easy as picking up the phone and calling your local ODF office. Only a minimum of eight dwellings are required, meaning that your street, neighborhood or town can be a Firewise USA community.
The continuation and growth of the Firewise USA program in Oregon is just one way we can create more fire adapted communities and protect our neighbors.
SALEM, Ore. -- The Smoke Management Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, Feb. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ODF Headquarters, Building C, Tillamook Room, 2600 State Street, Salem. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
The committee's agenda includes:
Welcome and roll call
Committee business
Committee & agency reports
Smoke Management Unit FY24 budget overview & discussion
Fall burning overview
Rule review committee discussion
Action item review/next meeting
The meeting is open to the public to attend either in person or virtually. There will be a period for public comment in the morning. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting y.berry@odf.oregon.gov">Shelby Berry at 503-949-5181.
View more information on the SMAC webpage.
Created by the Legislature in 1989, the five-member committee assists and advises the Oregon Department of Forestry in carrying out its Smoke Management Program. Members are appointed by the State Forester to serve a two-year term, which is renewable.
(Salem) -- The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Sahara Feldmiller, age 16, a child in foster care who went missing from Newport on Feb. 3. She is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Sahara and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.
Sahara is known to spend time in Sandy and the Mt. Hood area. She may be trying to travel to Sandpoint, Idaho.
Name: Sahara Feldmiller
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Oct. 16, 2008
Height: 5-foot-2
Weight: 98 pounds
Hair: Dark blonde
Eye color: Blue
Newport Police Department Case #NTPNPP25-1167
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2042654
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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Correction: This alert has been updated to accuratly report the law enforcement case number.
(Salem) -- The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Jaden Robertson, age 17, a child in foster care who went missing from Salem on Jan. 30. She is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Jaden and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.
Jaden was last seen in Salem, it is possible that she is at an unhoused shelter in the Salem area.
Name: Jaden Lynne Robertson
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Nov. 8, 2007
Height: 5-foot-3
Weight: 146 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Hazel
Other identifying information: Jaden was last seen wearing black leggings and shirt with a red, white and navy varsity jacket. She has a pierced nose.
Marion County Sheriff's Office Case #25-5143
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2042396
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, OR--Oregon taxpayers preparing their own taxes can now file their returns using computer kiosks set up in public spaces in Department of Revenue regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, and Portland during business hours.
The kiosks can be used to file taxes through the free fillable forms and Direct File Oregon e-file options.
Offices are located in:
Bend
951 SW Simpson Ave
Suite 100
Bend, OR 97702-3118
Monday -- Friday 8 a.m. -- 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. -- 1:30 p.m.)
Eugene
1600 Valley River Drive
Suite 310
Eugene, OR 97401-2160
Monday -- Friday 8 a.m. -- 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. -- 1:30 p.m.)
Gresham
1550 NW Eastman Parkway
Suite 220
Gresham, OR 97030-3832
Monday -- Friday 8 a.m. -- 5 p.m. (closed (12:30 p.m. -- 1:30 p.m.)
Portland
800 NE Oregon St
Suite 505
Portland, OR 97232-2156
Monday -- Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed 12 -- 12:30 p.m.)
E-filing is the fastest way for a taxpayer to get their refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.
"The computer kiosk offers a way to file electronically for those without a computer or those who fill out paper forms and want to transfer their data into one of the two available options to receive their refund sooner," said Megan Denison, administrator of the department's Personal Tax and Compliance Division.
Taxpayers can find more information on the department's Free Direct File assistance at local libraries webpage.
Before coming to the library, taxpayers should use the IRS eligibility checker to see if they'll be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. IRS Direct File does not support all return types. Specifically, taxpayers with dividends reported on Form 1099-DIV and capital gains or losses are not supported. Income from pensions, reported on Form 1099-R, won't be supported until later in March.
The IRS estimates that 44,000 people in Salem and Keizer are eligible to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon in addition to 18,000 others in Marion County.
To use IRS Direct File taxpayers must have an IRS online account. Taxpayers who don't already have IRS online account should sign up with ID.me and create an account before arriving at their library to expedite the filing process.
Taxpayers who want to import their federal return information into Direct File Oregon must have a Revenue Online account to file their state income tax return. Taxpayers who don't already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department's website. Taxpayers who can't use IRS Direct File or don't want to import their federal return information can use Direct File Oregon to file their state income tax return without a Revenue Online account. However, the process is simpler and faster for those logged into their Revenue Online account.
The department believes that helping taxpayers file their own returns using direct file will help maximize the number of Oregonians who choose to use the new free option and make it possible for many who don't have a filing requirement to file and claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families. The IRS estimates that nearly 25 percent of eligible Oregon taxpayers are not claiming the EITC. One Oregon organization says that added up to almost $100 million in unclaimed credits in 2020.
Taxpayers should bring the following information with them to the library.
Identification documents
Common income and tax documents
Optional documents
Taxpayers can sign up for the new "Oregon Tax Tips" direct email newsletter to keep up with information about tax return filing and how to claim helpful tax credits.
Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will help taxpayers file their federal and state tax returns using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon in McMinnville next week.
Dates and locations include:
Monday, February 10
McMinnville Public Library
225 NW Adams Street
McMinnville, OR 97128
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Space in the libraries hosting these events may be limited and staff and participants may be apprehensive about speaking with the media.
Please adhere to the following guidelines in covering the free tax assistance clinics.
Agenda items include a potential Hayden Island land sale, rulemaking to protect rocky habitats on the coast, and board appointments for the Elliott State Research Forest
SALEM, Ore. -- The State Land Board will meet on Tuesday, February 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of State Lands building in Salem.
Agenda items the Land Board will consider include:
Begin due diligence for a potential land sale on the western side of Hayden Island.
On behalf of the Interstate Bridge Group, the Oregon Department of Transportation has applied to purchase 65 acres of filled lands on Hayden Island. Currently undeveloped open space, the applicant is seeking to maintain these lands in a natural state in perpetuity to offset impacts related to construction of the I-5 bridge. Due diligence begins research on a potential land sale and includes opening a public comment period.
Adopt amended rules to formally incorporate new rocky habitat designations identified in Part III of Oregon's Territorial Sea Plan.
After a three-year public review process, this updated plan was adopted in 2023. Administrative rules governing marine reserves and marine protected areas need to be updated to include these new rocky habitat areas.
Appoint Kaitlin Lovell of Colton as a voting member of the Elliott State Research Forest Board of Directors.
The Elliott's Board of Directors guides management of the research forest, ensuring public oversight, accountability, and engagement. This action fills the remaining term of a vacant seat on the board and clarifies board term end dates.
The Land Board will also discuss the upcoming recruitment process for the Department's Director, as well as hear updates on the 2024 Common School Fund audit and an annual report on the Department's Real Property Program.
Meeting Details and Agenda
Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Department of State Lands
Land Board Room
775 Summer St. NE, Salem
The full meeting agenda and materials are available on the DSL website. The meeting will be livestreamed to the DSL YouTube channel.
The public may submit written testimony or sign up to provide spoken testimony (in person, by video, or phone) during the meeting. Advanced sign-up is required, and the deadline is 10 a.m. on Monday, February 10.
If you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact Arin Smith at 503-986-5224 or in.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov">arin.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov at least two working days prior to the meeting.
Visitors are not permitted to bring backpacks, bags, or large purses into the Department of State Lands building prior to, during, or following Land Board meetings. Purses, medical bags, and diaper bags are permitted, but may be subject to inspection by the Oregon State Police.
About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State Tobias Read, and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state's Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board's administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon's public schools and protecting the state's waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.
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February 6, 2025
Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Board (Board) is directing $5.1 million toward the Save Lives Oregon harm reduction clearinghouse at Oregon Health Authority. This investment serves to continue the Board's commitment to fill gaps across the substance use disorder continuum of care.
The Board recognized the importance of distributing life-saving overdose reversal medications, but also that more work remains to provide needed services to people seeking support and services for substance use disorder and overdose prevention.
The allocation represents 22% of the Board's total allocation budget of $23.4 million for the 2025-27 fiscal biennium that begins July 1. Programs focused on primary prevention, treatment and recovery will receive similar percentages.
The Board also provided an additional $237,000 toward a previously approved recommendation of $830,000 for the expansion of culturally specific services in existing recovery community centers throughout the state, bringing the total allocation to more than $1 million for the current fiscal biennium.
The funding was awarded to OHA, which will administer the allocations. The Board's decision can be viewed in a recording of its Feb. 5 meeting.
We are confident that this investment will indeed save lives in Oregon by expanding our statewide capacity to provide naloxone and other live-saving services to people most in need," said Board Co-Chair Annaliese Dolph. "But, in doing so, we recognize that this is not enough, and that additional and sustained investment is urgently needed to stem the tide of substance use disorder and overdose in Oregon. The Board calls on the Legislature to fulfill the Governor's request for ongoing funding for Save Lives Oregon."
Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreement on national lawsuits against several companies for their roles in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, more than $600 million will be awarded to Oregon through 2039. Settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).
The state's share is deposited into the Opioid Settlement, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery (OSPTR) Fund as it becomes available. This fund is controlled by the 18-member OSPTR Board.
Throughout the current fiscal biennium ending in June 2025, about $98.5 million will be deposited into the OSPTR Fund. To date, more than $90 million has been allocated.
According to the Opioid Settlement Board's annual report, published this week, Oregon allocated $74 million of the state portion of opioid settlement funds on locally based initiatives and programs across Oregon in the 2023-24 fiscal year (covering the period from July 1, 2023, through June 20, 2024).
The report showed nearly identical percentages allocated across the continuum of substance use services statewide.
Highlights of the spending this biennium include:
The OSPTR Board will next consider additional investments in research and evaluation.
To learn more about Oregon's opioid settlement funds, visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement
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Feb. 11, 2025
SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) helps to significantly increase the supply of affordable homes by funding the creation and preservation of more than 500 homes in three affordable housing developments. The Barbur Apartments and Peaceful Villa in Portland and Orchard Park Apartments in Salem are set to receive more than $141.3 million in bond funding after the Housing Stability Council approved the financing last week.
The approval of this bond financing leverages more than $48.7 million of state resources, and $30 million of Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credits. All three projects combined will bring in more than $10.6 million in annual federal tax credit equity investment.
"No matter where they live, all people of Oregon deserve to have a housing system that works for them. We must dedicate ourselves to making concrete housing progress that actually makes life better," said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell.
Innovative Housing, Inc., is developing Barbur Apartments in Portland's Hillsdale neighborhood. It will become a family-focused community with 149 affordable homes for people with incomes below 60% Area Median Income (AMI). Residents will have access to essential wraparound services tailored to meet the needs of immigrant and refugee families.
OHCS is also investing in innovative ways to transform existing affordable housing in response to Portland's housing crisis. Home Forward's Peaceful Villa is set to preserve its existing 70 homes and add 96 more homes, converting it into a new family community. The current residents will temporarily be relocated using the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. Once they move back, they'll have options to rent one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes with services that include a food pantry, indoor and outdoor play areas, club house spaces, and a computer lab.
In Salem, Aberdeen Capital received $23 million to prevent the conversion of Orchard Park Apartment's 224 homes to market rate rents after its affordability expired in 2021. This funding, which includes $3 million for immediate repairs, will ensure that rent remains affordable for people with incomes below 60% AMI. This investment is crucial to ensure housing stability for the current residents amid rising rents in the area.
Find more information about each affordable housing development in the Housing Stability Council meeting packet here.
About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)
OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.
SALEM, Ore. -- El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon (OHCS, por sus siglas en inglés) ayuda a incrementar significativamente el numero de viviendas a precio asequible al otorgar fondos para la creación y conservación de 500 viviendas a precio asequible en tres desarrollos de viviendas. Barbur Apartments y Peaceful Villas en Portland y Orchard Park Apartments en Salem recibirán mas de $141.3 millones en financiación mediante bonos después de que el Concilio para la Estabilidad de la Vivienda lo aprobará la semana pasada.
La aprobación de esta financiación mediante bonos utiliza más de $48.7 millones de recursos estatales y $30 millones de créditos fiscales para viviendas a precio asequible en Oregon. Los tres proyectos combinados aportarán más de $10.6 millones anuales en inversiones de capital en créditos fiscales federales.
"No importa donde vivan, todas las personas en Oregon merecen tener un sistema de vivienda que trabaje para ellos. Debemos dedicarnos a realizar avances de vivienda concretos que realmente permitan vivir una vida mejor," dijo la directora ejecutiva de OHCS, Andrea Bell.
Innovative Housing, Inc. está desarrollando Barbur Apartments en el vecindario de Hillsdale en Portland. Se convertirá en una comunidad centrada en la familia con 149 viviendas asequibles para personas con ingresos inferiores al 60% de la renta media del área (AMI, por sus siglas en inglés). Los residentes tendrán acceso a servicios esenciales adaptados a las necesidades de las familias de inmigrantes y refugiados.
OHCS también está invirtiendo en formas innovadoras de transformar las viviendas asequibles existentes en respuesta a la crisis de vivienda en Portland. Peaceful Villa, de Home Forward, conservará sus 70 viviendas actuales y añadirá 96 más, convirtiéndola en una nueva comunidad familiar. Los residentes actuales serán realojados temporalmente mediante el programa de Demostración de Ayuda al Alquiler del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de EE.UU. Una vez que vuelvan, tendrán opciones para alquilar viviendas de uno, dos, tres y cuatro dormitorios con servicios que incluyen una despensa de alimentos, zonas de juego interiores y exteriores, espacios de casa club y una sala de computadoras.
En Salem, Aberdeen Capital recibió $23 millones para evitar la conversión de las 224 viviendas de Orchard Park Apartments a alquileres a precio de mercado tras expirar su asequibilidad en 2021. Esta financiación, que incluye $3 millones para reparaciones inmediatas, garantizará que los alquileres sigan siendo a precio asequible para personas con ingresos inferiores al 60% del AMI. Esta inversión es crucial para garantizar la estabilidad de la vivienda para los residentes actuales en medio del aumento de los alquileres en la zona.
Encontrará más información sobre cada desarrollo de viviendas a precio asequible en el paquete de la reunión del Consejo de Estabilidad de la Vivienda.
Acerca del Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon (OHCS)
OHCS es la agencia de financiación de viviendas de Oregón. La agencia estatal proporciona apoyo financiero y de programas para crear y preservar oportunidades de vivienda a precio asequible y de calidad para los habitantes de Oregón con ingresos bajos y moderados. OHCS administra programas que proporcionan estabilización de la vivienda. OHCS ofrece estos programas principalmente a través de subvenciones, contratos y acuerdos de préstamo con organizaciones locales y proveedores comunitarios. Para obtener más información, visite: oregon.gov/ohcs.
Photo Caption: Barbur Apartments ofrecerán 150 viviendas a precio asequible al vecindario Hillsdale en Portland.
Salem, Ore. -- Time is running out to claim four Oregon Lottery prizes that are about to expire in the coming weeks. No one has come forward to claim the following:
Powerball
$100,000
Ticket purchased in Brooks (97305)
Expires February 21, 2025
Powerball
$50,000
Ticket purchased in Portland (97217)
Expires March 11, 2025
Powerball
$50,000
Ticket purchased in Portland (97219)
Expires April 3, 2025
Powerball
$50,000
Ticket purchased in Portland (97214)
Expires April 13, 2025
"We've had players find tickets worth millions of dollars in car glove boxes, in the pocket of an old pair of jeans, and at the bottom of a purse," said Oregon Lottery's Manager of Player Services Heidi Quiring. "It's time to see if you have a winner tucked away somewhere. After a year, the prizes can no longer be claimed."
Unclaimed prizes go back to the state and are distributed to Oregon Lottery beneficiaries. For the 2024 fiscal year, which runs from July 2023 to June 2024, $8 million in unclaimed prizes were transferred back to Oregon.
Prizes $50,000 and above can be claimed by appointment at the Salem and Wilsonville Prize Payment Centers. To make an appointment, call 1-800-766-6789 or go to our website. Players can also download the Oregon Lottery app to check their ticket.
The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any 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.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it 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.
Salem, Ore. -- Taylor Swift and football fans have something in common again: A variety of fun, Super Bowl wagers are now available through the Oregon Lottery's DraftKings Sportsbook.
For this year's match up of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, DraftKings Sportsbook is once again offering themed bets based on Taylor Swift songs. "Shake It Off" allows you to bet on the Eagles scoring first and the Chiefs taking home the win. The "Déjà vu" wager has the Chiefs winning by exactly three points. For "Wildest Dreams," Travis Kelce will score the first and last touchdowns of the game.
Oregon Lottery debuted sports betting in October 2019 and has seen more than $2.6 billion wagered since its launch. Oregon Lottery's Sports Betting Products Manager Kerry Hemphill is looking forward to another Super Bowl influenced by the "Taylor effect."
"The combination of celebrities, funny commercials, and of course, big plays at this event help generate the most interest in sports betting we see all year," said Hemphill. "The Super Bowl also attracts more casual sports betters who want to take advantage of the fun wagers offered."
"Prop bets" are a Super Bowl betting option that fall outside of traditional game plays. This year, prop bets range from who wins the coin toss to the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach. A few other examples offered this year include:
During last year's Super Bowl, Oregon players placed 382,000 bets through DraftKings Sportsbook, with wagers totaling $6.9 million, up by more than $1.5 million from the previous year. The player with the biggest win of the day in 2024 placed a $20,000 bet on the Chiefs to win, at just over even money, and won $20,400.
You must be 21 years or older to place a sports wager in Oregon. Oregon Lottery reminds players to utilize the safer play features within the DraftKings app, such as setting wager limits or cool off periods. For more information on making changes to your gambling and other helpful resources visit Oregon Problem Gambling Resource at opgr.org or call 1-877-MYLIMIT to chat or text with a certified counselor. Help is free, confidential and it works.
To play Oregon Lottery's DraftKings Sportsbook or for more detail about wagers offered during the game, go to https://www.oregonlottery.org/sports/.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $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.
SALEM, Oregon -- The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene online Feb. 25 for an executive session and business meeting.
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. online to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A business meeting will begin at 9:15 a.m. and will be open to the public.
Anyone may watch the business meeting; instructions will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. The business meeting includes time for informal public comment related to any items not on the agenda.
Registration is required to speak at the meeting and is available online at https://bit.ly/registerFeb2025commission. The deadline to register to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., Feb. 24. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. Feb. 24 to katie.gauthier@oprd.oregon.gov.
The full agenda and supporting documents are posted on the commission web page. Notable requests:
Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance: burton@oprd.oregon.gov">denise.warburton@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-779-9729.
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.
Salem, Ore. -- The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) will meet on February 20 and 21 at the State Library of Oregon (250 Winter St NE) in Salem to consider nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The SACHP meeting is hybrid and open to the public.
The meeting agenda includes guided tours, presentations, and hearings for five proposed nominations and one proposed Multiple Property Documentation (MPD) form. The guided tours are scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 1:00 p.m., and the business meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, February 21. Anyone may attend the business meeting in person or electronically; instructions for how to attend electronically are posted on the commission web page: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx (look under "State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation" and "Upcoming Meetings and Agendas"). Registration is required to speak at the meeting.
On Friday, February 21, the committee will complete a courtesy review of a proposed nomination for the Salem Substation in Polk County at 11:30am. Beginning at 1:00pm, the committee will then review a proposed nomination for the Owyhee Grocery in Nyssa, Malheur County; a proposed nomination for the Mingus Park Community Building in Coos Bay, Coos County; a proposed MPD for Oregon Country Methodist Mission Sites: 1834-1847; a proposed nomination for the Mill Place House Site in Salem, Marion County; and a proposed nomination for the Port Orford City Jail in Port Orford, Curry County. For other agenda items, please refer to the online agenda: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx (look under "State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation" and "Upcoming Meetings and Agendas").
The SACHP is a nine-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields. Nominations recommended by the SACHP go to the National Park Service, which maintains the National Register of Historic Places under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
This effort aligns with the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan goal to increase the thematic diversity of Oregon properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It also supports the goals to include more voices and increase access to Oregon heritage that are part of the Oregon Heritage Plan.
The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be made with at least three days of advance notice by calling (503) 986-0690.
More information about the National Register of Historic Places process is online at www.oregonheritage.org.
Salem, OR - The Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board (EPAB) will meet at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the advisory board's website.
What: Meeting of the Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board
When: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 3:00 pm -- 4:30 pm
Where: Microsoft Teams (Join the meeting online)
Call: 1-503-446-4951 | Conference ID: 405 380 715#
Who: Members of the Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board
The Legislature established the advisory board with enactment of ORS 276A.270-276. The board will advise the State Chief Information Officer (CIO) on key decisions and strategic choices about how the State CIO manages and operates the state's web portal services.
The Oregon.gov portal is the connection point for citizens to access state agency services and information on the internet. The board provides oversight to specific websites, services and online payments where agencies choose to utilize the State CIO's E-Government program as their service provider.
With the board's advice, the State CIO wants to make the Oregon web portal services and their operation as effective as they can be for Oregonians to interact with state government.
The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner's Office. This investigation is related to the shooting Jan. 29, 2025 at Jaggy Road Park in Vancouver.
This individual died on 01/29/2025 in Vancouver, WA.
The name of the decedent: Lopez-Flores, Jerry Moises Age: 21 years
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Multiple gunshot wounds
Manner of death: Homicide
How the injury occurred: Shot by other
Place of injury: Public recreation area
Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner's Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.
Media release issue date: 02/11/2025
Vancouver, Wash. -- The Commission on Aging's charge is to provide leadership in addressing the special needs of the aging population and to manage and assist with the implementation of the county's Aging Readiness Plan. This month, the Commission focuses on Chapter 2 of the Aging Readiness Plan, "Healthy Communities, Improving Access to Healthy Food" by hosting area experts for a discussion about local gardening and food programs. Join us in welcoming representatives from the Clark County and North Clark County Food Banks, the City of Vancouver, the Eat Well Camas Community Garden, and Fort Vancouver Regional Library.
The meeting will be held 4:30 pm Wednesday, Feb. 19 and is open to the public.
Commission on Aging meetings are currently 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. -- Clark County Public Works is seeking applicants for an open volunteer park host position at Captain William Clark Regional Park at Cottonwood Beach. Volunteer park hosts live at their assigned park and assist with creating a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors. This popular 75-acre site includes 3.1 miles of easy trail that runs along a dike paralleling the Columbia River and features spectacular views of Mount Hood, along with beach and water access at Cottonwood Beach, restrooms, historic interpretive elements and reservable picnic shelters. The next park host will help care for this park and its visitors.
Volunteer park hosts live at their assigned park and assist with creating a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors. Host duties include (but are not limited to):
The park host at Captain William Clark Regional Park at Cottonwood Beach must reside in the county-owned residence at the park. Clark County provides basic utilities for the host including electricity, water, sewer and garbage/recycling.
All park host service terms are through Dec. 31. A host may be offered a term for the next calendar year based on results of a performance evaluation performed in the late summer or early fall.
Applicants offered positions must submit to state and federal background checks and fingerprinting, provide a rental history and proof of renter's insurance. Successful applicants will not be able to move into the park and begin service until all required documents have been submitted, they've been cleared through the background check and fingerprinting process, and their agreement has been signed by the county manager. Due to the variable amount of time required for these processes, successful applicants must be prepared to not be able to move into their assigned site for several weeks.
More information about these positions, the volunteer park host program policies, requirements, minimum qualifications, duties, and more can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer#host.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer#volunteer-park-host. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Translated application materials and interpretation services available upon request to Cindy Gonzalez, volunteer program coordinator, at cindy.gonzalez@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.1679.
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.
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.
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Vancouver, Wash. -- The board of the Clark County Public Facilities District will hold a public meeting 4-5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, 2025.
The meeting will be on the Teams platform. Anyone wishing to attend the meeting can click here to join the meeting and use the meeting password nN3kF9y2 or call +1.213.262.7043 and use the access code 806 258 788#.
The Public Facilities District was formed in 2002 for the purpose of participating in the study, planning and development of one or more regional centers that would promote tourism, such as the convention center in downtown Vancouver and exhibition hall at the Clark County Fairgrounds.
The board is comprised of five-members and an alternate member.
The board typically tries to meet on the first Monday of February, May, August and November.
Vancouver, Wash. -- All Clark County Auto Licensing offices including subagents will be closed Feb. 14-17 due to the Washington State Department of Licensing statewide system upgrades. In addition, online services such as License Express, registration renewals, driver, and vehicle/boat services will be unavailable Feb. 10-17, while DOL brings the system upgrades online.
Clark County's Auto Licensing will reopen Tuesday, Feb. 18. For more information on Auto Licensing including subagent locations and operating hours go to https://clark.wa.gov/auditor/auto-license-overview.
(Astoria, OR) -- Appraisers from Clatsop County's Assessment and Taxation Department will inspect residential and business properties in Warrenton/Hammond over the next few years as part of the department's ongoing comprehensive reappraisal of the entire county. This project will also include the unincorporated areas of Warrenton.
Appraisers physically inspect every property to verify the accuracy of county records. During their visit appraisers may measure buildings and will take photos. They will look for and note:
Appraisers will visit neighborhoods in vehicles bearing the Clatsop County logo and will carry official county identification. They will go door-to-door and if the owner is home the appraisers will identify themselves, explain the purpose of the visit and may ask if they can view the inside of the home or other structure. If an owner declines, the appraiser will conduct the appraisal from the exterior of the building and/or the nearest public right-of-way.
If the owner is not home, the appraiser will leave a yellow door tag containing contact information and conduct the appraisal from the nearest right-of-way.
"For many people, their main investment is their home. We want to make sure that they understand the appraisal process and know they can reach out to us if they have any questions," said Heidi Tandy, Clatsop County
Assessment and Taxation Director.
The department performs on-site appraisals of new construction and improvements as they are completed, but lot-by-lot appraisals have not been conducted in Warrenton/Hammond since 2000.
The county uses on-site appraisals, coupled with real property sales data and other information to determine a property's real market value.
Oregon State law and Oregon Department of Revenue rules require all property to be valued at 100 percent of real market value.
For more information on the appraisal process and property taxes, visit ClatsopCounty.gov.
In a unanimous vote, the Battle Ground City Council appointed Jeanie Kuypers to the City Council Position No. 4, during their meeting on Monday, February 3rd.
Councilmember Kuypers will serve the remainder of the position's current 4-year term of office until the results of the November 2025 election are certified by Clark County.
The City Council solicited applications to fill the temporary position, vacated by former Councilmember Adrian Cortes. The City received applications from eight (8) residents interested in the temporary term. Each application was evaluated by the City Council in a closed-door executive session held on January 21. Four (4) applicants were selected to move forward to interview during the February 3rd City Council meeting, after which the City Council conferred before making their appointment.
Before announcing their selection, Mayor Troy McCoy spoke for the City Council and expressed appreciation for all the candidates who applied. "The quality of the candidates was astounding," said Mayor McCoy. He encouraged all the candidates to continue in their pursuit of getting involved in the community and sharing their love for Battle Ground.
The Battle Ground City Council is a seven-member board responsible for the legislative function of the city such as establishing policy, passing local ordinances, approving budget appropriations and developing an overall vision for the community.
To learn more about the Battle Ground City Council at visit www.cityofbg.org/council.
GRESHAM, Ore. -- The City of Gresham has officially launched the Ceasefire partnership, an initiative designed to reduce gun violence through a coordinated, collaborative approach. This program unites community-based organizations (CBOs), city leadership, law enforcement, and public health experts to implement violence prevention strategies tailored to Gresham's needs.
Ceasefire is rooted in a public health framework and seeks to address the root causes of violence by providing necessary resources including employment opportunities, conflict resolution, and behavioral health support.
"This partnership demonstrates our unwavering commitment to addressing gun violence through collaboration and innovation," said Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg. "By working together, we can break cycles of violence and create a safer, more resilient Gresham for everyone."
Collaborative partners
Currently, under the East Multnomah Outreach Prevention Intervention (EMOPI) initiative, Gresham has intergovernmental agreements with 17 community-based organizations including Reynolds, Parkrose, Centennial and Gresham Barlow School Districts. Additionally, partnerships with Multnomah County Community Corrections, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, and Portland Police Bureau have been established through Ceasefire creating a truly collaborative effort throughout East Multnomah County.
This is the first time adjoining cities, Gresham and Portland, are participating in Ceasefire programs, which will amplify this work's regional impact. Notably, Gresham is the smallest city in the nation to implement a Ceasefire program.
Early Successes and Goals
While the Ceasefire partnership is in its early stages, the broader EMOPI initiative has already engaged more than 20,000 youth through intervention services, providing access to education, employment, mentorship, and prosocial interactions.
This work is an addition to the work being done through Gresham's Youth Services, Recreation, the Police Department and violence prevention efforts within EMOPI. However, Ceasefire is hyper-focused on intensive case management for individuals assessed as the highest risk of gun violence. This specific focus is key to Ceasefire's success and is centered on a gun violence problem analysis that analyzes the last two years of police homicide and shooting data. This allows the Ceasefire program to follow the most accurate and up to date data around shootings and make referrals for those who are most impacted by them.
About Gresham:
Gresham is a vibrant and growing city where tradition blends seamlessly with innovation and opportunity. As Oregon's fourth-largest city, our community is built on a foundation of hard work, deep roots in agriculture, and a shared commitment to creating a thriving future. Discover more about what makes Gresham special by visiting GreshamOregon.gov.
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Happy Valley, OR -- The competition was fierce, the chili was hotter, and when the last spoonful was tasted, one champion emerged--Police Chief Rich Sheldon took home the prized trophy and title of champion at this year's Chief's Chili Cook-Off: Police vs. Fire at The Springs at Happy Valley!
Happy Valley Police Chief Rich Sheldon and Clackamas Fire Chief Nick Browne went head-to-head, crafting their best chili recipes for a fun and flavorful showdown. Residents had the chance to taste, vote, and enjoy some friendly rivalry, but beyond the delicious bowls of chili, the event served an even greater purpose. It provided a unique opportunity to connect with the community and share information about our local emergency services. Representatives from both departments engaged with residents, answered questions, and discussed safety initiatives.
This cook-off wasn't just about bragging rights--it was about strengthening community bonds and highlighting the dedication of our first responders. Whether they're fighting fires or keeping our neighborhoods secure, our police and fire teams are the heart of Happy Valley.
Congratulations again to Chief Rich Sheldon on his big win! Stay tuned for next year's cook-off, where the rivalry (and the chili) will only get hotter!
For more information on Happy Valley's emergency services and community events, visit happyvalleyor.gov.
The City of Salem announced that an overflow of untreated sewage occurred into Gibson Creek on February 10, 2025, at approximately 7:15 pm near 3421 Wallace Rd NW. The overflow was caused by a grease blockage in the sewer line. City utility crews were immediately dispatched to the location and had the issue resolved by 9:37 pm. Approximately 3,550 gallons of untreated sewage were spilled.
Signs are being placed to warn residents to avoid water contact in Gibson Creek east of Wallace Road towards the Willamette River due to potentially high levels of bacteria. Water quality samples will continue to be taken until the results indicate that the issue has been cleared. Staff will continue to take water samples and any bacteria that entered the site should be flushed out of the water body in the next few days.
If you see an overflowing manhole or wish to report a spill, please call the Public Works Department Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311.
Everyone can do their part to prevent sewer backups and overflows by keeping sewers free of fats, oils, rags, and grease. Learn more about Sanitary Sewer Overflows and the steps taken by the City of Salem to reduce these events.
Salem, Ore. - Join Salem Mayor Julie Hoy's State of the City address on Wednesday, March 5, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Salem Convention Center. This year's event is hosted by the Salem Rotary Club, in cooperation with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and Salem City Club.
The State of the City is the Mayor's annual report on the City of Salem's accomplishments in the past year and goals for the year to come.
Are you interested in attending? Both in-person and virtual viewing options are available for the live event. You can choose to attend in person at the Salem Convention Center or watch the event online. Reservations are required for those planning at attend the event in person. Reserve your tickets online. Doors open at 11:15 a.m.
If you'd rather watch the event online, you can watch live on CC:Media Comcast Cable Channel 21 or on the City of Salem YouTube channel.
For more information, please email ose@cityofsalem.net">lrose@cityofsalem.net or call 503-588-6255.
Troutdale, Ore. -- The City of Troutdale is excited to announce the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for The Confluence at Troutdale, a transformative 15.89-acre riverfront development opportunity at the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge. The City is seeking visionary development partners to help create a vibrant mixed-use district that enhances the region's economic vitality, celebrates its natural beauty, and strengthens connections between downtown Troutdale and the Sandy River.
Situated at the confluence of history, nature, and community, The Confluence at Troutdale presents an unparalleled opportunity to develop a dynamic destination featuring hospitality, retail, dining, housing, and public gathering spaces. The City is inviting qualified teams to demonstrate their experience, creativity, and capacity to deliver a landmark project that aligns with the community's vision.
"This is an extraordinary opportunity to create a landmark development that celebrates Troutdale's unique position as the gateway to one of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders," said Mayor Dave Ripma. "We are seeking a visionary partner who will help shape The Confluence into a destination that attracts visitors, engages the community, and strengthens our local economy."
The City of Troutdale welcomes responses from experienced developers interested in shaping this once-in-a-lifetime riverfront project. Interested parties should review the full RFQ and submit their qualifications and vision for The Confluence at Troutdale.
Portland, OR -- The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has named the City of Portland a 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, marking the ninth consecutive year the City has earned this prestigious recognition, showing that the City has deeply integrated digital inclusion and leading in digital inclusion innovation . This honor celebrates Portland's sustained leadership and innovative efforts to close the digital divide and foster digital equity for all residents.
Portland joins a record-setting group of 60 municipalities, counties, and regional governments recognized as a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer this year for their commitment to building digitally inclusive communities across the United States. The Trailblazer designation reflects Portland's dedication to addressing the diverse needs of its residents by providing equitable access to high-speed internet, affordable devices, and digital skills training.
"In today's interconnected world, digital inclusion is not just a privilege--it's a necessity," said Seema Gadh Kumar, chief of community technology. "This recognition highlights the work we've done, but it also motivates us to continue collaborating with community partners to ensure every Portlander has the tools and opportunities to succeed in a digital age."
Angela Siefer, NDIA's executive director, applauded Portland and other awardees: "In the past decade, we've seen local governments step into the important role of building digital inclusion ecosystems, where organizations that provide services can connect and thrive. NDIA's Digital Inclusion Trailblazers celebrates these critical efforts to bring digital opportunities to all residents."
Portland's status as a Trailblazer reflects its innovative programs and initiatives that prioritize digital equity for sustainable community empowerment and advancement, including:
Since 2016, NDIA's Digital Inclusion Trailblazers program has set the national standard for excellence in digital equity work. Applications are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact, and shared in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA's website. This open-sourcing of resources enables other communities to learn, connect, and build their own digital inclusion ecosystems.
For more information about Portland's digital inclusion efforts, please visit [Insert Website or Contact Information].
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About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) oversees a world-renowned waste and recycling system and leads the country in its commitment to digital equity, open data, and protecting communities in the application of technologies. Staff collaborate with partners on neighborhood, economic, historic, and environmental planning and provide research, policy, and technical services to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change. The bureau also oversees the innovative Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).
The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is part of the City's Community and Economic Development service area, which also includes the Portland Housing Bureau, Portland Permitting and Development, Prosper Portland, the Enhanced Services Districts Program, and the Spectator Venues and Visitor Activities Program. The Community and Economic Development service area aligns City programs focused on building prosperity for all Portlanders by creating and delivering efficient, transparent, and equitable solutions for a resilient built environment -- and services, resources, and experiences for our community.
About National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 1,900 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.
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 February 2 to February 5, 2025, one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in the sample collected on February 2, and two Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in each of the samples collected on February 3 and February 4. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the sample collected on February 5. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run Watershed intake on January 29, 2025.
The Bull Run Watershed is Portland's primary source of drinking water. The Portland Water Bureau does not currently treat for Cryptosporidium, but is required to do so under drinking water regulations. Portland is working to install filtration by September 30, 2027 under a compliance schedule with the Oregon Health Authority. In the meantime, Portland Water Bureau is implementing interim measures such as watershed protection and additional monitoring to protect public health. Consultation with public health officials has concluded that at this time, customers do not need to take any additional precautions.
Exposure to Cryptosporidium can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain. People with healthy immune systems recover without medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead to serious or life-threatening illness. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS, those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system, and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.
The Environmental Protection Agency advises that customers who are immunocompromised and receive their drinking water from the Bull Run Watershed consult with their healthcare professional about the safety of drinking the tap water. The Portland Water Bureau and Burlington, City of Gresham, City of Sandy, City of Tualatin, Green Valley, GNR, Hideaway Hills, Lake Grove, Lorna Domestic Water, Lusted, Palatine Hill, Pleasant Home, Raleigh, Rockwood, Skyview Acres, Tualatin Valley, Two Rivers, Valley View and West Slope Water Districts receive all or part of their drinking water supply from Bull Run. To learn if your drinking water comes from Bull Run, please contact your local drinking water provider.
The public and the media are encouraged to view all sampling results posted to the City's website at portland.gov/water/cryptoresults. The bureau will notify the media and public immediately should further test results indicate a risk to public health and precautions are necessary.
Customers with questions regarding water quality can call the Water Quality Line at 503-823-7525.
The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland's water system includes two great water sources, 53 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,200 miles of pipes. 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.
A Marion County jury found the defendant, California resident Lincoln Smith (54 years), guilty of seven counts of Manslaughter in the Second Degree for recklessly causing the deaths of seven people, and guilty of three counts of Assault in the Third Degree for recklessly causing serious physical injury to three other people, resulting from a crash he caused on I-5 on May 18, 2023. The jury also returned a guilty verdict on one count of Reckless Driving and a not guilty verdict on one count of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants.
The defendant was driving a semitruck on I-5 north of Albany and south of Salem when he went off the road and crashed into a passenger van and another semitruck that were parked along the shoulder of the highway. The passenger van contained 10 people at the time of the crash who were returning home from work and an additional person was outside of the vehicle at the time of the collision.
The deceased victims are:
Juan Carlos Leyva-Carrillo
Gabriel Juarez-Tovilla
Alejandra Espinoza-Carpio
Eduardo Lopez-Lopez
Luis Enrique Gomez-Reyes
Alejandro Jimenez Hernandez
Josue Garcia-Garcia
The injured victims are:
Jose Eduardo Solis-Flores
Maria Flores-Martinez
Ibis Torres Rangel
The defendant admitted to using methamphetamine and cocaine the night before the crash and tested positive for cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. In addition, his semitruck contained a bag of 16.6 grams of methamphetamine and various drug paraphernalia, including hypodermic needles and a small scale.
The case, prosecuted by Marion County Deputy District Attorneys David Wilson and Jessica Spooner before the Honorable Dan Wren, began Monday, January 27th. Jurors heard testimony from witnesses over a five-day period spanning from Tuesday, January 28th through Monday, February 3rd. The case concluded on Wednesday, February 4th when jurors heard closing arguments and began deliberations.
The jury deliberated for approximately nine and a half hours before returning a verdict the afternoon of Wednesday, February 5th.
The defendant remains in custody at the Marion County Jail.
Sentencing has yet to be scheduled before Judge Wren.
Manslaughter in the Second Degree is a Class B Felony and carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 75 months in prison for each count. Assault 3 is a Class C Felony and carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison for each count. The court will determine whether those sentences should run consecutively, but that is legally allowable under Oregon law for separate victims. Reckless Driving is a Class A Misdemeanor and carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail.
The Marion County District Attorney's Office wishes to thank the Oregon State Police for their thorough and professional investigation of this tragedy.
February 7, 2025
Today, the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office announced that Julius Lee Whitehurst, 19, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on charges of Manslaughter, Assault, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon stemming from a July 2023 car crash that took the lives of two teenage passengers who had been in a vehicle driven by the defendant and a July 2023 shooting committed by the defendant.
On July 5, 2023, Julius Whitehurst was driving in Southeast Portland with a group of teens in his vehicle. None of the passengers in Whitehurst's SUV were wearing seatbelts and Whitehurst's license was suspended at the time. Shortly after 9:30pm, Whitehurst ran a red light and hit another vehicle in the intersection of SE 96th and Foster Rd. The collision caused the SUV to flip, ejecting several passengers from the vehicle. The driver of the other car, as well as injured occupants of Whitehurst's vehicle were transported to the hospital for treatment. Onesty Jones, 15, and Kamareon Smith, 13, died from their injuries at the scene.
Whitehurst left the scene before law enforcement arrived. Medical records later showed that after the wreck, Whitehurst had sought treatment. At the hospital, his BAC was measured at 0.26 and his cannabis screen tested positive.
SDDA Kate Molina represented the state in this case. On November 18, 2024, Whitehurst plead guilty to two counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, DUI, as well as Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm for a separate incident. He was sentenced today, February 7, to 20 years in prison in front of Judge Andrew Lavin.
MCDA would like to thank all who contributed to the resolution of this case. We recognize the impact of this tragic incident on the families of the victims, many of whom were present for sentencing today and at previous hearings. Thank you to PPB, specifically to Traffic Investigations Officer Chase Fullington, and Victim Advocates Alex Bidwell and Karla Juarez for their dedicated work on this case.
#MCDA#
February 4, 2025
Effective Tuesday, February 4th, in an effort to improve efficiency and effectiveness, the Multnomah County District Attorney's office merged two internal offices that handled misdemeanor cases. The Misdemeanor Intake Unit is now folded into the Misdemeanor Trial Unit. The move is designed to give a single prosecutor ownership of each case. This will impact all new non-domestic violence misdemeanor cases.
Going forward, when a deputy issues a case they will have ownership of it and the responsibility to inform, communicate with and coordinate with the victim, law enforcement, and defense until the case is resolved.
Before the change, deputies worked hard on cases but there was no individual ownership of cases or victims. The system forced a single case to bounce from deputy to deputy and over time be handled by as many as 5 or 6 deputies. That process created a frustrating lack of coordination with our victims and too many opportunities for important details of cases to fall through the cracks.
District Attorney Nathan Vasquez announced the change:
"I believe this will make us more efficient, reduce confusion among defense attorneys who will no longer have to deal with multiple deputies on one case, and, most importantly, provide our victims and community with higher quality service. It should not be a confusing and frustrating experience to seek justice as the victim of a misdemeanor crime."
The Clackamas Community College Office of Leadership, Education and Advocacy for Progress is hosting its third annual Black Excellence event Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public. This year, the college will host a virtual panel discussion on "Black Wellness: Amplifying Multitudes and Flourishing in Community." This discussion will center on how Black leaders in the community think about and engage in the notion of "wellness."
"Our panelists will share their perspectives in an attempt to challenge monolithic assumptions of Black culture while highlighting that both a multitude of realities and similarities can exist. Please join us," Rashida Quinn, executive assistant to the president and board of education, and member of the Black Excellence event planning team, said.
This year's panelists include:
Erica Bailey, MS, RN, CNE -- Instructor, certified nurse educator, president of the Alliance of Black Nurse Association of Oregon
Violet Larry, RN, BSN -- Nurse, vice president of the Alliance of Black Nurse Association of Oregon
Dejuan Tanner -- Director of information technology services at Clackamas Community College
Tosha Bock -- Policy and program lead analyst at Oregon Health Authority
Ashi Dancler -- Dancer and artist
To attend, register at https://bit.ly/Black-Excellence. For more information about events at Clackamas Community College, visit www.clackamas.edu/events.
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OREGON CITY -- The Clackamas Community College Alexander Gallery presents "Natural Retreat," an exhibition of work by Portland-based artist Holly Osborne. This exhibition runs Feb. 14-March 9. An artist reception will be held Tuesday, Feb. 25, noon-1 p.m., and Osborne will speak about her work at 12:30 p.m.
In "Natural Retreat" Osborne explores ideas of retreat through nature, travel and the process of making through oil and acrylic painting.
The Alexander Gallery is located in the Niemeyer Center on the Clackamas Community College Oregon City campus, 19600 Molalla Ave., and is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with the exception of college holidays.
This exhibition is free and open to the public. For questions, contact Kate Simmons at 503-594-3032 or kates@clackamas.edu. For more information on Clackamas Community College's art exhibits and performances, visit www.clackamas.edu/art.
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PORTLAND, Ore. -- The numbers show the challenge -- 80% of students who start at a community college aim to earn a bachelor's degree, but only 16% achieve it within six years. But hope is on the horizon.
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) have selected Portland Community College to participate in Cohort 4 of the Transfer Student Success Intensive. This year-long professional development initiative aims to enhance transfer pathways between community colleges and four-year institutions, ultimately improving bachelor's degree attainment rates.
Supported by Ascendium, the Transfer Student Success Intensive focuses on increasing economic mobility and talent development by streamlining transfer processes. Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has impacted over 16,000 transfer students across 23 states, engaging 91 colleges, including 41 AASCU members. Cohort 4 will build on these successes by implementing innovative strategies tailored to support underrepresented student populations.
"The Transfer Intensive is a hands-on program that gives institutions research and proven practices that help them reimagine and improve their transfer pathways," said Tania LaViolet, director of research and innovation at the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.
Cohort 4 includes 10 teams comprising 10 four-year institutions and 13 community colleges from 10 states. PCC's team will collaborate with Portland State University to develop sustainable transfer strategies.
For more information about the Transfer Student Success Intensive, visit the program's website.
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 50,000 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/
VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Washington State University Vancouver will host four A -- Z of Paying for College Workshops this spring. The workshop is a public service for all prospective and current college students, regardless of the college you choose to attend.
Prospective students and families will learn how to make the cost of attending college manageable with grants, loans, savings, scholarships and work. Find out which money is free, which needs to be paid back, and learn about important forms and deadlines. Presenters will provide strategies and answer commonly asked questions about applying for financial aid and scholarships, including the kinds of scholarships available.
The one-hour workshops will be held at 5:30 p.m. as follows:
The workshops are free and open to the public. Register at vancouver.wsu.edu/a-z. Park for free in Orange 2 lot for in-person workshops. WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205. Find a campus map at vancouver.wsu.edu/map. Visit vancouver.wsu.edu/events to get the Zoom link for online workshops. For event accessibility, contact the Access Center at 360-546-9739 or van.access.center@wsu.edu">van.access.center@wsu.edu.
About WSU Vancouver
As one of six campuses of the WSU system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations.
WSU Vancouver is located on the homelands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Peoples of the Lower Columbia Valley. We acknowledge their presence here. WSU Vancouver expresses its respect towards these original and current caretakers of the region. We pledge that these relationships will be built on mutual trust and respect.
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The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet for their Regular Business Meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 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 will join virtually via the Zoom app.
To join the meeting, please click on the link below
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89843848373?pwd=Sm53eGJPbUJKTjFFSG54bzlIWFBRZz09
Passcode:625036
Or Telephone, dial:
+1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 898 4384 8373
Passcode: 625036
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 Policy Committee will meet at 12:00 p.m. on February 12, 2025.
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.
https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/88155270091?pwd=ROdCeEbpfr07l8bh02OjPGmrmXlKP1.1
Passcode:655724
The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in an Executive & Board Working Session Meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025 at the Parkrose School District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott Street, Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30pm.
Guests and members of the public may attend in-person or virtually.
Virtual Link - Please click this URL to join: https://zoom.us/j/94961285856 or join by phone: 1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 949-6128-5856
We encourage and welcome all members of our community to engage with our board. Please email questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or call 503.408.2100 to arrange for translation services at least 72 hours before this meeting. Closed captioning provided on zoom. Other appropriate auxiliary aids and services may be provided upon request and appropriate advance notice.
The agenda is posted on our website at: LINK.
Agenda items include but are not limited to: Budget Committee interviews and appointment, budget presentation, board budget, special election endorsement, recognition & appreciation planning, statement of economic interest, board evaluation, mid-term goals report, budget priorities, resource night and extended travel.
Electronic/Virtual Public Comment Protocol - If you wish to submit a public comment before, or during this Board Meeting please fill out this electronic public comment form before "Public Comments" on the agenda: https://forms.gle/5sUjRZjxJikqmqVg9. If you don't submit your comment in time we will read it at the next board meeting.
In-Person Public Comment Protocol - Upon arrival at the meeting, please fill out an Intent-to-Speak card and hand it to the Board Assistant prior to "In-person Public Comment" on the agenda. You will have a 3 minute time limit.
Board Meeting Video Recordings - For those of you who cannot attend we will post a recording of the meeting on our website at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXajhxrPxMclOQ6J00JUszQ.
Questions welcomed, please email: questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or leave a voice message at 503-408-2114.
Battle Ground Public Schools invites you to attend the 10th annual Industry Fair, happening Thursday, Feb. 20, at Battle Ground High School. This free event is an opportunity for students, families and the community to learn about apprenticeships and jobs in health care, education, manufacturing, technology, construction, finance, hospitality, retail, transportation and more.
Derek Hendrickson, co-owner of Hendrickson HVAC, said they look forward to the event each year and the opportunity to talk with students who attend. "There's a lot of kids who maybe are better suited to jump straight into work or into an apprenticeship and make a fantastic living and have a fantastic life doing it."
Some employers may be hiring so bring your resume. Don't have a resume, or want some help? Check out our resume workshop in the career center from 3-5 p.m.
Who:
Everyone is welcome. This event serves students, families and the community.
Child care will be available at the event (please bring a valid ID).
Approximately 80 employers from a variety of industries will be available to answer questions.
When:
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025
Resume workshop in the Battle Ground High School career center from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Industry Fair from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where:
This year's Industry Fair is sponsored by Battle Ground Public Schools in partnership with Goodwill Industries of the Columbia-Willamette, Partners in Careers and WorkSource Southwest Washington.
Join us for an educational evening at Battle Ground High School to learn about the many career opportunities in our region.
DATE: Monday, February 10, 2025
TIME: 6:00 pm
LOCATION: via Zoom - see HSD website for link
Students, families and community members are invited to learn about careers in southwest Washington at Ridgefield School District's 2nd annual Industry Hiring Fair on Wednesday, March 12 at Ridgefield High School in the main gym. Students and community members who attend the fair will be able to learn about career paths by talking with local employers about available job opportunities.
Come to the industry fair with your current resume or arrive early to participate in a resume writing workshop. The event, sponsored by RSD, Goodwill Job Connection, and WorkSource Washington, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ridgefield High School, 2630 S. Hillhurst Rd. in Ridgefield. The resume writing workshop will be from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Career Center, Room 302.
Many local employers will be in attendance to discuss employment opportunities along with working conditions and special requirements. Please visit https://www.ridgefieldsd.org/o/high-school/page/industry-fair for more information and to see an up-to-date list of employers who will be in attendance.
We hope you'll join us for this great opportunity at Ridgefield High School. Please contact College and Career Specialist Tamara Hoodenpyl at (360) 759-7255 or tamara.hoodenpyl@ridgefieldsd.org with any questions.
Attention all businesses! Are you interested in establishing connections with upcoming graduates and members of the local community, while also playing a pivotal role in educating them about career prospects in southwest Washington?
If so, then look no further than Ridgefield School District's 2nd annual Industry Hiring Fair! The event, sponsored by RSD, Goodwill Job Connection, and WorkSource Washington, will be held on Wednesday, March 12 in the main gym at Ridgefield High School, 2630 S. Hillhurst Rd. in Ridgefield.
The Ridgefield School District is currently accepting reservations from employers based in and around Clark County who wish to secure tables at our event. At the Industry Hiring Fair, employer representatives will have the opportunity to engage with students and community members, discussing various career opportunities. We extend a warm invitation to all industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, technology, construction, finance, hospitality, retail, apprenticeships, transportation, and many others, to participate and showcase their offerings.
We hope you'll join us for this worthwhile and educational evening at Ridgefield High School. Please sign up for an event table by Feb 25 online at https://www.ridgefieldsd.org/o/high-school/page/industry-fair, and contact the RHS College and Career Center at collegeandcareer@ridgefieldsd.org with questions.
Students from around Clark County participated in the regional Knowledge Bowl meet at Washougal High School on February 5, 2025. Knowledge Bowl is an academic sport; students practice in weekly after-school tournaments against each other, and then take part in regional competitions.
Washougal students competed with 25 teams representing Washougal High School, Camas High School, Union High School, Columbia Adventist Academy, and Hockinson High School. Staff and community volunteers served as judges and timers during each round of oral questions, getting to see first hand the amazing knowledge participating students displayed.
More than 120 students applied classroom knowledge and teamwork skills during the Knowledge Bowl competition. Teams completed in a round of written questions and then competed with two other teams as part of two rounds of oral questions.
Athletic and club events like this one are funded by the Washougal School Levy. Generous voter support creates great opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop their talent, and share their passion with our community. Knowledge Bowl is also offered at the middle school level in Washougal.
"I've been involved with Knowledge Bowl for nearly 30 years, and the best part is working with these young adults. Knowledge Bowl is an incredible way for our academic focused students to develop leadership and teamwork skills in a very fast-paced competitive setting," said Dale Croswell, Knowledge Bowl coach at Washougal High School. Croswell has coached Knowledge Bowl in both Washougal and Camas, was the past regional coordinator for ESD 112, and was a state Knowledge Bowl coordinator for Washington.
Vancouver, WA -- February 5, 2025 -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington (BGCSW) is proud to announce its annual Youth of the Year Reception sponsored by Landerholm P.S., celebrating the outstanding achievements of our Club members. This year's event will take place on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Clark College, located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA.
The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier recognition initiative, honoring young individuals who exemplify leadership, service, academic excellence, and a commitment to healthy lifestyles. Our local nominees have dedicated months to preparing for this moment, participating in skill-building workshops, crafting personal essays, and developing speeches that highlight their experiences at Club.
"This event is more than a celebration of individual accomplishments, it's a chance to spotlight the incredible potential of Club youth and the impact they have on our community," said Francisco Bueno, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington. "Recognizing young leaders is vital because they are the future of our region. By supporting their growth and celebrating their achievements, we are investing in a stronger, more connected community for everyone."
Tickets for the reception are priced at $20 and include light bites and refreshments provided by local cafe and catering company Foode. To purchase tickets and support our youth, please visit our event page. SW Washington Youth of the Year
The selected southwest Washington Youth of the Year recipient will advance to represent BGCSW at the Washington State competition, joining other candidates from across the state for an opportunity to earn college scholarships and compete at regional and national levels.
For more information about the event or to learn how you can support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington, please visit our website at mybgc.org or contact Nicole Aliotti, Director of Communications & Development, nicolea@mybgc.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington exists to empower all youth, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible community members. Since our founding, we have been committed to providing a safe and positive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.
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Canby, OR -- February 5, 2025 -- Construction is officially underway on the new Multipurpose Hall at the Clackamas County Event Center, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the venue's capacity to serve the region. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to accommodate a wide range of events, from agricultural exhibitions and business expos to community gatherings and emergency response operations.
The much-anticipated project will provide much-needed modern event space while also serving as a community resiliency resource for Clackamas County. Once complete, the Multipurpose Hall will not only be a premier venue for public and private events but will also offer critical infrastructure for emergency response, shelter operations, and disaster preparedness.
"This project has been years in the making, and we're thrilled to see construction finally underway," said Brian Crow, Executive Director of the Clackamas County Event Center. "The Multipurpose Hall will provide versatile space for events of all sizes, ensuring that the Event Center continues to be a hub for the community while also offering essential support in times of need."
The new facility will feature adaptable spaces to accommodate large and small gatherings, upgraded infrastructure for event organizers, and improved accessibility for visitors. Its dual-purpose design will allow it to seamlessly transition from hosting celebrations and conventions to providing vital services in the event of emergencies such as wildfires, storms, or other regional crises.
"This isn't just about adding a building--it's about strengthening our community," Crow added. "Whether it's an event, a business trade show, or a temporary shelter during an emergency, this hall will play a crucial role in serving Clackamas County for decades to come."
How to Support the Project
The construction of the Multipurpose Hall is a major investment in the future of the Clackamas County Event Center, ensuring that it remains a vital community resource for generations to come. Individuals and businesses interested in supporting the project can contribute to the Clackamas County Fair Improvement Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the fairgrounds and its facilities. Donations will help fund key aspects of the building and ensure it meets the highest standards for both event hosting and emergency response.
To learn more about the project or to make a contribution, visit https://clackamascountyfair.com/new-construction/.
About the Clackamas County Event Center
Located in Canby, Oregon, the Clackamas County Event Center is home to the annual Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo, as well as a variety of public and private events year-round. With a strong commitment to community engagement, economic development, and emergency preparedness, the Event Center continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of Clackamas County and beyond.
For more information, contact the Clackamas County Event Center at 503-266-1136.
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2025
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR THE 2025 IRIS AWARDS
Honorees will be revealed at the Iris Awards Luncheon on March 13, 2025, during the Inspire HER Conference.
Vancouver, Wash. -- The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Iris Awards, presented by Riverview Bank. This prestigious honor celebrates extraordinary women in Southwest Washington who have made a lasting impact through leadership, philanthropy, and public service.
The winners will be revealed at the Iris Awards Luncheon, a signature event of the Chamber's Inspire HER Conference, taking place on Thursday, March 13, at 12:00 PM at the Hilton Vancouver Washington.
For more than three decades, the Women of Achievement Awards, now known as the Iris Awards, have recognized exceptional women whose dedication and contributions enrich our region. Since its inception in 1985, this distinguished award has honored those who inspire, uplift, and drive positive change in their communities.
Meet the 2025 Iris Awards Finalists:
"Each year, the Iris Awards shine a light on the remarkable women whose leadership and dedication strengthen our communities. This year's finalists exemplify innovation, resilience, and service, inspiring future generations to lead with purpose," said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber.
The GVC invites community members to attend the Iris Awards Luncheon and celebrate the achievements of these outstanding women. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at VancouverUSA.com/InspireHERConference.
The 2025 Iris Awards Luncheon is presented by Riverview Bank, with support from Legacy Health, OnPoint Community Credit Union, and Vancouver Clinic.
To learn more about this year's finalists and past Iris Awards honorees, visit VancouverUSA.com/InspireHERConference/#IrisAwards.
About the Iris Awards
Wanting to recognize women of achievement in Southwest Washington who exemplified leadership, philanthropy, and community service was the inspiration for the Iris Awards in 1985. For over 35 years, the Southwest Washington community has nominated outstanding women for recognition. The Iris Award is held to commemorate National Women's History Month, to recognize International Women's Day, and to honor volunteer efforts and community leadership of women in Clark County.
About the Greater Vancouver Chamber
SW Washington's largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County's business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.
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Media Assets
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15R8dIkDooRNVR9-E6QJVXPQIcr-vacEq?usp=sharing
Official Event Link
VancouverUSA.com/InspireHERConference
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2025
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES KEY LEADERSHIP PROMOTIONS
Janet Kenefsky Named Chief Operating Officer; Hadley Phillips Promoted to Program Manager & Strategic Community Partnerships
Vancouver, Wash. -- The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce the promotion of Janet Kenefsky to Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective February 1, and Hadley Phillips to Program Manager & Strategic Community Partnerships.
Janet Kenefsky: Chief Operating Officer
Since joining GVC in 2019, Janet has been instrumental in expanding the Chamber's influence and impact. Her leadership has driven the success of signature programs like Business POD (Pathways to Opportunities and Development), Lemonade Day, the Civics Bee, the Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective, and the Executive Women's Council, along with high-profile events such as the Inspire HER Conference, and the recently added Give More 24! Under her guidance, the Chamber's budget has grown nearly 70% since her arrival--demonstrating her ability to foster growth and strengthen the business community.
As COO, Janet will oversee GVC's operations and strategic initiatives, further driving innovation, expanding services, and supporting professional development within the organization.
"We are thrilled to recognize Janet's leadership with this well-earned promotion," said John McDonagh, President & CEO of GVC. "Her passion, dedication, and results-driven mindset have been invaluable in fueling our organization's growth and strengthening our commitment to serve the local business community."
"I am honored to step into this role," said Janet Kenefsky. "I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team, engaged members, and supportive community partners. My passion has always been economic and nonprofit development, as well as empowering staff to grow in their careers. In this role, I get to do all three."
Hadley Phillips: Program Manager & Strategic Community Partnerships
Hadley joined the Chamber in 2019 as Member Engagement and Events Coordinator and quickly became a key force behind the GVC's events. Her ability to manage complex programs has strengthened member engagement and expanded partnerships across the region.
In her new role, Hadley will oversee core initiatives, including the Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective and Women in Leadership programming. She will also take the lead on Give More 24!, Southwest Washington's largest day of giving, further expanding nonprofit support and community participation.
"Hadley's dedication and expertise have made a lasting impact on our organization," said McDonagh. "We look forward to seeing her continue to drive meaningful initiatives in this new capacity.
About the Greater Vancouver Chamber
SW Washington's largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County's business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.
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AMBOY, WASHINGTON -- North Clark Historical Museum is in upper Amboy at 21416 NE 399th St. in the renovated 1910 United Brethren Church. The Museum was incorporated in 1988 and opened to the public in June of 2000.
The Museum will be open on Saturday February 8th and 22nd from Noon to 4:00 pm.
First Friday Open Mic Music Night: February 7th 7:00 pm Music
6:30-7:00 pm performer sign-up
Open Door Stitchery Circle will meet on February 8, 2025 1:00 -- 4:00 pm
Bring your project to work on, share ideas, learn something new, join in lively conversation, and make new friends.
37th Annual Membership Meeting February 22nd, Open at Noon, Meeting at 1:00 pm
Door Prize raffle tickets will be sold from 12:00 to 12:45 pm
Board meetings:
Thursday, February 13th 7:00 pm via Zoom
Contact museumnch88@gmail.com for link
Wednesday, February 26th 2:00-4:00 pm at the Museum
Short Business Meeting/Work Session
Tours are available upon request: contact 360-247-5800 and leave a message to schedule
or email museumnch88@gmail.com
No Admission Fee. Donations appreciated. Wheelchair accessible.
For more information, please contact 360-247-5800 and leave a message or email museumnch88@gmail.com.
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The North Clark Historical Museum was founded in 1988 and is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The doors were opened in June of 2000. Mission Statement: To preserve North Clark County's natural and cultural history through collections and exhibits, and to sponsor educational programs and research opportunities for the enrichment of the public.
(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Providence caregivers will "pack the room" for a committee hearing on House Bill 2792, legislation that aims to create transparency and ensure that health systems in Oregon, which receive public funding, provide critical financial information to the public about what they are spending to replace striking workers.
The legislation, which was introduced by Representative Travis Nelson and Senator James Manning Jr., comes in the midst of the largest healthcare strike in Oregon history. Nearly 5,000 frontline caregivers from Providence hospitals and facilities across the state have walked off the job because of unsafe staffing, wages that are not competitive with other health systems, and cuts to workers' healthcare, among other things.
"The costs associated with replacing employees during a labor dispute can be significant, and it is essential that hospitals be transparent about these expenses," said Rep. Travis Nelson. "This legislation will provide the public, whose taxes help fund our hospitals, with a clearer picture of how healthcare dollars are being spent, and help stakeholders understand how much a hospital is paying to avoid settling fair contracts with their employees."
The proposed legislation would require hospitals to submit a detailed monthly report to the Oregon Health Authority and to the Bureau of Labor and Industries outlining all the projected costs associated with hiring temporary workers or other staffing replacements in the event of a strike or lockout. The information would be made available to the public, allowing patients, employees, elected officials, and all Oregonians to understand the financial implications of a strike. Currently, hospitals are not required to disclose any of the costs associated with replacing striking workers.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), which supports the legislation, estimates Providence is spending at a minimum, more than $25 million per week just on the wages of replacement nurses instead of using those additional resources to settle a contract and pay permanent caregivers, who live in Oregon, a competitive wage. Replacement nurses can make upwards of $8,000 per week just in wages, which is far more than permanent nurses who are out on strike.
"This legislation is an important step towards promoting fairness and transparency in healthcare," said Kathy Keane, an registered nurse from Providence St. Vincent who is currently on strike. "Providence, one of Oregon's largest health systems, has a troubling history of financial opacity. When workers go on strike to fight for better patient care and working conditions, hospitals often spend millions of dollars on replacement workers, but those expenditures remain undisclosed. This lack of transparency means that Oregonians--whose tax dollars help fund these hospitals--have no way of knowing how much of their money is being spent to undermine frontline healthcare workers rather than invest in patient care."
The House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards will be hearing the legislation on Monday, February 10 at 3 p.m. in the Oregon State Capitol, Hearing Room D.
During the committee hearing, frontline caregivers from Providence, who are currently on strike, will present testimony regarding the potential impact of the legislation. The hearing will be open to the public, and members of the media are encouraged to attend.
(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Hospitalists at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, represented by the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA), voted unanimously in favor of a historic tentative agreement with Providence Oregon. After more than a year of negotiations and nearly 30 days on the strike line, this first-ever contract for the 70+ hospitalists marks a significant achievement in their efforts to improve working conditions and patient care.
The hospitalists at St. Vincent unionized through the PNWHMA, a local of AFT, in August 2023, aiming to address concerns related to patient safety, equity between provider groups, and job security. The agreement approved today includes comprehensive measures to address these issues, reflecting the collective determination of hospitalists to advocate for meaningful changes that benefit both providers and patients.
Dr. Jahnavi Chandrashekar, an internist at Providence St. Vincent and member of the bargaining team said about the contract: "This is an historic win for our members who have negotiated for more than a year and braved the picket lines for the last month. While there is always more change to advocate for, this contract is a huge step in the right direction and lays a great foundation to build upon to ensure continued quality care for our community and quality of life for our members. It means that when we go back to work, we will have safer staffing, be able to better recruit and retain hospitalists, and can spend more time with our patients. But for now, we will continue to hold the picket line until the nurses who work beside us also get the contract they deserve."
"I am so proud of the doctors and providers at St. Vincent who stood up on behalf of their patients and themselves," said AFT President Randi Weingarten. "They bargained their first ever contract for staffing, wages, and basic respect and their determination to fight, and to win, inspired not only their healthcare peers but the entire US labor movement. It was a long and difficult struggle, but together they honored the mission of the Sisters who founded St. Vincent in the 19th century: to ensure quality healthcare for all Oregonians."
Given that the nurses at St. Vincent are still on strike, the hospitalists will continue to honor their picket line until such time as the nurses reach an agreement.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
Hospitalists will be available Sunday, February 9, from 10 a.m. to noon on the St. Vincent strike line for in-person interviews.
(MEDFORD, Ore.) - Nurses at Providence Medford Medical Center have overwhelmingly voted to reject the contract offer from Providence management, joining nurses from seven other Providence hospitals across Oregon in calling for contracts that address longstanding systemic issues in patient care and workplace conditions.
Nurses at Providence Medford had until Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. to vote, with Medford nurses now joining their nursing colleagues in rejecting Providence's latest offer.
The rejection of the contract offer underscores nurses' demands for safe staffing standards, competitive wages to recruit and retain staff, and healthcare benefits that ensure caregivers can take care of their families. Providence's proposals fail to adequately address these critical issues, which have contributed to ongoing burnout, understaffing, and wage inequities across their facilities.
This vote comes amid the largest healthcare strike in Oregon history, which began on January 10, 2025, and involves nearly 5,000 frontline nurses and healthcare workers at eight Providence hospitals. Nurses have maintained their strike with a unified voice, demanding that Providence meet their calls for change.
ONA's bargaining teams have approached negotiations in good faith throughout this process, even as Providence claimed their most recent offer was the best they could make. To demonstrate their commitment to transparency, ONA presented the contract offer to their members for a vote, allowing frontline nurses to provide direct feedback on the terms of the settlement--which they have done, with a resounding "no."
The rejection of Providence's contract offer reflects the unified stance of Oregon's frontline nurses, who remain committed to securing contracts that prioritize safe patient care, fair compensation, and a sustainable work environment. ONA has called on Providence to return to the bargaining table immediately to deliver a fair contract that addresses these systemic issues.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
Providence Medford nurse leaders will be available for interview on the strike line Sunday Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon. Please contact Peter Starzynski at zynski@oregonrn.org">starzynski@oregonrn.org to arrange an interview.
Portland, Ore. - Frontline Nurses from seven Providence hospitals across Oregon have resoundingly rejected Providence's latest offers because they do not go far enough to adequately address the underlying systemic issues that have plagued Providence hospitals for years. Nurses from Providence St. Vincent, Providence Portland, Providence Milwaukie, Providence Willamette Falls, Providence Newberg, Providence Hood River, and Providence Seaside all voted down the tentative agreements before them. The nurses from Providence Medford and the hospitalists from Providence St. Vincent have until Saturday at 4:00 p.m. to vote on their contracts.
With a historic 92% turnout across all seven bargaining units, ONA members rejected Providence's latest offer in unequivocal terms: 83% of those voting cast a no vote.
ONA bargaining teams approached negotiations and this strike, in good faith - even when Providence has not. To demonstrate our good faith, after Providence claimed this was the best offer they could make, bargaining teams sent this contract to be voted on by ONA members so they could provide clear feedback to Providence on the proposed settlement.
ONA frontline nurses have spoken - with a unified voice - and it is clear they are willing to sacrifice more to get the contract they deserve. Nurses know Providence can do better and they are committed to continuing this strike until Providence responds to their demands.
ONA nurses have been clear from the beginning of negotiations: they are demanding safe staffing that considers how much care a patient needs, competitive wages to help recruit and retain staff to reach safe staffing levels, and a healthcare plan that allows caregivers to take care of their families.
ONA is calling on Providence to get back to negotiations immediately and send us a fair contract that addresses the systemic issues plaguing these health systems.
ONA leaders will host a press conference to discuss the rejected tentative agreements and next steps as nearly 5,000 Providence frontline caregivers continue their strike for a fair contract.
WHEN: Saturday, February 8 at Noon
WHERE: The Oregon Nurses Association Office, 3rd floor, 18765 SW Boones Ferry Rd, Tualatin, OR 97062
Media who are unable to attend in person can view the press conference on ONA's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OregonNursesAssociation/
PORTLAND, Ore. -- In an unprecedented show of strength and solidarity, nurses at Legacy Emanuel, Randall Children's Hospital, and Good Samaritan Hospital have voted by historically large margins to unionize with the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). The results mark a decisive victory for the nearly 2,300 nurses at the three facilities who have fought for union representation, many of whom have witnessed organizing efforts come and go over the past 30 years.
The votes (which concluded on February 5th for Randall Children's Hospital and Legacy Emanuel, and on February 6th for Good Samaritan Hospital), saw near-unanimous support from nurses at all three Portland-area facilities. The success of this campaign reflects the unwavering commitment and determination of Legacy nurses, many of whom have been working toward this moment since the fall of 2021.
"This victory is about nurses standing together for the future of our profession, our patients, and our hospitals," said Sarah Zavala, an Emanuel nurse leader. "We're ready to build a strong contract that protects and empowers nurses so we can continue to provide the best care possible."
There are approximately 599 nurses at Randall Children's Hospital, 1095 nurses at Emanuel, and 596 nurses at Good Samaritan now represented by ONA. With this vote, nurses will now move forward in negotiating their first union contracts as part of ONA.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
ONA will host a media availability today, February 7th, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., on the 3rd floor of the Oregon Nurses Association offices, located at 18765 SW Boones Ferry Road, Tualatin, OR 97062.
Nurse representatives from all three facilities will be available for interviews:
Sarah Zavala, RN (Emanuel)
Matt Sullivan, RN (Good Samaritan)
David Hodge, RN (Randall Children's Hospital)
(PORTLAND, Ore.) - After more than a year of bargaining and 27 days on the strike line, hospitalists from Providence St. Vincent, represented by the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association, reached a tentative agreement with Providence Oregon. This is a historic agreement and the first for the more than 70 hospitalists at St. Vincent who have been on strike with registered nurses (RNs) from eight Providence hospitals and the doctors, RNs, advanced practice providers, and midwives from the Providence Women's Clinic since January 10.
It comes on the heels of a tentative agreement with eight RN bargaining units and the ratification of contracts from two bargaining units from the Providence Women's Clinic. Hospitalists won their right to unionize in August 2023 and have been engaged in hard negotiations with Providence ever since.
Key provisions of the agreement include:
The ratification vote will open on Thursday, February 6 at 4 p.m. and close Friday, February 7 at 4 p.m.
Note: We will not provide further comment until after the vote closes.
(Portland, Ore.) - After seven days of intensive mediation, initiated at the request of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and after 26 days on strike (and counting), the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) today reached a tentative agreement with Providence Oregon at the 8 registered nurse (RN) bargaining units currently on strike. Those units include Providence St. Vincent, Providence Portland Medical Center, Providence Medford Medical Center, Providence Newberg, Providence Willamette Falls, Providence Milwaukie, Providence Hood River and Providence Seaside. (The hospitalists at St. Vincent Medical Center remain on strike and in negotiations.)
Broadly speaking, key provisions of the agreement include:
Ratification votes will open on Thursday, February 6 at 8 a.m. and close on Friday, February 7 at 4 p.m. (Note: Due to inclement weather, ratification vote times for Providence Medford will be Thursday, February 6 from 8 a.m. and closing Saturday, February 8 at 4 p.m.)
Nurses will remain on strike during the vote and will return to work if tentative agreements are ratified.
Note: ONA will not provide further comment until after the vote closes.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Announcement: Downtown Portland Bridge Lighting Project by the Willamette Light Brigade
Major gifts by Alaska Airlines, Killian Pacific, and the Daniel W. Hoan Foundation seed master planning
Portland, OR -- On the eve of the Portland Winter Light Festival (Feb. 7 -- 15, 2025), Willamette Light Brigade (WLB) is thrilled to announce a major step toward creating a master plan to illuminate Portland's bridges--a transformative vision that could become one of the largest public art installations on the West Coast.
This ambitious master plan will guide the future of Portland's bridge lighting, enhancing the city's visual identity, economic vitality, and cultural history. Today, Willamette Bridge Brigade is proud to share that it has already secured $65,000 in funding to kickstart the Illuminate Bridge City initiative:
A Community-Driven Vision for Portland's Future
"Building on the momentum of our Portland Winter Light Festival event and the community appetite for placemaking and light-based art, the Willamette Light Brigade is proud to take this important first step toward developing a comprehensive master plan for bridge lighting that will define our skyline for generations," said Alisha Sullivan, Executive Director of Willamette Light Brigade. "This is just the beginning, and we invite the community, businesses, and individuals to join us in this journey of creation."
A Bold Investment in Portland's Economic Revival
The potential impact of permanently lighting Portland's bridges is significant. A compelling case study is London's Illuminated River or Milwaukee's Bridge Lighting Project, which both accentuated the city's riverfront, turning civic infrastructure into massive public arts displays that have since generated enormous economic activity through increased tourism, events, and civic pride.
Andrew Hoan, President & CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber and Vice President of the Daniel W. Hoan Foundation indicates, "A similar investment and bold vision for Portland's bridges could serve as a beacon for economic revitalization, bolstering our central city vibrancy, and re-affirming Portland as a leader in public art and innovation. This effort will complement some of the most important economic development efforts underway along our stunning waterfront such as the Broadway Corridor project, Albina Rose Alliance, OMSI redevelopments and efforts to secure a Major League Baseball franchise."
The Portland Metro Chamber and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe fully support this vision, recognizing that large-scale, creative investments like this are exactly what Portland needs to propel the city forward.
Join the Movement: A Call to Action
The Willamette Light Brigade is actively seeking corporate and individual donors to support the master plan's development by reaching the match from Alaska Airlines.
Killian Pacific and the Daniel W. Hoan Foundation dollars are helping to jumpstart the needed match to access the Alaska Airlines dollars. "The business community has a critical role in shaping Portland's future. Supporting the Illuminate Bridge City project goes beyond visual appeal--it's an investment in placemaking that fuels economic growth and fortifies our city's identity. We're proud to follow Alaska Airlines' lead and kickstart the matching, and we invite fellow business leaders to join us in making a bold impact on Portland's future," indicates Lance Killian, Chief Visionary Officer at Killian Pacific.
Future phases will include engagement opportunities, where the community will be invited to contribute ideas, get involved in the creative process, and participate in fundraising efforts.
"This is more than just lighting bridges--it's about energizing Portland's nighttime experience, creating an iconic landmark attraction, and shaping a bright future for Portland," stated Megan Conway, CEO of Travel Portland.
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About Willamette Light Brigade: The Willamette Light Brigade was founded in 1988 with a goal to light the bridges that span the Willamette River. The WLB's mission, more relevant now than ever before, is to enrich the public realm by harnessing the power of art and artful lighting to transform the cityscape and enhance civic pride: We light bridges, produce a dynamic winter light festival, and advocate for the importance of night-time identity and place-making using light as art. Over the last three decades, Willamette Light Brigade volunteers have successfully advocated for and facilitated the architectural lighting on many of Portland's iconic bridges. The WLB continues to be part of long-term planning for the bridges in the city of Portland.
About the Portland Winter Light Festival: The Portland Winter Light Festival (PDXWLF), an annual program of the Willamette Light Brigade, returns for its 10th year. From February 7 to 15, 2025, the city will be illuminated with over 220+ free light-based art installations and performances at over 100 locations. The full artist roster and map are now available at https://pdxwlf.com/program.
Media Contact:
Therese Gietler, Communications Director
press@pdxwlf.com