Clarification on Scope of Declaration: Updated March 20, 2025
This state-level declaration is specifically focused on enabling the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to access federal highway funds for repairs to the federal aid highway system. It does not require counties to issue their own emergency declarations unless they determine it is necessary to support their local response or recovery efforts. For example, if a county finds it beneficial to issue a separate local emergency declaration to activate specific local emergency authorities, resources or processes, that is a local decision—but it is not mandated or required by this state declaration.

Salem, OR — On March 18, Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency due to flooding and landslides from February 24 through March 18, 2025.

“When emergencies hit, Oregon families and businesses need to know we have their back in every part of the state,” Governor Kotek said. “Recovery starts as soon as disaster strikes, and this declaration will help get Oregonians back to normal as soon as possible. I urge everyone to follow the instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov, have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit, and stay aware of changing conditions.”

Following ORS 401.165, the Governor determined a potential threat to life, safety, property, and significant damage to infrastructure exists due to flooding and landslides that have caused and continue to cause a state of emergency in Clackamas, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Harney, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Multnomah, and Malheur counties. At the time of this release, the Governor’s Office is closely monitoring a potential flood in the Burns area of Harney County and preemptively added Harney County to this declaration.

Beginning on February 24, 2025, ongoing storms have caused significant flooding and landslides throughout Oregon, resulting in one fatality, critical transportation failures and loss of power and communications capabilities.

This declaration directs the Oregon Department of Transportation to provide appropriate assistance and seek federal resources to repair and reconstruct the $10 million dollars or more in damages and impact to the federal aid highway system in the impacted counties. This declaration is limited to the provision of assistance by the Oregon Department of Transportation to repair and reconstruct eligible roadways that are part of the federal aid highway system. This declaration is not to be construed as a comprehensive declaration or proclamation of emergency for other purposes.

On March 17, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) to Level 3, which means the state is coordinating closely with local, Tribal, and state partners to share information and support local response and recovery operations as needed. To stay informed about current conditions and impacts, visit the Oregon Flood Dashboard: State of Oregon Flood Dashboard.

Salem, OR – Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) announces a name clearing hearing for Raymond Byrd on March 21, 2025, at 4 p.m. remotely through Microsoft Teams.

The purpose of this hearing is to provide an opportunity to Raymond Byrd to present their perspective regarding the recently released Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) investigation report and his public employment. Byrd may present their views, provide written materials and invite witnesses to speak on their behalf. A representative from DAS will be present but is not obligated to respond to statements or answer any questions.

What: Name Clearing Hearing for Raymond Byrd
When: Friday, March 21, 2024, 4 p.m.
Where: Microsoft Teams (https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzI2YWIwMzktOWIyMy00YTU3LWFkZTQtMjY5ZWRiYjc4NmRj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%223ef23bdf-9d36-4523-94d0-090988f5f8d4%22%7d)
Who: Public

The hearing will be open to the public and it will be recorded. Video/audio feed for attendees and chat will not be active for members of the public.

To obtain a copy of the investigation report, please submit a public records request.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: March 20, 2025

Two arrested, four guns seized in warrant service at a residence in north-central Salem

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police Strategic Investigations Unit detectives arrested two individuals today as part of a long-term drug investigation involving 55-year-old Michael Allen Housen.

At approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, detectives served a search warrant with the assistance of the SWAT team at a residence in the 2700 block of Front ST NE. Housen was arrested without incident. Ray did not immediately exit but ultimately surrendered to authorities.

A second person also living at the location with Housen, Jasson Lewis Ray, age 45, was also arrested.

During the subsequent search of the residence, detectives seized four firearms and small quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Housen and Ray are lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges of felon in possession of a weapon and, each has multiple outstanding warrants in other cases.

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.— The former owner and former chief financial officer of Zadeh Kicks LLC, a now-defunct Oregon corporation that sold limited edition and collectible sneakers online, pleaded guilty today for perpetrating a fraud scheme that cost customers more than $65 million in unfulfilled orders and defrauded financial institutions out of more than $15 million.

Michael Malekzadeh, 42, a Eugene resident, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiring to commit bank fraud. Bethany Mockerman, 42, also of Eugene, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit bank fraud.

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

In her role as chief financial officer at Zadeh Kicks, Mockerman conspired with Malekzadeh to provide false and altered financial information to numerous financial institutions—including providing altered bank statements—on more than 15 bank loan applications. Together, Mockerman and Malekzadeh received more than $15 million in loans from these applications.

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

On July 29, 2022, Malekzadeh was charged by criminal information with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and money laundering, and Mockerman was charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Malekzadeh faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release for wire fraud, and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Mockerman faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Malekzadeh will be sentenced on August 12, 2025, and Mockerman will be sentenced on August 26, 2025, before a U.S. District Judge.

As part of their plea agreements, Malekzadeh and Mockerman have agreed to pay restitution in full to their victims and if needed forfeit any criminally-derived proceeds and property used to facilitate their crimes identified by the government prior to sentencing.

This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Oregon Intellectual Property Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Forfeiture proceedings are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie C. de Villiers, also of the District of Oregon.

# # #

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Climate Project Community Advisory Group will meet at 5:30 pm Wednesday, March 26.

The Community Advisory Group (CAG) is made up of 20 county residents who were appointed by the county manager. The group is helping the county develop policy recommendations to implement new state climate change planning legislation for the Planning Commission and County Council to consider. The legislation emphasizes that planning and policy decisions related to climate change do not impact us all in the same way. The CAG is one of three advisory groups supporting the county’s Climate Project.

This will be the group’s last meeting as they wrap up their work for the Climate Project. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in Room 680 of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join virtually through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/community-advisory-group.

The meeting is open to the public and includes a brief public comment period. A recording of the meeting will also be available for viewing afterwards.

To learn more about county climate planning, sign up for project updates, submit a comment, review meeting recordings, or learn about future community advisory group meetings, please visit the project website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.

The county’s Climate Project is being funded by a state grant. The Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) acted within its authority when it adopted rules strengthening safety and health requirements for agricultural labor housing (ALH), the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed in written legal advice.

The legal advice clears away any potential doubt about the division’s authority to enforce its amended ALH rule, parts of which are scheduled to take effect March 31, 2025. At issue was a view expressed by the Office of the Legislative Counsel that Oregon OSHA exceeded its authority in amending its ALH rule. Legislative Counsel’s opinion narrowly focused on a statute dealing with registration, failing to account for Oregon OSHA’s separate, broad authority to regulate all places of employment – including housing provided as a condition of employment – under the Oregon Safe Employment Act (OSEA).

The DOJ written legal advice begins by confirming written legal advice from 1989 in which DOJ discussed Oregon OSHA’s broad authority under the OSEA to regulate farmers, farm labor contractors, and others who provide living quarters or shelter for employees. DOJ then addresses the view that Oregon OSHA exceeded its authority when issuing its recent ALH rule by failing to exempt certain categories of housing, stating that the “farmworker camp registration statutes in ORS 658.705 to 658.850 do not alter or limit the director’s authority to regulate agriculture labor housing under the OSEA.” The written legal advice concludes by clearly stating that Oregon OSHA “has broad authority to adopt rules related to agricultural labor housing, including for single, isolated dwelling[s] occupied solely by members of the same family, or by five or fewer unrelated individuals.”

“We are pleased with DOJ’s conclusion that we continue to act within our legal authority regarding the development and enforcement of the ALH rule, which has been in place for decades, and that we can move past any uncertainty about the amendments that Oregon OSHA adopted,” said Andrew Stolfi, director of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA as a division. “We remain fully committed to helping employers implement the changes in the rule. We have already published easy-to-use fact sheets and pocket-size cards about the changes, with more helpful resources on the way.”

Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Chapter 654 of Oregon’s laws), Oregon OSHA has broad authority to set “reasonable, mandatory occupational safety and health standards for all employments and places of employment.” Meanwhile, Chapter 658 of the state’s laws gives Oregon OSHA authority to set housing registration requirements and requires operators of agricultural labor housing to comply with any other rules under the Oregon Safe Employment Act.

Oregon OSHA enacted its ALH rule amendments under the authority granted to it by the state Legislature in Chapters 654 and 658. The division did so Jan. 8, 2025, following a rulemaking process that included stakeholder engagement and rule development, rule proposal and public notification, and public hearings and written comments. The changes include more rigorous requirements for kitchens and bathing and toilet facilities, and enhanced safety requirements for facility grounds and water testing. The changes advance labor housing standards, aligning with federal requirements and reflecting best practices.

###

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

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

The Tigard Police Department is asking for the public’s help to identify the driver or truck involved in an incident that left a woman seriously hurt.

On March 11, 2025, at 9:23AM officers responded to SW Durham Road near SW 108^th Avenue, where a pedestrian who was walking on the sidewalk was hit by the metal part of a 6-inch wide heavy duty ratchet strap that apparently fell off a passing truck. The pedestrian, an 86-year-old woman, was taken to the hospital by ambulance with several broken bones and fractures.

Another pedestrian who was in the area told officers she heard a loud noise and then heard the victim yelling for help. She said the involved truck appeared to be a flatbed style truck with a white cab, with a green logo or lettering on the side. The involved driver did not stop, and it’s not clear whether the driver even knew what happened.

Photos of the ratchet strap are attached here. Anyone with information that could help identify the driver or truck involved is asked to call 503-718-TIPS or email tips@tigard-or.gov. You can remain anonymous.

(Media partners: the victim’s family is willing to do interviews. Please contact the PIO to arrange.)

Pianist and Fulbright Alumna Melissa Espíndola Terrall to Perform a Special Concert Showcasing Two Centuries of Mexican Composers

Salem, Ore., March 20, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College  is pleased to present Armonías Mexicanas, a captivating solo piano concert featuring acclaimed local pianist and Fulbright alumna Melissa Espíndola Terrall. The event will take place on Friday, April 4, from 7:30 to 9:00 PM at the Chemeketa Community College Theatre Auditorium.

This unique performance will highlight the evolution of Mexican classical music, spanning from the nineteenth century to the present day. Featuring a diverse selection of works by Mexican composers, the program includes everything from elegant salon pieces to vibrant indigenous dances, offering a rich and dynamic musical journey for all audiences.

Melissa Espíndola Terrall brings her expertise and passion for Mexican music to the stage, delivering a concert that both educates and inspires. As a Fulbright-COMEXUS alumna, she has dedicated her career to exploring and sharing the depth of Mexican classical traditions.

Event Details:

Date & Time: Friday, April 4 | 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Location: Chemeketa Community College Theatre Auditorium, Building 6
Address: 4000 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem, OR 97305
Tickets: Reserve your seat now!  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/armonias-mexicanas-melissa-terrall-tickets-1109437801329?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

(Refunds available up to 7 days before the event)

This event is open to the public and welcomes music lovers of all backgrounds to enjoy an evening of cultural enrichment.

For more information or disability-related accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services at 503.399.5192 (TTY/voice) or studentaccess@chemeketa.edu at least two weeks before the event.

####

For more than 50 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 17,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

SPRING BREAK SAFETY TIPS

For many schools, Spring Break is here! Spring break usually means time with friends and family, a rest from school, and travel. Regardless of how your household is spending spring break, there are some ways you can make your holiday safer while still having fun.

You already know the basics, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and avoid alcohol and other substances. If you do lawfully partake, be responsible and consume in moderation. If you are traveling, remember to properly prepare and make plans to keep yourself and your companions safe. Below are some tips for overall Spring Break safety.

Plan Ahead

• Share your plans with loved ones including:

  • Arrival or departure dates.

  • Locations and contact information for where you are staying.

  • Who you are travelling and/or staying with.

• Update travel emergency supplies before heading out.

• Secure important documents like your passport and other ID.

Health and Safety

• Practice outdoor safety:

  • Wear sunscreen and eye protection.

  • Seek shade and cooler temperatures in hot climates.

  • Avoid cooling off in cold bodies of water. Drowning and/or hypothermia are more likely to occur when outdoor temperatures are warm and the water is cold.

  • Wear life jackets and avoid alcohol or other substances while boating, swimming, and during other water activities.

• Practice social responsibility:

  • Be considerate of others. Try talking out conflicts respectfully if issues arise.

  • Don’t drink or use substances and drive.

  • Remember the rules of consent. If someone does not want to drink, have sex, or participate in another activity, be respectful and don’t pressure them to do so.

  • Use the buddy system. Travel with people you trust and do not leave someone behind or with strangers.

Don’t forget your pets:

• If travelling with your fury, feathery, or scaly companion, don’t forget to bring emergency supplies for them.

• Keep their collars with your updated contact information and their license information on them. This can help you reunite with your pets sooner.

• Be mindful of temperatures during activities or if you must leave pets unattended.

• Have a backup pet sitter or emergency contact in case something happens before you can get back home to them.

Spring Break can mean lasting memories with your friends. It can also mean tragedy and increased accidents. As the weather continues to get nicer and there are more opportunities to be outdoors, remember to put safety first to protect yourself and those around you.

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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A pedestrian has died following a crash in January. 
 
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 2:37 a.m., Portland Police officers from North Precinct responded to a report of a crash at North Lombard Street and North McKenna Avenue. When they arrived along with EMS, they found a pedestrian had been struck and seriously injured. However, the pedestrian was conscious and talking before he was transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment. An officer responded to the hospital but was unable to interview the pedestrian. 
 
The driver of the involved 2007 Mercedes Benz remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. The investigation revealed that the pedestrian stepped off a curb and lost his balance, falling in front of the Mercedes making a left turn from northbound McKenna Avenue to westbound Lombard Street. The driver braked, but struck the pedestrian on the ground, pushing him about 2 feet. The Mercedes did not run over the pedestrian. There were no signs the driver was impaired. No arrests were made or citations were served. 
 
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Traffic Investigations Unit was notified that the pedestrian died on January 22. The Medical Examiner later determined that the death was caused by injuries sustained in the traffic crash. The case is now being reviewed by a TIU crash investigator. The case number is 25-12349. 
 
The pedestrian is identified as Gary L. Boyd, 80, of Portland. His family has been notified of his death. 
 
There have been 7 traffic fatalities in the City of Portland in 2025. Four of those involved pedestrians. 
 
###PPB###

UPDATE 3/19/2025 (7:55pm)

Investigators have cleared the scene, and the road has been reopened. 

​We are saddened to report that one of the victims, an adult female, has succumbed to her injuries.   The investigation into the cause of the collision is still ongoing.  No additional information is available at this time. 

#### Original news release below ####

On March 19, 2025, at approximately 2:12 PM, officers from the Battle Ground Police Department were dispatched to a report of a traffic accident on SW 20th Avenue, just south of Main Street.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that two occupants from one of the involved vehicles had sustained significant injuries.  Emergency medical personnel responded, and both individuals were transported to a local hospital by ambulance for treatment.

Preliminary information indicates that one of the vehicles involved was exiting onto southbound SW 20th Avenue from a private driveway when it was struck by a second vehicle, also traveling southbound on SW 20th Avenue.

Due to the severity of the injuries, deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit are assisting the Battle Ground Police Department with the investigation.  A portion of SW 20th Avenue, between W. Main Street and SW 2nd Street, will remain closed while police investigate the incident. 

This is an active and ongoing investigation, and no further details are available at this time. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any relevant information is encouraged to contact the Battle Ground Police Department at (360) 342-5200.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

Media hotline: 503-813-6018  

PacifiCorp responds to Oregon Department of Forestry report on Santiam Canyon Fire 

PORTLAND, OR (March 19, 2025) — A newly-released Oregon Department of Forestry report supports PacifiCorp’s longstanding assertion that electrical equipment was not the cause of widespread property damage in the Santiam Canyon during the 2020 wildfires. 

The ODF investigation, which began shortly after the 2020 wildfires, found no evidence that powerline ignitions significantly contributed to the spread of the fire in the Santiam Canyon. Instead, ODF investigators found the most probable explanation for these ignitions was spot fires from the lightning-caused Beachie Creek Fire, which was burning upwind of the ignitions in the Santiam Canyon. 

“The report confirms PacifiCorp’s long-held position that any wildfire ignitions linked to the company’s electrical equipment in the Santiam Canyon did not contribute to the widespread devastation that occurred when the Beachie Creek fire tore through the canyon,” said Pacific Power president Ryan Flynn. “While we continue to recognize that the 2020 wildfires were undeniably tragic, the thorough investigation by ODF provides important context and details absent during the trial proceedings.” 

According to the ODF’s findings, all identified ignitions potentially linked to electrical equipment were promptly suppressed by local residents and/or local municipal fire departments. 

The company is committed to continued substantial investments to prevent wildfires from starting and to limit spread when they do occur, bolstering the safety of our communities. 

Those interested in access to the full report can submit a request through the Oregon Department of Forestry. 

### 

About PacifiCorp   

PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electrical providers in the United States, serving two million customers. The company operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming and as Pacific Power in California, Oregon and Washington. PacifiCorp provides safe and reliable service through a vast, integrated system of generation and transmission that connects communities as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit PacifiCorp.com.   

RELEASE DATE:                    March 19, 2025
CASE NUMBER:                      25-11072
 

Gresham, Ore.— On March 19, 2025, at approximately 12:45 a.m., officers responded to a report of a carjacking at gunpoint, in the parking lot near SE 185th and Stark St. The victim reported that he had been robbed of his vehicle after being lured to the location on a messaging application. Four suspects fled the scene in the victim’s car.

A Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputy spotted the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver sped toward I-84. Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers took over as the stolen car entered their jurisdiction. The stolen vehicle was later found abandoned near NE 19 Ave. and Pacific St. All four suspects ran across I-84. A passing motorist reported seeing the suspects carrying handguns as they ran toward the Lloyd Center exit.

Gresham PD, MCSO, and PPB officers surrounded the area and located three of the four suspects. Evidence from the robbery was recovered during the investigation.

Donald Kargbo, 21, was arrested and lodged on suspicion of Robbery in the First Degree, Menacing, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.

Two juvenile suspects will be referred to the juvenile unit of the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of charges for their involvement in the incident.

The fourth suspect was not located and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding the case or the outstanding suspect is encouraged to call the Gresham Police Tip-Line at 503-618-2719.

###30###

No-cost, grant-funded training program equips employees and job seekers in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties with essential leadership skills for career advancement.

Salem, Ore., March 19, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College, in partnership with Willamette Workforce Partnership (WWP), is offering a free, noncredit Supervisory and Leadership training program to help employees and job seekers develop essential leadership skills for career advancement.

The 18-hour training is tailored for individuals in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties who are looking to reskill and upskill for leadership roles in key industries, including Manufacturing, Hospitality, Healthcare, Construction, Warehousing, Distribution, and Technology.

Training Details:

Location: Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry (626 High St. NE, Salem, OR)

Session Dates:
Session 1 – Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Session 2 – Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Session 3 – Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 9 AM – 3:30 PM

Participants will earn a Certificate of Completion for each session and those who complete all three will receive a Non-Credit Training Certificate (NCTC), demonstrating their leadership skills for prospective employers.

Who Should Attend?

• Employees looking for promotions in their current roles
   

• Job seekers aspiring for supervisory positions in local industries
   

•  Individuals exploring leadership and management degree programs

The training sessions will include lectures, group discussions, industry guest speakers, and real-world case studies to provide participants with practical skills for leadership success.

"This training is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to advance their careers and develop leadership skills at no cost," said Lori McCauley, Program Coordinator at Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry. "With industry-focused content and expert guidance, participants will be well-prepared to take on supervisory roles."

How to Register:

Interested participants can register now by contacting Lori McCauley at  Lori.McCauley@chemeketa.edu or  503.316.3239.

####

For more than 50 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 17,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

Today, March 19th, 2025, Jamon Peter Fritsch, aged 48, received a true-life sentence from Judge Wetzel at the Clackamas County Circuit Court for second-degree murder in the death of Kara Taylor.  He was also given a concurrent sentence for abuse of a corpse.

The investigation started on July 27th, 2023, when Mr. Fritsch called to report his roommate, Kara Taylor, as a missing person from 221 Jefferson St. in Oregon City, Oregon. Oregon City Police Department (OCPD) Patrol Officers responded to his residence to gather information and complete the missing person report.  The circumstances of Ms. Taylor’s disappearance were suspicious, and Oregon City Police detectives immediately initiated an investigation.

On August 5th, 2023, the Oregon City Police Department, with the assistance of the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team and the FBI, executed a search warrant at 221 Jefferson St, as well as other locations. During the investigation, detectives developed evidence leading them to believe that Ms. Taylor had died by homicidal violence, and an arrest warrant was issued for Mr. Fritsch.

On August 7th, 2023 the Oregon City Police Department, with the assistance of the Clackamas County Interagency SWAT team, arrested Mr. Fritsch on the arrest warrant at 221 Jefferson St. in Oregon City and at the time he was lodged at the Clackamas County Jail.

On August 11th, 2023, the Oregon City Police Department executed a search at the Coffin Butte Landfill located at 28972 Coffin Butte Rd in Corvallis, Oregon.  After having searched for several days, investigators discovered Ms. Taylor’s remains at the site.  

After his arrest, Mr. Fritsch was indicted in Ms. Taylor’s death and was held without bail at the Clackamas County Jail on charges of Murder II and Abuse of Corpse I.

Today marks the conclusion of the criminal investigation and prosecution of Mr. Fritsch for his actions in July 2023.  The Oregon City Police Department expresses our deepest sympathies to Ms. Taylor's loved ones and everyone affected by Mr. Fritsch's actions.  We will continue to keep you in our thoughts as you mourn the loss of Ms. Taylor.

We would like to express our gratitude once more to Republic Services, the owners and operators of the landfill where Ms. Taylor's remains were discovered, along with their staff, for their invaluable support during the investigation and search efforts.  We extend our thanks to all law enforcement agencies who collaborated on the case, the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, and our dedicated patrol officers and detectives, whose unrelenting efforts were instrumental in investigating this case from the start and ensuring Mr. Fritsch was held accountable.

LIFE IN PRISON SENTENCE IN 2018 CASE OF MURDER THEN BURNING BODY

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Multnomah County Judge Christopher Ramras sentenced Thomas Colon to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years for Count 1, Murder in the Second Degree. Mr. Colon was also sentenced to the following:

Count 2, Arson in the Second Degree - 10 days jail to run concurrent to Count 1

Count 3, Abuse of a Corpse in the First Degree - 16 months in the Department of Corrections to run consecutive to Count 1.

Count 4, Tampering with Physical Evidence - 364 days jail to run concurrent to Counts 1, 2 and 3. 

3/14/25

Today a Multnomah County jury convicted Thomas Robert Colon (DOB 11/19/1980) of murdering Andrew Hathaway on September 5th, 2018. Colon was originally indicted on four counts including Murder in the Second Degree, Arson in the Second Degree, Abuse of a Corpse in the First Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence. 

The morning of the trial, Colon pled guilty to Arson in the Second Degree, Abuse of a Corpse in the Second Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

The Facts:

On September 3, 2018 in Multnomah County,  Hathaway drove to a house where two other men were living and Colon was visiting. That evening all four men were using drugs and high. At one point Colon and Hathaway were alone in the house and they began a physical fight. One of the other men later said that Colon was winning the fight and Hathaway was screaming for help. The other men broke up the fight and things calmed down for a time. Eventually the fight started up again and Hathaway was bloodied. It briefly stopped for a second time but then continued with Colon beating and stabbing Hathaway until he was dead. 

Colon and one of the other two men moved Hathaway’s body to the trunk of Hathaway’s car and drove it to Marine Drive. They left it in a vacant parking lot and set the car on fire. Responding fire crews found Hathaway’s body in the trunk. Eighty percent of Hathaway’s body was charred by the fire. An autopsy revealed that he died before the fire and had 55 stab wounds and six slice wounds on his body. 

Multnomah County District Attorney Senior Deputy Shawn Overstreet prosecuted the case along with Deputy District Attorney Kenzie Ludwig.

“This is some justice for the Hathaway family. They’ve been living with this for seven years. I’m glad we could finally bring them some closure. This was a lengthy, involved investigation with lots of misdirection from others in the beginning. But we saw it through and found the killer,” Overstreet said.

The District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of retired Portland Police Bureau Detective Vince Cui for his excellent work.

We’d also like to thank District Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate Souk Kanhalikham for compassionate care for those impacted by these crimes.

Colon faces a mandatory minimum of a life sentence in prison. He will serve 25 years before becoming eligible to apply for parole.

 He will be sentenced Wednesday, March 19th at 9am in courtroom 10C at the Multnomah County Courthouse.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2025 

Contact:
Neighbors for a Better Crossing
media@neighbors4a-bettercrossing.org

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Requests NMFS Authorization to Potentially Harm & Harass Columbia River Marine Life Over Five-Year Period

Neighbors for a Better Crossing urges public to comment before April 14 deadline

[Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA] – Neighbors for a Better Crossing, a coalition of Oregon and Washington residents and businesses, is calling on the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to deny the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project’s (IBRP) request for authorization to potentially harm and harass marine mammals over a five-year period during its proposed $9 billion I-5 bridge replacement. The IBRP plans to conduct necessary work, including pile driving (impact and vibratory) and rotary drilling, to construct a replacement bridge for the Interstate may incidentally expose marine mammals in the vicinity to elevated levels of underwater sound, thereby resulting in incidental "take,” by Level A and Level B harassment. Therefore, the IBRP requests authorization to incidentally take marine mammals.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) states that the term “take” means to harass, hunt, capture, kill or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal.

The MMPA defines “harassment” as: any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance, which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (Level A harassment); or (ii) has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering (Level B harassment).

In a letter to NMFS, Neighbors for a Better Crossing warned that the project’s pile driving, drilling, and demolition threaten fish habitat and migration, and the broader Columbia River ecosystem—while a proven, eco-friendly Immersed Tube Tunnel (ITT) could eliminate these risks entirely. 

Public Input Request

With NMFS considering IBRP’s request, public input is critical.harmful proposal and demand an independent review of the ITT alternative

How to Take Action

Submit comments before the April 14, 2025, deadline:

• Email: ITP.hotchkin@noaa.gov
• Mail: Jolie Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Neighbors for a Better Crossing letter sent to NMFS on March 19, 2025

Neighbors for a Better Crossing is writing to strongly oppose the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) consideration of the Incidental Take Regulations (ITR) requested by the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project (IBRP) for construction activities on the I-5 corridor between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, as detailed in the application received on July 18, 2024, and deemed complete on January 16, 2025. The proposed pile driving (impact and vibratory), rotary drilling, and demolition of the existing bridges threaten significant harm to marine mammals, fish migration patterns, and the broader Columbia River ecosystem—harm that could be entirely avoided by adopting a smarter, more sustainable alternative: an Immersed Tube Tunnel (ITT). We urge NMFS to deny this ITR request and advocate for a solution that protects marine life while meeting the project’s goals. 

The IBRP’s plan to install and remove 1,560 steel pipe piles and 1,500 linear feet of steel sheet piles over 1,725 days within a five-year period (September 15, 2027–September 14, 2032) will expose marine mammals—such as fish habitat and sea lions—to elevated underwater noise, resulting in Level A and Level B harassment. This disturbance risks disrupting critical behaviors like foraging, migration and communication, while the demolition of the existing bridges could release hazardous waste, including heavy metals and concrete debris, into the Columbia River, further endangering fish habitats and water quality. These impacts are particularly concerning given the river’s ecological importance and the documented challenges of in-water construction, as evidenced by the nearby Abernathy Bridge project on I-205, where drilling delays and geological difficulties ballooned costs from $248 million to nearly $1 billion.  

The IBRP’s reliance on over 100 drill shafts—each costing $2.5–$3 million and facing the same challenging bedrock and boulders identified in the 2013 Columbia River Crossing test drilling—only amplifies these risks. Yet, this critical issue was omitted from the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), despite IBR officials’ awareness since May 2024, raising serious questions about transparency and environmental oversight. For a project with a price tag that could exceed $9 billion, offering minimal congestion relief (just one additional lane per direction), the ecological cost to marine life is unjustifiable when a proven alternative exists.  

The Immersed Tube Tunnel (ITT), championed by Neighbors for a Better Crossing, offers a compelling solution that eliminates the need for in-river pilings, drilling, and demolition-related pollution. Used successfully in projects like the $3 billion Fraser River Tunnel in Vancouver, BC, an ITT involves prefabricating tunnel sections off-site, floating them into position, and installing them in a pre-dredged trench. This method avoids underwater noise from pile driving, minimizes sediment disruption, and prevents hazardous waste from entering the river—safeguarding marine mammals and fish habitats. Additionally, an ITT is faster to construct, potentially cutting build time in half, and is expandable to meet future traffic needs, unlike the proposed bridge. The U.S. Coast Guard’s 2023 rejection of the IBRP’s reduced vessel clearance (from 178 feet to 116 feet) further supports a tunnel, which preserves river navigation without ecological compromise.  

Beyond environmental benefits, an ITT is more cost-effective, avoiding the drill shaft cost overruns that could burden Oregon and Washington taxpayers with over $2 billion each in bond debt, plus tolls of $2,350 annually for commuters. These savings could even eliminate the need for tolls, sparing communities and businesses along the I-5 corridor from economic hardship. Meanwhile, the existing I-5 bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places with over 70 years of service life remaining, could be repurposed for pedestrians, bikes, and transit—preserving history and generating revenue without demolition-related pollution.  

We urge NMFS to deny the IBRP’s ITR application and press for an independent review of the ITT alternative, as called for by Neighbors for a Better Crossing. The authorization of incidental take for marine mammals is unacceptable when a viable, environmentally friendly option like an ITT can achieve the project’s objectives—improving safety, mobility, and seismic resilience—without harming the Columbia River ecosystem. We further request that NMFS require a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, incorporating the ITT and its benefits to marine life, before any further approvals are granted.  

Thank you for your dedication to protecting our marine resources. We would appreciate a response detailing how NMFS will address these concerns and whether it will advocate for the ITT alternative. 

Neighbors for a Better Crossing

Gary Clark

gary@neighbors4a-bettercrossing.org

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(Astoria, OR) – The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has reported a 2,150% increase in congenital syphilis cases over the past decade, with the crisis now reaching rural and frontier counties. In response, the Clatsop County Public Health Department, Providence Seaside Hospital and CMH are working together to encourage syphilis screening during pregnancy and starting the conversation about expanded treatment access.  

Congenital syphilis is a serious condition that occurs when a pregnant person with untreated syphilis passes the infection to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth. This can lead to serious health complications.  

“The key to stopping this is simple—early screening and treatment. Unfortunately, many cases happen because people miss out on prenatal care,” said Dr. Thomas Duncan, Health Officer for Clatsop County Public Health. “By raising awareness and making screening more accessible, we can protect both parents and babies from this entirely preventable disease."  

Key Facts About Syphilis in Pregnancy:  

• Syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn death, serious birth defects and long-term complications like blindness, deafness, and serious neurological developmental delays.  

• Universal screening at the first prenatal visit, third trimester, and at birth is recommended.  

• 75% of congenital syphilis cases in Oregon are linked to missed prenatal care opportunities.  

• Testing and treatment are available in Clatsop County through local clinics, Providence Seaside Hospital and CMH.  

“The good news is that syphilis is treatable, and congenital syphilis is very preventable if caught in time,” said Dr. Dominique Greco, Family Medicine Obstetrics physician at Providence Seaside Hospital. “We want every pregnant person to have access to the care they need and to support them in their pregnancy journey. So, please call to schedule an appointment early in pregnancy and partner with your provider to get the recommended screenings.” 

What you can do: 

• Are you pregnant? Get tested on your first doctor visit, during your third trimester, and at the hospital when you are having your baby.   

• Are you a provider: Make syphilis screening a standard part of everyone’s care. Early diagnosis saves lives.  

• Are you a community member? Help reduce stigma around STI testing by making it part of a conversation.  

To schedule a screening, call Clatsop County Public Health 503-325-8500. For more information about congenital syphilis visit https://www.cdc.gov/syphilis/about/about-congenital-syphilis.html  

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March 19, 2025 

Media Contact: Amber Shoebridge 
er.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov" target="_blank">amber.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov 
503-931-9586 

Unexpected patient death at Oregon State Hospital 

Salem, Ore_ There was an unexpected patient death at the Oregon State Hospital (OSH) Salem campus on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Family have been notified. Oregon State Police are investigating. 

Hospital leadership have also informed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), The Joint Commission (TJC) and Office of Training, Investigations and Safety (OTIS). 

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VANCOUVER, Wash. – Clark College presented its annual State of the College address in a new video format featuring Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards alongside executive cabinet and student council representatives. The address highlighted key achievements across the college and reinforced Clark’s commitment to student success. Watch the full video here (https://www.clark.edu/about/arts-events/stateofthecollege/)

Clark College reported enrollment and financial health have exceeded expectations, reflecting the college’s resilience and growing impact. The update also showcased progress of strategic priorities, including development of new programs in high-demand fields, ongoing equity efforts, plans for the new Ridgefield location, and major technology upgrades.

As Clark College looks ahead, it remains steadfast in its mission to advance education and equity while nurturing student success and driving economic growth in Southwest Washington. “In light of the current challenges facing higher education, we must remain true to our mission, values, students and the community we serve,” said President Edwards.

Enrollment increased by another 1,000 students in 2024, exceeding the goal of increasing enrollment by 5% over the past three years, totaling 9,451 for the fall term. Over 90% of students are from Clark County and 23% are from the Running Start program. More than 55% of Clark students are planning to transfer to a 4-year college with a majority heading to Washington State University.

• Bachelor of Applied Science programs in particular have greatly exceeded predicted enrollment.
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BASTE) program celebrated the graduation of their first cohort. Read more about BASTE here.
• Medical Assisting program earned accreditation in 2024.

On-campus student activities also signaled the rebound of a vibrant student life. The Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) reported that 271 club meetings and events were hosted with student attendance totaling over 23,000, a 54% increase from 2023. More about ASCC here.

Clark College is committed to not only providing access to higher education but also supporting student success through essential programs and wraparound services. About 35% of Clark students are from low-income backgrounds, and 47% are the first in their families to attend college. To further support these students, Clark launched a new Basic Needs Hub in 2024, complementing the Penguin Pantry which distributed over 54,000 pounds of food to 800 families last year. Read more about basic needs here.

New academic and workforce program developments included new Bachelor programs, healthcare pathways, and technology skills development focused on in-demand fields. Clark has worked extensively with community employers and listened to the student feedback to develop programs that are key for the growth and economic vitality of Southwest Washington. 

The following programs are getting ready to launch this fall:

• Surgical Technology — students can start with taking foundational classes in Spring and Summer terms. Read more about Surgical Technology here.
• Bachelor of Computer Science — first Bachelor of Science degree at Clark.
• Advanced Manufacturing program — will be housed in the brand-new Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield; is in development and currently going through the final approval process.

The new Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at the Boschma Farms campus in Ridgefield, Wash., finished construction. A soft launch will begin this Spring term on April 7 with an official opening targeted for the 2025 Fall term in late September. Learn more about AMC here.

Investments in improvements in technology provided data-driven decision-making and included a new, automated solution for identifying fraud, and the completion of a multi-year project for evaluating software accessibility. 

Student financial aid support was a major focus this winter. Clark’s Financial Aid office was able to successfully distribute over $31 million in federal aid to Clark students despite federal delays related to the FAFSA last year.

College finances remain stable, and in 2024 Clark earned more revenue and spent less than expected, contributing to an increase of $1.8 million dollars in the available fund balance which allowed for funding 6 new positions, increasing the instructional adjunct budget and adding funding for tutoring and security improvements.

The Clark College Foundation celebrated 50 years of supporting Clark’s success, contributing to over $90 million to Clark initiatives since inception. They announced two new funds to support student success and college innovation. Learn more about CCF here.

An accreditation renewal for Clark College is scheduled this fall. Accreditation is more than a requirement for federal financial aid. It is a rigorous evaluation of quality and continuous improvement, ensuring that our college fulfills its mission and meets the highest standards to deliver exceptional educational opportunities to our students.

President Edwards also invited the community to visit the beautiful campus with its wildflowers in the bee gardens, cherry trees in the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the many arts, theater, and community events happening year-round. See more about events here.

On behalf of Clark College, President Edwards expressed gratitude to trustees, students, faculty, staff, community partners, and legislative representatives for their contributions to the college’s mission to ensure that education remains equitable and accessible to all who seek to learn and grow. Through education, empowerment, and opportunity, Clark College continues to elevate individuals in achieving their personal and professional goals.

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately three-quarters of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

Blog: https://news.clark.edu     Facebook: @ClarkCollege     Twitter/X: @ClarkCollege     

Instagram: @ClarkCollege      Youtube: @clarkEDU              TikTok: @clarkcollege

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The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office has a responsibility to engage community stakeholders in the policy process. The public is invited to provide feedback on proposed policy and procedure(s) through a 30-day period known as the Stakeholder Review. 

During the policy’s Stakeholder Review, the public is encouraged to submit comments or proposals relevant to the content of the policy drafts. Individuals who submit comments should be aware that their remarks become public record.

To submit feedback individuals may select a policy draft of interest from the list below, scroll to the bottom of the document, and select the link next to the statement – please provide feedback here.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the community’s time and input during the review process. All comments are taken into collective consideration as policy is finalized.

The Sheriff’s Office is currently in the process of reviewing the following draft:

• 500.00 Complaint Intake and Internal Affairs Processing Stakeholder Review

Thank you for helping shape these policies.

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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

On March 18, 2025, at approximately 2:20 p.m., Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) security staff were informed of suspected contraband in a special housing unit. While conducting a search, a Correctional Corporal discovered an unknown substance. The area was immediately secured and evacuated. The institution activated an Incident Command Structure (ICS), shut down the air filtration system, and contained the suspected substance. DRCI is working with Oregon State Police and National Guard Civil Service Unit to investigate and assess any potential hazards.

The Corporal received naloxone (Narcan) after direct exposure, was treated at a local hospital, and released. A Correctional Officer in the area experienced an adverse reaction and was evaluated by DRCI Health Services staff.

“The Oregon Department of Corrections takes any threat or risk to the safety and security of employees and adults in custody very seriously. Incidents like this highlight the critical need to prevent the introduction of dangerous and illegal contraband into our facilities,” stated DOC Director Michael Reese.

Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) is located four miles east of Madras in central Oregon. DRCI is a multi-custody prison that currently houses 1035 minimum-custody incarcerated adults. DRCI provides a range of correctional programs and services including education and trades programs, mental health treatment, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work crews. Construction began in October 2005 with the first minimum-security adults in custody (AICs) arriving in September 2007. DRCI is the largest minimum-custody facility in the state and Oregon’s fourteenth prison.

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Oregon City, ORE. – A new face in Oregon City’s leadership may actually be a familiar one for those who have been involved in the organization for a while. Scott Archer has been announced as the new Parks and Recreation Director.

Archer has more than 30 years of experience managing local government, including 12 in Oregon City as the Community Services Director from 2004-2016. Archer returns after serving as the Deputy City Manager for Community Services in Salem, a position that oversees Parks and Recreation, Libraries and Senior Services.

During his time as the Community Services Director, Archer led the city through a period of expansion of parks services and facilities in Oregon City. His efforts were responsible for Wesley Lynn Park, Canemah Children’s Park and Rivercrest Spray Park, among several others.

“I have a high level of familiarity and knowledge of the City of Oregon City organization along with the community. I understand what makes Oregon City the special place it is,” said Archer. “We’re a modern, growing, vibrant city that also maintains deeply rooted connections to its history.”

Archer’s connection to the community is also personal; he raised his kids in the community, and his wife continues to be a teacher in the Oregon City School District.

“My roots and ties to Oregon City remain deep. I’m eager to complete my public service career with the city in this position,” he said.

It's his extensive experience, especially with Oregon City, that set Archer apart from other candidates, according to City Manager Tony Konkol.

“It’s not often that you get a candidate who has so much institutional knowledge about the City. With his experience, he’ll be able to hit the ground running. We’re excited to have him rejoin the team,” he said.

Archer was selected after an extensive recruiting process that included a preliminary interview, a community open house where they met with residents, and multiple interview panels.

His first day back with Oregon City will be April 21.

Press Release   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
March 19, 2025 

Thousands of dollars of suspected stolen goods were seized during the service of several search warrants connected to an organized retail theft investigation.

On Tuesday March 18, 2025, the Portland Police Bureau, in collaboration with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, served three search warrants in connection with an ongoing organized retail theft investigation.

The search warrants were served at the following locations: Card Rhino/Next Level Cards, 12416 Northeast Halsey Street, Portland; Direct Deals HQ LLC/Limit Deals, 19300 Southwest Boones Ferry Road, Suite 2C, Tualatin; and, Great Deals 2.0, 5305 Northeast 121st Avenue, Suite 509, Vancouver.

The investigation, centered around the business on Northeast Halsey Street, uncovered direct and persistent involvement in the trafficking of suspected stolen goods through a variety of means, including buying stolen in-box goods, and gift cards obtained by returning stolen goods, and reselling them on eBay and Amazon.

In all, more than 1,000 pieces of evidence were seized, highlighted by approximately $14,000 in cash, gold, silver, and many high-dollar, new in-box items that are currently being tallied. In addition, investigators are examining numerous bank accounts belonging to the suspects.

“I am proud of the dedication and perseverance shown by our detectives, law enforcement partners, and retailers throughout this investigation,” Chief Bob Day said. “This case is proof of what’s possible when you tackle organized retail theft from a holistic approach.”

“Together with our partners in law enforcement and the retail business community, we continue to focus on the problem of retail theft and its impact in Multnomah County,” District Attorney Nathan Vasquez added. “Today’s search warrants and the ongoing investigation by the Retail Theft Task Force are a testament to that commitment.”

No arrests have been made as this remains an active, ongoing investigation.

PPB and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Vancouver Police Department, Tualatin Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, PPB’s Special Emergency Reaction Team, and various retailers for their assistance. 

Anyone with information about these businesses is asked to share information with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Retail Theft Task Force - TTF@MCDA.US">RTTF@MCDA.US.

Photo description: Seized items

Photo description: Seized items

Photo description: Seized items      

Photo description: Seized items

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EUGENE, Ore.—A Coos Bay, Oregon man was arraigned in federal court today for possessing, distributing, attempting to produce, and producing child pornography.

Thomas Owen Barnett, 39, has been charged with attempting to use and using a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and possessing and distributing child pornography.

According to court documents, between September and December 2023, Barnett is alleged to have knowingly and intentionally used a minor to engage in and record sexually explicit conduct. In September 2024, Barnett is further alleged to have used Kik and Instagram, online social media platforms, to engage in chats involving child sex abuse, seek opportunities to engage in child sexual abuse, and advertise the sale of child pornography. At times, Barnett posed as a young man or a minor female to persuade his victims to produce and exchange child pornography, including requests for sexually explicit materials depicting an infant.

Barnett made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on May 27, 2025.

Attempting to use a minor and using a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct are each punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison with a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence, distribution of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison with a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence, and possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. If convicted, Barnett also faces up to a lifetime term of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 for each count.

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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A woman and an infant child are in the hospital after being struck in a pedestrian involved crash.

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 6:50 a.m., Portland Police officers assigned to East Precinct responded to a report of a pedestrian involved crash on Southeast Division Street at Southeast 164^th Avenue. When officers and EMS arrived, they found a woman and child, initially reported to be about 18 months old, with serious injuries. Both were transported to by ambulance to the hospital for treatment.

The driver involved remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

The Portland Police Traffic Division Major Crash Team responded to the scene and is investigating. During the investigation, Southeast Division Street is closed both directions between Southeast 162^nd Avenue and Southeast 170^th Avenue.

If anyone has information about this incident and has not talked to police, please e-mail imetips@police.portlandoregon.gov">crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov attn: Traffic Investigations Unit and reference case number 24-70257.

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MEDFORD, Ore.—An Ontario, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Friday for carjacking three victims at gunpoint.

Gregory Escobedo, Jr., 31, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

The first 100 months of Escobedo’s federal sentence will run concurrent to a 180-to-360-month state prison sentence previously imposed in Canyon County, Idaho, and will be served in Idaho state prison. Escobedo will serve the remaining 80 months of his federal sentence in federal prison following the completion of his state prison sentence. Following his release from federal prison, Escobedo must also complete a three-year term of federal supervised release.

According to court documents, on March 3, 2021, at an apartment complex in Ontario, Escobedo ordered a victim to exit their vehicle at gunpoint and drove away in the stolen vehicle. The following day, Escobedo approached a vehicle parked on the side of the road and carjacked another victim while brandishing a firearm. The stolen vehicle was out of gas which caused Escobedo to quickly return to the vehicle he arrived in and flee the area.

Later the same day, on March 4, 2021, in Caldwell, Idaho, Escobedo stole an unattended truck at a gas station. The owner pursued Escobedo, who eventually stopped the truck, and was confronted by the victim. Escobedo shot the unarmed victim in the chest and fled. The victim was taken to a hospital and survived. Shortly after the shooting, Escobedo was stopped by law enforcement and arrested.

On May 20, 2021, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a five-count indictment charging Escobedo with carjacking, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

On July 7, 2024, Escobedo pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Judith Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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BEND, OR — Spring break kicks off this Saturday, March 22 at the High Desert Museum with special programs, new exhibitions and summer hours, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

The popular indoor flight demonstration Sky Hunters returns to the E. L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. Visitors experience powerful predators close up as raptors fly just overhead, showcasing the birds’ agility and grace while learning about their lives in the wild. The program is daily from Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm and is first come, first served. Tickets are $7 and available at Admissions on the day of. Museum members receive a 20% discount. Sky Hunters is possible with support from Fly Redmond.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy daily talks about High Desert flora and fauna, free with admission. These include the Nature Walk at 10:30 am, Otter Encounter at 12:30 pm and Mammal Encounter at 3:00 pm.

On Saturday, March 22 and from March 25-29, the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill will be open from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm with interactive talks about life in the High Desert. Experience history and jump in to lend a hand or ask about the many buildings and objects.

Spring break visitors will also be able to experience the Museum’s temporary exhibitions. The new, original exhibition Patterns at Play: Fractals in Nature in the Brooks Gallery features interactive play and soft music to immerse visitors into the repeating patterns of nature. Fractals start with one simple shape, such as a triangle. When that triangle is repeated over and over, either smaller or larger, the result is a more complicated pattern that can scale.

Visitors can create their own patterns and watch as fractals dance on the walls, and two lighted tables will delight littles and their caregivers alike with hands-on shape-building. Bean bags encourage relaxation while fractal patterns dance across a wall-sized video screen. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/fractals.

Another exhibition open now is Frank S. Matsura: Portraits from the Borderland.

Featuring 20-plus enlarged photographs of Indigenous families from the 1900s, the exhibition shares the story of Frank S. Matsura, a Japanese-born photographer who immigrated to Okanogan County in Washington state in the early 1900s. He set up a studio in the area and began photographing the local Indigenous communities, providing history a nuanced and detailed view of life during a time of transition.

The exhibit includes period artifacts and objects from the Museum’s own collection as well as from the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Wash. Video documentaries explain the history and the photography, while also highlighting young leaders of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Generous support for the exhibition is provided by Art Bridges. It was organized by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and was curated by Michael Holloman and Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture Associate Curator of Special Projects Anne-Claire Mitchell. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/matsura.
 

Other temporary exhibitions include Neighbors: Wildlife Paintings by Hilary Baker. The exhibit, located in the Desertarium Gallery, features more than a dozen of Baker’s artworks. Baker, who grew up in Los Angeles during the latter years of Hollywood’s Golden Age, spent most of her childhood exploring the hills and canyons near her home. She searched for animal bones and other evidence of wildlife amid the pavement and backdrop of Los Angeles. The exhibition explores the complex relationship between manmade spaces and native wildlife in a crisp, graphic painting style. The exhibition closes on Sunday, April 6. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/hilary-baker.

Blood, Sweat & Flannel, an original exhibition, explores what flannel through the ages. From a rugged lumberjack of the 1800s to a classic grunge band of the 1990s, this unique experience invites visitors to dig deeper into the stories behind the fabric. Today, flannel is produced from various materials, including wool, cotton and even synthetic fibers. exhibition features imagery, tactile elements and even an audio interactive element that bring to life the experiences of those who wore flannel during each era. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/flannel.

And Forest at Night reveals the sights and sounds of the forest when the moon is high and the stars are out. An immersive and interactive exhibition, Forest at Night takes visitors on a virtual tour, featuring insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. In addition to showcasing the wonders of the night, the exhibit also delves into the pressing issue of light pollution and how artificial light disrupts the nighttime ecosystem. Visitors may gaze up at twinkling stars and learn about the constellations that guide migrating birds on their way through the High Desert. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/forest-at-night.

More information on visiting the High Desert Museum is available at highdesertmuseum.org/visit-bend-oregon.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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SOUTHEAST PORTLAND, Ore. – Starting April 2, Portland Community College’s Southeast Campus will host free and low-cost healthcare services on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday of the month thanks to a new partnership with Multnomah County Community Health Center.

The mobile clinic will be offering medical, dental, behavioral health, and case management services from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on the specified Wednesdays, likely through summer term based on demand. The clinic, open to students, staff and community members, will be located in the courtyard between the Mt. Tabor and Mt. Scott buildings.

This isn't the first time the county’s mobile clinic has been at PCC. The bus attended the college’s Basic Needs Resource Fair last year at the Cascade Campus.

“The response was incredible—they booked every time slot available,” said Tammy Dowd Shearer, PCC basic needs coordinator. “Clearly, our community has a significant need for these accessible healthcare services.”

Services offered include treatment for injuries and illnesses, physical exams, reproductive health care, vaccines, pregnancy testing, dental check-ups and cleanings, behavioral health assessments, and limited prescription drugs.

Appointments are not required, and care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-ups begin at 1 p.m. at the Basic Needs Hub table near the Panther Pantry (Room 152) in Mt. Tabor Great Hall. The medical team can treat about six patients each visit, while dental services accommodate two to three patients. Behavioral health providers offer assessments, follow-ups, and referrals to specialized care. A case manager helps connect people to county and state resources.

PCC has seen a sharp rise in demand for support with childcare, food and housing. A recent study by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice found that 64% of PCC students faced basic-needs insecurity, and 52% of Oregon community college students experienced housing insecurity.

Multnomah County’s mobile clinic specifically targets community members who historically have had issues accessing traditional healthcare, including transportation challenges. The mobile clinic accepts Oregon Health Plan and other insurance, but no insurance is required. No one is turned away due to inability to pay.

“Our goal is simple: Provide care to those without regular access, then help them establish long-term relationships with primary care providers,” said Ryan Linskey, mobile health clinic program manager for Multnomah County Community Health Center. 

For more information, visit the Multnomah County Mobile Medical Van website or email basicneeds@pcc.edu.

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 53,000 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/

B-ROLL for TV: PCC campus and student life.

Man has been shot and killed in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood.

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10:15 p.m., officers from the East Precinct responded to the 3000 block of Southeast 136th Avenue on reports of a shooting. When officers arrived at the location, they found a male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Despite officers efforts to provide life-saving measures, the man died at the scene.

Portland Police Bureau Homicide detectives have responded to the scene to investigate. If anyone has information about this incident, they are asked to please contact Detective Meghan Burkeen at meghan.burkeen@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-2092 or Detective Brian Sims at brian.sims@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-2079. Please reference case number 25-070043.

During the investigation, Southeast 136th Avenue will be closed between Southeast Division Street and Southeast Powell Boulevard.

The identity of the victim will be released after the Medical Examiner has confirmed the cause of death and after family members have been notified. The PIO is not responding to the scene. More information will be released when appropriate.

###PPB###

The March Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board Meeting will be held Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. 

If you wish to attend this meeting remotely or in person, please email sam.kaufmann@tvwd.org or call 503-848-3094 by 4:30 p.m. on March 19, 2025.

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

About TVWD 

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

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

The victim in the Centennial Neighborhood shooting on Monday, March 17, 2025, has been identified as Brianne Pardue, 45, of Portland. Her family has been notified of her death. They are asking for privacy at this time, but they did provide the attached photo for public release.

The Medical Examiner determined Pardue died of homicide by gunshot wound.

No further information will be released at this time.

Photo description: Homicide victim Brianne Pardue sitting on a motorcycle

###PPB###

Original Messages Below

A man has been arrested in connection to the deadly shooting in the Centennial Neighborhood on Monday, March 17, 2025.

The suspect is identified as 35-year-old Joshua Thielbar. He was transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center and lodged on the following charges: Murder in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Firearm, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Anyone with information about this incident, who has not spoken with police, is asked to contact Detective Jeffery Pontius at y.Pontius@police.portlandoregon.gov">Jeffery.Pontius@police.portlandoregon.gov (503) 823-0433 or Detective Stephen Gandy at Stephen.Gandy@police.portlandoregon.gov (503) 823-0449 and reference case number 25-68221.

###PPB###

Original Message Below

A woman is deceased following a shooting in the Centennial Neighborhood.

On Monday, March 17, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., East Precinct officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 14000 block of Southeast Harrison Street. When they arrived, officers found a woman deceased.

Detectives from the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene to investigate.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Jeffery Pontius at y.Pontius@police.portlandoregon.gov">Jeffery.Pontius@police.portlandoregon.gov (503) 823-0433 or Detective Stephen Gandy at Stephen.Gandy@police.portlandoregon.gov (503) 823-0449 and reference case number 25-68221.

The identity of the victim will be released after the Medical Examiner has confirmed the cause of death and family members have been notified. The PIO is not responding to the scene.

###PPB###

Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance DIstrict was dispatched to an initial report of a barn fire at approximately 01:40 AM on the morning of March 18, 2025. Linn County Sheriff deputies arrived first on scene and reported that a camp trailer was fully involved, with multiple propane tanks exploding and the occupants had evacuated. The first arriving fire units discovered a nearly completely burned camp trailer with some exposures invlovled including a small truck, propane tanks and various small motor tools. The fire was quickly knocked down and brought under control by the first two responding fire apparatus. A medic unit was dispatched to evaluate a resident on scene with possible injuries from evacuating the camper. Engine companies from Sweet Home Fire and Mohawk Valley Fire completed extinguishment and overhaul of the site and searched for two lost pets in the fire area. 3 fire apparatus and one medic unit responded with 10 personnel from Sweet Home Fire; with an engine and tender from Mohawk Valley Fire and a tender from Brownsville Rural Fire also responding to the scene. The residents on scene state that they had recently filled several propane tanks and were using a small propane heater in the camp trailer when one resident noticed a large amount of fire suddenly coming from the line between the heater and propane tank which quickly spread to the contents of the camper. She stated that she could only just escape the camper before the interior was fully involved with smoke and fire. The residents attempted to retrieve their 2 dogs from the camper immediately but were unable to access the trailer due to severe heat and smoke. One dog remained missing after a search by fire personnel. We would like to thank our partner agencies for their quick response and hard working crews. 

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 1:02 a.m., a Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy patrolling in the community of Aloha near SW 185th Avenue and SW Johnson saw the driver of a 2011 silver Hyundai Elantra take off at a high rate of speed.

The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the driver started trying to elude before abandoning the vehicle and running on foot near SW 185th Avenue and SW Baseline Road.

Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office and Officers from the Hillsboro and Beaverton Police Departments contained the area in preparation for a K9 track assisted by a drone. Within about 15 minutes, Corporal Terry and K9 Griff located the driver, 41-year-old Lloyd Gonzales, hiding in the neighborhood. Deputies discovered that the Hyundai Elantra had recently been stolen from the Cedar Mill area.

Gonzales was transported to the Washington County Jail and booked for attempting to elude, possession of a stolen vehicle, and unlawful possession of methamphetamine. 

VANCOUVER, Wash. (March 18, 2025) — Council for the Homeless has named Terrell Berry chief impact officer. Berry brings a wealth of personal and professional experience and has been a dedicated advocate for housing justice and homelessness prevention his entire career. This newly created role affords the agency a new lead in its efforts to end family homelessness in Clark County.

Berry will drive the initiative, funded by the Bezos Day 1 Family Fund Grant, to reduce literal homelessness (families living in a car, shelter or outside) by at least 15% over five years. He will also work with CFTH staff and partners to strengthen solutions and reduce the number of families couch-surfing or doubled-up. In addition, Berry will supervise CFTH program managers who oversee the delivery of services across the spectrum of need for homeless services.

“I aim to create a lasting impact and move closer to a future where housing is a right, not a privilege,” Berry said.

Berry is a longtime community partner of CFTH. While pursuing his master’s in social work, he spent time as an intern with CFTH and is excited to join the executive leadership team. “We are all thrilled to have him on staff to lead some really important work for us and our efforts to end and prevent homelessness,” said Sesany Fennie-Jones, chief executive officer.

Berry is committed to making it easier for people experiencing homelessness to access the support and services they need. He will focus on identifying gaps in the housing response system and developing strategies to remove barriers to stable housing in Clark County.

For more information about CFTH and its programs, visit www.councilforthehomeless.org.

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About Council for the Homeless: Council for the Homeless (CFTH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in Clark County, WA, by providing community leadership, compelling advocacy, and practical solutions to solve homelessness on an individual and community level. Founded in 1989, CFTH serves as the lead agency and coordinated entry for delivery of homeless services through the Continuum of Care for Homeless Services in Clark County, WA.

New Short-Term Certificates and Flexible Learning Options Address Statewide Workforce Shortage

Salem, Ore., March 18, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College’s nationally recognized Building Inspection Technology (BIT) program has opened registration for its Fall 2025 cohort, providing essential training for the next generation of building safety and code professionals. With an increasing statewide demand for skilled inspectors, plans examiners, and permit technicians, Chemeketa is committed to filling this critical workforce gap with highly trained graduates.

A Growing Industry Need
Oregon faces a shortage of qualified building code professionals, with 165 new positions needing to be filled annually due to retirements and vacancies, according to the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). At the same time, the state is experiencing a significant housing shortfall, requiring 36,000 new housing units annually for the next decade—far exceeding the current output of 22,000 units in a strong year. Code professionals play a pivotal role in addressing this crisis by ensuring new construction meets safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility standards.

High-Demand Careers with Competitive Salaries
Graduates of Chemeketa’s BIT program are highly sought after by jurisdictions across Oregon due to the program’s rigorous training and minimal onboarding time. Code professionals enjoy family-wage salaries, averaging from $57,000 to $111,000 annually, with comprehensive benefits including retirement plans, health insurance, and paid time off. The field offers a rewarding career with meaningful work, providing a blend of mental engagement and physical ease—an ideal path for those with construction experience, design professionals, and retired military personnel.

New Short-Term Certificates Provide Fast-Track to Employment
In response to industry needs, Chemeketa is introducing three new short-term certificates, designed to provide a direct pathway into the workforce or additional training for those already employed:

• Permit Technician Certificate (8 credits, 1 term)
   

• Residential Plans Examiner Certificate (17 credits, 2 terms)
   

• Residential Building Inspector Certificate (17 credits, 2 terms)
   

These certificates offer an expedited route to employment while allowing students to seamlessly transition into Chemeketa’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Building Inspection Technology, one of the few fully accredited programs of its kind in the nation.

Nationally Recognized, Flexible Program
Chemeketa’s BIT program has earned national recognition, including the 2021 ICC Chapter Merit Award and the 2023 ICC Raising the Profile Award, solidifying its status as a premier training institution. Established in 1978, the program has a long history of producing top-tier graduates who contribute to the safety and sustainability of the built environment.

Designed for working professionals, the program offers evening, remote-format classes that can be attended from anywhere, with live instruction and flexible accommodations for remote students. The only in-person components include a required lab and Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) internship.

Registration Opens February 18, 2025
Those interested in joining this dynamic and rewarding profession can apply for the Fall 2025 cohort now.

For more information, visit go.chemeketa.edu/buildinginspection

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For more than 50 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 8,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

BEND, Ore. — The Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program (OYCP) has become the first in the nation to receive an "outstanding" rating under new federal evaluation criteria, program director Frank Tallman announced.

The program, Oregon's only accredited statewide alternative high school, underwent a comprehensive four-day on-site inspection by the National Guard Bureau's (NGB) Youth Programs Division as part of its regular three-year evaluation cycle.

"This is outstanding recognition to the staff, to the cadets, to the state, to our federal partners — everybody that helps the program had a part of this," Tallman said. "It's a great accomplishment."

Inspectors evaluated four main areas: operation compliance, operation performance, resource compliance, and resource performance. OYCP received the highest possible overall rating under a new manual implemented last year.

The program currently serves 161 cadets with 63 staff members. According to Tallman, the most recent class was the program's largest graduating class ever with 165 cadets, and the current class began with a record 191 cadets.

"Since COVID, we've seen a steady uptick in applications," Tallman said. "We're seeing a bigger need across the state for kids applying to the program."

While the facility has capacity for up to 240 cadets per class, Tallman noted the program has not seen funding rise at the federal level for the past three years, limiting staff hiring. Despite funding constraints, demand for the program continues to grow across Oregon's 36 counties.

The Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program offers a free alternative education option through two phases: a 22-week residential phase where cadets live on-site focusing on academic instruction, followed by a 24-month post-residential phase where cadets return to their communities with continued support while working toward personal and placement goals.

The program, administered by the Oregon National Guard, is one of 37 Youth ChalleNGe programs operating in 29 states nationwide. Each program undergoes an on-site inspection every three years, with self-assessments conducted during interim years.

                                                                                                                                  -30-

PORTLAND, Ore. – In 2017, the Eagle Creek Fire burned 50,000 areas on the Oregon side of the Western Columbia River Gorge. In 2021 and 2022, atmospheric river-type storms triggered hundreds of post-fire landslides and debris flows (extremely destructive, fast-moving landslides) in the burned area. DOGAMI’s new report, Special Paper 55 (SP-55), presents the results of a new methodology for evaluating pre- and post-fire debris flows using serial high resolution lidar digital elevation models.

Climate change is a driver of fires and post-fire debris flows. As the climate continues to warm, more fires are expected in western Oregon, which has historically been less affected by wildfires. Additionally, climate scientists predict the likely intensification of atmospheric river-type storms in the future. The combination of larger and hotter fires and more intense storms likely means more post-fire landslides and debris flows. DOGAMI, along with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists from the Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State University, University of Oregon, and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), continue research into the complex geoscience behind post-fire debris flows.

“Megafires and post-fire debris flows are on the rise. Here in Oregon, we are prioritizing readiness, coordination, wildfire risk mitigation and a comprehensive, statewide approach to protecting our natural working lands and communities,” said Oregon Governor Tina Kotek. “This leading-edge, Oregon-based research will help us, and researchers across our nation, better understand the hazard of debris flows, reducing risks to community safety.” 

Key Findings included in SP-55:

• The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire influenced the occurrence of post-fire debris flows by removing the dense forest, which increases the rate at which rain and snowmelt reach the ground, which increases runoff and ground saturation, while also likely reducing root reinforcement several years after the fire.
• Post-fire effects in western Oregon appear to be different than those in drier parts of the U.S. such as southern California, most likely due to several different conditions in the western part of the Pacific Northwest, including prolonged rainy winters, occasional atmospheric river-type storms, dense forests, thick weathered volcanic soils, and steep slopes.
• 268 landslides and debris flows occurred during the January 2021 and 2022 storms.
• Of the debris flow initiations sites studied, approximately 70% are below steep, previously-burned areas.
• The results of the landslide inventory and hydrologic analysis of the pre- and post-fire debris flows in the area of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire indicate that the fire influenced debris flows in the following ways:
  • Lowered the necessary terrestrial water input (rain and snowmelt) threshold to trigger debris flows.
  • Increased the frequency of debris flows.
  • Decreased the failure depth of shallow landslides and debris flow initiation sites.
  • Increased the volume of debris flow deposits.
  • Shifted the primary debris flow initiation process from a mostly infiltration dominated process (shallow landslides) to a mostly runoff dominated process (in channel).
  • Decreased the required upslope contributing area for debris flow initiation sites.

Funding for this work was provided by:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 10 – Cooperative Technical Partners Grant Program
• Oregon Department of Transportation Project SPR853
• USGS Post-Fire Research Grant and Data funding.

Several partners collaborated to make this project possible:

• DOGAMI – Bill Burns, Engineering Geologist, Project lead; Nancy Calhoun, Geologist
• OSU College of Forestry and College of Engineering – Professor Ben Leshchinsky; Professor Michael Olsen; David Sousa, PhD candidate
• UO Department of Earth Sciences – Professor Josh Roering; Maryn Sanders, PhD candidate
• ODOT Region 1 – Michael Zimmerman, Engineering Geologist
• USGS Landslide Hazards Program – Francis Rengers, Nick Mathews, Mendenhall Postdoc

The new report can be accessed at https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/sp/SP-55.aspx

A map-based tool for visualizing study data can be accessed at https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=88ebf1c6aa914aef8cc7aa3fe40a8b40

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Public awareness efforts will help reduce stigma and prevent overdoses. New technology will provide rapid results to help identify the cause of overdose deaths and track drug trends.

(Astoria, OR) — Clatsop County is facing a devastating rise in drug-related deaths, with 11 suspected overdose fatalities in just the first six weeks of 2025—approaching the total annual numbers recorded only a few years ago. If this trend continues, overdose deaths in the county could increase by more than 400% over last year.

Overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 44 claiming 107,941 lives nationally in 2022. In Oregon, drug overdoses have been increasing since 2018. In 2023, 1,833 people died of a drug overdose, according to Oregon Health Authority. Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, and non-cocaine stimulants, such as methamphetamine, are the main drug involved in fatal overdoses.

A Preventable Tragedy

While the exact reason for the increase in drug-related deaths is not definitive, fentanyl plays a significant role. Many street drugs are now laced with fentanyl, increasing the risk of fatal overdoses.

“These overdoses are a tragedy for the families who have lost a loved one, and for the rest of the community who have lost a coworker, friend, or neighbor. Overdose is preventable,” said Lisa Schuyler, Health Promotion Supervisor with the Clatsop County Department of Public Health.  “The more we reduce stigma, increase awareness, and equip our community with life-saving tools, the more lives we can save.”

Clatsop County is taking a multi-faceted approach to address these overdoses in our community by working with partners to raise awareness and offer support to those experiencing substance use disorder. The deflection program, medication assisted treatment in the Clatsop County Jail, and Public Health’s overdose prevention and harm reduction programs work to break the deadly cycle of substance use disorder and help people find another path.

Schuyler works with regional and state partners to lower overdose rates through prevention activities including handing out Naloxone.

A Data-Driven Approach to Overdose Prevention

Toxicology results after an overdose can take up to six months to get back from the state lab. Thanks to Elizabeth DeVisser Clatsop County’s Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator and the Clatsop County Public Health Department who worked together to purchase the Randox Multistat Toxicology Analyzer, presumptive results will be available much sooner.

The user-friendly analyzer involves just three steps and can detect up to 29 classical, prescription, and synthetic drugs from a single sample, delivering on-site results in approximately 30 minutes. This will help accelerate toxicology results for death investigations and provide much-needed answers to grieving families.

“This new technology will provide rapid results, allowing us to detect trends in real-time,” said DeVisser. "While also providing answers to families when their loved ones are affected by overdose."

Carry Naloxone

Community members are encouraged to learn how to use naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.

• Get trained – Public Health offers naloxone training for individuals, groups, and businesses. You can also go online to Save Lives Oregon for an online training video
• Carry naloxone – It’s available at pharmacies and through Clatsop County Public Health Department.
• Add it to your first aid kit – Be prepared to save a life.

For more information on how to get trained and how to get Naloxone, contact Clatsop County Public Health at 503-325-8500.

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Over the course of the last four nights, the Portland Police Bureau teamed up with numerous law enforcement partners through the Metro Area Traffic Enforcement Collaboration (MATEC) to conduct high visibility traffic missions. Statistics for all of the partner agencies indicate that 1,213 total traffic stops were conducted. Of those, 730 traffic citations were issued, and 925 warnings were given. In addition, 85 people were arrested, including 58 impaired drivers. Most of the tickets were written for speeding violations (416). The second most common citation was related to lane misuse (289).

PPB would like to thank its MATEC partners for working hard to ensure a safe holiday weekend in the metro area. 

###PPB###

Original Messages Below

Officers are reporting in the after the first shift of the Metro Area Traffic Enforcement Collaboration (MATEC) on Friday night. Preliminary statistics for all of the partner agencies indicate that at least 260 traffic stops were conducted, and of those 172 traffic citations were served and 220 warnings were given. Eleven people were arrested, including 7 impaired drivers. Most of the tickets were written for speeding violations (111). The second most common citation was related to lane misuse (62). 

PPB was honored to host a news conference on the effort on Friday alongside many of our partner agencies. You can view the full press conference here. 

The enforcement effort will continue through the St. Patrick's Day holiday on Monday. Please, if you are drinking or using intoxicating substances, do not drive. Again, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day responsibly with PBOT’s Safe Ride Home program. If you do drive, do so safely!

###PPB###

Original Message Below

The Portland Police Bureau is teaming up with state, county, and local law enforcement partners to conduct high-visibility enforcement missions through St. Patrick’s Day.

To ensure community safety, and to prevent needless tragedies to loved ones within our community, PPB is partnering with the Metro Area Traffic Enforcement Collaboration (MATEC) to conduct high-visibility DUII missions that will begin on the evening of Friday, March 14, 2025, and end on the morning of Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Law enforcement partners involved in the missions aim to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by focusing on the SOLID enforcement priorities: Speed, Occupant Safety, Lane Usage, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving.

A similar operation conducted around St. Patrick’s Day in 2024 resulted in more than 1,600 traffic stops, 950 citations, and 75 arrests connected to speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving.
 

The hope is that everyone will enjoy this year's St. Patrick's Day celebrations responsibly. Please continue to identify designated drivers, use mass transit, taxis, or rideshare services. If you choose to drink or ingest other intoxicants, please do so responsibly and remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving. Support zero tolerance for impaired driving. Please report suspected impaired drivers to 911.

PPB and other law enforcement agencies are committed to working with partners in government and the community to create safer streets; working towards reducing, and eventually eliminating, traffic fatalities as part of Vision Zero efforts. To learn more about the City of Portland's Vision Zero efforts, please visit: this website.

Make plans for your safety, as well as others, and enjoy the upcoming festivities.

###PPB###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

Newsroom

Triple your impact: Pacific Power will match your contribution to Oregon Energy Fund 2-for-1

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 18, 2025)  — Pacific Power is making it easy to make a difference in Oregon communities by helping struggling neighbors stay warm. For every dollar you donate, Pacific Power will match your donation to the Oregon Energy Fund with $2 more

Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail will find they include an Oregon Energy Fund contribution envelope in March. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program by calling Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070 or visiting PacificPower.net/Donate.

This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power.

Donations may be tax-deductible and are forwarded directly to the Oregon Energy Fund, which verifies eligibility and allocates funds to those in need. All funds donated are used to assist families within the same county in which the donor resides.

“Pacific Power’s commitment to supporting household stability is bolstered by compassion, collaboration and innovation,” said Brian Allbritton, executive director of the Oregon Energy Fund.

“Studies show that more than a quarter of Oregonians struggle to pay their bills each year,” said Albritton. “From Oregon Energy Fund's start in 1989, Pacific Power has been an important partner in bringing emergency bill payment assistance to thousands of vulnerable Oregonians, helping make them healthy and safe while keeping their lights on.” 

Last year, donations from Pacific Power’s customers, employees and the company helped 2,995 individuals in need throughout Oregon, including 503 seniors, 464 people with disabilities and 1,010 children. This year, Pacific Power will match up to $144,000 in donations.

Customers who need bill assistance can speak with Pacific Power representatives at 1-888-221-7070 who can connect them with payment plans that work for their individual needs, while directing them to agencies that may be able to help with bills.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

Triple your impact: Pacific Power will match your contribution to Project HELP 2-for-1

YAKIMA, Wash. (March 18, 2025)  — Pacific Power is making it easy to make a difference in Washington communities by helping struggling neighbors stay warm. For every dollar you donate, Pacific Power will match your donation with $2 more to Project HELP or the Northwest Community Action Center, depending on where you reside.

Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail will find they include a contribution envelope in March. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program calling Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070 or visiting PacificPower.net/Donate.

This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power.

Donations may be tax-deductible and will be forwarded directly to the organization serving the local community, who verifies eligibility and allocates funds to those in need: Project HELP (which is administered by the Salvation Army) in the Walla Walla, Yakima and Grandview areas, and Northwest Community Action Center in the Toppenish and Sunnyside areas. All funds donated are used to assist families in the same county in which the donor resides.

Customers who need bill assistance can speak with Pacific Power representatives at 1-888-221-7070 who can connect them with payment plans that work for their individual needs, while directing them to agencies that may be able to help with bills.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Triple your impact: Pacific Power will match your contribution to Project HELP 2-for-1

YREKA, Cal. (March 18, 2025) — Pacific Power is making it easy to make a difference in Northern California communities by helping neighbors in need stay warm. For every dollar you donate, Pacific Power will match your donation with $2 more to Project HELP.

Project HELP is a nonprofit program administered by the Salvation Army that provides energy assistance through donated funds. Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail will find they include a Project HELP contribution envelope in March. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program by calling Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070 or visiting PacificPower.net/Donate.

This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power.

Donations may be tax-deductible and will be forwarded directly to Project HELP, who verifies eligibility and allocates funds to those in need. All funds donated are used to assist families in Northern California.

Customers who need bill assistance can speak with Pacific Power representatives at 1-888-221-7070 who can connect them with payment plans that work for their individual needs, while directing them to agencies that may be able to help with bills.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sam Tenney, Communications Coordinator

sam.tenney@dpsst.oregon.gov

Cell: 503-931-4069

DEDICATION CEREMONY HONORS FORMER MARION COUNTY SHERIFF JASON MYERS

SALEM, Ore. — The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) held a ceremony on Monday, March 17 to commemorate the life and legacy of the late Jason Myers. Members of the law enforcement community, elected officials, and family members gathered for the dedication of a bench at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in memory of Myers, who made a tremendous impact on public safety in the state during a career that spanned more than three decades.

Myers spent 28 years with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), including ten years leading the agency as sheriff. From 2016 to 2019, he chaired both the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training and its Corrections Policy Committee. After retiring from MCSO in 2019, he served as the executive director of the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association.

Myers passed away in October 2024 after a two-year battle with cancer. In recognition of his lasting impact on DPSST and the public safety community throughout the state, the agency dedicated the bench at the academy in Salem in his memory.

DPSST Director Phil Castle said that the placement of the bench in a courtyard in front of a classroom building at the academy is fitting. “Jason is and was a big part of this academy,” Director Castle said. “And having this bench that looks out on the rest of the academy…we just thought it was fitting.”

Guest speakers at the event included Valerie Colas, public safety advisor to Governor Tina Kotek, retired Marion County Undersheriff Troy Clausen, Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Tim Svenson, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Kevin Campbell, and Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter.

Campbell noted that during difficult conversations, negotiations, or other engagements of people with different perspectives, Myers displayed servant leadership not by what he said, but by how he acted.

“He, without exception, treated people with incredible dignity,” Campbell said. “He always listened first.”

Speakers universally praised Myers’ strong, yet quiet, style of leadership, his thoughtfulness and integrity. Sheriff Hunter noted that the memorial bench’s true purpose is to serve as a place for academy students to reflect on the legacy of a man he described as the best law enforcement mentor he’d ever known.

“Where this sits here at the academy, where we are shaping the next generation of law enforcement, it could not be in a better place,” Sheriff Hunter said. “This is the true definition of a legacy.”
 

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About DPSST

The mission of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is to pursue excellence in training and accountability for public safety professionals. DPSST certifies and licenses police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, as well as regulatory specialists, emergency telecommunicators and medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, fire service professionals, and polygraph examiners in the state of Oregon.  DPSST works with public and private safety agencies around the state to provide basic, leadership and specialized training at the 237-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

March 18, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA urges people to check immunity against measles; get vaccinated

As cases appear in other states, including neighboring California, Oregon health officials recommend measures to stay safe

PORTLAND, Ore._ With spring break and summer travel season approaching, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) encourages people to make sure they are protected against measles. Getting the MMR vaccine — for measles, mumps and rubella — is the most effective prevention tool against the highly contagious virus. 

Twelve U.S. states, including California, Texas and New Mexico, have reported cases of measles since Jan 1. While Oregon has no cases so far in 2025, last year the state recorded 31 confirmed cases — its highest measles count in more than 30 years — during an outbreak among unvaccinated people, including two children younger than 5. 

“Measles is an amazingly contagious virus that unfortunately in recent years has re-emerged in our communities, primarily due to a declining percentage of people who are getting vaccinated,” said Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. 

“Measles is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection for individuals who haven’t received immunity through the MMR vaccine,” said Dawn Nolt, M.D., M.P.H., professor of pediatrics (infectious diseases) in the OHSU School of Medicine.

“The good news is that we have a highly safe and effective vaccine – it is our strongest line of defense and the best way to keep yourself, your children and your community safe. If you have questions about the vaccine, we encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns.” she said.

Cieslak said anyone planning travel to countries or states where measles is circulating should get the MMR vaccine before they go. “Getting the vaccine now will allow you to start building immunity prior to your trip,” he said.  

Cieslak addresses common questions about measles, symptoms, the vaccine and more in this week’s Oregon Health News newsletter, published Thursday. 

Symptoms

Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. 

Symptoms begin seven to 10 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. 

About 20% of people who contract measles are hospitalized. In developed countries in recent years, one or two of every 1,000 measles cases have been fatal.  

Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. People who are infected can be unknowingly contagious for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. 

That means someone with measles can be unaware they are infected and can easily spread the virus before noticing any symptoms. 

During the 2024 outbreak in Oregon, OHA worked with local public health officials to share information about specific locations where known measles cases had spent time so that members of the public were aware they may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. 

What families of school-age children should know

In addition to reducing risk of transmission, getting the vaccine can help families avoid having to isolate at home for several weeks if they are exposed to measles. 

Additionally, state law requires an unvaccinated child exposed to the virus to be excluded from school or childcare during the period when they could become sick, which is usually for 21 days after exposure. 

This exclusion period can be extended if there are more measles cases. 

What people born before 1957 should know

People born before 1957 do not need to be vaccinated against measles—they are presumed to be immune. 

That’s because, before the measles vaccine was first available to the public in 1963, virtually all children would contract measles by their teenage years, making them immune for life. 

What people born in 1957 or later should know

People born in 1957 or later, however, could still benefit from the vaccine because they would have been at least 6 years old in 1963. At that age, there was still a meaningful chance they hadn’t been exposed to measles yet and could benefit from the new vaccine. 

People who can document receiving the measles vaccine series at some point in their lives or have documentation showing a previous measles diagnosis or laboratory evidence of immunity can be confident they are immune and do not need to receive the MMR vaccine.  

What anyone traveling should know

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following measles prevention measures for anyone traveling, especially internationally:  

• Babies ages 6 through 11 months can receive an early dose of the vaccine to protect them for travel; but they should then receive another dose at 12 through 15 months and a final dose between ages 4 and 6.
• Children older than a year who have not been vaccinated should immediately receive one dose and follow with a second dose at least 28 days later.
• Children older than a year with one prior dose should receive an early second dose of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
• Teenagers and adults previously vaccinated with one dose should consider getting a second dose if they are traveling to an area where measles is circulating.
• People preparing to travel internationally who have not been immunized should get the vaccine prior to departure. 

More CDC recommendations can be found here. 

In recent years, OHA has bolstered its tracking of communicable diseases, such as measles, with the development and modernization of data reporting tools, including an interactive, web-based dashboard that visualizes data on communicable disease incidence in Oregon. The dashboard’s data are disease, month, demographic group and county. 

Increasing awareness and education about primary prevention, public health risks and preventive health services are among actions OHA is taking as part of its 2024–2027 Strategic Plan. 

The plan further supports expanding access to vaccines and other health resources for children, parents and families in all communities in Oregon.  

To learn more about measles and to receive daily status updates of measles outbreak data, visit OHA’s Measles and Rubeola web page. 

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Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring of source water. The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. In the 50 liters sampled each day from March 9 to March 12, two Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in the sample collected on March 9, three Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in the sample collected on March 10 and one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in the sample collected on March 11. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the sample collected on March 12. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run Watershed intake on March 3, 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two 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.

Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited

What: March Detrash Portland at The Standard

When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Where: 900 SW 5th Avenue Portland, OR 97204 | Map Link

Event Description: Bask in the beauty of the cherry blossoms while giving back to your community at our March Detrash event. With the trees starting to bloom, there's no better time to be outside, enjoy the scenery, and make a difference. The event will kick off with a fun and interactive icebreaker bingo at 12:15 pm—an optional activity designed to bring volunteers together before the cleanup begins.

Why: Portland's business districts are the heartbeat of our city and keeping them clean is vital to our economy and the environment. Litter poses a significant threat to our community's well-being, affecting the aesthetics and overall health of our streets, neighborhoods, and waterways. SOLVE's mission is to create opportunities for individuals and businesses to give back to their communities and play a critical role in maintaining the beauty and integrity of our city from the harmful effects of trash. Together, we can create a cleaner, more inviting downtown that reflects our pride in the city and care for our community.

Media Crews: For the cleanup, arrive by 12:45 pm meeting outside of The Standard building on 5th Ave to see approximately 100 volunteers of all ages checking in, collecting their cleanup supplies, receiving a safety speech and event overview, and then heading out in groups to pick up litter in the surrounding area. Everyone is invited to join for an optional icebreaker bingo starting at 12:15 pm. The litter cleanup will run from 1:00 pm to 3 pm.

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

Available interviewees: 

• Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
• Melissa Wilmot, Public Relations and Social Media Manager, The Standard

Detrash Portland 2025 is presented by The Standard, Fed Meyer, CareOregon, Miller Nash, and Swire Coca Cola.

Visit the Detrash page on the SOLVE website or the event registration page for more information.

About SOLVE:

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

Salem, OR—Oregon’s newest refundable personal income tax credit put more than $39 million into the pockets of low-income families in its first year in 2024.

The Oregon Kids Credit, created by the Legislature in 2023, is a refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $25,750 or less, the full credit is $1,000 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year—a maximum benefit of $5,000. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $30,750.

So far in 2025, more than 22,000 taxpayers have claimed $25 million in benefits from the Oregon Kids Credit.

When combined with the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Oregon Earned Income Credit, it could help boost the tax refund for the lowest income families by a total of $13,770.

The EITC is for people with an adjusted gross income of up to $66,818 in 2024. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $7,830 on their federal tax return, and a maximum Oregon EIC of $940 on their state tax return.

All three credits are fully refundable, meaning the portion of the credit that is larger than what a taxpayer owes can be refunded. Taxpayers may even be able to claim the credits and receive a tax refund if they don’t normally file a tax return.

To claim the credits, taxpayers must file a return. To assist taxpayers, Oregon offers several free filing options, including free fillable forms and the new Direct File Oregon. Taxpayers who need help filing their taxes can also find free assistance options on the agency website.

Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the refundable Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC), which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they're working, looking for work, or attending school.

For more information about the federal EITC, the Oregon EIC, the Oregon Kids Credit and other similar credits, go to the Tax benefits for families page.

Taxpayers filing their own 2024 income tax returns can get free assistance using the new combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon when Oregon Department of Revenue volunteers visit libraries across the state this tax season.

The department offers special computer kiosks in four of its regional offices where taxpayers who don’t have access to computers can file their return using the free fillable forms and Direct File Oregon e-file options.

The kiosks are available in the DOR regional offices in:

• Bend, 951 SW Simpson Ave, Suite 100

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

• Eugene, 1600 Valley River Drive, Suite 310

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

• Gresham, 1550 NW Eastman Parkway, Suite 220

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

• Portland, 800 NE Oregon St, Suite 505
  Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed 12 – 12:30 p.m.)

Taxpayers can visit the Oregon Department of Revenue website to find free tax preparation sites by using the department’s interactive map.

To get tax forms, check the status of their refund, or make payments, visit the Revenue website or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

Taxpayers can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), the department accepts all relay calls.
 

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Yamhill County Emergency Management is releasing the following information on behalf of the Cove Orchard Water Association.

Cove Orchard, OR – The Cove Orchard Water Association (COWA) is actively addressing a major water emergency caused by a significant leak in the system. The issue, first detected on the morning of March 14, 2025, has disrupted water service to COWA members, prompting an extensive response effort by COWA employees, board members, and external contractors.

Timeline of Events & Response Efforts:

• March 14, 2025 – At approximately 6:00 AM, COWA staff discovered that no water was making it to the pumps. Immediate inspections confirmed that while the pumps were operational, there was no incoming flow. COWA employee Jason Kivett contacted the City of Gaston, which dispatched its contractor, HighLine, to assist in investigating the issue. Leak detection specialists from Innovative Leak Detection (ILD) were brought in to locate the source of the break. Despite multiple tests and air injection tracking, the precise location of the leak was not identified by the end of the day. COWA board members began notifying affected households, posting updates to social media, and coordinating with emergency services and the City of Yamhill, which offered water to impacted residents.
• March 15, 2025 – Response efforts continued early in the morning, with additional safety measures and water system tests. A "Boil Water" notice was issued to all affected households in collaboration with Yamhill County. A broken air release valve (ARV) south of Flett Road was identified as a potential contributor to the issue. While closing this valve reduced the overall flow loss, it did not restore full system function. Additional efforts focused on bleeding air from the system to improve flow.
• March 16, 2025 – An emergency COWA board meeting was held to determine next steps. The board, composed of President Jason Gephardt, Vice President Tristan Shell-Spurling, Secretary Emily Thompson, Administrator Sharon Ison, and members Angie VanDyke, Sue Beard Buchholz, Verna O'Loughlin, and Nick Walton, developed a plan to continue locating and repairing the leak while improving system infrastructure for future emergencies. Later that evening, Jason Kivett identified a likely leak location due to abnormal water flow despite minimal rainfall that day. After confirming the leak’s source. Repair crews were scheduled to begin work the following morning.
• March 17, 2025 – Repair efforts commenced. Emergency action plans were activated, COWA and the state are providing free bottled water in Cove Orchard. Once repairs are completed, the system will undergo flushing and water quality testing to ensure safety. Residents will remain under a "Boil Water" notice until official testing confirms the water is safe for consumption. At that time notices will be provided to inform you the “Boil Water” notice has been lifted. 

Community Response & Misinformation

COWA appreciates the patience and support shown by the majority of its members during this challenging time. Unfortunately, misinformation on social media created confusion and disrupted communication efforts thus diverting time and resources from resolving the emergency. COWA urges residents to rely on official communications from the board and staff for accurate updates.

Next Steps & Ongoing Updates

COWA remains committed to restoring full water service as quickly and safely as possible. Infrastructure improvements, including additional shutoff points along the pipeline, will be implemented to enhance response efficiency in future emergencies.

Updates will continue to be shared via official COWA channels. For further inquiries, COWA members are encouraged to contact COWA directly at (503) 341-1779

To update your contact information so crews can contact you as service is restored.  

LONGVIEW, Wash. – The PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation is honored to announce a $50,000 grant from The Health Care Foundation to advance its radiation therapy program, a cornerstone of our Quality Care Close to Home Campaign. This generous contribution will assist in acquiring a new VarianTrueBeam Linear Accelerator, enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional cancer care to the community.

The new linear accelerator will significantly improve cancer care by increasing speed and accuracy for radiation oncology treatments. This state-of-the-art technology will enhance the patient experience, protect healthy tissue and enable patients to receive life-saving treatment close to home, reinforcing our commitment to providing top-tier healthcare in Cowlitz County.

“We are deeply grateful to The Health Care Foundation for their support and dedication in advancing cancer care in Longview,” said Amy Leggio, executive director of the PeaceHealth St. John Foundation. “This grant is instrumental in bringing innovative technology to our community, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life for our cancer patients.”

The Health Care Foundation has been a long-standing partner of PeaceHealth St. John, with a rich history of supporting cancer care in the region. Their continued generosity highlights the importance of community collaboration in enhancing healthcare services.

For more information, please visit the PeaceHealth St. John Foundation website. 

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, nearly 3,200 physicians and clinicians, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

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HILLSBORO, Ore- On March 13, 2025, a Washington County jury found Rafael Abinacer, age 53, guilty of sodomy in the first degree, sodomy in the second degree (four counts), unlawful sexual penetration in the second degree, rape in the second degree and sexual abuse in the first degree. Deputy District Attorney Jason Weiner prosecuted this case before Judge Janelle Wipper.
 

The defendant was originally convicted on similar charges in 2014 and sentenced to 375 months in prison. However, due to the 11-1 nonunanimous jury decision, the Oregon Supreme Court ordered the case be retried.
 

The investigation began in 2013 when the victim’s mother walked into her bedroom to find the defendant, who was living with them, and her daughter, on the bed. She took her daughter to the hospital and later to CARES Northwest, where the victim provided details of the sexual abuse that had been going on for several months.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the bravery of the victim in enduring the legal process for a second time. This office also thanks the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for its work on this case and the former employees of CARES Northwest who participated in the trial.
 

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 27, 2025. 

Vancouver, Wash. – On March 16^th at around 11:57 p.m., Vancouver Police responded to a shooting at 11320 NE 49^th Street. Officers located a male who had been shot multiple times. The victim was transported to an area hospital and at this time is in serious but stable condition. Police identified the suspect as Misael Dominguez-Naillon and responded to his residence (4619 NE 112^th Avenue) where he surrendered and was taken into custody.  A search of his apartment, and an associated apartment, by Detectives from the Crime Reduction Unit and Major Crimes Unit resulted in recovery of multiple firearms, including the handgun used in the shooting.

Misael Dominguez-Naillon was arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail for Murder I (Attempted).

The Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit is continuing the investigation.

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PRESS RELEASE

A25-4227 – SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN DRUG AND FIREARMS INVESTIGATION

MARCH 15, 2025

On February 25, 2025, Detectives with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office Crime Reduction Team served a search warrant for a parcel in the 1400 block of S. 5^th. Ave, Kelso, based on an investigation regarding drug and firearms offenses.  The parcel contains multiple structures, some of which have been converted for residential use, though tax records show this to be unimproved land.   Due to weapons information, and multiple suspects believed to be present on the premises, the warrant was served with the assistance of Lower Columbia SWAT. 

During the service of the search warrant, Detectives contacted two of the suspects in this investigation. Detectives recovered an AR pistol with no serial number, a U-Haul car trailer valued at approximately $5,600 that had been reported stolen out of Spokane, and various illegal drugs, scales, packaging materials and a variety of and varied amounts of unmarked prescription pills in addition to other evidence.

The primary subject of this investigation, Roddy Eric Avery, was not on-scene when the warrant was served. Attempts to locate him in the days following the warrant service were not successful.  Avery’s prior criminal convictions prohibit him from possessing firearms.

On the evening of March 13, 2025, CRT Detectives located Avery driving on Pleasant Hill Road. He was taken into custody without incident in Castle Rock and was booked into the Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Firearm, Possession of Stolen Property 1^st Degree, Possession of a Legend Drug with Intent to Deliver, Knowing Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possessing Motor Vehicle Theft Tools.

On March 14, 2025, Detectives executed a search warrant for the vehicle Avery was arrested in. Substances believed to be fentanyl and methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and other evidence related to the South Kelso warrant, were located in the vehicle.

Detectives have filed a summons request for Amanda Avery on charges of Knowing Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Legend Drug without a Prescription.  A third subject may also face charges, pending lab results of evidence located during the initial search warrant.

Join Pacific Power for a wildfire safety and preparedness webinar

Spokane, WA (March 17, 2025) - Please join us for an online discussion about the important steps Pacific Power has taken to prepare for wildfire season, protect its electrical grid and keep customers safe.

PacifiCorp (Pacific Power & Rocky Mountain Power) has a long history of planning for and defending against wildfires across the six western states we serve. Protecting our customers and communities is our top priority. Join us for this webinar to learn about our comprehensive wildfire mitigation plan for California.

Please register for the event here: www.PacificPower.net/Events

When: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

1 p.m. PT

Where: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MTgyYWY4YWMtZTIxYy00MWY2LTg3Y2EtNTA5YmYyMmE5ZThj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227c1f6b10-192b-4a83-9d32-81ef58325c37%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22b1b392e3-a970-4b60-aad0-ff5659adb07f%22%7d

What: Pacific Power representatives will share progress on wildfire prevention work, including system strengthening, enhanced vegetation management and expanded situational awareness capabilities.

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REGULAR SESSION

The Gervais School District #1 School Board, Gervais, Oregon, will convene in a Regular Session at the District Office Conference via ZOOM on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. following the Regular Session will be an Executive Session.  The agenda for the Regular Session meeting includes, but is not limited to, the following business:

Reports:

Action Items:

• Policies Second Reading

GBDA:  Expression of Milk or Breast -Feed in the Workplace

 IKJ:  Artificial Intelligence

• 2025-2026 Frontier Charter Budget
• Integrated Plan & Budget 2025-2027
• Health Education Curriculum Adoption  
• Budget Committee Application
• Elementary School Mechanical Equipment Purchase
• Snow Make Up Day

Discussion Items:

• Policies First Reading

        EBBAA: Infection Control and Bloodborne Pathogens

• Bond Project Update
• Bond Tax Assistant Grant & Application

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86973185840?pwd=umTcqtAa2zt0NK118X30sjSegVLEKi.1

Passcode:018572

Phone one-tap:

+16699006833,,86973185840#,,,,018572# US (San Jose) +17193594580,,86973185840#,,,,018572# US

Join via audio:

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Webinar ID: 869 7318 5840  Passcode: 018572

International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcinnQMzwB

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Gervais School District #1 School Board, Gervais, Oregon, will hold an Executive Session under ORS 192.660 (2) (d) “Labor Negotiator Consultation” at the District Office Conference Room on Thursday, March 20, 2025, immediately following the Regular Session.  

OREGON CITY – Clackamas Community College invites students and their families to attend the CCC Financial Aid and Scholarship Application Night on April 10, 5-7 p.m., at the college’s Oregon City campus in the Wacheno Welcome Center. This event is designed to help students navigate the financial aid process, including the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), ORSAA (Oregon Student Aid Application) and the CCC scholarship application.

CCC’s financial aid and scholarship team will guide attendees and ensure they have the support they need to complete these essential applications. 

What are FAFSA and ORSAA?

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which determines students' eligibility for federal grants, loans and work-study programs. Completing the FAFSA is essential for students who want to access financial aid to help cover college expenses.

The ORSAA is the Oregon Student Aid Application, designed for Oregon students who are not eligible for federal financial aid through the FAFSA, including undocumented and DACA students. ORSAA provides access to state-based financial aid and scholarships.

Why attend?

• Expert assistance: Financial aid staff will be available to provide personalized support.

• Scholarship opportunities: Learn more about applying for CCC Foundation scholarships. The average scholarship is more than $2,000, and one in three applicants receives a scholarship. The deadline to apply is April 22.

What to expect:

• Assistance with FAFSA and ORSAA applications.

• Guidance on how to apply for CCC scholarships.

• Information about financial aid options, deadlines and requirements.

If you need accommodations, such as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, contact the CCC Disability Resource Center at c@clackamas.edu" style="text-decoration-line: none;">drc@clackamas.edu or call 503-594-6357 in advance of the event.

Space is limited. To register, visit https://financialaidnight.eventbrite.com.  For questions, email finaid@clackamas.edu or call 503-594-6082.

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On Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 8:51 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an armed robbery called in from the Godfather’s Pizza located at 17691 SW Farmington Road in the community of Aloha.

Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office and Officers from the Beaverton Police Department contained the area and attempted a K9 track assisted by a drone. Unfortunately, the suspect was not located and is believed to have left in a vehicle before police arrival.

The Sheriff's Office is asking for assistance from the community to identify the suspect.

If you recognize the suspect or have information about this incident and have not spoken to investigators, please contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division at 503-846-2500, referencing case number 50-25-3756. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill the position of a low-income representative from the county’s second district on the volunteer Community Action Advisory Board.

Term periods start immediately and are three years, ending December 31, 2027. Incumbents have the opportunity for re-appointment to two additional three-year terms.

The fifteen-member board makes recommendations about local government funding for basic needs, self-sufficiency, and housing programs. Members also advocate for services supporting low-income communities, families and persons at local, state and federal levels.

Clark County is looking to diversify the board composition and encourages people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply, especially people of color and from historically oppressed or under-resourced communities.

Interested residents must submit an application and résumé to Abby Molloy, Clark County Community Services, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or by.molloy@clark.wa.gov">abby.molloy@clark.wa.gov.

Application information can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/caab-community-action-advisory-board or by calling Abby Molloy at 564.397.7832.

Deadline is Friday, April 4.

Click here to view video of Mr. Lee’s arrest and photos of his burglaries.

HILLSBORO, Ore- On March 4, 2025, Kevin Lee pleaded guilty to numerous charges including Robbery in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Unauthorized Use of Vehicle, and Theft in the First Degree in four separate criminal cases. The cases encompassed five burglaries, two attempted burglaries, multiple stolen vehicles, the deliberate ramming of an occupied car, and various other thefts spanning a multi-month crime spree. On March 12, 2025, Mr. Lee was sentenced to a total of 146 months in prison by Washington County Circuit Court Judge Oscar Garcia. Senior Deputy District Attorney Andrew Freeman prosecuted this case.
 

On May 18, 2024, the defendant committed several crimes that eventually spanned six separate scenes from Beaverton to Tigard. The first call came in around 8:30 that night. The victims called police when they returned to their home in Beaverton and realized their house had been ransacked. They heard a loud engine revving noise coming from the garage and saw the defendant in the process of stealing their car. The victim tried to intervene but backed away when the defendant said he had a gun. The defendant broke through the garage door and hit a second vehicle before he fled the scene.
 

The defendant nearly hit a passing car as he was leaving the first home. That driver sounded his horn and swerved to avoid a collision. Mr. Lee then followed the driver, pulled up next to him by driving in the oncoming lane, and intentionally slammed his car into the victim’s vehicle. Both cars were heavily damaged.
 

The defendant eventually parked his disabled stolen car at a house in Tigard, which he attempted to enter. When that attempt failed, he kicked in the door of a nearby home and stole the car parked in the driveway. After driving across Tigard, he again attempted to enter an occupied home before being challenged by the homeowners. A Portland Police Bureau air unit equipped with a thermal camera eventually spotted the defendant hiding in a backyard about a block away and he was apprehended at gunpoint. Video of the arrest along with photos from the various burglaries can be found above.
 

At the time of his arrest, the defendant was on release with five other pending criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanor car prowling to residential burglary. After his arrest on May 18, 2024, the defendant was held in jail pending trial. The defendant was convicted of multiple felony offenses in those other cases as well, and Judge Garcia imposed consecutive sentences on each case for a total of 146 months in prison.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the work of the Tigard Police Department, Beaverton Police Department, Portland Police Bureau, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office in apprehending the suspect.
 

In addition to his prison sentence, the court also imposed more than $23,000 in restitution to be paid to the victims of these crimes. 

Portland Fire responds to residential fire with occupant rescued by construction workers

At 9:24 AM Portland Fire was dispatched to a possible residential fire in the Hazelwood Neighborhood. The initial report was a possible house fire being called in from an adjacent property but unconfirmed based on an obstructed view.

Truck 7 arrived to find smoke visible from the eaves of a single-story home that had another residence in front blocking the view of the officer preventing a great view of the structure in question. The truck officer reported there was a medical victim in the front yard which prompted a request for an ambulance to the scene and then transferred command to the arriving battalion chief. The crew from T7 made their way to the back side of the house and noticed significant fire coming from the home. They made entry through a window and isolated the fire to a single room by removing a door from an adjacent bedroom and placed over the door opening of the room full of flames to prevent the fire from extending into the remainder of the home.

The command officer, based on reports from the crews inside, directed a hose line to the interior of the home and an additional fire attack hose line to the back side of the home to extinguish the flames. Crews on the interior extinguished the flames and then used the hose line to perform hydraulic ventilation which is where a stream of water is used to draw the smoke and heat out of the structure. This was required as the fire had extended into the attic by this time and the roof over the top of the fire room was compromised and weakened to the point it would not hold the weight of a firefighter. This structural compromise prevented crews from performing cuts in the roof to allow for vertical ventilation which is a tactic often performed in situations like this. This ventilation is critical to allow for the smoke and heat to escape the area of fire, providing the firefighters on the interior a better working environment to further suppress and extinguish the flames. The fire was completely extinguished within 10 minutes of arrival.

During the extinguishment process, a medical evaluation was performed on the occupant and due to the nature of soot around the mouth along with some other considerations the ambulance crew along with a paramedic from Portland Fire chose to transport the patient code 3 (lights and sirens) to the hospital for higher level medical care. The reports from the PF&R paramedic that the patient was in stable condition upon arrival at the hospital and all vital signs looked promising.

Through interviews of bystanders, it was discovered that 2 construction workers across the street noticed the smoke, called 911, knocked on the door of the front house to alert the occupant of a fire. This occupant indicated there was a second home on the property so the three quickly made their way to the other residence and opened the front door to have thick smoke rolling out above their heads and the occupant visible through the smoke crawling toward the front door a few paces away. These two workers made entry below the smoke and assisted in getting this occupant and dog safely out of the home prior to the arrival of any PF&R crews.

It should be noted that a working smoke detector was taken from the home chirping 15 minutes after the fire was completely extinguished. It is certain this smoke detector alerted the occupant to the issue and allowed them to begin moving toward the exterior of the home. Had this smoke detector not been in working order, the outcome of this fire could have been significantly different. Working smoke detectors save lives. Take the time to check your smoke detector regularly and replace if not functioning.

The occupant of the home will be displaced until repairs have been made to the home.

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Updated essential salmonid habitat map available now

The map identifies streams where removal-fill permits are often required to help protect critical habitat for salmon species

The State of Oregon has published the 2025 essential salmonid habitat map, which shows streams where activities like building docks or adding riprap usually require a removal-fill permit.  
 

The map identifies streams that are critical habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and other sensitive, threatened or endangered fish species. Oregon law protects these streams by requiring a removal-fill permit for most projects that remove or add any materials. View the 2025 map and learn more.

The map is updated as often as yearly to reflect current Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife data. These regular updates keep habitat information accurate, which in turn helps property owners do their part to protect fish, said Oregon Department of State Lands Director Vicki Walker. 

“Anyone who lives along a river or stream should check the map,” Walker said. “The first step in protecting fish populations is knowing whether a waterway is essential habitat.”

The 2025 update added approximately 113 stream miles of essential habitat in multiple areas of Oregon. Approximately 12 stream miles are no longer essential habitat. See the draft map to view the changes for 2025.

The annual map update process includes Tribal engagement and a public review and comment period.

Stay informed about future map updates by joining DSL’s email list for essential salmonid habitat map information. Sign up to receive emails.

CORRECTION: This version has a corrected media contact phone number.

March 17, 2025

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

New opioid treatment center enhances access to services in Central Oregon, supports Oregon’s efforts to reduce opioid deaths 

Salem, Ore. – A new medication assisted treatment center for those recovering from substance use disorder will open this month in Redmond, enhancing access to services in Central Oregon and supporting Oregon’s efforts to reduce opioid deaths statewide.

“In the past, people seeking treatment for opioid use disorder in Central Oregon had to drive to Bend for services; now they can access treatment in their own community,” said John Mcilveen, Ph.D., OHA’s State Opioid Treatment Authority.  “Access to effective treatment is a critical factor in overcoming addiction.”

The new Redmond Treatment Center in Redmond is the result of a $1.25 million allocation by the Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Board (Settlement Board) that expanded and strengthened Central Oregon’s access to substance use disorder treatment and services through opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and jails.

"This new location makes it easier for current patients who are traveling to Bend to juggle work and family commitments with treatment,” said Matt Owen, Managing Director of Oregon Recovery and Treatment Centers. “In our experience, for every person who travels over 30 minutes for treatment, there are one to two more who want help but don’t have the time or means to make the trip."

Two of the most common barriers to addiction treatment are cost and geographical location. In addition to increasing accessibility in Central Oregon, the Redmond Treatment Center will address cost by accepting Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance and self-pay options.

The Redmond Treatment Center, located at 865 SW Veterans Way, will open March 24. Anyone seeking treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) can seek help at the clinic. Treatment will include counseling, psychosocial supports, and FDA approved medications for the treatment of OUD. For more information on seeking care at the Redmond Treatment Center call 1-458-206-5982.

The Redmond Treatment Center is one way Oregon is expanding treatment access through an integrated, coordinated and culturally responsive approach, which is a core goal of OHA’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.

OHA’s Strategic Plan supports transforming behavioral health by building a behavioral health system that works for every child, teen, adult and family experiencing mental illness or harmful substance use by expanding integrated, coordinated and culturally responsive behavioral health services when and where people need them. 

For more information on Oregon’s opioid settlement funds visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement. 

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The man killed in the Hazelwood Neighborhood homicide on Sunday, March 9, 2025, is identified as Kevin Rhinehart, 33, of Portland. His family has been notified of his death and is asking for privacy.

The Medical Examiner determined that he died of homicide by gunshot wound. The investigation is continuing and no further information is being released at this time.

###PPB###

Original Message Below

A Man has been shot and killed in the Hazelwood neighborhood.

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 7:03 p.m., officers from the East Precinct responded to the 10500 block of East Burnside Street on reports of a person shot. When officers arrived at the location, they found a male victim who died at the scene. No arrests have been made.

Portland Police Bureau Homicide detectives have responded to the scene to investigate. If anyone has information about this incident, they are asked to please contact Detective Joseph Corona at joseph.corona@police.portlandoregon.gov (503) 823-0508 or Detective Jennifer Hertzler at jennifer.hertzler@police.portlandoregon.gov (503) 823-1040. Please reference case number 25-061720.

During the investigation, the westbound lanes of East Burnside Street will be closed between Northeast 102nd Avenue and Northeast 108th Avenue.

The identity of the victim will be released after the Medical Examiner has confirmed the cause of death and after family members have been notified. The PIO is not responding to the scene. More information will be released when appropriate.

###PPB###

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Gregory Leon Robinson, died the morning of March 17, 2025. Robinson was incarcerated at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) in Madras and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Robinson entered DOC custody on October 24, 2023, from Lane County with an earliest release date of July 5, 2026. Robinson was 35 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.

Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) is located four miles east of Madras in central Oregon. DRCI is a multi-custody prison that currently houses 947 minimum-custody incarcerated adults. DRCI provides a range of correctional programs and services including education and trades programs, mental health treatment, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work crews. Construction began in October 2005 with the first minimum-security adults in custody (AICs) arriving in September 2007. DRCI is the largest minimum-custody facility in the state and Oregon’s fourteenth prison.

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Ridgefield, WA – Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue (CCFR) is hosting a community forum on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 6 p.m. to discuss the significant impact of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) on emergency services in northwest Clark County and southwest Cowlitz County. The forum will be held at CCFR Station 21, located at 911 N. 65th Avenue in Ridgefield.

CCFR provides critical fire and emergency medical services to approximately 52,000 residents across an area of over 125 miles, including the cities of La Center, Ridgefield, Woodland, and the Cowlitz Indian Reservation. The district relies primarily on regular property tax fire levies for funding. However, recent TIF ordinances adopted by the Port of Ridgefield and the City of Ridgefield, along with a planned ordinance by the Port of Woodland, threaten CCFR's financial stability by redirecting millions of dollars in property tax revenue towards economic development projects.

Over the next 25 years, CCFR projects that these TIF ordinances will divert more than $70 million in revenue away from fire and EMS services, significantly impacting CCFR's ability to provide essential emergency services to the growing community. While CCFR supports economic development, it emphasizes the need for the revenue generated by new growth to support expanded services in developing areas.

"CCFR supports economic and community development projects, however, we need the revenue that usually comes with new growth to be able to serve the developing area," said Fire Chief John Nohr.

The community forum aims to inform residents about the effects of TIF and gather feedback on potential actions, including a special levy, a fire benefit charge, or a legal challenge regarding the constitutionality of the current TIF law. Fire Commissioner Larry Bartel underscored the importance of ensuring that tax dollars approved for fire services are used as intended: "As elected Fire Commissioners, we have a duty to ensure that the tax dollars voters approved for the Fire District are being received by the Fire District to serve our residents."

Residents and business owners are encouraged to attend the forum to provide input on how CCFR should address these challenges. For more information about TIF and its impact on CCFR, please contact Fire Chief John Nohr at john.nohr@clarkfr.org. General information about CCFR can be found at www.clarkfr.org.

Salem, Ore.  – You may think you don’t need to file a tax return. But you might be missing out on getting a big tax refund in the mail. If you need help filing, there’s free help thanks to the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Program, which funds community organizations throughout the state to offer free tax filing help for people who qualify. See below to pick the best location for free tax help.

Many working Oregonians aren’t required to file a tax return. Or, they haven’t filed for years. So why bother?

Here are some reasons to file a tax return:

• You could get a significant amount of money back. Your employer may have withheld too much money from your paycheck. You may have excess withholding payments that can be returned to you as a refund, particularly if you worked part time or for only part of the year.

• There’s a bevy of tax credits. There’s the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working people with low incomes; the Oregon Kids Credit if you have children; the Working Family Credit if you have childcare costs;  the Retirement Savings Credit if you’re saving for retirement; the American Opportunity Credit if you attend college; and other credits.
• You are under age 18 and believe your parents file your tax return. A common misconception for families occurs when children work and their parent claims them as a dependent on their return. Depending on how much they worked, young people working part-time can receive hundreds of dollars of excess withholding while still being claimed as a dependent on their parent’s return.
• You have never filed or haven’t filed over the last few years. Many people missed filing their tax return during the pandemic. If you need to file prior year returns, there is free in-person tax filing help available: https://www.oregon.gov/dor/programs/individuals/Pages/get-free-tax-help.aspx)
• You may be required to file an Oregon return. The income requirements for filing a state return Oregon are much lower than for the federal Internal Revenue Service. For single person with no dependents in Oregon it is $7,710. Check your Oregon filing requirements: https://www.oregon.gov/dor/programs/individuals/Pages/file-requirements.aspx#fullyear.

• You missed the April 15 tax day deadline and think it’s too late. If you are due a refund, there is no penalty for late filing. Free tax filing help is available through mid-October.

The Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds culturally relevant or culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments and rural community organizations to help educate and provide free tax filing help for people with low incomes. Help is available in multiple languages. The grant money is also used to increase the number of certified tax preparers in Oregon.

Where to get free help filing taxes

• 211Info: Call 2-1-1 or email help@211info.org for a list of all the free tax filing help.

• Oregon State University; vita@oregonstate.edu; 541-737-3371; Corvallis, Bend, Eugene OSU VITA website: https://business.oregonstate.edu/volunteer-income-tax-assistance  
• Western Oregon University; wouvita@wou.edu; 503-751-4132; Monmouth, Independence, Falls City; WOU VITA website: https://wou.edu/business-economics/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita/.
• CASH Oregon: info@Cashoregon.org; 503-243-7765; Portland, Beaverton, Gresham
• Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO); TAX@irco.org; 971-427-3993; Portland, Ontario       
• Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos; biec@Centrodspc.org">debbiec@Centrodspc.org; 503-982-0243; Woodburn        
• Latino Community Association; info@latinocommunityassociation.org;

541-382-4366; Bend, Redmond               

• Moneywise Oregon; dan@moneywiseoregon.org; 541-670-5054; Coos Bay, Roseburg

Salem, Ore. – Oregonians investing in the Cultural Tax Credit contributed more than $5.2 million to support arts, heritage and humanities nonprofits in 2024, the Oregon Cultural Trust announced today. The total, which represents a 3.2 percent increase over calendar year 2023, will fund grant awards to cultural organizations across the state this summer and continue to build the Cultural Trust’s permanent fund, now valued at $41.8 million.

“Oregonians continue to show up for culture in a big way!” said Cultural Trust Chair Sean Andries. “In a time when arts and cultural organizations across the country are facing challenges, it’s inspiring to see our communities step up and invest in the creative heartbeat of our state.

“The Cultural Tax Credit is an incredible tool that allows us to sustain and grow the vibrant arts, heritage and humanities that make Oregon unique,” Andries added. “This year’s donations will directly impact cultural nonprofits across the state, ensuring they can continue to create, preserve, educate and inspire. We’re building something lasting together, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!"

The $5.2 million fundraising total represents 10,570 donations and 1,138 donors new to the Cultural Trust. It also includes $552,349 raised through an ongoing partnership with the Willamette Week Give!Guide.

One of the highlights of the 2024 campaign was the creation of the Cultural Ambassador Network, a group of dedicated and passionate individuals across Oregon who champion the work of arts, heritage and humanities nonprofits by promoting the Cultural Tax Credit to increase available grant funding.

More than half of the money raised will be distributed directly to Oregon’s nonprofit cultural community this summer; the remainder will grow the Cultural Trust permanent fund. Cultural Trust grants are distributed to the five Statewide Core Agency Partners – Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, the Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities and the State Office of Historic Preservation – as well as to 45 County/Tribal Cultural Coalitions, who regrant the funds in their communities, and directly to cultural nonprofits via the Cultural Trust’s Cultural Development grants.

The 98 Cultural Development projects funded for FY2025 include:

• Advance Gender Equity in the Arts, Portland: $9,645

To support the residency of award-winning Black female playwright Reneé Flemings at Portland State University to workshop her new play “empty spaces.”

• Ashland Parks Foundation, Ashland: $21,143

To support the restoration, repair and upgrade of the historic Butler-Perozzi Fountain and site (terrace, stairs, light posts) in Lithia Park, Ashland. The fountain was given to the city in 1915 by two local businessman and has been the jewel of Lithia Park since that time.

• Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, Corvallis: $30,409

To support access to cultural exchange for immigrant, refugee and international communities in the Willamette Valley.

• Elkton Community Education Center, Elkton: $5,110

To increase access to high-quality arts education for rural youth and adults by creating a series of after-school and weekend classes with experienced arts educators.

• Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph: $34,713

To support Phase II of the Building Our Future capital campaign to expand the building and increase ADA access to the second-floor library and programs. The $1.6 million project will support the Center’s mission to advance access to the arts, heritage and the humanities by enabling JCAC to serve a greater number of residents and visitors, provide a wider variety of programs and further promote awareness and understanding of the legacy and culture of the Nez Perce.

• Linn County Lamb and Wool Association, Scio: $24,662

To support the preservation of the culturally historic 100-year-old ZCBJ Hall by replacing a failing roof while the building is still in good condition. The price of roofing goes up by about $8,000 a year according to quotes, which also adds expediency to the project.

• North Pole Studio, Portland: $19,358

To support a six-month printmaking residency for five North Pole Studio (NPS) artists with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities culminating in an exhibition, limited edition publication and run of fine art prints.

• The Museum at Warm Springs, Warm Springs: $25,899

To support “Tł’aawxmamiyai - For Everyone - The Knowledge from Long Ago” featuring Warm Springs’ and other Indigenous master artists as traditional arts workshop teachers and exhibitors, emerging Warm Springs artists as workshop participants and exhibitors, and young Warm Springs Tribal members as exhibitors in the 2024 Youth Art Show, as well as the non-Tribal public as Museum visitors.

• The National Neon Sign Museum, The Dalles: $19,644

To support the restoration and preservation of the historic 1921 C. W. Parker Jantzen Beach Carousel horses. In October of 2023, the Museum was unanimously selected by Restore Oregon to receive and restore the historic carousel. The team will work with classically trained woodworking artists to train and inspire a new generation of artisans to restore the 82 horses to their original glory.

• North Bend Public Library Foundation, North Bend: $34,421

To support capital improvements to the North Bend Public Library Children’s Room that will enhance its ability to provide a safe and welcoming library space in which to provide essential community services.

• Tananawit, Warm Springs: $16,858

To support the development and self-sufficiency of Tananawit and its Warm Springs artists by providing culturally specific art-focused business classes. Artists will complete a bootcamp program, as well as professional practices and artist statement sessions.

• Ten Fifteen Productions, Astoria: $10,186

To support efforts to convert an antiquated stage lighting system to a new, energy efficient LED system.

View the full list of FY2025 grant awards.

The contracted partners for the Cultural Trust’s 2024 fundraising campaign were Watson Creative of Portland and Turell Group of Eugene.

The comparison removes a one-time bequest of $369,145 received in calendar year 2023.

# # #

The Oregon Cultural Trust was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2001 as a unique means to reward Oregonians who invest in culture. Oregonians who donate to a cultural nonprofit and then make a matching gift to the Cultural Trust receive a 100% state tax credit for their gift to the Trust.

Washougal School District has successfully taken advantage of current low bond interest rates to save taxpayers around $2 million dollars over the next ten years.  A sale of bonds authorized by the Washougal School Board of Directors at the January 28 school board meeting will refinance bonds issued in 2015.  The overall borrowing rate for the new bonds sold on March 11 is 3.10%, compared to the rate of 4.87% on the ten-year old bonds.

“This is a great opportunity to save our taxpayers a significant amount of money,” said Superintendent Aaron Hansen.  He emphasized that the anticipated savings will go directly to taxpayers by lowering future tax collections. “Refinancing the 2015 bonds does not save the district money, it directly benefits Washougal taxpayers.  This money will now stay in our community and local economy, rather than go to pay interest on our bonds.”

Although there has been substantial volatility in the bond market resulting in interest rates swinging over the past two months, the interest rates on these types of bonds are still relatively low compared to historical rates according to Shelese McConnell, the district’s School Finance Director.  “We have been monitoring the market closely, hoping to have an opportunity to refinance these bonds. We are very happy to be able to lock-in these savings to the district taxpayers in a difficult market,” said McConnell.   “This was our earliest opportunity to refinance these bonds.  We may have another opportunity next year to refinance the second half of the voter approved bonds, which were sold in 2016,  if rates remain low enough.  We are hoping to provide some additional savings, but we’ll have to wait and see,” notes McConnell. 

As part of the sale, the district received a strong credit rating of “A1” from Moody’s Investors Service, which helps lower the district’s borrowing costs.  Moody’s recognized that the district has been making good progress toward improving finances and restoring financial reserves. 

“We appreciate the investments local voters made in our schools when they voted to approve the bonds in 2015,” said Hansen. “This refinancing underscores our commitment to sound financial management of voter-trusted funds.”

(McMINNVILLE, Ore.) – The 130 frontline nurses at Willamette Valley Medical Center (WVMC) voted to approve a new contract March 14. The three-year agreement will improve safety for patients and providers, enhance caregiver recruitment and retention, and strengthen the hospital’s ability to serve its community. 

Registered nurses at WVMC are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). 

“This agreement is a victory for nurses and patients throughout the Willamette Valley. This is our community’s hospital. Nurses fought for this contract because this is our home—we treat our families, friends and neighbors here and we want our care to be the best it can be,” said Katie Quinlan, a registered nurse at Willamette Valley Medical Center and ONA bargaining team member. “Together, we’ve worked to ensure fair wages, improve safety and provide competitive benefits so the hospital can recruit, retain and sustain the caregivers our community counts on. This agreement establishes a strong foundation we can continue building on to create a brighter future for our hospital and our community.”

The agreement includes key provisions that will benefit local patients and healthcare workers, including:

• Competitive Wage Increases between 28-32% over the next three years to help recruit and retain the skilled, compassionate nurses our community depends on and ensure local patients receive the highest standards of care.
• Stronger Safety & Security Protections that improve incident reporting, response and staffing to prevent workplace violence and create a safe environment for providers, patients and their families. 
• Guarantees on Health Insurance and Retirement which cap premium increases at 9% annually to make healthcare more affordable for nurses and their families and a competitive retirement contribution match to keep caregivers at WMVC for the duration of their careers.  

Throughout negotiations, nurses emphasized these improvements will raise standards for patients and enhance their community’s quality of care. By securing this new contract, nurses can now focus on what matters most—caring for patients.

The nurses at WVMC are deeply grateful to the community for its steadfast support for providers throughout the bargaining process. Our combined efforts have helped ensure WVMC remains a place where patients can go to receive top-quality care from dedicated, experienced nurses.

Nurses previous contract expired Sept. 24, 2024. The new agreement is in effect until June 23, 2027.

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The month of April is designated as the National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Lincoln City Police Department will be utilizing traffic safety grant funds to conduct enhanced enforcement operations during the month. The Lincoln City Police Department will be joining law enforcement agencies across the state and nation in working together to enforce distracted driving laws in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and deter drivers from using their mobile devices while driving. The enhanced enforcement operations will be conducted periodically throughout the month of April.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022 there were 3,308 people killed in traffic crashes and another 290,000 injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted Driving is a dangerous behavior for drivers, passengers, and non-occupants alike, and is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roadways. Distracted driving is a specific type of inattention that occurs when drivers divert their attention from the task of driving to focus on other activities, such as using their phones. During the month, drivers will see increased patrol efforts with an emphasis on seeking out drivers who are distracted by talking or texting on their cell phones, or using other electronic devices while they are operating their vehicle. The goal of these enhanced enforcement efforts is to increase the safety of the citizens and visitors of Lincoln City.

The Distracted Driving Enforcement grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. Our objective is to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, and to reduce the number of distracted drivers on the roadways to prevent crashes that cause injuries and cost lives. These grant funds were made possible through the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

Winter weather forced the closure Sunday night of a 33-mile stretch of OR 58, between Oakridge in the west and Crescent Lake in the East. ODOT crews report spinouts, trees down and snowy conditions and we do not have an estimate for when the road will reopen.Travelers should use caution Sunday night and Monday along the many Oregon roads experiencing stormy conditions. 

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Brenton Daniel Schaumann, died the evening of March 15, 2025. Schaumann was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at the facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Schaumann entered DOC custody on August 30, 2022, from Deschutes County and with an anticipated release date of February 2, 2045. Schaumann was 35 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 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.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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Woodburn, OR: Early this morning, March 16, 2025, at approximately 1:43 a.m., Woodburn Police Department (WPD) officers responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash in the southbound lanes of the 200 block N. Pacific Highway.  Medical personnel were dispatched to the scene but the crash victim, a 49-year-old male, was declared dead at the scene.  The vehicle driver remained on scene during the crash investigation. 

The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on March 18, 2025.  At the end of the Regular Session meeting, the Board will move to Executive Session under (ORS 192.660(2)(i))- To review and evaluate the employment-related performance of the chief executive officer, employee or staff member who does not request an open hearing. 

This meeting will be held virtually through Zoom.
https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/89335351474?pwd=8qobS6TPVrRuag0hUgSF3Y7hURfaox.1
Passcode:788294