PORTLAND, Ore.— Every April, the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to honor crime victims, promote their rights, and recognize victim advocates. This year’s observance, the 45th annual commemoration, takes place April 19-25, 2026, with the theme: “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office joins its federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners in taking this opportunity to highlight the importance of providing necessary services at the earliest possible stages of victimization, investigations, and prosecutions. Early intervention helps prevent further victimization and encourages victim involvement in the criminal justice system, mitigating the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to protect the rights of crime victims,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “My office will continue to vigorously advocate for crime victims and ensure justice is sought on their behalf.”

Over the last several months, the District of Oregon has prosecuted a number of victim-focused cases including:

• United States v. Hugo Gomez-Soto: A federal jury in Portland found Hugo Gomez-Soto guilty for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the fatal overdose death of a Portland, Oregon, man.
• United States v. Javier Francisco Vigil: Javier Francisco Vigil pleaded guilty on the second day of trial to attempted murder of a police officer, robbery, and felon in possession of a firearm (Armed Career Criminal Act) related to an armed robbery of the Wildhorse Resort and Casino on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in 2022.
• United States v. Misael Flores Ramirez: Misael Flores Ramirez was sentenced to over 21 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting multiple minors online and receiving sexually explicit images and videos of the minor victims.
• United States v. Daniel Andrew McGee: Daniel Andrew McGee was sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison for a federal hate crime after assaulting a victim on the basis of their sexual orientation.
• United States v. Eric Lamont Harris: Eric Lamont Harris pleaded guilty on day four of his jury trial and was sentenced to over 24 years in federal prison for sex trafficking three minors.
• United States v. Steven Daniel Griswold: Steven Daniel Griswold was sentenced to over 21 years in federal prison for ordering live-streamed child sexual abuse material from child sex traffickers in the Philippines in exchange for money.
• United States v. Michael Cambalik: Michael Cambalik was sentenced to over 33 years in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor after he directed the minor victim to send him child sexual abuse material.
• United States v. Harold Charley: Harold Charley was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for sexually abusing two minors on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.
• United States v. Kenneth Green: Kenneth Green was sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison for ordering live-streamed child sexual abuse and traveling to the Philippines to engage in illicit sexual activity while working as a firefighter for the Lake Oswego Fire Department.

Additionally, in the past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for District of Oregon has collected more than $20 million through criminal and civil actions, much of which is used to pay restitution to victims and to fund federal and state victim compensation and assistance programs.

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local, and tribal agencies host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services.

OVC and U.S. Attorney’s Offices encourage widespread participation in the week’s events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year. For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist victims in your community, please visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov. For ongoing updates from OVC and ideas for how you can support crime victims throughout the year, please subscribe to OVC’s email notifications at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/subscribe/.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you believe you have been the target or victim of a crime, please contact your local law enforcement agency or your nearest FBI field office immediately. The FBI Portland Field Office can be reached at (503) 224-4181 or by submitting tips online at tips.fbi.gov.

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RIDGEFIELD, WA — Ridgefield School District invites families of incoming kindergarten students to attend Kindergarten Information Night on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Ridgefield High School Performing Arts Center located at 2630 S. Hillhurst Rd, Ridgefield, WA 98642. The event will begin with a brief presentation at 6:00 p.m.
 

As the district prepares to open its third elementary school for the 2026–27 school year, this year’s event marks a unique, districtwide opportunity to bring together families of incoming kindergarten students from across the community.

Families attending the event will have the opportunity to meet staff, connect with other families, and learn about what to expect in the year ahead. Topics covered will include kindergarten registration, health and nursing services, transportation, and food services. Families will also have an opportunity to meet kindergarten teachers.
 

Spanish and Russian interpreters will be available to support families, and limited childcare will be provided through Right at School. Students are welcome to attend the opening presentation with their families.
 

Kindergarten Information Night is open to all Ridgefield families with students entering kindergarten in the 2026–27 school year.

ODHS shares how Oregonians can regain SNAP benefits as impacts of federal work rule changes begin to show

CORRECTION:

This news release has been corrected to reflect the accurate numbers of cases and individuals impacted in March and April. We apologize for the confusion.

In late March, 13,399 cases closed, affecting 13,898 individual SNAP recipients, after people did not meet work rules or qualify for an exemption. Those cases include 13,898 individual SNAP recipients. As a result, they did not receive April benefits.

The initial news release said that 13,898 cases closed at the end of March.

In April, 6,948 additional cases are at risk of closing at the end of the month, affecting 6,948 individual SNAP recipients.

Note: Most, but not all, individuals with ABAWD status are on single-person SNAP cases, so the number of cases and individuals may differ.

Salem, Ore. — As the impacts of recent federally-directed changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work rules begin to show in Oregon, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is sharing information to help people who have lost benefits, or may lose them soon, understand how they may be able to get them back.

The federal bill HR1 significantly expanded SNAP work rules, increasing the number of Oregonians subject to time limits. More adults must now meet SNAP work rules to continue receiving benefits. People who do not meet these rules and do not qualify for an exemption can only receive SNAP for three months within a three-year period. These are called countable months.

“SNAP plays a critical role in Oregon, helping 757,700 people, or one in six Oregonians, put food on the table,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, ODHS SNAP Director. “In some communities, particularly in rural areas, people may not have easy access to jobs, training, transportation, or WorkSource offices, making it harder to meet work rules and increasing the risk of losing reliable access to food.”

Many households receiving SNAP have very low incomes, with 35 percent at or below half of the federal poverty level which is $15,960 per year for a single individual. ODHS has been working to connect with people before benefits stop. Of the approximately 20,000 people who were notified in March that their benefits would close, about 6,000 connected with ODHS and were able to either qualify for an exemption or meet work rules to keep their benefits. In late March, 13,399 cases closed, affecting 13,898 individual SNAP recipients, after people did not meet work rules or qualify for an exemption. Those cases include 13,898 individual SNAP recipients. As a result, they did not receive April benefits.

In April, 6,948 additional cases are at risk of closing at the end of the month, affecting 6,948 individual SNAP recipients. Additional individuals are at risk of losing benefits in upcoming months as more people reach time limits.

ODHS is encouraging people to reach out as soon as possible if they have questions about their benefits or work rules. Many people may not realize they can regain SNAP after benefits stop, or may not know the steps to take.

If someone has used their three countable months and lost SNAP benefits, there are several ways they may be able to regain eligibility.

People may qualify again if they meet work rules. This usually means completing about 80 hours of approved activities each month. These activities may include paid work, searching for a job, training programs or volunteering. If someone meets the required hours for at least 30 days, they may qualify for SNAP again.

People may also regain SNAP if they qualify for an exemption. Exemptions are based on a person’s situation and may include health conditions, caregiving responsibilities or other life circumstances. Some activities, such as receiving unemployment benefits or taking part in certain programs, may also count toward meeting rules.

In some cases, changes in a person’s situation may affect whether time limits apply. This may include changes in the household or where someone lives.

“If your SNAP benefits have stopped, contact us right away,” said Hoffman. “Benefits do not restart automatically, but we can review your situation and help you understand your next steps.”

Even after benefits stop, support is still available. ODHS and the Oregon Employment Department can help people connect to employment and training services and work toward regaining eligibility.

ODHS encourages anyone who has questions about their SNAP benefits or work rules to reach out as soon as possible. Contacting ODHS early may help people keep or regain their benefits.

For full details about SNAP work rules, exemptions and how to report activities, visit:

• English: Oregon.gov/snapworkrules
• Spanish: achel.currans-henry@oregon.gov/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/FWCTL1VA/oregon.gov/odhs/es/alimentos/Pages/limites-tiempo">Oregon.gov/odhs/es/alimentos/Pages/limites-tiempo

People can also contact the ODHS ABAWD team:

• Call: 1-833-947-1694
• Email: SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov

For more information about SNAP benefits:

• Online: benefits.oregon.gov
• Call: 1-800-699-9075

DALLAS (OR) – Travis Jay Miller, of West Salem, has been sentenced to serve 36 months in prison for a March, 2026 incident in which he attacked and strangled his girlfriend at her home.

Miller, 32, appeared before Polk County Circuit Judge pro tem Timothy R. Park and pled guilty to one count of Felony Strangulation. At sentencing, Judge Park imposed the maximum presumptive prison sentence plus an additional six months. Miller will also be required to serve a 24-month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release. Miller’s criminal history includes prior convictions for assault and domestic violence related offenses.

The case was prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Connor Amundson. The DA’s Office commends the victim for her strength and resilience throughout the case and the Salem Police Department for its thorough investigation.

April 19 – 25, 2026 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse or another victimization, this may be a difficult time for you. Below are resources always available, should you need assistance or someone to talk to. Center for Hope and Safety: 503-399-7722; Sable House: 503-623-4033; Warriors of Hope: 971-241-3594

State of Oregon v. Eric Tyreak Gordon

Marion County Circuit Court Case 25CR22843, 25CR63097 & 25CR05205

Salem, OR – April 22, 2026 –  Today Marion County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Gardiner sentenced Eric Tyreak Gordon (age 25) to 264 months (22 years) in the Oregon Department of Corrections. He will be required to register as a sex offender. Gordon pled guilty to the following charges:

• Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct
• Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (2 counts)
• Sodomy in the Third Degree (3 counts)
• Unlawful Delivery of a Marijuana item (2 counts)
• Failure to Report as a Sex Offender
• Rape in the Third Degree

Gordon was arrested and charged in April 2025. The convictions stem from three separate Marion County cases involving victims between the ages of 14 and 15, including two cases of child sexual abuse involving three minor victims. Gordon also pled guilty to related charges in Multnomah County (Sodomy in the Third Degree and Rape in the Third Degree), where the sentence will run concurrent to the Marion County sentence.

“These charges reflect deeply troubling conduct,” said District Attorney Paige Clarkson. “I’m grateful for the work done by our community partners at Liberty House and the Salem Police Department. Our office remains committed to prosecuting crimes of this nature and safeguarding the children in our community.”

The crime of Using a Child in a Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct is a Ballot Measure 11 crime, which requires a mandatory prison sentence of 5 years 10 months.  

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kylie Kuhns. The Marion County DA’s Office wishes to acknowledge the critical and delicate work of the Liberty House and the thorough investigation by the Salem Police Department, and particularly Detective Fultz with the Special Victims Unit.  

Due to the involvement of child victims and the nature of criminal behavior, no additional details will be released.

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April 21, 2026, Lincoln County Oregon

The final educational event of our Spring into Preparedness series is this Thursday, April 23rd at 6pm at the Lincoln City Recreation Center.

Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Extension Service have teamed up to provide a talk on “Wildfire Ready: Mitigation Strategies, Fire Science, Ecology and Hazards”.

In addition, Pacific Power will be at the event with information and refreshments for attendees.

For more information on wildfire preparedness, please visit the Lincoln County Emergency Management website at Hazards: Wildfire | Lincoln County, OR https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/770/Hazards-Wildfire

EUGENE, Ore.— Anthony D’Montrez Crawford, 30, of Eugene, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to sex trafficking a minor.

According to court documents, Crawford began trafficking a 17-year old minor victim from July 2024 to August 2024 in Eugene and Springfield, Oregon. Crawford and his wife posted online commercial sex advertisements for the minor victim and coordinated sex acts through phone and text messages. Crawford also transported the minor victim to Seattle on two occasions to engage in prostitution.

On March 5, 2026, Crawford was charged by information with sex trafficking of a child.

Crawford faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. Crawford will be sentenced on August 19, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Huynh is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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OREGON CITY – Writers of all levels are invited to gather inspiration, sharpen their skills and connect with fellow creatives at the annual Compose Creative Writing Conference on Saturday, May 16, hosted by the Clackamas Community College English Department.

This year’s Compose conference will feature keynote speakers David Biespiel and Matthew Dickman, a publishing panel, and workshops on a variety of writing topics such as the publishing process, poetry and writing tools.

Biespiel is a poet, novelist, memoirist, critic and painter. He is the author of more than a dozen books. Recipient of Lannan, National Endowment for the Arts and Stegner fellowships, Biespiel is Poet-in-Residence in the School of Writing, Literature and Film at Oregon State University and founder of the Attic Institute of Arts and Letters.

Dickman is the author of “All-American Poem,” “Mayakovsky’s Revolver,” “Brother,” “Wonderland” and “Husbandry.” Recipient of the May Sarton Prize for Poetry from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, his work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, London Review of Books and The Poetry Review (UK), among others.

In addition to the keynote address, the conference will feature a full day of workshops and panels, including:

• Publishing panel by Elisa Saphier, Ali Shaw and Laura Stanfill
• How (and Why) to Pitch to a Literary Agent
• I Contain Multitudes (or at least more than a few parts)
• The Art of Dialogue
• Flash Flood: Using Short Forms to Capture Personal Landscapes
• Writing from the Margins
• How to Read Your Work in Public Without Wanting to Die
• Between Elsewhere & Here: An Ecstatic Approach to Ecopoetics
• Attention in Place: Writing the Infra-ordinary
• Writing the Villain in Memoir: Tools for Drafting 3D Adversaries
• Publishing with Heart and Hope

Participants can customize their day by choosing sessions that best match their interests and creative goals.

Event details:

• Date: Saturday, May 16
• Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Location: Clackamas Community College, Roger Rook Hall, Oregon City campus
• Registration: $25 general admission | $10 CCC students

Register online at www.clackamas.edu/register-compose. For more information about the event, visit www.clackamas.edu/compose. To learn more about the college’s English Department and offerings, visit www.clackamas.edu/english. Clackamas Community College is located at 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City.

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The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a shooting in a parking lot in Vancouver on April 18, 2026.

This individual died on 04/19/2026 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Caetano, Guerlin P.   Age: 20 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Tacoma, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Complications of gunshot wound of head

Manner of death:  Homicide

How the injury occurred: Shot by other

Place of injury: Parking lot - vehicle

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.

Media release issue date: 04/22/2026

Kinderpalooza, a fun event for Kelso kindergartners, early learners, and their families, is Tuesday, May 5, at Coweeman Middle School (2000 Allen St, Kelso) from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm. The highly-anticipated event is a great way to introduce young learners to Kelso School District and get them excited about entering kindergarten.

Every elementary school in Kelso will have a table with school staff, fun ideas, give-aways, and even some school mascots will be present. Community organizations and resources will also be on-site, including Kelso Public Library, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Girl Scouts, Head Start/ECEAP, Ethnic Support Council, Kelso Christian Assembly’s clothing trailer, and more.

At this event you can:

• Register for school if needed (even if you’ve already registered, please come)
• Meet Kelso staff
• Board and ride a school bus
• Learn about summer learning activities in our community
• Get information about the breakfast and lunch program
• Learn how to become a parent volunteer
• Talk to a school nurse about medications and immunizations
• Take a picture at the Class of 2039 photo booth and other fun activities
• Enjoy some snacks
• AND MORE!!!!

For additional information or questions, families can contact their school office or email ly.learning@kelsosd.org">early.learning@kelsosd.org.

Can’t make it to Kinderpalooza?

Kindergarten registration is open in Kelso for children who will be five years old by September 1, 2026.  There are two ways to register:

1. Fill out a paper packet. Enrollment packets may be picked up at any elementary school or downloaded from the Kelso School District (KSD) website at bit.ly/enrollatksd.
2. Enroll online at bit.ly/enrollatksd.

To determine which school children should attend, families can enter their address at bit.ly/school-site. Documents needed for enrollment include: birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunization records.

Applications opened on March 2 for Transition to Kindergarten (TK) and Preschool Pups. These programs serve early learners ages 3 to 4.  

TRANSITION TO KINDERGARTEN (TK)

Transition to Kindergarten (TK) is a FREE pre-kindergarten program for children who will be four years old by August 31, 2026, and would benefit from additional preparation to be successful in kindergarten the following year. Classrooms are staffed by certificated teachers and paraeducators.

• Full day, five days a week
• Access to transportation (for those not in identified walking boundaries), specialists, recess, lunch, and all aspects of the kindergarten school day
• To the greatest extent possible, students will be placed for TK at their home school

Families can learn more at bit.ly/ksd-early and can apply for the program online at bit.ly/ksd-tk-app.

PRESCHOOL PUPS

Preschool Pups is a FREE, inclusive preschool program comprised of typically-developing children who play and learn alongside children with disabilities. This program is housed at Catlin site and open to all Kelso families.

• Open to three- and four-year-olds, must turn three prior to enrolling
• Morning and afternoon sessions, four half-days a week
• Morning session provides breakfast; afternoon session provides lunch

Families can learn more at bit.ly/ksd-early and can enroll for the program online at Catlin.

Not sure which program is right for your child? For a detailed comparison between TK, Preschool Pups, and Head Start—including program staffing, calendars, and qualifications—visit bit.ly/ksd-early or click here for the document pdf.

About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.  When we asked students and staff what makes Kelso strong, with 45 voices, there was one clear answer (bit.ly/ksd-strong).

TACOMA, Wash., April 22, 2026 — Columbia Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System (Nasdaq: COLB), today announced it has been recognized by Crisil Coalition Greenwich with two regional Best Bank Awards for excellence in middle market banking. More than 500 banks worldwide were evaluated across small business and middle market categories, with only 47 banks receiving honors.

Crisil Coalition Greenwich recognized Columbia Bank in the following middle market banking categories for the U.S. West region:

• Best Bank – Satisfaction in Cash Management for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)
• Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)

Source: Coalition Greenwich Voice of Client - 2025 U.S. Commercial Banking Study

Best Bank Awards are based on extensive client feedback. The 2026 middle market recognitions draw from more than 11,000 interviews with U.S.-based businesses generating $10 million to $500 million in annual sales.

“Columbia Bank’s recognition by Crisil Coalition Greenwich as a 2026 Best Bank is especially meaningful since it’s the result of customer testimonials. It reflects the priority we place on supporting middle market companies, as well as the dedication and expertise our bankers bring to the table every day for our customers,” said Tory Nixon, Columbia Bank President. “It’s a privilege to support so many outstanding middle market enterprises across the West, and we will continue to earn their trust and confidence.”

Additional 2026 Accolades

The Coalition Greenwich awards add to a growing list of honors Columbia Bank has received this year, including:

• Forbes: America’s Best Banks
• Global Finance: Best Bank for Small and Midsize Enterprises, West
• Global Finance: Best Trade Finance Partner, West

About Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the Northwest and one of the largest banks headquartered in the West with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Columbia Bank combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management. Columbia Bank is a subsidiary of Tacoma, Washington-based Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB).

Each nonprofit will receive $25,000 through OnPoint’s Green Horizons initiative to continue their work restoring nature and conserving wildlife

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union is giving $100,000 to four local environmental nonprofits in celebration of Earth Day 2026. This year’s beneficiaries are The Nature Conservancy in Oregon, SOLVE, Columbia Land Trust and School Garden Project of Lane County. Each will receive $25,000. The donation is part of OnPoint’s Green Horizons initiative that supports organizations dedicated to protecting natural resources, preserving wildlife and strengthening ecosystems across Oregon and southwest Washington.

“Meaningful change starts at the community level, with people and organizations working together to make a difference,” said Rob Stuart, president/CEO, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “We’re proud to support local nonprofits who are taking action every day to care for our environment and strengthen the places we all call home.”

OnPoint’s Green Horizon initiative has directed more than $600,000 to local nonprofits protecting our region’s natural resources since it began in 2021.

Supporting organizations that protect the environment

The Nature Conservancy in Oregon (TNCO) works to conserve the land and waters upon which all life depends. Since 2017, OnPoint’s donations of more than $375,000 to TNCO have helped fund projects across Oregon, from restoration of estuaries and forests to drought-resilient watersheds and community-driven climate solutions.

“OnPoint’s steady support through the Green Horizons initiative underpins TNC’s climate and conservation efforts and is helping create a more resilient future for all Oregonians,” said Derek Johnson, Oregon state director of The Nature Conservancy. “This partnership allows us to deepen our impact by protecting natural resources and supporting the communities that depend on them.”

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways by cleaning and restoring our neighborhoods and natural areas. For the past four years, OnPoint has supported SOLVE with $115,000 in donations and by sending dozens of employee volunteers to participate in SOLVE cleanup projects. These events organize individuals and communities across Oregon and SW Washington to help remove litter from city streets and marine debris from beaches that can endanger wildlife and negatively impact water quality.

“Our work is driven by the collective impact of volunteers showing up for their communities,” said Kris Carico, chief executive officer of SOLVE. “OnPoint’s support and employee volunteers help us connect more people to these opportunities and take meaningful steps toward cleaner, healthier spaces in the region.”

Columbia Land Trust works alongside farmers, Tribal Nations, foresters and rural and urban communities to conserve and care for lands on both sides of the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington. Together, we achieve meaningful landscape scale conservation so that this place continues to thrive for wildlife, plants and people for generations to come. 

“Support from OnPoint plays an important role in advancing our efforts to care for the Columbia River region’s lands and waters,” said David Cook, communications director, Columbia Land Trust. “This investment will help strengthen our ability to keep wildlife corridors intact and restore ecosystems that sustain life.”

School Garden Project of Lane County partners with local schools to provide hands-on garden and nutrition education, helping students build lifelong skills in healthy eating and environmental stewardship. Through engaging outdoor learning experiences, the organization connects students to the land, their food and their community while fostering curiosity and well-being.

“Our gardens are powerful classrooms where students can explore, learn and build lifelong skills,” said Mindy Bell, executive director of the School Garden Project of Lane County. “With support from partners like OnPoint, we’re able to expand hands-on learning experiences that inspire healthy habits and a lasting appreciation for the environment.”

Discounts and incentives for greener choices

In addition to supporting environmental nonprofits, OnPoint’s Green Horizons initiative offers members discounts on green auto loans and solar projects and sustainability incentives for employees.

The Green Auto Discount offers 0.25% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) off auto loan rates for new or used electric or hybrid vehicles financed through OnPoint, with additional incentives available through Oregon and Washington programs. Through Green Horizons, homeowners can receive a 0.25% discount off the EquityFlex Fixed Portion APR when using an EquityFlex Line of Credit to finance solar panels, with additional savings available through state and local incentives

OnPoint encourages its employees to make sustainable choices through telecommuting programs and environmentally focused employee volunteer opportunities.

For more information about OnPoint’s investment in building a greener future, please visit: onpointcu.com/green-horizons.

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 645,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com.

Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Vehicles meeting OnPoint’s Green Auto Discount standards receive a 0.25% discount off stated APR (Annual Percentage Rate). All OnPoint loans are subject to credit terms and approval. Discount does not apply to existing OnPoint auto loans. 

Receive a 0.25% discount off stated EquityFlex Fixed Portion APR when proceeds are used to purchase solar panels. Review of purchase order or invoice required to qualify. Discount applies to invoice/purchase order amount, not to exceed $12,000. 

The Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) is proud to announce Stacey Dodson, recently retired Market President for Oregon and Southwest Washington at U.S. Bank, as the recipient of the 2026 Linda W. Navarro Trailblazer Award.

Named in honor of OBA’s former longtime CEO, the Linda W. Navarro Trailblazer Award was established in 2024 to recognize extraordinary women in banking who have achieved remarkable success in their careers while lifting others along the way. The award celebrates leaders who open doors, create opportunities, and redefine what leadership looks like for the next generation of women in banking.

Dodson’s career embodies the very spirit of the award.

She began her banking career at just 17 years old, working part-time as a teller and proof operator on the Oregon Coast. From those early days, she recognized that banking is about far more than transactions — it is about relationships, trust, and strengthening the communities served by financial institutions.

As a first-generation college graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree from Willamette University, Dodson brought both ambition and a deep sense of purpose to her career. Over more than four decades in banking, her leadership took her across Oregon, where she left a lasting impact in every community she served.

Dodson broke new ground early in her career when she became the first woman relationship manager in the Willamette Valley serving agricultural and business clients. Within a year she was promoted to sales manager, responsible for training and coaching business bankers and branch managers across the Mid-Willamette Valley and Oregon Coast.

Rising steadily through leadership roles, she helped the bank not only maintain its number one market share position in the region but strengthen it in one of the most competitive banking environments in the country.

While her professional accomplishments are significant, Dodson is perhaps best known for the impact she has had on the people around her.

Throughout her career, she has intentionally mentored and sponsored countless women, many of whom now serve in leadership roles across Oregon’s banking and business community. She also played a key role in building one of the most impactful Women’s Business Resource Groups within U.S. Bank, creating a network where women could connect, grow, and lead boldly.

Dodson’s influence extends far beyond her organization. She served as a Portland Branch Board Director for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco from 2018 to 2024, helping inform U.S. monetary policy through insights on regional economic conditions. She has also held numerous leadership roles across Oregon’s civic and business communities, including service with the Portland Metro Chamber, the Oregon Business Council, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Even in retirement, Dodson continues to expand her impact through board service and investment in ventures that support women founders and leaders, including her role as a limited partner in How Women Invest.

Dodson’s legacy is defined not only by what she accomplished during her 40-year career, but by the leaders she has helped develop along the way.

The Trailblazer Award was presented during the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon on April 21, where industry leaders gathered to celebrate and support the advancement of women in banking.

“Stacey Dodson represents the very best of Oregon’s banking industry,” said OBA President and CEO Scott Bruun. “Her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to strengthening communities have left a lasting mark on our industry and on the many leaders she has helped inspire.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SALEM, Ore. — Catholic Community Services of the Willamette Valley (CCSWV) will host its annual St. Joseph the Worker Fundraising Dinner on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Mary Parish Center, 575 E College St, Mount Angel, OR 97362, bringing together community leaders, businesses, and supporters to raise critical funds for families experiencing housing instability across the region.

The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. Activities include a silent auction, wine and coffee pull and a homestyle dinner.

This signature event supports CCSWV’s vital programs, including St. Joseph Family Shelter and Mission Benedict, which provide housing, meals, clothing, childcare, and supportive services to families working toward stability and self-sufficiency. For more than 30 years, these programs have served as a cornerstone of support for vulnerable families in the Willamette Valley.

The 2026 event has a fundraising goal of $75,000, with all proceeds directly supporting day-to-day services at St. Joseph Family Shelter and Mission Benedict.

Tickets are $50 and available for purchase online, and sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, including options ranging from $500 to $7,500, offering recognition and reserved seating for supporters and community partners.

For more information, to purchase tickets, or to explore sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://ccswv.org/2026sjsevent.

About Mission Benedict: Mission Benedict is a community food pantry located in Mount Angel, Oregon. Each year, Mission Benedict serves more than 2,000 low-income individuals and families facing adversity and food insecurity. Each month, Mission Benedict is prepared to serve 200 individuals, but often the reality is over 400 individuals served per month.

About Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast: Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast is a nonprofit, faith-based organization. Founded in Salem in 1938, today, CCS offers multiple programs across 10 Oregon counties and serves more than 4,500 people each year. It operates with fidelity to the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which call it to work for the common good and to serve its neighbors who are the poorest and most vulnerable. CCS envisions a caring, resilient community full of hope and connection where all people flourish. CCS is a Christian ministry caring for all in our community, built on faith, hope, and kinship. www.ccswv.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Jaclyn Miller
Director of Marketing and Communications
503.953.8104
jaclyn.miller@mowp.org

Meals on Wheels People Launches Public Phase of Capital Campaign for Eastside Resource Center

17,000-square-foot Facility Will Expand Access to Services, Reduce Barriers for Older Adults, and Serve as a Community Resilience Hub
 

(April 22, 2026 – Portland, OR) — Meals on Wheels People (MOWP) today announced the public launch of its Together at the Table Capital Campaign to fund the construction of a new Eastside Resource Center in Southeast Portland — an investment aimed at reducing barriers to service, expanding access to critical supports, and strengthening the region’s emergency response capacity. Of the $26.7 million campaign goal, more than 91% has been raised to date.
 

The 17,000-square-foot facility, located at 4035 SE 82nd Ave. and scheduled for completion later this year, reflects a shift in how the organization responds to growing challenges facing older adults, including rising costs, social isolation, and increased vulnerability during extreme weather events.

“This is about access,” said Suzanne Washington, CEO of Meals on Wheels People. “We’re seeing more older adults navigating isolation, affordability challenges, and barriers to basic services. This center is designed to meet those realities by bringing meals, connection, and essential supports together in one place.”

The Eastside Resource Center will introduce new program elements intended to reach underserved communities and remove obstacles that often prevent older adults from engaging with services. Plans include a fast-casual dining space with culturally diverse menu options and flexible hours, a technology hub offering digital literacy support, and dedicated on-site space for partners providing services such as foot care, transportation coordination, and veteran support.

The facility also strengthens operational flexibility and long-term sustainability. An additional commercial kitchen will provide backup capacity to the organization’s Central Kitchen, while a multi-use event space will support community use and generate revenue to reinvest in services.

The Eastside Resource Center is designed to complement, not replace, the organization’s existing operations. Meals on Wheels People’s Central Kitchen and Westside Resource Center continue to operate in Multnomah Village, together forming a stronger, more flexible network of service across the region. With emergency meal storage in Southwest Portland, Southeast Portland, and Vancouver, the organization maintains a true regional presence, spanning all major bridge crossings and ensuring continuity of care across the metro area.

A central feature of the project is its ability to serve as a resilience hub. Designed to operate during emergencies, the building includes solar power, battery storage, and a backup generator to maintain continuity during outages. It has the capacity to store up to 45,000 frozen meals and 30,000 shelf-stable meals and may serve as a safe place for community members during extreme heat, winter storms, and other disruptions.

Older adults are among those most impacted during emergencies, and demand for support continues to rise across the region. Meals on Wheels People remains one of the few providers nationally without a waitlist for meals — an approach that requires sustained infrastructure and readiness to meet need as it emerges.

“The need doesn’t pause during a heat wave or a storm — and neither can we,” Washington said. “This facility ensures we can continue showing up, without interruption.”

The Together at the Table campaign invites community members, businesses, and partners to support the completion of the Eastside Resource Center and help ensure older adults across the region can access the services they need to remain healthy and independent.

More information is available at mowp.org/together.

Media Opportunity

Members of the media are invited to attend a preview of the Eastside Resource Center, currently under construction. Additional details will be shared closer to the event.

Media Day: Eastside Resource Center Tour
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: 4035 SE 82nd Ave., Portland, OR

Reporters will have the opportunity to tour the facility, hear remarks from CEO Suzanne Washington, and connect with community partners involved in the project.

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About Meals on Wheels People

Meals on Wheels People has been changing lives, one meal at a time, since 1970. We provide meals and human connection to thousands of older adults and families in the greater Portland metro and Vancouver areas. Our services alleviate hunger and social isolation and empower older adults to live independently with dignity in their own homes. For more information, visit mowp.org.

Beaverton, OR – Valley Catholic Middle School (VCMS) invites you to join them at Rockaway Beach on Thursday, April 23 for a special day of innovation, outdoor learning and hands-on stewardship.

Sixth graders from VCMS have designed and constructed tools to remove microplastics from Oregon beaches. Partnering with Sea Turtles are Forever, they will test and adjust their tools in Rockaway while actively cleaning an important section of our local Oregon coastline.

Event Highlights:

• Who: VCMS students partnering with Sea Turtles Forever
• Where: Rockaway Beach City Center and Park
• When: Thursday, April 23 at 10 a.m.
• What: Special environmental science service project that is part of Valley Catholic’s outdoor education program. The project integrates the school’s STEM curriculum into real-world stewardship opportunities for its students.
• Bonus: The entire middle school will be participating in the beach cleanup. After the cleanup project, there will be a special themed team sandcastle building contest. The entire event will be complete by 2:30.

Photo and Interview opportunities:

• Students conducting hands-on beach cleanup using tools they specifically engineered for the service day.
• Repair station where students can repair and adjust their tools on-site.
• Interviews with students, faculty, community members and Sea Turtles Forever about the importance of microplastic cleanup, coast line conservation and the VCS outdoor education program.
• Visuals of the themed sandcastle contest.

Media Access:
Journalists and photographers are encouraged to capture students in action, interview faculty and students, and experience firsthand how faith, creation, and community intersect in this immersive program.

About Valley Catholic Middle School Outdoor Education:
Valley Catholic Middle School is located on the Sisters of St. Mary campus at 420 SW Saint Mary's Dr. in Beaverton, Oregon, ssmo.org/vcs/schools/middle.

The Valley Catholic School legacy began more than 120 years ago by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. Their mission was to give students access to a faith-based, college-prep education. VCMS’s Outdoor Education program is designed to nurture the whole child, mind, body, and spirit, while strengthening communication, emotional balance, and a sense of belonging. Replacing the traditional single-week Outdoor School, the program offers multiple seasonal experiences across grades 6-8. Students participate in grade-specific trips, seasonal modules, and all-school outdoor events that connect classroom learning with real-world environmental and spiritual experiences.

Date: Wed, May 13

Time: 7 pm

Location: Kiggins Theatre Vancouver WA

Tickets: $15-$45

Event Website: scienceontaporwa.org/events/kiggins_may_13_insects/

A moth, a flea, a mosquito…

Insects are seldom mentioned in history texts, yet they significantly shaped human history. For example:

• Silkworms (moths) have been farmed to produce silk for millennia, and the Silk Road created a history of empires and cultural exchanges of ideas, philosophies, and religions.
• Fleas and lice carried bacteria that caused three major plague pandemics. Bacteria carried by insects left their ancient clues as DNA embedded in victims’ teeth.
• Lice caused outbreaks of typhus, especially in crowded conditions such as prisons and concentration camps. Typhus aggravated the effects of the Irish potato famine, and Irish refugees took typhus to North America.
• Mosquito-borne yellow fever was transported to the Americas via the trans-Atlantic slave trade, causing panic in the US and creating hazards in constructing the Panama Canal.

Dr. Rob Wiedenmann is Professor Emeritus of Entomology at the University of Arkansas. He received a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and a Ph.D. in Entomology, both from Purdue University. He also worked at the Illinois Natural History Survey, where he focused on biological control of insects and weeds.  He is a past-president of the Entomological Society of America.

Science on Tap is a science lecture series where you can sit back, drink a pint, and enjoy learning. Listen to experts talk about the science in your neighborhood and around the world. You don't have to be a science geek to have fun--all you need is a thirst for knowledge! For more information on this event or about Science on Tap, visit Science on Tap OR WA.

The City of Battle Ground is proud to announce the launch of the BiG Heart Award, a new citizen recognition program established by the Battle Ground City Council to celebrate individuals, organizations, and businesses that make meaningful contributions to the community.

Through the BiG Heart program, community members are invited to nominate those whose service, achievements, and dedication help strengthen the spirit of Battle Ground. Selected recipients will be honored during a City Council meeting and presented with a commemorative heart-shaped stone, a lapel pin, and a certificate of recognition.

The heart-shaped stone symbolizes both strength and compassion—reflecting the foundation of a thriving community. Each honoree represents a unique contribution, and together, their efforts help shape the character and resilience of Battle Ground.

April BiG Heart Award Recipient: Virginia Mendez-Rodeman

On Monday, April 20, 2026, Mayor Eric Overholser presented Virginia Mendez-Rodeman, of the Battle Ground Martial Arts Academy, with the first BiG Heart Award.

Virginia was recognized for her outstanding achievements in competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and for representing our community with excellence on the global stage. She recently traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, to compete in the 2026 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) European Championship. Through her dedication, resilience, and extraordinary work ethic, Virginia earned the gold medal in the Brown Belt Female Master 5 Open Division—an achievement that reflects determination and heart with no limits.

“As a member of the Battle Ground City Council, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many people in our community who are doing truly remarkable things,” said Mayor Overholser. “Through volunteer efforts and incredible achievements like Virginia’s, we are reminded that there is greatness all around us. The BiG Heart Award is a way to recognize and celebrate those contributions.”

Nominations & Awards

Nominees may be of any age and must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be a Battle Ground resident
• Be an organization located within the City (including nonprofits, schools, and service clubs)
• Be an owner, operator, or employee of a business within Battle Ground city limits

Both individuals and groups are eligible. City staff and elected officials acting in their official capacity are not eligible. The BiG Heart Award will be presented to one recipient, selected by the Mayor, each month.

For additional information or to submit a nomination, please visit the City of Battle Ground website at: www.cityofbg.org/BiGHeart

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a body recovered from the Columbia River in Vancouver.

This individual was found on 04/16/2026 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Winters, Carrie Ann   Age: 61 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Pending

Manner of death:  Pending

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.

Media release issue date: 04/21/2026

JURY FINDS DEFENDANT GUILTY OF ATTEMPTED MURDER IN ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF PORTLAND SHOOTING

Case: 24CR54867

Portland, OR – Noureddine Dib, 43-years-old, was found guilty today by a Multnomah County jury of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Discharging a Firearm Within the City Limits.

On October 17, 2024, Dib shot the victim in the abdomen at the Islamic School of Portland located in SW Portland following an interaction between the two. The victim ran from Dib, who pursued him on school property armed with a firearm while continuing to fire multiple rounds at him. The shooting took place minutes before students were being released to their parents. The victim escaped to a neighboring gas station where good samaritans called 911.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorneys Eric Palmer and Stephany Mgbadigha prosecuted the case for the state.

The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Portland Police Bureau and Det. Sara Clark for their investigation of this incident.

Sentencing will take place on May 7, 2026, before the Honorable Andrew Lavin.

###MCDA###

WEST LINN, OR – April 21, 2026 – Today, a federal jury unanimously found the City of West Linn and its police officers not liable for negligence in response to a 2020 behavioral health call for service. West Linn Police Chief Rollins extends his appreciation to the officers involved for their professionalism, focus, preparation, and participation throughout this lengthy process. Today’s verdict affirms that the officers responded appropriately under challenging circumstances. The West Linn Police Department remains committed to its mission of serving the West Linn community with professionalism and compassion.

DALLAS (OR) – Nikodemus Demetri Amrine, of West Salem, has been sentenced to serve 25 months (2 years, 1 month) in prison for a 2025 incident in which he intentionally discharged a firearm inside his residence. At the time, Amrine’s wife and infant child were also present within the home.

Amrine, 22, appeared before Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso and pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Weapon. Judge Caso also ordered Amrine to serve a 24-month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release and to forfeit the firearm.

The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Garrett Lewellen.

RIDGEFIELD, Wash.- Ridgefield School District, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA), and multiple Clark County school districts, will conduct a joint emergency preparedness exercise on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Ridgefield High School.
 

The exercise will take place from approximately 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is designed to strengthen coordination and response efforts among regional partners in the event of an emergency.
 

This training will simulate an environmental hazard scenario, allowing participating agencies and school personnel to practice evacuation procedures and the safe process of returning students to their families at family assistance sites. Participating students will be bused to another Clark County location as part of the exercise.
 

Community members may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel in the Ridgefield area during the exercise. District officials emphasize that this is a planned training event and not an actual emergency.
 

“This type of collaboration is critical to ensuring we are fully prepared to respond in a coordinated and effective manner,” said Dr. Charlotte Ellis, Executive Director of Schools and Leadership for the Ridgefield School District. “By practicing together, we strengthen our ability to keep students and staff safe.”
 

Importantly, the exercise will not simulate an act of violence on a school campus. Instead, it focuses on emergency response systems and communication protocols related to a non-violent scenario such as a natural disaster.
 

Media representatives interested in covering the exercise are encouraged to contact Joe Vajgrt, Communications Director, Ridgefield School District at joe.vajgrt@ridgefieldsd.org in advance for coordination details.

The Oregon State Marine Board will be conducting its annual marine law enforcement training on Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County between April 27 and May 8. This intensive training is designed for new or seasonal marine law enforcement officers to train them in boating laws, boat handling, and water safety fundamentals. 

“Oregon has very diverse waterways for boaters to recreate, making it imperative that Oregon’s Marine Law Enforcement Officers are well trained for any situation with varying conditions,” said Edward Persichetti, Marine Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Marine Board.

Throughout this comprehensive, nine-day marine academy, officers get time behind the wheel to develop maneuvering skills for operating jet and propeller boats, including docking, turning, and emergency maneuvers. They also learn boating safety rules that they will be enforcing to keep everyone safe on the water. Persichetti added, “Lake Billy Chinook is ideal for this level of training and allows for different scenarios to be set up in various locations without impacting other recreators.”

The training includes accident investigation, boating under the influence (BUII) detection and apprehension, as well as other types of boater compliance with equipment, motorized boating safety education cards, or waterway access permits for paddlers. Students will apply their boat-handling skills in real-world scenarios that emphasize safety, courtesy, enforcement tactics, and accident prevention.

The marine academy is hosted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, along with highly skilled deputies from around the state, taking an active role as instructors. 

Learn more about the Marine Board’s law enforcement partnerships with 30 county Sheriff’s Offices and the Oregon State Police.

Pictured: Deputy Dennis Greiner, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office

-End-

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

To view the Board's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Meeting Minutes

Approve the January 22, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Fire Policy Committee

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – Chris Heppel, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Clifton Booher, DPSST No. 13925; Albany Fire Department – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on February 25, 2026.

B. Kyle Clark, DPSST No. 44945; Irrigon RFPD – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on February 25, 2026.

C. Steven Eubanks, DPSST No. 41031; Scio RFPD – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on November 19, 2025.

D. Request for Fire Policy Committee Review of Fire Certifications

Adoption of Standards and Issuance of Fire Certifications

E. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-009-0005, 259-009-0062, and 259-009-0065

Minimum Standards on Professional Qualifications for NFPA Airport Firefighter

F. Committee Appointments

Fire Policy Committee

Ryan Gregor – Central Oregon Community College. Appointment to the FPC, 1st term effective April 23, 2026.

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Nicholas Hunter, Chair

d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Sefiu Ballam, DPSST No. 59203; Marion County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote with one (1) recusal to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 10, 2026.

B. Robert Bingham, DPSST No. 38928; Washington County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote with one (1) recusal to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 10, 2026.

C. Mileena Edwards, DPSST No. 61544; Warm Springs Police Department – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the TPC on February 4, 2026.

D. Louis Martin, DPSST No. 45897; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 10, 2026.

E. Alexander Navruzov, DPSST No. 64946; DOC/Columbia River Correctional Institution – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 10, 2026.

F. Ryan Reid, DPSST No. 48586; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 10, 2026.

G. Austin Wilcox, DPSST No. 64231; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 10, 2026.

H. Sabrina Whittaker, DPSST No. 51116; Oregon State Police – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on February 19, 2026.

I.  Committee Appointments

Police Policy Committee

• • Gregory Rice – Oregon Sheriff's Jail Command Council. Appointment to the CPC, 1st term effective April 23, 2026.
  • Josh Aldrich – Oregon Sheriff's Jail Command Council. Re-appointment to the CPC, 2nd term effective April 28, 2026.
  • Michael Mays – Non-Management Corrections Officer. Appointment to the CPC, 2nd term effective April 25, 2026.

       e. Emergency Suspension Recommendation

           Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Dan Lenzen, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Casey Pitney, PS No. 105268

Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

B. Ronald Riebel, PI No. 038063

Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

C. Wayne Yu, PS No. 077282

Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

D. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0125

Adopting Rule Changes for Private Security Professional Applicants with Prior Law Enforcement Experience (House Bill 2183)

E. Committee Appointments

Private Security/Investigators Policy Committee

• • James Odd – Private Investigator Recommended by the Oregon State Bar. Appointment to the PSIPC, 1st term effective April 23, 2026.

6. DPSST Recommendations (The following items to be ratified by one vote each)

a. Imposition of Civil Penalties – House Bill 2527

     Presented by Michael Holsapple

b. Imposition of Civil Penalties – House Bill 2527/Senate Bill 300

    Presented by Michael Holsapple

7. Annual Director's Evaluation – Chair Codding 

8. Agency Updates – Agency Director, Phil Castle

9. Next Meeting Date: July 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Board members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

SALEM, Ore. – In recognition of National Safe Digging Month, the Oregon Utility Notification Center (OUNC), Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), and Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) remind Oregonians to contact 811 before starting projects that involves digging.

Whether a professional contractor or do-it-yourselfer, all play an important role in preventing damage to underground utilities. Contacting Oregon 811 before you dig helps prevent serious injuries and avoid costly damage to essential utility services. There are three easy steps to safe digging in Oregon:

1. Submit a locate request at least two business days before digging at Oregon811.com or by calling 811
2. Wait for utility crews to mark the underground lines
3. Dig carefully

After a locate request is submitted, the OUNC notifies the utility companies that provide service to the area. Utility crews then visit the site and mark the approximate location of the underground lines, pipes, and cables able to be located, at no cost to the homeowner or contractor.

Meanwhile, employers must follow Oregon OSHA requirements to protect workers against the potential hazards of underground utilities. Those requirements include:

1. Notifying OUNC of the proposed area of excavations at least two working days before starting an excavation.
2. Estimating the location of utilities before opening or extending an excavation.
3. Determining by safe and acceptable means the exact location of the estimated utility installations when excavation activities approach them.
4. While excavations are open, underground installations must be protected, supported, or removed as necessary to safeguard employees.

Oregon OSHA offers employers free consultations – no fault, no citations, no penalties – to improve workplace health and safety programs and practices. It also offers free technical help with understanding and applying workplace safety rules.

Most utility line strikes happen during the warmer months, when construction and landscaping activity increases. National data shows that in 2024, an estimated 196,977 instances of damage occurred across the country, and 17 percent were caused by failing to contact 811.

For more information or to submit a locate request, visit Oregon811.com or call 811.

# # #

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in an Organizational Budget Committee Meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at the Parkrose School District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott Street, Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30pm.

Guests and members of the public may attend in-person or virtually. 

Virtual Link - Please click this URL to join: https://zoom.us/j/94961285856 or join by phone: 1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 949-6128-5856

We encourage and welcome all members of our community to engage with our board. Please email questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or call 503.408.2100 to arrange for translation services before this meeting. Closed captioning provided on zoom. Other appropriate auxiliary aids and services may be provided upon request and appropriate advance notice.

The agenda is posted on our website at: LINK.

Agenda items include but are not limited to: Election/appointment of officers, Superintendent’s budget message, 2026-2027 Proposed Budget, possible action to approve the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget and levying taxes as presented.

Electronic/Virtual Public Comment Protocol - If you wish to submit a public comment before, or during this Board Meeting please fill out this electronic public comment form before "Public Comments" on the agenda: https://forms.gle/5sUjRZjxJikqmqVg9. If you don’t submit your comment in time we will read it at the next board meeting.

In-Person Public Comment Protocol - Upon arrival at the meeting, please fill out an Intent-to-Speak card and hand it to the Board Assistant prior to "In-person Public Comment" on the agenda. You will have a 3 minute time limit.

Board Meeting Video Recordings - For those of you who cannot attend we will post a recording of the meeting on our website at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXajhxrPxMclOQ6J00JUszQ.

Questions welcomed, please email: questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or leave a voice message at 503-408-2114.

Press Release   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
April 21, 2026

SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON CROWNS 2026 CIVICS BEE CHAMPION AT REGIONAL COMPETITION

Top students advance to state finals after showcasing civic knowledge, leadership, and solutions for real-world challenges

VANCOUVER, Wash.  — Eleven outstanding middle school students took the stage on Monday, April 20, competing for the title of Southwest Washington’s Civics Bee Champion during the regional competition hosted by the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and presenting sponsor OnPoint Community Credit Union.

Held at the historic Kiggins Theatre, the high-energy event featured finalists representing Battle Ground, Camas, Evergreen, and Vancouver school districts, along with homeschool programs. After a competitive and inspiring showcase, Calista Christiansen earned first place, taking home a $500 prize and the title of Southwest Washington Civics Bee Champion.

Modeled after traditional academic bees, the competition tested students’ knowledge across U.S. government, history, politics, and constitutional law. Audience members also joined in the excitement through a live, interactive trivia experience, creating an engaging and dynamic atmosphere.

Following two preliminary rounds of 10 questions each, the top five finalists advanced to a live interview segment. There, students presented their community improvement ideas and responded to questions from a distinguished panel of judges: Trang K. Lam, Executive Director, Port of Camas-Washougal; Ethan T. Perry, Executive Director, Port of Ridgefield; and Nelson Holmberg, Chair, GVC Government & Public Affairs Committee.

Students tackled pressing issues such as educational inequality, scams and fraud prevention, wildfire preparedness, healthcare access, and water pollution - demonstrating both critical thinking and a strong commitment to their communities.

Aaryana Kotwani placed second, earning a $250 prize, while Nirvan Kotwani took third place with a $125 award.

Thanks to Technology Sponsor Sigma Design, each finalist received a tablet to support both the live competition and their continued educational journey.

Next Stop: Statewide Competition in Olympia

The top three finalists will advance to the Washington State Civics Bee Finals, presented by the Association of Washington Business, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center at South Puget Sound Community College.

New this year, advancing students also bring opportunities back to their schools. If the local champion goes on to win at the state level, their school will receive a $5,000 donation.

State champions will earn a paid trip to Washington, D.C., to represent Washington at the National Civics Bee® Championship in Fall 2026.

Investing in Future Leaders

The National Civics Bee reflects the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s commitment to cultivating informed, engaged citizens who will help shape a stronger economy and community.

“By encouraging these middle schoolers, we’re investing in the future of our community,” said Janet Kenefsky, chief operating officer of the Chamber. “With a strong understanding of how our society works, they are better prepared to make a positive impact and help shape a brighter future.”

“At OnPoint we believe that investing in young people and elevating their voices, helps build stronger, more connected communities,” mentioned Amy Reeves, senior vice president/SW Washington regional manager at OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Supporting opportunities like the Civics Bee shows our future community leaders that their ideas matter and that we are all behind them”.

The 2026 National Civics Bee in Southwest Washington was presented by OnPoint Community Credit Union, with additional support from The Columbian, Greenhaven Landscapes, Desimone Consulting Group, Sigma Design, AAA Washington, the City of Battle Ground, and NW Natural.

For more information about the National Civics Bee, visit https://www.vancouverusa.com/civics-bee. Business leaders interested in sponsoring the 2027 event can contact the Chamber at tnerships@VancouverUSA.com" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(0, 79, 89); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" target="_blank">Partnerships@VancouverUSA.com.

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About the National Civics Bee

The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In the first round of the contest, local middle school students participate in an essay competition. Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in our local competition: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. The top three students from each local competition will advance to the state competition. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this competition was launched to tackle the lack of knowledge about history and civics among middle school students, exposed by new federal data on the Nation's Report Card. In 2022, the average civics score at eighth grade decreased by 2 points compared to 2018. 

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 135 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.

About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 645,000 members and with assets of $9.61 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and four Washington counties (Cowlitz, Clark, Lewis and Skamania). OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at OnPointCU.com. 

Media Assets
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1U1cCbsDWeV3OCgE7OYQ_frfoU5GRWKZB?usp=sharing

Battle Ground Public Schools’ spring 2026 plant sales will feature a variety of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, vegetables and native plants grown by high school students. These sales provide hands-on learning opportunities for students, support student activities and offer the community high-quality plants at affordable prices.

CASEE native plant sale

Saturday, April 25

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

CASEE Greenhouse, 11104 N.E. 149th St., Brush Prairie, WA 98606

NatureScaping will also host a plant sale that day. Visit their website for details.

Prairie High School plant sale

Friday, May 1, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday, May 4, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Prairie High School greenhouse, 11311 N.E. 119th St., Vancouver, WA 98662

Battle Ground High School plant sale

Saturday, May 2

8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Battle Ground High School greenhouses, 300 W. Main St., Battle Ground, WA

Community members are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection. Get more details on Battle Ground Public Schools' website.

Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited

Earth Month is in full swing and SOLVE is bringing people together across Oregon and SW Washington for hands-on volunteer events. From neighborhood cleanups and park restoration to creative community activations, these projects offer meaningful ways for community members to care for the places they live, work, and explore. Throughout April, SOLVE is celebrating Earth Month with more than 200 projects, uniting volunteers and partners from the Pacific Northwest to contribute to a cleaner, greener planet. Rooted in SOLVE's rich history, this event series merges two cherished events: the Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup (1986) and SOLVE IT for Earth Day (1990). It's an excellent opportunity for families, coworkers, and neighbors to bond while preserving our region's stunning locations. Media are invited to document environmentally engaged citizens and interview SOLVE staff and partners at:

Earth Day Cleanup at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, in partnership with Portland General Electric

When: Wednesday, April 22, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: 2 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204 Map Link

Event Description: On Earth Day, SOLVE is hosting a scenic cleanup along the Willamette River. This hallmark event, celebrating Earth Day and Volunteer Month, unites volunteers and partners from the Pacific Northwest to contribute to a cleaner, greener planet. Volunteers will work together to remove litter and recyclables from one of Portland’s most iconic public spaces. More details
Mike Bennett will be on site to give a sneak peek of SOLVE’s new mascot.

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am at the fountain where the Saturday Market is to see approximately 350 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. The event will run from 10 am to 12 pm, with volunteers expected to spread along the Portland Waterfront and adjacent areas.

Available interviewees:

• Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
• Wendy Watson, President, Kaiser Permanente
• Mike Bennett, Portland-based cartoonist & owner of Mike Bennett Studios

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

The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2026 is made possible through the partnership with Portland General Electric and the generous support of Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon State Parks & Recreation, The Standard, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, KOIN6, LAM Research, Lithia & Driveway, National Parks Recreation & Parks Association, and PepsiCo.

For more information or to register, visit solve.org/oregon-spring

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 SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or at www.solve.org. 

Portland, OR — On July 4, 2026, America250 will bury the Semiquincentennial Time Capsule within Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, PA. The stainless-steel cylinder, designed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is designed to safely store commemorative objects for 250 years until the capsule’s opening in 2276.

Each state was asked to contribute a submission that represents its people, stories, and values at this historic moment. In February, the America 250 Oregon Commission invited the public to share their ideas for what Oregon should submit to the time capsule, with suggestions ranging from creative works, written reflections, and symbolic objects. Each state’s submission must fit within a 6" x 5" x 2" archival storage box or consist of a single page of archival paper no larger than 8.5" x 11".

The Commission is pleased to announce that Oregon’s chosen submission is a pin handcrafted by acclaimed Native American artist Lillian Pitt (Warm Springs, Wasco, and Yakama). She is widely known for her sculpting and mixed media artistry, which focuses on 12,000 years of Native American history and traditions of the Columbia River region. Her works have been exhibited globally and can be found in Oregon at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland State University, and the Museum at Warm Springs.

The pin that was selected is She Who Watches, Pitt’s depiction of a famous petroglyph and pictograph that is perched high on a mountain visible from her ancestral village. Under the oral traditions of tribes of the Columbia River region, She Who Watches represents Tsagaglalal, a wise and powerful chief who was transformed to stone, where she continues to keep vigil over her people and the Columbia River.

“The inclusion of this pin from one of Oregon’s most celebrated Indigenous artists reminds us that Oregon’s history and America’s history is much longer than 250 or 500 years,” said America 250 Oregon Commission Chair Kerry Tymchuk. 

“I am honored that my work will be included in this time capsule and am heartened to know that when it is opened in 250 years, people will be reminded of those who have made this land their home since time immemorial,” said Lillian Pitt.

Lillian Pitt was born on the Warm Springs Reservation in 1944 and moved to Portland in the early 1960s, where she resides today. She has received many honors, including the Oregon History Makers Award from the Oregon Historical Society. The Ford Family Foundation recently named Pitt as the inaugural recipient of the 1905 Legacy Award, which will be presented every five years to an active Oregon artist who has been producing art for at least 20 years.

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

The America 250 Oregon Commission was created through Senate Bill 1531, which was signed into law by Governor Tina Kotek on March 27, 2024. Chaired by the Oregon Historical Society’s executive director, Kerry Tymchuk, the mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.

Paused since the pandemic in 2020, Oregon’s Art in the Governor’s Office relaunches with an exhibition featuring distinguished photographer Harrison Branch
 

SALEM, Oregon — The Office of the Governor, in partnership with the Oregon Arts Commission, is proud to relaunch Art in the Governor’s Office. This program brings the works of some of Oregon’s most distinguished artists to the state Capitol to be displayed in the Governor’s Gallery (formerly the Reception Room).

This longstanding tradition, which began in 1975 and celebrates the diverse creativity of Oregon’s professional visual artists, returns this year after a pause due to the pandemic and the restoration of the Capitol building. It will feature a series of three exhibitions of renowned practitioners of photography and painting.

The 2026 series begins with an exhibition by Harrison Branch, an accomplished photographer and Oregon State University Professor Emeritus. Branch’s “Palladotypes: Unpublished Images” will be on display April 24 through July 16.

“With construction nearly completed, it’s so meaningful to be back in the Capitol – and restart the sharing of art in the Governor’s Office,” said Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson. “Oregonian artist Marie Watt so perfectly described the importance of art: ‘Art is a living, breathing part of our community. Art belongs to everyone, and it has the power to transform the way we see each other and ourselves.’ I encourage everyone who visits or works in the Capitol to stop by the Governor’s Office to view these beautiful pieces of art and photography.”

Featured Artist: Harrison Branch

Born in New York City and educated at the San Francisco Art Institute and Yale University, Harrison Branch has spent more than four decades at the forefront of photographic education and artistry. Joining Oregon State University faculty in 1972, Branch was instrumental in developing the university’s photography program.

Branch, who lives in Corvallis, is celebrated for his technical expertise with bellows cameras—large, intricate instruments that allow for extreme precision. His work deeply explores the “natural environment,” specifically focusing on the tonal relationships between silver and the superior platinum-palladium printing process.

“In the age of digital photography,” Branch said, “I prefer the traditional methods, which could also be called classical. To me this hands-on method brings the most joy and excitement. Watching an image materialize in the developing tray is still magical.”

His photographs, which often feature undeveloped natural areas, have been exhibited internationally, including at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris and the George Eastman House.

Upcoming 2026 Exhibitions

Following the exhibition by Harrison Branch, the Governor’s Office will host two additional prominent Oregon artists:

• Erik Sandgren (July 17 – Oct. 8): Sandgren’s work probes the figured landscape through the lenses of myth and history. He works in many media. His large-scale murals, paintings and prints are in private and public collections as diverse as the Maryhill Museum of Art and the Yale University Art Gallery.



• Nancy Watterson Scharf (Oct. 9 – Dec. 31): Scharf is based in the Southern Oregon coast range, and her acrylic paintings provide a “voice for nature,” investigating the complex relationship between humans, animals and the ecosystems they share.

Public Access

The Governor’s Gallery is viewable most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitation information is available at 503-986-1388.

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The Art in the Governor’s Office Program honors selected artists in Oregon with exhibitions in the Governor’s Gallery in the state Capitol. Artists are nominated by a statewide committee of arts professionals who consider artists representing the breadth and diversity of artistic practice across Oregon, and who are then selected by the Oregon Arts Commission with the participation of the Governor’s Office. Only professional, living Oregon artists are considered, and an exhibit in the Governor’s Office is considered a once-in-a-lifetime honor. Artists whose work has previously been shown in the Governor’s Office include Henk Pander, Michele Russo, Manuel Izquierdo, James Lavadour, Margot Thompson, Gordon Gilkey and Yuji Hiratsuka.

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, arts programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Commissioners appointed by the Governor establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. The Arts Commission is part of Business Oregon in recognition of the vital role the arts play in supporting the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state.

The Oregon Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at oregonartscommission.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon’s health care system is facing persistent workforce shortages and growing pressure to deliver timely care across both urban and rural communities. In its 2025 statewide needs assessment, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) highlights ongoing challenges, including burnout, uneven access in rural areas, and barriers like transportation and childcare that can keep qualified workers from entering or staying in health care roles. 

To strengthen emergency response capacity statewide, Portland Community College has been awarded nearly $1 million through the Healthy Oregon Workforce Training Opportunity (HOWTO) Grant Program, supporting scholarships that will run through next fall. 

“This investment tackles one of Oregon’s most urgent health workforce needs: ensuring communities can count on trained emergency responders when seconds matter,” said PCC’s Dean for the Healthcare and Emergency Professions Pathway Janeen Hull. “By reducing financial barriers and providing wraparound support, we’re helping more Oregonians complete training and move into family-wage jobs that strengthen community health.”

Of the total funding, approximately $420,000 is dedicated to tuition and educational support in the form of scholarships paid directly to students, which will help 100 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) statewide continue training and earn certification. PCC’s EMS Program will train the majority of its assigned seats, roughly 21 to 30 new EMTs over the coming year, with cohorts currently enrolled for spring–summer (10 two-term students), and this fall (10 accelerated students). PCC had 10 second-term students enrolled during winter term.

The grant launches an EMS training pathway designed to advance health equity through recruitment and comprehensive student support. In addition to free tuition and fees, the pathway offers career coaching, outreach services, language assistance, transportation and childcare support, which is an approach aligned with OHA’s emphasis on addressing practical barriers that limit workforce participation. 

Key employer partners like Metro West Ambulance have committed to providing hands-on training and hiring opportunities for scholarship recipients, with eligible candidates potentially hired while still enrolled. Participating ambulance employers include Metro West Ambulance, Bay Cities Ambulance, Medix Ambulance Service, Woodburn Ambulance, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Pacific West Ambulance, and Pioneer Ambulance. The program provides opportunities through June 30, 2027. 

PCC offers a 12-credit EMT certificate, completed either as two consecutive six-credit courses or through an accelerated fall option that delivers all 12 credits in one term. After completion, students are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and submit their credential for Oregon licensure. In 2024, 87% of PCC EMT students passed the NREMT exam and achieved state licensure, representing 253 newly credentialed EMTs from PCC that year.

PCC will provide OHA with program data including enrollment, retention, completion, exam readiness, NREMT pass rates, and Oregon licensure outcomes.

For more details on the college's Emergency Medical Services Program, visit https://www.pcc.edu/programs/emergency-medical/

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

BEND, OR — The clock is ticking for desert-inspired nonfiction writers! The High Desert Museum is calling for entries for the 12th annual Waterston Desert Writing Prize. Writers dedicated to exploring the ecological and cultural narratives of arid landscapes have until May 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm to submit their proposals for a chance at the $3,000 award and a creative writing residency at PLAYA in Summer Lake, Oregon.

This prestigious award, a program of the High Desert Museum, celebrates proposals for outstanding literary nonfiction dedicated to the literal and figurative exploration of desert landscapes. This year’s winner will also be recognized with a reception and reading at the Museum in Bend, Oregon, on September 17, 2026. Tickets are available now at highdesertmuseum.org/waterston-ceremony-2026.

“Now in its 12th year, the Waterston Desert Writing Prize continues to elevate stories that honor the complexity of arid landscapes,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “We are eager to discover new, eloquent voices that challenge and expand our understanding of these vital ecosystems.”

Charles Hood, winner of the Obsidian Award in 2025 and a five-time finalist for the Waterston Desert Writing Prize, will serve as the 2026 guest judge. A poet and essayist with more than a dozen books to his name, Hood has been a factory worker, a ski instructor, and a birding guide in Africa. His recent books include Nocturnalia, an appreciation of nature after dark, and the essay collection A Salad Only the Devil Would Eat: The Joys of Ugly Nature, which was named the Nonfiction Book of the Year by Foreword book review. A lover of wildlife and travel, Hood has been to all 50 states and about 70 countries – from the high Arctic to the South Pole and from Tibet to West Africa to the Amazon. He has been a guest lecturer at Cambridge University and the Getty Art Museum.

The Prize was established in 2014, inspired by author and Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston’s love of the High Desert — a region that has been her muse for more than 50 years. The Waterston Desert Writing Prize celebrates writers whose nonfiction book proposal reflects a similar connection to a desert anywhere in the world.

“The Waterston Desert Writing Prize serves as a catalyst for discovery, the writers’ and, ultimately, the readers’,” said Waterston. “It brings to the fore new perspectives on everything from the ‘desertification’ of our oceans to the ingenuity of desert flora and fauna to the human narratives that are inscribed across these landscapes. Most of all, it celebrates the wisdom and generosity of deserts ready to teach what we need to know if we’d but listen.”

Emerging, mid-career and established nonfiction writers who illustrate artistic excellence, sensitivity to place and desert literacy with the desert as both subject and setting are invited to apply. The award supports literary nonfiction writers who are completing, proposing or considering the creation of a book-length manuscript. It is recommended that the writing sample submitted is part of the proposed project or closely represents it in content and style.

Past winners of the Prize include Heather Quinn (2025), Leath Tonino (2024), Anna Welch (2023) and Caroline Tracey (2022). A nonfiction writer and photographer, Quinn’s submission This is How You Disappear proposed a book-length essay blending personal narrative, reportage and historical research to explore trauma, ecological collapse and memory in the California desert, particularly around the Salton Sea. They were joined by keynote speaker Dan Flores, Ph.D., and guest judge Beth Piatote, Ph.D.

To learn more about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize and how to submit an entry, visit highdesertmuseum.org/waterston-prize.

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 and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2025 recipient of the Autry Public History Prize from the Western History Association and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. 

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Update

The Vancouver Police Department has been notified that the shooting victim died. 

The Clark County Medical Examiner's Office will release the identity, cause and manner of death.

The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Vancouver Police Tip Line at (360) 487-7399. 

Nothing additional is being released at this time. 

   Update

The victim of the shooting is not expected to survive his injuries. 

Detectives are asking any witnesses who have not spoken with police, anyone who may have information on the shooting, or anyone who may have video that was captured at or near the location around the time of the shooting to call the Vancouver Police Department Tip Line at (360) 487-7399.

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

Vancouver, Wash. –On April 18, 2026, at around 2:20 a.m., Vancouver Police responded to a parking lot in the 11800 block of SE Mill Plain for the report that a male had been shot and the suspect had fled the scene. The victim, 20 years old, was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Police canvassed the area and a K9 track was conducted. The suspect was not located.

The Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Team is continuing the investigation. Nothing further is releasable at this time.

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Headline: Groups of Volunteers collaborate for 3^rd Annual MEGA Spring Trail Cleanup in the Tillamook Forest.

Dateline: April 19, 2026

Introduction (Lead Paragraph): 

• Who:  Seventy volunteers from multiple groups including NW Trail Alliance (event organizer), Westside Trail Federation, TrailKeepers of Oregon, the State Forests Trust of Oregon, Oregon Equestrian Trails, and others gathered to clean up more than 8 miles of trails at Rogers Camp Loop in the Tillamook State Forest in preparation for summer activities.  Participants included hikers, mountain-bikers, equestrians, and others of all ages who recreate on the amazing public trails found in the Tillamook State Forest, Oregon’s largest state forest.
• What:  To clean up non-motorized trails in preparation for spring, summer and fall trail activities.  Activities included clearing the trail corridor of debris and encroaching shrubbery, tread improvement, restoring drainage, brushing, and other tasks needed to keep the trails sustainable for the coming seasons. 
• When:  The event took place on April 18^th, 2026, from 8:30 am to 3 pm, with trail cleanup in the morning, followed by lunch, volunteer recognition, and fun activities in the afternoon.
• Where:   Trail Cleanup was staged from multiple trailheads, centered around  Rogers Camp.  Lunch and Volunteer Recognition activities took place starting at 12:30 at the Smith Homestead:  45500 Wilson River Highway 6, Tillamook, Oregon 97141.
• Why:  Each year, winter storms wreak havoc on the trails.  Did you know that the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) depends on a huge cohort of volunteers to assist with building and maintaining trails?  Most of these volunteer groups also work to raise their own funds to help pay for the work needed to maintain the trails each year.  Hard costs, such as the building, maintenance and operation of campgrounds and trailheads (vault toilets) are managed directly by ODF staff and budgets. 
• How:  Volunteers gathered in the early, misty morning at the designated location for each team, working within the group they registered through for the event.  About noon, participants wrapped up trail work and headed over to the Smith Homestead, to gather for lunch which was provided by the State Forests Trust of Oregon.  Four groups were awarded State Forests Champion awards in recognition for their stellar performance and outstanding commitment to community service:  Northwest Trail Alliance, TrailKeepers of Oregon, Westside Trail Federation, and Oregon Equestrian Trails.    The Smith Homestead is operated by the Oregon Department of Forestry through the Tillamook State Forest.

Quotes: 

Nancy Stone, Trail Stewardship Director, 360-430-8594 | nw-trail.org :

“Northwest Trail Alliance is proud to join the State Forests Trust of Oregon, Westside Trail Federation, Trailkeepers of Oregon, Daybreak Racing, and Oregon Equestrian Trails for a powerful day of collective stewardship in the Tillamook State Forest. Each of these organizations contributes meaningful volunteer time and expertise to caring for Oregon’s public trails throughout the year. By coming together for this Mega Trail Event, we multiply our impact- restoring winter-damaged trails, improving drainage and tread, and preparing the forest for a safe and sustainable recreation season.

This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to caring for our public lands. When hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and equestrians work side by side, we not only accomplish critical maintenance in a single day- we strengthen the partnerships that ensure these trails remain accessible, resilient, and welcoming for all.”

Nathan Frechen Volunteer Coordinator, NW Trail Alliance, https://www.westsidetrailfederation.com/

 "Whether you're a runner, hiker, mountain biker, or equestrian – it’s great to come out and join other volunteers in a large-scale trail maintenance effort in the Tillamook State Forest! No experience or tools are needed to participate.   Crew leaders were on-site to help answer any questions throughout the day"

Ryan McLane, President, Westside Trail Federation:  "The Tillamook State Forest MEGA TRAIL Spring Cleanup Day was truly one-of-a-kind, there's nothing else like this in the Tillamook State Forest. Trail users (of diverse disciplines) all coming together for such a massive trail cleanup effort was incredibly rewarding. The afterparty at Smith Homestead was icing on the cake."

Steve Kruger, Executive Director | Trailkeepers of Oregon, trailkeepersoforegon.org | oregonhikers.org

“When trail partners come together like this, it’s a powerful demonstration of what shared stewardship really looks like. No matter how you recreate — hiking, riding, running, or rolling — we are all Trailkeepers. Some joy in trailkeeping is often quiet, patient work: lopping branches one at a time, shaping tread scoop by scoop with hand tools. It can feel slow in the moment, but when dozens of people show up shoulder to shoulder, those individual swings add up to something extraordinary. Add in good food and a few chocolate breaks, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for community-powered trails.”

Virginia Ohler, Executive Director, State Forests Trust of Oregon: The Trust was delighted to once again support this amazing day of collaboration in the Tillamook State Forest, and to acknowledge the incredible work done by these dedicated volunteers who do so much to keep our trails open and accessible.

ABOUT US:  The State Forests Trust of Oregon is an independent, 501-c-3 charitable non-profit organization dedicated to helping Oregonians and visitors enjoy and appreciate Oregon state forests. The Trust helps fund improved access for anglers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts, hikers, and other people as they experience the wonder of Oregon’s beautiful natural heritage.

In addition, the State Forests Trust of Oregon (SFT) supports programs to deepen Oregonian’s understanding of the many benefits of state forests.

Founded in 1999, SFT (formerly  “Tillamook Forest  Heritage Trust”) brought the community together to build the Tillamook Forest Center, where visitors learn about the Tillamook Forest’s first inhabitants, the disastrous wildfires of early last century, as well as the work of the Oregon Department of Forestry to manage state forests. The Trust helps expand trail systems, study visitor use of recreation areas and helps restore areas impacted by the 2020 Labor Day fires.  

https://www.stateforeststrust.org/

NW Trail Alliance (NWTA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit trail stewardship organization whose mission is to create, enhance, and protect mountain bike riding opportunities; to advocate for trail access; to promote responsible mountain biking; and to build, maintain, and ride sustainable trails.

 Located in Portland OR, NWTA sustainably stewards trails within roughly a 60 mile radius extending from the Oregon coast, into parts of Southern Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St Helens National Monument, and to the Western foothills of Mount Hood National Forest, working with approximately 12 federal, state, county, and municipal land management agencies, as well as private land managers. To create, enhance, and protect mountain bike riding opportunities; to advocate for trail access; to promote responsible mountain biking; and to build, maintain, and ride sustainable trails. NWTA provides educational trail stewardship and mountain bike programming for members and local communities to increase access to the outdoors through all types of off-road cycling.     https://nw-trail.org/about-us/

Media Contact: 

Virginia Ohler, Executive Director, State Forests Trust:  503-310-9585  ginia.ohler@stateforeststrust.org">virginia.ohler@stateforeststrust.org

Lisa Olivares, Executive Director, NWTA: (503) 213-3968  lisao@nw-trail.org

LINK TO VIDEO:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kfa9a9rk12x1g9ofejnzv/Trail-story-demo.mp4?rlkey=sbogwv076mky3s98rnjai1dpi&st=f3dfqiz8&dl=0

Persons speaking on the video are:  Carrie Johnston and Brandon Darby. Both were volunteers at the event.  Permission is on file for all images.  Contact Virginia Ohler with any questions.

Clatsop County, Ore. (20 April 2026) - The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual suspected of killing an elk in Cannon Beach.

In the early morning hours of Monday, April 20, 2026, a deceased cow elk was located on the edge of the roadway near the intersection of South Spruce Street and East Adams.  A witness reported seeing a vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed before the elk was discovered. 

OSP is asking residents of the area around where the elk was killed to review any security camera or doorbell camera footage for any suspicious activity between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. 

Anyone with information may email a tip to TIP@osp.oregon.gov​ or contact OSP Dispatch at 800-442-0776 or by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-128609.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

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

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About the Oregon State Police

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

SALEM, Ore. – Eight members of the 150th Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Support Detachment were recognized during a mobilization ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 15, 2026, as they prepare to deploy to the Middle East in support of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operations.

The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions.

“I want everyone in the room to understand something. That number (eight) does not reflect the mission's importance or the impact this unit will have downrange. Some of the most critical work in any military operation is accomplished by a small team,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard and the Presiding Officer for the ceremony.

These soldiers calibrate and repair the diagnostic testing equipment that all other units rely on. They support aviation, communications, medical, CBRN, and weapons systems. Their work ensures instruments measure correctly, so diagnostic tools give reliable readings. This helps keep the equipment that soldiers trust with their lives safe and dependable.

“To the members of the 150th TMDE, you carry Oregon with you and carry over 25 years of history from the Balkans, to Iraq, to Europe, and now the Middle East,” Gronewold said. “That’s a legacy worth honoring, and you are adding to it today.”

The origins of the unit date to 1999, when it was established as Detachment 4, 1241st Ordnance Team, to provide precision calibration support for Army systems. Currently, the 150th TMDE Support Detachment remains a critical contributor to Army readiness, supporting both domestic and overseas missions.

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Released Imagery:

260415-Z-CH590-1056: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers of the 150th Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Support Detachment stand in formation during their mobilization ceremony held at Camp Withycombe, in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 15, 2026, to support U.S. Central Command in the Middle East. The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260415-Z-CH590-1123: Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Rocky Kumlin, 821st Troop Command Battalion, delivers remarks to Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers and family members assigned to the 150th Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Support Detachment as they are mobilized on April 15, 2026, for assignment in the Middle East. The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260415-Z-CH590-1083: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard, delivers remarks to Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers and family members assigned to the 150th Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Support Detachment as they are mobilized on April 15, 2026, for assignment in the Middle East. The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260415-Z-CH590-1046: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard (right), greets Soldiers assigned to the 150th Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Support Detachment, at the conclusion of the unit’s formal mobilization ceremony held at Camp Withycombe, in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 15, 2026, to support U.S. Central Command in the Middle East. The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260415-Z-CH590-1013: Members of the 150th Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Support Detachment and members of the official party stand for the playing of the National Anthem during their mobilization ceremony held at Camp Withycombe, in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 15, 2026, to support U.S. Central Command in the Middle East. The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260415-Z-CH590-1019: The unit Guidon for the 150th Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Support Detachment is presented to those in attendance at the unit's formal mobilization ceremony on April 15, 2026, at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon. The 150th TMDE is a key sustainment asset for the Army National Guard, maintaining accurate diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with Army calibration standards, and supporting unit readiness for all missions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

VIDEO B-roll of ceremony: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1002748/150th-tmde-mobilization-ceremony

Salem, OR – April 20, 2026 –  On April 17, 2026, The Honorable Marion County Circuit Court Judge Tracy Prall sentenced defendant Christopher Atkinson, age 34, to 192 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections. Atkinson pled guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, two counts of Assault in the Fourth Degree, and Driving Under the Influence.

The conviction stems from two separate incidents that occurred in March 2025.  On March 10, 2025 Atkinson secured a hotel room for himself, and three juveniles.  He provided BuzzBallz “Biggies” to the juveniles.  The defendant and a 16-year-old victim engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct while she was under the influence of alcohol.

Later that month, on March 23, the defendant was driving in his vehicle with four passengers, including the victim from the previous event, between the ages of 12-16 of age.  While speeding east on Fern Ridge Road SE, the defendant lost control of his vehicle, a white Mercedes sedan.  The car skidded off the road and flipped upside down, ejecting the passenger (age 16) riding in the back seat on the right side of the vehicle which resulted in her death. The 12-year-old in the vehicle was intubated at Salem Hospital and then flown via life flight to OHSU with significant injuries. The defendant initially tried to walk away from the scene but returned.

The defendant admitted that he had been driving with the juveniles for a few hours, and everyone was smoking and drinking.  Atkinson provided alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana to the juveniles.  He admitted to driving at speeds near 100mph during the evening.  A bong, commonly used for smoking marijuana, was found in the vehicle.

“This was a heartbreaking and entirely preventable tragedy,” said Chief Deputy DA Brendan Murphy. “The defendant’s decisions resulted in the loss of a young life, and our office will continue to hold offenders accountable for devastating choices like this.”

Deputy District Attorney Shannon Sullivan represented the state in this case. The Marion County DA’s Office wishes to thank the community partners who helped in the investigations in both cases. Our community is made better because of the work of Liberty House, the Salem Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

The Forest Grove Police Department is working in coordination with the Beaverton Police Department and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office regarding the financial exploitation of elderly citizens residing in assisted-living and senior care facilities.  

Willow McCullough has been charged by Forest Grove and Beaverton Police for numerous financial abuse-related charges involving several vulnerable elderly victims.  McCullough worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in multiple assisted/senior living communities in Forest Grove, Beaverton and the surrounding area. Investigators believe there may be additional victims who resided in the facilities McCullough was employed.

If you believe you or your family member have been the victim of identity theft or misuse of a debit/credit card, please call the hotline for adult protective services at 971-673-7112.  

You can also contact your local police agency for assistance. Forest Grove investigators can be reached at 503-992-3260.

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELLED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for April 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.

The next Applicant Review Committee meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

View this news release online. 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Today, Monday, April 20, 2026, Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell released the following community letter after Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson announced her proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027.

“Despite the current financial realities Multnomah County faces, the vision of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office remains unchanged: Maintaining a safe and thriving community for everyone. We remain laser-focused on our mission to support all community members through exemplary public safety service.

A safe community requires alignment between public expectations and financial investment. I know from my 30 years of experience of living and working in this community that public safety – and the trust people have in that system – is what allows all other social and economic systems to function. When public safety is underfunded, the consequences are felt by everyone.

Multnomah County’s public safety system is a complex hub of local law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, public defenders, the courts, parole and probation, victim and survivor services, and juvenile services. When one part of that system is strained, the effects extend far beyond one agency and are felt systemwide. When the district attorney’s office lacks the staff to prosecute cases, or when the courts can’t hear cases, the impact is felt directly in our jails. When our social safety net fails to address the root causes of homelessness, addiction, and mental health, our deputies and police officers throughout Multnomah County become the primary responders to crisis they are not always the best-equipped to solve.

Recognizing how closely public safety agencies rely on one another, we need to carefully evaluate whether there is funding to maintain a reliable path forward. Each year, I work closely with the Chair to discuss how any budget cuts – or additional funding – may impact our organization. This year, the Chair requested all County departments submit a five percent reduction. In response, I chose to prioritize our core and legally required services.

The Chair’s proposed budget for the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office maintains last year’s funded jail capacity. However, as our jail population continues to rise, it is a question of when, not if, that capacity will be insufficient to safely house those in our custody. To focus on our core obligations within our jails, we will continue to collaborate with criminal justice stakeholders as we end the Close Street pretrial program. Even with those changes, a healthy jail relies on a legal system that can work effectively. One consistent issue is the delay in moving people through the court process so that they can have their charges adjudicated and leave jail. To this end, I requested additional full-time staffing to facilitate court processes, which are often delayed due to insufficient staffing. Unfortunately, I did not receive those funds in the Chair’s proposed budget.

For some time, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office has explored ways to address critical backlogs in our Investigations and Civil Units, while also maintaining the gun dispossession detail, all are key to community safety and accountability. My approach for this fiscal year was to address these issues by reallocating two deputy sheriff positions from our Homeless Outreach and Programs Engagement (HOPE) Team into these roles. Based on the Chair's proposed budget this year, I made the difficult choice of eliminating the two deputy sheriff positions assigned to the HOPE Team – effectively ending the program. This decision prioritizes maintaining our legally mandated services.

The link between public safety and economic vitality is critical. Families and businesses rely on a system that delivers protection and accountability to thrive. By maintaining order and promoting community safety, we provide the stability required for our community to recover and move forward with confidence.

I recognize the difficult budget decisions ahead and respect the responsibility the Board of County Commissioners carries as they balance many competing needs.  A safe Multnomah County is a collective effort where our shared goal must be a resilient public safety service network that provides for every member of our community. Our success is built on the recognition that public safety is not the achievement of one agency but the result of functioning alignment where the success of the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Department of Community Justice, and others are viewed as a single victory for the people we serve.”  

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At approximately 9:36 am the Albany Police Department responded to a wanted subject identified as Alan William Dude, 43 years of age, of Albany in front of the Linn County Courthouse.  Dude was parked in a vehicle in the 300 block of SW 4TH Avenue, Albany, Oregon after failing to show up for a Linn County Circuit Court trial that was scheduled to begin today.  Upon contact with Dude, responding officers saw what appeared to be a firearm in his hand.  Officers immediately established a secure perimeter and initiated safety protocols to protect the public.  Surrounding streets were closed and the Linn County Courthouse, Albany City Hall and surrounding businesses were restricted and locked down while the Linn Benton Regional SWAT Team responded to the scene. 

Crisis negotiators engaged in conversation with Dude in an effort to bring the incident to a peaceful resolution.  After an extended unsuccessful negotiation, Dude began to reach for a firearm and the Linn Benton Regional SWAT Team used less than lethal munitions to subdue him.  He was taken into custody at 1:27 pm without injury to the public, law enforcement personnel.  Dude was treated for minor injuries at the scene by the Albany Fire Department. 

The streets, businesses and public buildings were reopened for normal traffic at approximately 1:50 pm.

The Albany Police Department would like to thank the Linn Benton Regional SWAT Team, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon State Police, and the Albany Fire Department for their immediate response and assistance. We would also like to acknowledge our incredible community that acted with composure during a very serious situation.

For Immediate Release: April 13, 2026

Media Contact:  Communications@employ.oregon.gov;

Juan Serratos Named director of Paid Leave Oregon

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Employment Department (OED) has named Juan Serratos as the new Director of Paid Leave Oregon. Serratos has served as acting director of Paid Leave since July 2025 and has been part of the program’s leadership team since 2022. He has played an integral role in helping Paid Leave become a reliable source of support for workers and families across Oregon and a model for paid family and medical leave programs nationwide.

“Juan has a unique skill set and proven experience building and leading one of Oregon’s most important public service programs,” said Oregon Employment Department Director Andrew R. Stolfi. “He brings deep operational knowledge, strong leadership, and a commitment to serving Oregonians. Paid Leave Oregon is in good hands under Juan’s leadership.”

Serratos joined Paid Leave Oregon in January 2022 as deputy director after leading the Unemployment Insurance Benefits Services section beginning in 2019. He brings more than 17 years of public service experience, including work at Human Solutions, the Oregon Department of Human Services, and the Oregon Department of Justice. At OED, he helped rapidly build up the Benefits Services team during the pandemic response and has been a key leader in building Paid Leave Oregon from the ground up.

Since launching benefits in 2023, the program has become an essential part of Oregon’s support system for workers and families across the state. In 2025, the program served 103,000 people and their families and paid out more than $783 million in benefits.

“I’m proud of what this team has built,” said Serratos. “We’ve created a program that Oregonians can count on during some of the most important moments in their lives. I’m honored to continue leading this work as we strengthen customer service, keep the program running well, and make sure it remains sustainable and dependable for the people who rely on it.”

Paid Leave Oregon provides benefits to workers who need time away from work for some of life’s most important and difficult moments. The program supports employees who need to care for themselves or a family member with a serious medical condition, bond with a new child after birth, adoption, or foster placement, or take safe leave related to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment.

Through partial wage replacement, Paid Leave Oregon helps workers take needed time off without losing all of their income, and it helps employers retain experienced employees who might otherwise be forced to leave the workforce. Eligible employees can receive up to 12 weeks of benefits per year, helping reduce the pressure to choose between a paycheck, a job, and caring for themselves or their families. Learn more at paidleave.oregon.gov.

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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) provides economic stability to Oregon communities by providing vital services to both businesses and workers.  OED supports businesses with finding qualified job candidates, labor market information, tax incentives and support, and retaining talent through economic downturns. OED promotes employment through wage replacement benefits during unemployment and significant life events, job placement, training, and useful career information. Learn more at employment.oregon.gov. 

Paid Leave Oregon provides temporary, paid time away from work so employees can have financial security when experiencing significant life events. Covered events include welcoming a new child, recovering from a serious health condition, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or addressing issues related to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. Paid leave benefits help Oregonians stay connected to their jobs and maintain financial stability during these major personal events. Learn more at paidleave.orogon.gov.

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

Vancouver, Wash. – On April 20, 2026, at around 3:30 a.m., Vancouver Police responded to the area of W Mill Plain Blvd./Lincoln Avenue for the report of a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision. The driver was travelling westbound on Mill Plain when the pedestrian stepped into the crosswalk and was struck by the vehicle. The victim suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital. The driver remained on scene and was cooperative with police. Speed appears to be a factor in the collision.

The Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit is continuing the investigation. Nothing additional is releasable at this time.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Media hotline: 503-813-6018 

Pacific Power Expands Cool Keeper to Portland, Hood River and NE Oregon 

Customer incentive program increases reliability and grid efficiency while helping keep costs low 

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 20, 2026) — Pacific Power is expanding a customer incentive program to include more Oregonians. The company’s Cool Keeper program is now available to customers in Portland, Hood River and parts of Northeast Oregon.   

Cool Keeper is a simple way for residential customers to both earn a credit on their bills and help keep the power grid stable and running smoothly. Through a simple device installed free of charge on air conditioners and heat pumps, Pacific Power customers can temporarily reduce their energy use without missing out on home comfort. 

More about the program: 

• How it works: Cool Keeper devices are installed on central cooling systems. When the power grid needs a quick break, the device briefly turns off the AC compressor – typically for no more than 5 minutes. When lots of homes with these devices do this at the same time, it helps balance the grid and keep electricity flowing reliably. Most people don’t notice because the indoor fan keeps running, moving cool air through the home while the compressor is paused. 

• Free installation: The outdoor-only installation is quick, easy and requires no appointment. Once a customer signs up for the program, Pacific Power’s trained technicians will provide and install the device free of charge. 
     
• Annual incentive: Participants sign up just once and then receive $30 in bill credits every year, distributed in monthly increments from May through September.   
   
• Benefits: Through Cool Keeper, Pacific Power and customers work together to use less electricity for short periods – reducing the need for costly power purchases and helping keep bills lower. 

“Cool Keeper is a win-win for our customers and the community,” said Shawn Grant, director of customer solutions at Pacific Power. “It’s an easy way to contribute to energy reliability and sustainability without compromising comfort in your home.” 

To participate, customers must have an eligible cooling system. Most central air conditioning units and central heat pumps qualify. Eligibility will be confirmed during an on-site visit by a trained technician.    

To learn more or sign up, visit PacificPower.net/CoolKeeper or call 1-800-357-9214.   

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About Pacific Power 

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

Additional resources: 

• Digital Press Kit  

The Willamette Intake Facilities Commission (WIF) Board meeting will be held Monday, April 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM.

Location: This meeting will be held remotely. To attend live, the meeting link is provided in the agenda.

For any questions, to request accommodations, or to participate in public comment, contact us at wif@tvwd.org or call 971-222-5957.

The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities, individuals requiring qualified bilingual interpreters, and those needing assistance to participate remotely.  Any person requiring a hearing-impaired interpreter, bilingual interpreter, a physical meeting location due to lack of access to necessary equipment or internet, or other accommodations must provide notice at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

If you wish to address the WIF Board, please request the Public Comment Form and return it 48 hours prior to the day of the meeting.  

The Board meeting agenda packet and additional information regarding the Willamette Intake Facilities are available on the WIF Commission website: 

https://www.tvwd.org/willamette-intake-facilities-commission/page/willamette-intake-facilities-commission

• Pick up a red sharps container at participating locations
• Safely store used sharps at home
• Return the container when it is approximately three-quarters full
• Receive a new container at no cost

GRESHAM, Ore.– The Gresham Police Department’s Police and Community Together (PACT) team is offering a series of suicide prevention workshops centered around Question, Persuade, Refer (GFR) training. This evidence-based training equips adults to recognize warning signs of suicide in people across a spectrum of age groups and how to respond with confidence.

The series will feature three total workshops hosted in the Rockwood Public Safety Building at 675 NE 181st Ave in Gresham. These sessions include:

• Youth Suicide Prevention Workshop, Wednesday, May 6, 6 - 8 p.m.
• Senior Suicide Prevention Workshop, Thursday, May 7, 10 a.m. - noon
• Community-Focused Suicide Prevention Workshop, Thursday, May 7, 6 - 8 p.m.

“Anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one knows how devastating a suicide can be to our families and our community,” says Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg. “This training will help us remain vigilant and aware of the signs, so we might be better positioned to help anyone who may be struggling.”

Find additional details and register for these workshops by visiting GreshamOregon.gov/events. For more information, contact Community Outreach Coordinator Jayme Wantowski at Jayme.Wantowski@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-407-9494.

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About Gresham:   

Gresham is a vibrant and growing city where tradition blends seamlessly with innovation and opportunity. As Oregon's fourth-largest city, our community is built on a foundation of hard work, deep roots in agriculture, and a shared commitment to creating a thriving future. Discover more about what makes Gresham special by visiting GreshamOregon.gov.

The Beaverton Police Department is notifying the public of an arrest and indictment connected to an ongoing investigation into the financial exploitation of elderly individuals.

Willow S. McCullough, 23, of Lake Oswego, was indicted by a Washington County Grand Jury on April 8, 2025. McCullough was subsequently arrested and lodged at the Washington County Jail where she remains at the time of this writing.

McCullough is accused of targeting elderly individuals while working as a caregiver starting in 2025 at multiple locations throughout the Portland metropolitan area. Investigators believe she used her position of trust to obtain financial information, including credit cards and personal documents, from vulnerable adults and use that information for unauthorized purchases. Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified multiple incidents with similar patterns involving elderly victims.

A Washington County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging McCullough with multiple offenses, including:

• Aggravated Identity Theft
• Identity Theft
• Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card
• Theft in the First Degree
• Theft in the Second Degree

Detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone who believes they or a family member may have been a victim of similar activity involving McCullough is urged to contact Detective Sean Connor at the Beaverton Police Department at sconnor@beavertonoregon.gov or 503.526.2661

BAKER CITY, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to explore Oregon’s living cultural traditions through a new interpretive folklife series at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center beginning this week.

The series aligns with America’s 250th anniversary by highlighting the people, traditions, and cultural knowledge that have shaped the nation over time. Visitors can experience firsthand how traditional arts connect past and present while supporting the BLM’s mission.

From April through October, visitors will have interactive opportunities that represent Native American, ranching, and rural lifeways. Presentations will take place daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Pacific Time, offering deeper insight into each artist’s craft and cultural background.

April 23-25, Sara Barton, traditional basket maker of Mono Lake Paiute and Yosemite Miwuk ancestry works closely with Burns Paiute weavers

May 7-9, Kathy Moss, cowboy poet, buckaroo, horse trainer, and rancher from Prairie City

June 18-20, Roberta Kirk, regalia maker, food gatherer, and bead and dentalium artist from Warm Springs, Tenino and Wasq’u

July 9-11, Cheryl Newhouse, spinner and weaver from Richland

August 13-15, Mildred Quaempts, dentalium artist from the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla

September 24-26, Clair Kehrberg, saddle and gear maker and leatherworker from John Day

October 15-17, Katie Harris Murphy and Mary Harris, regalia and beadwork artists from the Wallowa Band Nimiipuu, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Karuk Tribes

“This interpretive outreach brings people face-to-face with the traditions that continue to shape communities across Oregon,” said Robert Reis, acting manager for the Interpretive Center. “These demonstrations create a meaningful connection to the past through the skills and knowledge that are still practiced today.”

This series is designed to build long-term, high-quality cultural programming at the Interpretive Center, ensuring visitors can engage with authentic traditions and perspectives for years to come.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located at 22267 Highway 86 in Baker City and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. Admission fees apply. For more information, visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center website or call 541-523-1843.

-BLM-

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

Clark County Public Works reminds local drivers that summer is the season for road preservation projects. Several methods are used to preserve roadway surfaces and to protect the county’s transportation infrastructure. Work to apply slurry seal, chip seal and hot mix asphalt can cause traffic delays and road closures. 

Residents living on or near roads receiving treatment this summer have begun receiving mail notifications. As roadwork dates approach, residents can expect notifications to be delivered to their door. Businesses and residents along collector and arterial roadways have also been notified of upcoming hot mix asphalt work, which may cause delays on some of the county’s more well-traveled roads. 

Residents can view interactive maps of project locations on our website at clark.wa.gov/public-works/summer-road-preservation.

Drivers should expect delays or detours and check their routes before traveling. Mapping and navigation apps don’t typically show drivers information about temporary road closures or work zone delays, so drivers should check agency websites. The Clark County Public Works construction traffic delays webpage at clark.wa.gov/public-works/construction-traffic-delays is updated at least weekly with information about road work in unincorporated Clark County. It also has links to construction and traffic delay information for the City of Vancouver and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
 

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

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

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

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

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

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Evergreen Virtual Academy - 4/23/2026

EVERGREEN VIRTUAL ACADEMY NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS April 23, 2026, 6:00PM Evergreen Virtual Academy Board Members are Hereby notified that a Session of the Board will be held via Zoom Webinar at https://evergreenvirtual-org.zoom.us/j/87931930355
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 253 215 8782, +8 793 193 0355, +1 346 248 7799

HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. – Six Oregon military veterans were inducted into the 2026 Oregon Military Hall of Honor during a formal ceremony held at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026, in recognition of their acts of heroism and exceptional service to the nation.

The six inductees, all of whom served in the U.S. Army or the Oregon Army National Guard, are Specialist 5th Class Carston R. “Bud” Calkin, Sergeant First Class Riley E. Lott, Jr., Command Sergeant Major Brunk Conley, Major Charles “Larry” Diebert, Lieutenant Colonel Leonard DeWitt, and General Daniel R. Hokanson.

“The men chosen for this year's Oregon Military Hall of Honor have shown acts of valor ‘above and beyond the call of duty,’ as well as exceptional post-service contribution in the community or state,” said Daniel Lacy, a member of the Forward Assist Board of Directors and the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Both Command Sgt. Maj. Conley and Gen. Hokanson began their careers on active duty before joining the Oregon National Guard. They addressed the audience, describing the military careers that took them to the highest levels of service at the Pentagon. Spc. 5 Carston, Sgt. 1st Class Lott, Maj. Diebert and Lt. Col. DeWitt were honored posthumously by friends, family members, and fellow veterans.

“This story is about the Oregon National Guard, and the organization that learned to love,” Conley said. “I became a team leader as I focused on being a guardsman and citizen-soldier.”

As the last of the six inductees to address the audience, Hokanson acknowledged both veterans who have worn the nation's uniform and those currently serving.

“I look at the example that each of us sets. I go back to whether someone served or not; that's important in how we conduct ourselves," Hokanson said. "We also need to tell our story to the next generation. That's why today's event is important.”

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Released Imagery:

260418-Z-CH590-1124: Oregon Army National Guard Gen. (ret.) Daniel R. Hokanson, former Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard and Chief of the National Guard Bureau (left), receives his Hall of Honors citation from Daniel Lacy (right) during the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260418-Z-CH590-1115: Oregon Army National Guard (ret.) Command Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley, 10th Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard (left), receives his Hall of Honors citation from Daniel Lacy (right) during the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260418-Z-CH590-1126: Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees, former Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, presents the Hall of Honors induction citation to Suzanne Diebert, the wife of Maj. Charles “Larry” Diebert was posthumously awarded during the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260418-Z-CH590-1104: An Oregon Army National Guard Color Guard presents the nation's colors during the playing of the National Anthem to open the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

Video B-Roll:  https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1003024/2026-oregon-military-hall-honors-induction-ceremony

At approximately 12:32 p.m. on April 18, 2026, Vancouver Fire Department crews were dispatched to reports of a Cessna aircraft landing on State Route 14. Upon arrival, crews located the aircraft in the grass along the eastbound shoulder near milepost 2.

The aircraft experienced a mechanical issue shortly after departing Pearson Field. The pilot safely executed an emergency landing on SR-14 and taxied onto the shoulder, out of the flow of traffic. The pilot was the sole occupant and was not injured. No other vehicles were involved.

The Vancouver Fire Department was assisted on scene by American Medical Response, the Vancouver Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol.

The Centennial School District Governing Board will convene for a Work Session on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. 

Please be aware that a Budget Committee Meeting will take place (virtually) from 6:00 - 7:30 pm prior to the Work Session. If you are interested in more information regarding the Budget Meeting you can find it on our website

The full board meeting packet is available for reference on the Centennial School District website at www.csd28j.org and can be found on the School Board page.

All attendees will participate virtually via the Zoom app.  If you are interested in joining either meeting, please click on the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87565933311?pwd=QrG87yq9VI4m-wMx20eTFCUKD7ZfDQ.NG_ZU6y2J612Lh2y
Passcode:552748

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

Webinar ID: 875 6593 3311
Passcode: 552748

To view the agenda and accompanying documents, click or paste this link into your browser: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1561. The meeting agenda and associated documents may be updated as necessary.

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

State of Oregon v. Elijah G. Arce

Marion County Circuit Court Case 25CR43807

Jury Conviction Leads to Prison Sentence in Child Kidnapping Case

Salem, OR – April 17, 2026 –  On April 17, 2026 Marion County Circuit Court Judge Jodie Bureta sentenced Elija G. Arce (age 49) to 300 months (25 years) in the Oregon Department of Corrections, and a life-time of post-prison supervision. He will be required to register as a sex offender.

Arce’s conviction is the result of a missing child incident that occurred on August 5, 2025.  The parents of the victim, a minor, reported her missing from their Northeast Salem home.  The defendant had lured the victim away and escorted her several blocks to a secluded area concealed by fencing and shrubbery.  Officers canvassed the neighborhood, and a bloodhound from Salem Police Department, named Trusty, was deployed.  A neighbor heard about the missing child and to help, began searching the area near the fairgrounds. He came upon where the defendant had hidden and saw the defendant with his arms around the child. He flagged down police officers and directed them to the hidden location. Officers climbed through a nearby cut in the fence, secured the child, and arrested the defendant.

The conviction followed unanimous guilty verdicts issued by a Marion County jury. Arce was convicted of Kidnapping in the First Degree, Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Attempted Rape in the First Degree, and Attempted Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine.

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple. She referred to it as “a parent’s worst nightmare.”

“DDA Semple is correct- this is every parent’s worst nightmare.  That’s why I’m grateful for community members who have so much care for the well-being of our children,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. “This type of criminal behavior is intolerable. We will continue to aggressively prosecute these types of crimes, and Judge Bureta’s sentence speaks to that violation.”

The Marion County DA’s Office wishes to acknowledge the swift and thorough investigation of the Salem Police Department, and particularly the actions of Detective Court Kirksey.  Additional gratitude is extended to the Keizer Police Department and the Oregon State Police for their respective roles in the search and for covering Salem Police calls for service while the search took place. 

Due to the involvement of a child victim, no additional details will be released.

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DPSST WILDLAND FIRE CERTIFICATION TASK FORCE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Wildland Fire Cerifitation Task Force will hold a regular meeting at 0900 on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. This meeting will be held in Room E-113C. For further information, please contact Brooke Bell-Uribe (503) 569-8260.

To view the Wildland Fire Certification Task Force live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

This agenda is a guidline. Depending on the decisions and directions of the Task Force, this agenda is subject to change at the discretion of the Chair and Task Force Members. 

1. Meeting called to order at 0900

2. Rules of Engagement

3. Establish the Chair and Vice Chair of the committee

4. Discussion identifying various updates to PMS 310-1 that will impact DPSST Fire Certification

5. Discuss Wildland Training that goes towards certification 

6. Discuss Adoption or removal of levels of certification

7. Discuss the Wildland Application for Certification

8. Discuss Wildland Task Book

9. Discuss Wildland Guide to Certification

10. Discuss OAR as related to Wildland levels 

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Applicant Review Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

DALLAS (OR) – National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 19th - April 25th. This week is a time to honor crime victims and survivors, and the professionals who provide critical services to victims of crime. 

The Polk County District Attorney’s Office seeks to create community awareness to show the impact that crime has had on victims in Polk County with its flag display. The display of flags recognizes the victims of crime, their families, and the many others in the system that seek justice on behalf of victims.  

A tradition established by the Victim Assistance Program through the Polk County DA’s Office is creating a visual display of flags during Crime Victims' Rights Week on the Courthouse lawn. The display represents the number of crime victims served by our program in 2025. Today, members of the DA’s Office placed over 2,000 flags on the lawn.

The individual numbers for each category are as follows.

DUII (Orange Flags) - 84

Property Crimes (Green and Yellow) - 772

Sexual Assault (Pink) - 44

Domestic Violence (Purple) - 277

Person Crimes (Red) - 731

Child Abuse (Blue) - 187

Survivors of Homicide Victims (White) - 17

Total: 2,112

The display will run through April 24.

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. (17 April 2026) – An Oregon State Police Internet Crimes Against Children operation recently led to the arrest of a Clackamas County man.

On March 31, 2026, an Oregon State Police detective portraying a 16-year-old female was contacted through an online application by Levi F. Wallace (44). Wallace carried on a weeklong sexually explicit conversation with the detective and sent sexually explicit photos.

On April 16, 2026, with the help of the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, Molalla Police Department, and Milwaukie Police Department, Wallace was arrested at his home in Colton.

Wallace was lodged at the Clackamas County Jail on four felony warrants, including child luring, online sexual corruption of a minor, and encouraging child sex abuse in the second degree for a similar operation that occurred in 2024. Wallace was also lodged in Clackamas County on additional charges for the current case of luring a minor, online sexual corruption of a minor in the second degree, and failing to register as a sex offender.  

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact OSP’s Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-0779 or by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-108600.

Oregon State Police reminds parents to help keep their children safe by monitoring online activity, setting strict privacy settings, and ensuring personal photos are not shared online. 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. (17 April 2026) – On Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 1:16 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 20 near milepost 1 in Lincoln County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver Chrysler Town & County van, operated by Rosalea Ann Engelbrecht (77) of Waldport, was traveling westbound on Hwy. 20 near Newport when it began to veer into the oncoming lane for an unknown reason. An eastbound gray Toyota Highlander, operated by John Sterling Daigle (82) of Newport, attempted to avoid the Chrysler van; however, the van continued across the eastbound lane and collided head-on with the Toyota Highlander.

The operator of the Chrysler (Engelbrecht) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The operator of the Toyota (Daigle) was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

A Toyota passenger, Vicki Ray Bock (77) of Newport, was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Newport Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Fire Department, Pacific West Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

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

OREGON CITY — Clackamas Community College will host a Teaching and Education College and Career Fair on May 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Wacheno Welcome Center on the Oregon City campus.

This free event is designed for those considering a future in education. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with university representatives, learn about transfer pathways and explore options for continuing their education in the teaching field. University advisors will be available to discuss programs, transfer requirements and opportunities at their institutions.

Participants can also connect with local school districts, early learning centers and substitute staffing agencies to learn about current job openings and future employment opportunities in the region.

“This is a great opportunity to connect with university advisors and start planning your next steps,” Mayla Morgan, CCC teaching and education outreach navigator, said. “You'll discover transfer pathways tailored to your goals and learn what makes each institution unique.”

Attendees who sign in at the event will be entered for a chance to receive a free tuition voucher valid for up to four credits.

The Teaching and Education College and Career Fair is free and open to the public. No registration is required, and parking is free. The Oregon City campus is located at 19600 Molalla Ave.

For more information, contact Mayla Morgan at mayla.morgan@clackamas.edu. For accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center at 503-594-6357 or drc@clackamas.edu.

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Spring is in full bloom at Kelso High School, and the community is invited to take part in a long-standing tradition that supports student learning and growth.

Kelso High School’s Annual FFA Plant Sale will take place Friday, April 24, from 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sale will be held in the greenhouse located behind Kelso High School, with parking available at the rear entrance.

Inside the greenhouse is a wide selection of plants grown and cared for by students. Offerings include a variety of annual flowers such as geraniums, impatiens, coleus, petunias, and lobelia, as well as a selection of vegetable starts and more.

Plants are priced at: 4-inch pots for $5, 6-inch pots for $7, and hanging baskets for $35.

In addition to plants, there are unique, handcrafted metal items created by Kelso High School metal shop students, including yard art, fire pits, and other custom pieces.

The sale accepts cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Tap to Pay for convenience.

All proceeds from the event directly support Kelso High School’s growing FFA program, helping provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, and skilled trades.

Community members are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection and support local students while preparing their gardens for the season.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on April 21, 2026.  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. 

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/89129985623?pwd=owq9DfkH5f8zntoIZjcagfmLog95Pe.1
Passcode:900137

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 April 12 to April 15, 2026, one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in the sample collected on April 13. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the samples collected on April 12, April 14 or April 15. Prior to this detection, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run drinking water source on April 7, 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. 

About the Public Works Service Area

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या

口笔译服务 |  Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad

Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas

New Exhibit, Artist in Residence, Art Talks and Workshops Offered  

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Archer Gallery at Clark College is hosting a new exhibit and a slate of public programs, including an artist-in-residence and Art Talks in April and May. All events are free and open to the public. All events will take place on Clark’s main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way. All art talks will take place in the Penguin Union Building, room 161, on the college's main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way in Vancouver. Light refreshments will be provided. Directions and maps are available online. 

Located on Clark’s main campus, Archer Gallery serves the students and community by exhibiting contemporary art in a not-for-profit educational setting. Archer Gallery exhibits work by nationally and internationally renowned artists and connects the Clark College community with accessible and diverse perspectives from the contemporary art world.

Clark Art Talks hosts a monthly art lecture series for students and the community. Distinguished artists and art scholars from around the country share their experiences related to their art practices and provide unique insights into their varied career paths and artistic techniques. For more information about our exhibitions and art talks, and to watch videos of past art talks, visit archergallery.space.

Find details at Archer Gallery (clark.edu) or https://www.archergallery.space/upcoming-art-talks.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: Nan Curtis

Nosh with Nan:         Topic-driven conversations and light lunch with art food made by Clark College Culinary Program: 11 a.m. –2 p.m. on 4/21, 4/28, and 5/5

Closing Reception:   May 6, 12–4 p.m. at Archer Gallery

Artist website:          https://www.nancurtis.com/

Archer Gallery Director Kendra Larson explained why Curtis was chosen as artist in residence: “Nan Curtis was chosen to be our 2026 Artist in Residence because her work is of the highest caliber and she has experience designing and organizing dynamic workshops for post-secondary students. We are excited to welcome her to our community.” 

Nan Curtis received her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Wooster. Curtis’s practice is interdisciplinary, mining site, home, and personal narrative to reframe what can be considered mundane. Major exhibitions include Mira Costa College, San Diego; DiversWorks, Houston; Tacoma Art Museum; ConsolidatedWorks, Seattle; Linfield College, Oregon; Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA), Elizabeth Leach, Williamson/Knight, Fourteen30 Contemporary, NINE, and the Art Gym in Portland.

Read more about Nan Curtis here: https://www.clark.edu/news-and-media/24-7//news-posts/nan-curtis-brings-sculptural-arts-to-archer-gallery.php

CLARK ART TALKS

Larson said: “For the Clark Art Talks, I have invited artists from a variety of media, backgrounds, and experiences to share their work with our community. Each of these professional artists have unique histories and will share personal stories of artistic struggle and success with Clark students. As a student studying art, it is extremely valuable to hear how other artists have carved out careers for themselves.” 

Miel-Margarita Paredes

Art Talk:               April 30, 1–2 p.m. in Penguin Union Building room 161

Artist’s website:  www.mielmargarita.com      

Miel-Margarita Paredes is a metalsmith, jewelry maker, and stop-motion puppet skeleton builder. She is known for her work on Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022), ParaNorman (2012), and The Boxtrolls (2014). She was born in Suva, Fiji, where her neighbors owned a pig named Houdini because of his frequent attempts to escape into the mangrove swamp. Memories of that large, smelly animal and the delicious dinner he became have stayed with Miel through her adult life, where she studied metalsmithing at California College of Art and Craft in Oakland and the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Her metalwork incorporates the animal figure and traditional ornamental devices to interpret the ways in which we humans manipulate our environment to suit our needs, deconstructing and reconstructing both inanimate and animate objects. She lives with her husband, two children, two cats, six fish, and is growing a wildflower garden outside her home studio window in Portland, Oregon.

Bonnie Paisley

Art Talk:                 May 4, 10–11 a.m. in Penguin Union Building room 161

Artist’s website:    www.bonniepaisley.com

Bonnie received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design and her Master of Fine Arts from Portland State University. She is the owner of Paisley Studios, a community fine art studio in Portland, Oregon, that offers grounding support to artists of all skill levels through visual art instruction and an affordable membership program for womxn artists.

Anya Roberts-Toney

Art Talk:                  May 7, 1–2 p.m. in Penguin Union Building room 161

Artist’s website:    www.anyarobertstoney.com

Anya Roberts-Toney's oil paintings and works on paper explore feminine power and desire for connection with a feminine-charged landscape. Her work is included in the permanent collections of the Portland Art Museum and Soho House, has been presented on Platform (a David Zwirner Project), and has been exhibited locally and nationally at locations including Disjecta Contemporary Art Center, Dust to Dust Projects, La Loma Annex, Nationale, The Portland ’Pataphysical Society, the Office at Russo Lee, Somos Gallery, and Stephanie Chefas Projects. She is a winner of the Hopper Prize, a recipient of both a Photography Documentation Grant and a Career Opportunity Grant from the Oregon Arts Commission (with additional funding from the Ford Family Foundation), and a recipient of the Stumptown Artist Fellowship. 

Anya received her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Brown University and her Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies from Pacific Northwest College of Art. Originally from Seattle, WA, she lives and works in Portland, OR, where she is represented by Nationale.

Dan Attoe

Art Talk:                 May 12, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. in Penguin Union Building room 161

Artist’s website:    www.westernehibitions.com/artist/dan-attoe/

Dan Attoe’s paintings depict natural wonders — waterfalls, beaches, mountains, rocky cliffs, oversized forests — populated by tiny figures spouting even tinier diaristic missives, painted in silver and culled from the artist’s stream of consciousness. The miniature humans disrupt the grandeur of nature with their small stature and utterances. His drawings share the same concerns but inverted — the phrases and disconnected images are larger and often cartoonish, creating small-scaled narrative vignettes. Attoe makes a small drawing every day that he keeps for himself — slightly larger drawings and paintings expand upon this practice.

John Motley observes in The Oregonian, ”Multiple drawing styles reinforce the varying perspectives on youth and childhood, from pure, storybook fantasy to a less-innocent complexity, where fear and sexuality mingle.“ Attoe said of his work, “The landscape can be enjoyed for its beauty, and the disparity between it and the figures, but it also exists in service to these contemporary people in funny or ordinary clothing saying everyday things about emails or engaging in interpersonal clumsiness.“ Dat Attoe‘s recent shows include Glowing River at The Hole in New York, Recent Landscapes at Half Gallery in New York (reviewed in Artinfo), Landscapes with Water at Peres Projects in Berlin (reviewed in Frieze Magazine), and Dan Attoe at Fourteen30 Contemporary in Portland (reviewed in Art in America). He has been in numerous group shows in galleries and museums in the United States and Europe. He worked with and was part of the inspiration for a line of clothing by fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2011. Attoe is also one of the founders of Paintallica, an artist collective that has presented performative installations across the country, as well as Barneys New York and the Iowa State Fair. 

Dan Attoe’s work has been written about and featured in Artforum, The Los Angeles Times, Art Review, The Journal, Flash Art, Berlin Art Journal, PAPERMAG, and The New York Times. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin in 1998 and his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa in 2004. He is represented by Western Exhibitions in Chicago and Peres Projects in Berlin. Born in 1975 in Bremerton, Washington, Attoe grew up in parts of Washington, Idaho, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and now lives and works in Washougal, Washington.

Mae Al-Jiboori

Art Talk:              May 19, 10–11 a.m. in Penguin Union Building room 161

Artist’s website:    www.blackfish.com/maeal-jiboori                    

As a self-taught artist and painter, Mae creates highly abstract faces and figures with enigmatic undertones that challenge traditional notions of beauty and representation. Mae is drawn to the human condition and thought-provoking art that forces its viewers to perceive differently, to evoke something within. Mae does not aim to create ”high” or traditional art, or what is already out there, but to challenge one’s emotions by displaying what is felt in an expressive yet physical medium. The image is all-powerful, not solely by the creator, but by the viewer invited to consume the raw and visceral nature through creation. By subverting conventional expectations, Mae hopes to inspire reflection and perspective through distorted faces, surreal bodies, and lost gazes.

All Are Welcome: Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.

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

Accommodations: If you need accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact Office of People and Culture, Melody Williams at MWilliams@clark.edu or (360) 992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

About Clark College 

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

Clark’s Fine Arts Program

Clark’s Art/Fine Arts program invites students to explore creative expression through a wide range of artistic media. Taught by professional artists and instructors with advanced degrees, courses provide a supportive environment for students to develop their skills and pursue their artistic ambitions. Whether students are beginning their journey or expanding their talents, students can choose from courses in painting, drawing, ceramics, photographic and graphic design. Learn more about Clark’s Art/Fine Arts program here.

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April 17, 2026

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

REMINDER: Virtual measles briefing today

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Health & Science University physicians will discuss measles and answer reporter questions during a virtual media briefing at 1 p.m. today (Friday, April 17).

Reporters can join via Zoom at this link. A livestream for the public is available via YouTube at this link.

Speakers include:

• Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA’s Public Health Division.
• Dawn Nolt, M.D., MPH, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

For more information about measles, visit OHA’s measles page.

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MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Detectives with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) have arrested a 37-year-old man who is accused of sexually assaulting a minor.

Detectives are concerned there may be additional victims.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, detectives arrested James Lowry at the Sheriff's Operation Center, located at 234 Southwest Kendall Court in Troutdale.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the alleged criminal activity in this case began in 2025 and continued into 2026.

Lowry’s residence is across the street from Troutdale Elementary School.

The minor identified in this case does not attend the school.

Due to the serious allegations, and Lowry’s access to children due to his residence, detectives have authorized the release of Lowry’s booking photo for the purpose of furthering their investigation.

Community members with tips or information about Lowry are asked to email the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office crime tip inbox or call 503-988-0560.

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

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

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PORTLAND, Ore.— A Baker City, Oregon, man has been charged with stealing his clients’ shares of stocks, selling them, and transferring the proceeds into his personal bank account for almost seventeen years.

Jeffrey Thomas Higgins, 54, has been charged by information with investment fraud.

According to court documents, from December 2007 through June 2024, Higgins worked as an investment adviser in Baker City. To entice investors, Higgins lied, falsely claiming he purchased stocks on their behalf at deep discounts when he actually purchased the stocks at market value. Higgins then sold the stocks without the investors’ knowledge and stole the proceeds from the sales – transferring the money to his personal bank account.

To keep the scheme going, Higgins created fictitious annual statements that exaggerated profits. Statements reflecting the true costs of stock purchases were mailed directly to a post office box controlled by Higgins. As a result of Higgins’ scheme, victim investors suffered a financial loss totaling more than $1.6 million.

Higgins made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Chinwuba and Andrew T. Ho are prosecuting the case.

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

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DALLAS (OR) – Maria Michelle Miller, of Salem, has been found guilty on all counts by a 12-person jury after a trial concluded in Polk County Circuit Court. The charges arose out of a June, 2025 incident in which Miller forced her way into the West Salem home of her ex-husband and physically assaulted a woman inside the home.

After a two-day trial, Miller, 60, was convicted of Burglary in the First Degree, Assault in the Fourth Degree, Harassment, and Trespassing. She was sentenced by Circuit Judge pro tem Timothy R. Park to serve 120 days in jail, five years of probation, and to get mental health treatment. At sentencing, the District Attorney’s Office argued for a longer sentence due to Miller’s prior felony convictions.

The case was investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Garrett Lewellen.

April 16, 2026

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

FRIDAY: Virtual media briefing on measles in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Health & Science University physicians will give an update on measles during a virtual media briefing at 1 p.m. Friday, April 17.

Reporters can join via Zoom at this link. A livestream for the public is available via YouTube at this link.

Speakers include:

• Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA’s Public Health Division.
• Dawn Nolt, M.D., MPH, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

They will discuss the latest measles data, recent OHA advisories about exposure locations, the agency’s work with local public health authorities to investigate cases, and what the latest wastewater surveillance data show.

For more information about measles, visit OHA’s measles page.

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Logan Divens, age 15, who went missing from Eugene, Oregon on January 26, 2026. He is believed to be in danger.

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

Logan Divens is suspected to be in the Eugene area.

Child Legal Name: Logan Divens

Child Preferred Name: Logan

Pronouns: He/him

Age: 15

Height: 5’7

Weight: 235

Hair color: Dark Blonde

Eye color: Blue

Law enforcement agency name and report #:  Eugene PD #26-01400

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2076121

Date Missing: 1/26/2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Pheasant Park Apartments in Springfield

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

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

Click here to access the 2026 Alcohol Awareness Month News Media Kit

April 16, 2026

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

Renewal, growth of spring a great time to ‘Rethink the Drink’

During Alcohol Awareness Month, OHA urges Oregonians to consider making small changes in drinking habits that can have meaningful impacts on health

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month in April by encouraging individuals and communities across the state to consider how excessive drinking impacts health—and how drinking less can lead to health benefits that last a lifetime.   

Excessive drinking, including both heavy and binge drinking, is linked to serious health conditions such as liver disease, heart disease and several types of cancer, as well as injuries and depression, among other harms.

In Oregon, more than one in five people drink excessively, contributing to approximately 3,000 alcohol-related deaths each year. Rethink the Drink, an OHA initiative, encourages adults 21 and older in Oregon to reflect on the role alcohol plays in their daily lives and the communities where they live.

This spring, as sunnier weather returns across Oregon, people may notice how alcohol is often a fixture at family and community gatherings. From weddings to children’s birthday parties to baby showers, alcohol has become a consistent part of celebrations and community events. It can even appear in settings focused on health, such as the finish line of a 5K run or during a hike with friends. Its widespread presence has become so normalized that many people may unintentionally reinforce the expectation that it’s needed to enjoy spending time with one another.  

“Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect on how alcohol shows up in our lives, especially as spring brings more opportunities to gather and celebrate outdoors,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., MPH, deputy health officer and epidemiologist at OHA’s Public Health Division. “Alcohol is often expected at backyard barbecues to community events and holiday festivities, but it doesn’t have to be. By being more mindful of how and where it appears, we can create spaces that support health, reduce pressure to drink and make room for everyone to feel included.”

Binge drinking, when someone drinks four to five drinks on one occasion, poses particular risks at events and is linked to harms such as violence and motor vehicle crashes. While often associated with younger adults, binge drinking is reported among people in their 30s and 40s at nearly the same rates. Most individuals in this group do not have an alcohol use disorder, underscoring how excessive drinking can affect a broad range of people.

Because alcohol is so widely available and normalized, it can be easy to drink more than intended. Over time, this can lead to serious, long-term health consequences. It can also shape attitudes and behaviors in younger generations who are exposed to alcohol at an early age.

Taken together, these patterns highlight an important reality: alcohol use exists on a spectrum and even what may seem moderate can still carry risks. Even small changes in drinking habits can have meaningful impacts on health. And no matter who you are, drinking less is better for your health than drinking more.

Note: If you or someone you care about is suffering from alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder, free confidential resources and support are available online or by calling or 1-800-923-4357.

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COOS COUNTY, Ore. (16 April 2026) – On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 2:48 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 101 near milepost 260 in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Mercedes E400, operated by Bernard Cooley (78) of Bandon, was traveling northbound in the southbound lane when it nearly collided with a Bandon Police Department patrol vehicle and another passenger car. The Bandon police officer activated the patrol car’s overhead lights and turned around to stop the wrong-way driver. While the patrol car was trying to catch up, the Mercedes struck the southbound guardrail and veered back into the southbound lane. The Mercedes then collided head-on with a southbound blue Mazda Mazda3, operated by Mariah Mayfield (18) of Coquille.

The operator of the Mazda (Mayfield) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Mercedes (Cooley) was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Bandon Police Department, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Bandon Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

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

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. (16 April 2026) – On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 26 near milepost 39 in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Dodge Ram, operated by Alen Hatunic (39) of Portland, was traveling westbound on Hwy. 26 near Welches when the operator lost control and the vehicle, crossed the roadway, went through a ditch, and crashed head-on into a tree. At the time of the crash, the roadway was covered in snow and hail.

Rear passenger, Nina Westbrook (34) of Gresham, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The vehicle operator (Hatunic) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

Passenger, Eugene Bryce Westbrook (39) of Portland, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

A 2-year-old female passenger was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.

Weather/roadway conditions and speed are believed to be contributing factors in the crash.

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Hoodland Fire District, AMR Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

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

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has received dozens of phone calls today, April 16, 2026, from community members reporting a series of illegitimate text messages.

The fraudulent messages claim to be from law enforcement and tell the recipient that they are scheduled for a court appearance within 24 hours. The messages further state that failure to appear will result in penalties ranging from significant fines to immediate arrest.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office confirms these text messages are not legitimate.

These types of communications are common scare tactics used by scammers to create a sense of urgency. The goal is often to convince people to send money or reveal sensitive personally identifiable information (PII).

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind community members that scammers can be very convincing and often use these high-pressure tactics to exploit people. Additionally, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office does not use text messages to let people know about court appearances.”

Important Reminders for Community Members:

• Do not send money to unknown persons or government agencies without first verifying the legitimacy of the request through official channels.
• If you receive a suspicious call or text from someone claiming to be law enforcement, do not use the contact information or click on any links provided in the message.
• If you have questions regarding the identity of a person claiming to be a law enforcement officer, hang up and call your local non-emergency dispatch center to potentially verify.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office encourages community members to remain vigilant and use good judgment when receiving unsolicited, high-pressure calls, emails, or text messages.

Related Content:

• MCSO Warns Public of Jail Release Scam Targeting Families of Adults in Custody
• MCSO Warns Community About “Smishing” Text Message Scams
• Sheriff’s office warns of phone scam impersonating members

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Seaside, Oregon, woman was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for submitting fraudulent pandemic unemployment applications, falsely claiming over two dozen employees, and causing the government to pay her over half a million dollars in benefits.

Tamara Fulmer, 48, was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $581,283 in restitution. 

“Fraudsters who steal benefits are not just stealing from the government – they are depriving other Oregonians who depend on those benefits to live,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Our office will continue to prioritize and prosecute theft of government funds.”

“This case sends a clear message: those who attempt to defraud government programs will be held accountable. Tamara Fulmer stole nearly $600,000 from the unemployment insurance program at a time when Americans needed those funds most. The Office of Inspector General, together with local U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the U.S. Department of Justice’s newly established National Fraud Enforcement Division, and our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue individuals who seek to exploit government benefit programs. No fraud is too large or too small,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

According to court documents, between May 2020 and October 2021, Fulmer used the personal information of 27 individuals she claimed to be her employees to fraudulently apply for pandemic unemployment insurance benefits (UI benefits).

Based on Fulmer’s misrepresentations, the Oregon Employment Department (OED) paid out more than $567,000 in UI benefits. Fulmer deposited at least 236 UI checks totaling nearly $69,000 into her own personal account and cashed many of the UI checks at a gas station in Seaside without the applicants’ knowledge or permission.

OED paid Fulmer an additional $13,353 after she submitted her own fraudulent UI application where she falsely claimed she had not applied for or received disability benefits, despite receiving disability payments since 2004.

On February 19, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a one-count indictment charging Fulmer with theft of government property. On November 4, 2025, Fulmer pleaded guilty.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Meredith D.M. Bateman and Ethan G. Bodell, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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SALEM, OR — On Monday, a federal judge denied Marion County’s request asking the court to allow the county to file a response opposing a Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) motion to exclude more criminally-charged individuals from the Oregon State Hospital in the ongoing Mink/Bowman case.

If approved, Disability Rights Oregon’s motion could allow criminally charged individuals to be allowed to walk free from the State Hospital without first being stabilized or held for prosecution.

DRO’s motion asks the court to limit “who can come to the state hospital for competency restoration services and how long they may stay at the hospital.”

Categories of crime that are excluded from hospital care by DRO’s motion include, but are not limited to:

• Property damage in excess of $1,000
• Possession and use of a stolen vehicle
• Theft in excess of $1,000
• Burglary
• Identity theft (including scamming seniors)
• Aggravated harassment
• Disorderly conduct
• Failure to appear in court on a felony charge

“It’s absurd that Disability Rights Oregon is advocating to take away treatment from criminally-charged individuals causing harm in our community,” said Commissioner Colm Willis, Chair. “Allowing these individuals to continue to freely and openly cause harm to our community instead of getting them the help they need is dangerous and irresponsible. Marion County residents deserve better.”

Marion County continues to weigh its options to address ongoing community challenges caused by the Oregon State Hospital’s refusal to fully staff their current bed capacity.

Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a reported brush fire along NE Studio Rd this morning just after 10am. Crews arrived to find a 40-foot strip of ornamental juniper brushes on fire in front of a house. The occupant was attempting to stop the fire with a garden hose, but the wind kept the fire going. The first arriving fire engine was able to extinguish the fire quickly and prevent it from spreading to the house and other juniper bushes. There was no reported property damage outside of the brush. Studio Rd was closed for a short time as crews extinguished the fire. 

The fire was caused by the occupant using a weed burner to clear material from his driveway. While weed burners are allowed in the rural areas while burning is open, they are not allowed in the city limits as they are considered debris burning. City ordinance bans all debris burning within the city limits of Bend. The occupant was provided a warning as this was a first offense. 

This is a good reminder of why debris burning will be closed down a month early this year compared to last year. Even with the rain and snow over the past week vegetation is still very dry and can easily ignite and spread. If you are finishing up burning this spring, we ask that you be extremely careful while doing it. Ensure all preparations are done before burning such as having water on hand, clearing combustibles away from the burn and having tools ready to go. Call the burn information line before burning outside the city limits to ensure it is open that day as well because if we see that winds are too strong, we can shut it down on a daily basis. All debris burning will be closed throughout Central Oregon at the end of the day on 4/30/26. 

Cascade Locks, Ore. – The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the remains of Kenneth Martin, Barbara Martin, and Barbie Martin following DNA analysis by Othram, Inc. of remains located in the Columbia River within the wreckage of the Martin family car. The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its investigation, having found no evidence of a crime.

The Martin family originally disappeared in December of 1958 while reportedly visiting the Columbia River Gorge to collect Christmas greenery. The remains of Virginia (13) and Susan (11) Martin were found downstream months later, but the parents, Kenneth and Barbara, and oldest daughter Barbara (“Barbie”, 14) were never found despite extensive searching and diving.

In 2024, a private diver located what he believed to be the Martin family car in a catch-basin area within the original locks in Cascade Locks, Oregon. In early 2025, the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office contracted a crane to attempt to pull the vehicle out of the river. Due to the extent to which the vehicle had been encased in sediment, only the frame and some of the attached components were able to be pulled from the water. Analysis of those items along with other items retrieved by the diver allowed investigators to conclude that this was in fact the Martin car.

Later in 2025, the diver located human remains, which were turned over to the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, and subsequently to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.

To assist with identification, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office and the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Othram Inc., a forensic genetics laboratory specializing in advanced DNA analysis. Othram uses the identity inference method, which allows scientists to identify individuals from DNA evidence even when no direct comparison sample is initially available. Recovered forensic evidence from the case was submitted to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas.

Othram scientists developed DNA extracts from the remains and generated a comprehensive Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) profile for one of the unidentified individuals. SNPs are the most common type of genetic variation and are commonly used in forensic genetic genealogy. Unfortunately, the other two DNA profiles were too degraded to be fully sequenced.

The successfully generated profile was directly compared with family reference standards obtained from known relatives of the Martin family. This comparison enabled investigators to evaluate biological relationships with a high degree of accuracy.

Through this process, Kenneth Martin was positively identified and based on the totality of the circumstances in which the remains were recovered, and the anthropological assessment of the remains, Barbara Martin and Barbie Martin were also identified.

This identification reflects a sustained coordinated effort, scientific partnership, and continued advancements in forensic genetic genealogy. We appreciate the work of Othram Inc. in conducting the specialized testing, the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) for supporting the analyses.

Following the successful identification, the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office notified next of kin, who wish for privacy and have requested no media contact.

The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office for their support with locating relevant records to assist with the investigation. We would also like to thank the members of the Columbia Gorge Major Crimes Team and the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division for their support. For the identification efforts, special thanks goes out to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, Othram, Inc., and the Research Triangle Institute, as well as to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System for their financial assistance in funding the genetic testing.

On April 14, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the April 2026 Employees and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees! 

Shakira Ilemelong, Pre-K at the Early Learning Center

Each week, staff members consistently notice Shakira for the way she leads with her heart, her infectious positive attitude, and her deep love for learning. This month, she truly shone as the clear choice to represent our Character Strong trait of Honesty. Shakira’s teachers note that for preschoolers, learning to be a "truth-teller" can be a big challenge. It takes a lot of courage to be honest when things are difficult, but we have watched Shakira blossom into a brave leader. By choosing to tell the truth, she is helping her classroom to be a space where all of her friends feel safe, respected, and trusted. Shakira is so good at showing others that being honest helps solve problems, understand one another, and grow together as a community. As Shakira prepares to head off to elementary school next year, we can say with total confidence that she is 100% kindergarten-ready and that her integrity and her spirit will make her an amazing role model for all her peers. It’s been a joy watching Shakira grow and lead this year.

Lucien Bliss, 2nd Grade at South Ridge Elementary School

Lucian consistently demonstrates an incredible amount of effort and engagement in his academics, and the growth he has shown this year has been truly impressive. It has been especially exciting to watch his confidence develop as he leads calendar time with his peers and continues to make strong progress in reading. Lucian’s persistence is clearly paying off in the classroom. He approaches challenges with determination and a willingness to keep trying, which is helping him grow every day. In addition to his academic success, Lucian is kind and caring toward his classmates, always contributing positively to our classroom and school community. He is a great example of our Three B’s—Be Kind, Be Strong, Be Well—and truly embodies these values through his actions and effort each day. Lucian should be very proud of all he has accomplished.

Amelia Dahlstrom, 4th Grade at Union Ridge Elementary School

Every day, Amelia truly exemplifies the three B’s: Be Kind, Be Strong, and Be Well. Amelia consistently demonstrates kindness, always looking for ways to help others and showing care and consideration to her classmates in the classroom, in specials, at recess, and in the halls. She is also a true self-manager, holding herself accountable to doing the right thing no matter who is around. In addition, Amelia is a strong team player who stays focused, works hard, and approaches new challenges with a positive attitude. She sets a wonderful example for her peers and continues to go above and beyond, as evidenced by her involvement in choir and honor choir this year. Thank you, Amelia, for being such a positive role model for all our Tater Tots! We are extremely proud of you!

Kahena Dudley, 6th Grade at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School

Kahena Dudley consistently shows respect to her classmates and teachers and works hard to do the right thing. Kahena puts strong effort into her assignments and takes pride in the work she completes. She takes responsibility for her learning and wants to truly understand what she is being taught. Kahena isn’t afraid to ask questions or ask for clarification, which shows her commitment to growing and improving. Her focus and determination have helped her become a strong student who takes pride in doing her best. Kahena also sets a positive example for others through her responsible choices, work ethic, and positive attitude. When something is challenging, she stays resilient and keeps working until she understands it. Her responsibility, determination, and kindness make her a great role model in the classroom. Kahena helps make our classroom and school a better place, and we are proud to recognize her as Student of the Month.

Kolton Lightheart, 7th Grade at View Ridge Middle School

Kolton’s commitment to responsibility is evident in the consistent ownership he takes over his daily work. He demonstrates respect by valuing the perspectives of others and fostering a kind, inclusive environment. His resiliency shines through in his ability to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Kolton is a tenacious learner with a hunger for knowledge and a strong desire to do his best. He dives deeply into his learning and works hard to grow his understanding. His hard work is reflected in both his excellent grades and the positive friendships he builds at school. Kolton is also known for his kindness and generosity toward both students and staff. He is a welcoming lab partner who actively involves others and helps bring classmates along in the learning process. In Drama, Kolton is an excellent peer example. He pushes himself to make creative choices and convey meaning on stage, while supporting and encouraging his classmates through his positivity, kindness, and thoughtful ideas. Kolton’s character is something he should be very proud of, and he is truly deserving of this recognition.

Faith Tyrrell, 8th Grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy

Wisdom Ridge Academy has been lucky enough to work with Faith for more than two years. She is now in the Spring of her 8th grade year and truly soaring as an excellent Wisdom Ridge Owl. Faith is a creative thinker who uses online tools to incorporate beautiful layouts and graphic design elements into her school assignments. She has a deep background knowledge and interest in children including child development, the importance of play, and how children express their emotions. Faith also has extensive knowledge about animals such as horses and dogs, and she has an amazing understanding of human history, psychology, the Avatar universe, and real estate in Japan. Outside of her school work, Faith volunteers at a daycare and is a junior camp counselor at Camp Tamarack in Oregon. We could not be more proud of Faith as we get ready to launch her off to high school in just a couple months. She has definitely made our school a better place. 

Jace DeShazer, 9th Grade at Ridgefield High School

Jace is an outstanding student who brings a positive spirit, strong work ethic, and genuine enthusiasm to all that he does. As a dedicated member of both the track and cross country teams, Jace demonstrates perseverance, discipline, and commitment. In the classroom, he is equally impressive - quick to grasp new concepts and eager to engage in his learning. His teachers describe him as focused, creative, and highly motivated, often pushing himself to explore new ideas and techniques, particularly in animation. Jace approaches each task with maturity and curiosity, finding ways to stay engaged and make learning meaningful. What truly sets Jace apart is his character. He is consistently polite, respectful and kind, serving as a model of responsibility and integrity. His cheerful and good-natured demeanor contributes positively to the classroom environment, and he approaches each day with a willingness to learn and grow. Outside of school, Jace enjoys reading and cooking. Inspired by his father’s hard work and kindness, he hopes to pursue a future in the culinary field. 

Amber Vesely, Paraeducator at Union Ridge Elementary School

Amber’s kindness and dedication shine through in everything she does. She goes above and beyond each and every day to support our students, offering not only academic assistance but also encouragement and compassion. Always willing to lend a helping hand, Amber brings patience, positivity, and a genuine care for others that make a lasting impact on both students and staff. Our school community is stronger and brighter because of her unwavering commitment and heart.

Lynn Bridge, Paraeducator at the Early Learning Center

Lynn deserves this recognition for many reasons, but her dedication and kindness are what truly stand out. She goes above and beyond, even coming in on weekends to support our preschool. She connects with all students, supports staff with crafts and prep, and treats everyone with genuine respect. Lynn is honest, authentic, and truly makes our school a better place.

April 16, 2026

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

Gresham college setting becomes latest measles exposure location

Health officials urge people who were at the location during exposure period to talk to a health care provider

PORTLAND, Ore.—A new measles exposure location has been identified in Gresham, and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Multnomah County public health officials are urging people to talk to a health care provider about their risks if they believe they were exposed.

People might have been exposed if they were at the following location at this date and time: 

• Mt Hood Community College, Gresham Campus Academic Center Building 17, main level, 26000 SE Stark St., Gresham, between 10 a.m. and 1:50 p.m. Monday, April 13.

People who were at this location during this date and time period should immediately contact a health care provider and let them know they may have been exposed to someone who has measles. The health care provider can determine whether you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence of prior infection.

Families without a primary care provider can establish care at any of Multnomah County's seven primary care clinics or nine student health centers (based at high schools but open to anyone ages 5-18) by calling 503-988-5558 to make a new patient appointment.

Facts about measles

Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus particles also can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area.

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 21 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.

Measles can be dangerous, especially among children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. In developed countries in recent years, one to three of every 1,000 measles cases has been fatal.  The measles vaccine is highly effective at providing protection, as two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the virus. The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are up to date on their vaccines is very low.

What to do if you suspect measles in your household 

Public health officials urge people experiencing symptoms of measles not to arrive unannounced at a medical office if they: 

1. Have a measles-like rash, or
2. Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, AND have any other symptoms of measles (such as fever, cough or red eyes).

Whenever possible, individuals planning to seek medical care should first call your health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.

Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

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SPRING SCAM REMINDER

April showers bring May flowers but scams are always in-season. Ever year Oregonians fall victim to scams from criminals disguising themselves as legitimate organizations or businesses. They are quite savvy in getting you to provide your personal information and create a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly.

One popular scam we see in Lincoln County is via phone call. Scammers pretend to be from our agency or another organization calling regarding jury duty, an outstanding fees, etc. Then they pressure you to pay a fine or bail money, often in Bitcoin, gift cards, or other non-traditional payment forms. You should know our office will NOT ask for payment over the phone. Before you share any information with the caller, collect their name, agency, and reason for calling. Then hang up and look up the organization’s real contact information to confirm the call is legitimate. Save our contact information below so that you can quickly verify someone from our office calling.

Protect yourself from scams:

• Use caution, especially with those you are not familiar with.
  • When you receive unexpected contacts from people or businesses, over the phone, by mail, email, in person, or on social media, always consider the possibility that the interaction may be a scam.
  • Remember to call or log on to the organization’s real website to verify the information you’ve been given is accurate.
  • Verify the caller is from a legitimate organization before sharing any information. If you have trouble verifying an organization’s phone number or website, consider stopping by their office to speak with someone in person.
• Protect your passwords and personal information.
  • Always use password protection.
  • Don’t share access with others.
  • Update security software and back up content regularly.
  • Protect your Wi-Fi network with a password.
  • Avoid using public computers or Wi-Fi hotspots to access online banking or other personal information.
• Ignore unfamiliar attachments or links.
  • Don’t click on links, open attachments, attempt to unsubscribe, or call any telephone number listed in suspicious messages.
  • Do NOT give any money, credit card info, or other personal details.
  • When in doubt, look up the organization’s website or phone number and contact them directly.
     
• Save contact information from official organization’s ahead of time.
  • Anytime you open a bank account, work with a company, etc., save that organization’s phone number, website, and address so that you can reach out to them if you receive something suspicious or have questions about someone from their agency contacting you.
     
• Know what an organization will and won’t ask for over the phone or through email.
  • The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will NOT ask you for payment over the phone.
  • Most government agencies will not ask for sensitive information such as social security numbers, passwords, etc. over the phone.
     
• Help friends and family learn how to spot a scam.
  • Protect others by helping them learn and follow scam prevention tips.
  • Encourage loved ones of all ages to tell you about or otherwise report suspicious calls, texts, emails, and social media messages. Remind them to verify the person or organization sending the message before they reply back, provide information, or click on any links.

How to know if information is really from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office:

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

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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The next regular public meeting of the FVRLibraries Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, April 20, 6:00 pm, at Washougal Community Center. It will be a hybrid (in-person/online) meeting. Agenda.
You can view the agenda and meeting materials at: https://www.fvrl.org/about/board-of-trustees/ 

April 16, 2026

Contact: Amy Coven, 503-943-0164, amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace Annual Report Highlights Coverage Trends and Affordability for 2026

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace released its 2025 Annual Report today, highlighting new insights into affordability trends for 2026 marketplace coverage.

Among the report’s key findings, average monthly premiums after financial assistance increased significantly to $426, compared with $272 in 2025. At the same time, individuals receiving financial assistance in 2026 received an average of $525 per month in premium tax credits, slightly lower than the $531 average in 2025.

These changes reflect shifting affordability dynamics for consumers and underscore the continued importance of financial assistance in maintaining access to coverage, particularly as premiums rise.

The report also notes that overall enrollment and the number of individuals receiving financial assistance declined in 2026 compared to 2025. This decrease is largely attributed to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, which had previously helped lower costs and expand access to coverage.

The full Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace 2025 Annual Report is available at orhim.info/2025Report.

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What is the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace?

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov. For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov.

16 de abril de 2026

Contacto: Amy Coven, 503-943-0164, amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov

El Reporte Anual del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon Destaca las Tendencias de Cobertura y la Asequibilidad para 2026 

SALEM, Ore. – El Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon publicó su reporte anual de 2025 destacando nuevos datos sobre las tendencias de costos para la cobertura del Mercado en 2026.

Entre los hallazgos principales del reporte, las primas mensuales promedio después de la ayuda financiera aumentaron significativamente a $426, en comparación con $272 en 2025. Al mismo tiempo, las personas que recibieron ayuda financiera en 2026 obtuvieron un promedio de $525 al mes en créditos fiscales para las primas, un poco menos del promedio de $531 en 2025.

Estos cambios reflejan el cambio en la dinámica de la asequibilidad para los consumidores y subrayan la importancia que sigue teniendo la ayuda financiera para mantener el acceso a la cobertura, especialmente a medida que aumentan las primas.

El reporte también indica que la inscripción total y el número de personas que reciben ayuda financiera disminuyeron en 2026 en comparación con 2025. Esta reducción se debe en gran parte al vencimiento de los créditos fiscales mejorados para primas, los cuales previamente habían contribuido a reducir los costos y a ampliar el acceso a la cobertura.

El reporte anual completo del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon de 2025 está disponible en orhim.info/2025ReportSP.

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¿Qué es el Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon?

El Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon, que forma parte del gobierno estatal, ayuda a las personas a obtener un seguro de salud cuando no tienen cobertura en el trabajo y no califican para el Plan de Salud de Oregon (OHP) u otro programa. El Mercado es el socio a nivel estatal de CuidadoDeSalud.gov. Para obtener más información visite CuidadoDeSalud.Oregon.gov.

SALEM, Oregon – Individuals, organizations and projects that have made outstanding contributions to preserving Oregon’s heritage will receive Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards April 29 in Mt. Angel.
 

“The Award recipients are representative of efforts and activities that are exemplary and go above and beyond for an individual, organization, and project, serving as a model for heritage preservation work in Oregon,” said Katie Henry, Coordinator for the Oregon Heritage Commission. “This year we had several nominations focused on the work of documenting, preserving, and sharing a more complete story of Oregon’s history.”
 

2026 Oregon Heritage Excellence Award recipients are:

• Oregon Historical Society’s The Yasui Family: An American Story for work spanning years of meticulous preservation, translation, and research culminating in an exhibition and accompanying programs, online resources, and curricula, offering unparalleled windows into the lives of Japanese immigrants and their families in the decades before and after mass incarceration in WWII.
   

• Kathleen Sligar for her outstanding contributions to statewide heritage preservation efforts demonstrating resourcefulness, selflessness, and her deep commitment to supporting and developing the statewide heritage preservation community through mentorship and service.
   

• Mark Prairie Historical Society’s Mark Prairie Schoolhouse Restoration Project, a volunteer led project that took over 4 years and $1.2 million resulting in a restoration that honors the community’s past and authentically showcases the building’s architectural integrity.
   

• Oregon Nisei Veterans WWII Memorial Highway and Historical Marker Project for its grassroots collaboration that culminated in the dedication of a 41-mile stretch of Highway 35 from Government Camp to Hood River as the Oregon Nisei Veterans WWII Memorial Highway and a state-sponsored historical marker telling the story of more than 430 Oregon Nisei who served in World War II, even as many of their families were incarcerated under Executive Order 9066.
   

• Paul Falsetto, a Portland architect with three decades of service, for his quality of rehabilitation work, depth of preservation knowledge, and exemplary dedication to the field of historic preservation in Oregon.
   

• The Japanese American Museum of Oregon’s Japanese American History in Oregon Traveling Trunks project for serving as a critical resource for educators with standards-aligned lessons, primary resources and artifacts, and biographies to bring this essential American story to life and fostering a deeper appreciation for the resilience and contributions of Japanese Americans.
   

• Tim Hills, lead Historian for McMenamin’s, for his dedication to uncovering history and his love of storytelling that made history a foundational pillar of McMenamins. His research and community partner collaboration has influenced the preservation, design, and use of historic buildings and has inspired a culture of appreciating and preserving the past.
   

• Jim Proehl for his dedication to preserving and promoting the history of Bandon through his service to the Bandon Historical society in the forms of leadership, education, communication, collection care, fundraising, and beyond.
   

• Watershed Rock Opera project that went beyond traditional interpretation by transforming lived experience, cultural knowledge, and ecological insight into an original, multimedia rock opera.
   

• Rob McIntyre for his community centered approach and dedication to the preservation and restoration of Athena’s historic Gem Theater and Star Saloon ensuring it will continue to educate, entertain, and inspire for generations to come.
   

• Rainier Oregon Historical Museum for exemplifying the power of volunteerism, vision, and community dedication in the ten years of establishing their organization through partnerships and community outreach resulting in recent completion of a brand new museum building.
   

• Paul Quarino (1942-2024) for his 44 years serving as steward and caretaker of Coos Bay’s Egyptian Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer, ensuring that the magic of this 1925 organ – the only theater organ in Oregon in its original location – could be shared with future generations.

Award recipients will be honored and presented with their award on April 29, 7pm-9pm, at the Mt. Angel Festhalle, 500 Wilco Hwy NE, Mt Angel, OR 97362. The Awards Presentation and Dinner is part of the 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference events. Those wanting to attend the Awards event must purchase tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased here.
 

The physical awards presented to recipients are designed and created by Eastern Oregon artist, Alethea Brewer. This year’s awards artist selection process was done in partnership with Crossroads Carnegie Arts Center in Baker City.
 

In addition to the 12 recipients of a 2026 Oregon Heritage Excellence Award, the Oregon Heritage Commission will also be recognizing 12 Standout Heritage Volunteers from heritage organizations across the state and their critical contributions to heritage preservation efforts in Oregon. Learn more about this year’s Standout Heritage Volunteers by visiting www.oregonheritage.org.
 

Following the awards presentation on April 29, videos of the recipients will be available online at www.oregonheritage.org.
 

The Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards are a program of Oregon Heritage. Oregon Heritage is a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department that includes the State Historic Preservation Office and four State Commission/Committees: Oregon Heritage Commission, State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation, Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries, and Historic Advisory Review Committee. 
 

For more information, contact Katie Henry at 503-877-8834 or y@oprd.oregon.gov">katie.henry@oprd.oregon.gov. 
 

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The Tigard Police Department is sad to share that K-9 Rico passed away recently, after nine years of service to the community.

Rico celebrated his 10^th birthday earlier this year, and due to his age, he was expected to retire from police work in July. However, his health took a sudden turn for the worst and he died on Tuesday, April 7.

Rico arrived at the Tigard Police Department in April 2017 as a 15-month-old puppy. He completed 400 hours of training with the Oregon Police Canine Association and worked with two handlers over the course of his career, Officer Rivera (2017-2020) and Officer Suyama (2020-Present).

Over the course of his career, Rico worked nearly 3,000 hours (2,965) searching for criminal suspects, articles of evidence, missing people or in training. He worked on more than 1,000 (1,049) police calls, including 392 tracks, he found 121 articles of evidence, completed 116 building searches and helped capture 114 criminal suspects. In addition to supporting Tigard patrol officers, he also helped on police calls for neighboring agencies throughout his career.

With K-9 Rico’s passing, we now have two K-9s, Cooper and Ranum. As of now, we plan to continue supporting patrol operations with our two K-9s and do not plan on replacing Rico.

His personality, energy, love for playtime, devotion to his handlers and connection with the Tigard community will be deeply missed. A video of K-9 Rico over the years is available here: https://youtu.be/6hHUZgozi7I.

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UPDATE: GERALDINE PARKER HAS BEEN LOCATED

RELEASE DATE:               April 15, 2026
CASE NUMBER:                 26-16297
 

Gresham, Ore.—Gresham Police is asking for assistance from the public with locating a missing 74-year-old woman, Geraldine Parker.  Staff at Geraldine’s assisted care facility reported she left at 6 p.m. yesterday, using a rideshare service to visit her son. The care facility is located in the 3900 block of SE 182 Ave. Staff is concerned because Geraldine has dementia, is missing her critical medication, and they have been unable to reach Geraldine’s son.

Geraldine is described as a White female who is 5-feet and 4-inches tall and weighs 175 pounds. She has gray hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing a light blue shirt and blue jeans.  

Anyone who knows of Geraldine’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or non-emergency at 503-823-3333.

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