RELEASE DATE:               Sept. 18, 2026

Gresham, Ore.— The Gresham Police Department will conduct a pedestrian safety operation on Tuesday, Sept. 22, on SE Powell Valley Road and SE Kane Drive. The department is hoping to raise pedestrian safety awareness for drivers and pedestrians through a two-pronged approach: education and enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws.

 The operation will be conducted between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. with warning signs posted prior to entering the pedestrian safety operation zone. Pedestrian safety education is vital to keeping our roads safe. Motorists must stop and yield to pedestrians who are waiting to cross, or who are already crossing the roadway.

Motorists are also required to stop at all crosswalks when there is a vehicle already stopped in a lane next to the lane they are traveling in. Refer to Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 811.028, titled Failure to Stop and Remain Stopped for a Pedestrian, for specifics on the law regarding drivers. Refer to ORS Chapter 814 for laws pertaining to pedestrians.

Funding for this pedestrian safety operation is made possible through a grant from Oregon Impact and Oregon’s Department of Transportation.

Update Corden has been found safe

Gresham, Ore.— Police are asking for assistance from the public to locate an endangered missing person.  Corden Malmberg, age 54, was last seen Thursday evening leaving a 100 SE Cleveland Ave, Gresham.  Corden has memory and heart issues.  He has been without his medication for several days.

Cordon is 5'10" tall and weighs 180 pounds.  He has brown hair, last seen wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt with a black front, unknown color sweatpants and red Nike slides.  

Anyone who sees Corden is asked to call 911. 

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver has launched a new season of DocArts talks, bringing together film and video screenings, artist talks and community conversations throughout the fall term. The series is jointly sponsored by The Collective for Social and Environmental Justice and Native American Programs and is made possible through the generous support of the Ronni S. Lacroute Fund of Oregon Community Foundation.

The fall series began Sept. 18 with “Global South Solidarities: Digital Anarchiving,” presented by Bibhushana Poudyal, a Nepali scholar, feminist rhetorician, anti-colonial public digital humanist and assistant professor in the Department of English.

The next event in the series will take place at noon Sept. 23 in Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110 and feature WSU Vancouver alumna Courtney Bosworth, Class of 2025. A CSEJ organizer, Bosworth traveled to Hiroshima in August with a delegation from Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility to document and participate in commemorative events marking the 81st anniversary of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The DocArts Initiative is an outgrowth of decades of justice-oriented multimedia production and creation by WSU faculty. DocArts works to integrate multimedia production across the curriculum while creating content for local, national and international platforms.

The series features a diverse group of multimedia artists, activists and public intellectuals, including community organizers, documentary filmmakers, songwriters, comedians and hip-hop performers. Events are free, open to the public and available on Zoom.

The complete lineup is available at labs.wsu.edu/csej/1617-2/ or by contacting van.csej@wsu.edu.

About WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is one of six campuses of Washington State University and the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington. The campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs that support workforce development, innovation and economic growth through strong partnerships with businesses, industries and community organizations.

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver and is accessible via I-5, I-205 and C-TRAN bus service.

# # #

On September 17^th, 2026, at approximately 4:20 p.m., Beaverton Police responded to a crash involving a motorcycle and a 2025 Toyota Camry on SW Cascade Avenue between SW Hall Boulevard and SW Scholls Ferry Road.

The motorcycle rider, a 64-year-old man from West Linn, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. He later died from his injuries. The driver of the Toyota Camry is cooperating with the investigation.

Beaverton police officers and members of the Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) responded to the scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power offers Oregon customers rebates for backup power 

Program helps eligible customers prepare for wildfire-related outages and winter storms 

PORTLAND, Ore.  (Sept. 18, 2026) — With a record-setting wildfire season that brought power disruptions to communities across Oregon winding down, Pacific Power is reminding eligible customers about rebates that can help them prepare for future outage events. As our focus transitions to winter storm season, qualified customers and licensed care facilities can still get help purchasing backup power equipment.

Income-qualified residential customers who rely on electricity for medical equipment can receive a rebate of up to $1,000, and eligible licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices can qualify for up to $4,000 in rebates. These rebates can be used toward a qualified portable power station, battery or permanent backup generator.

“We prioritize emergency preparedness education and communication in our communities so our customers are prepared in the event an outage whether related to wildfire safety or seasonal storms,” said Carrie Laird, vice president of wildfire mitigation and emergency operations for Pacific Power. “We want eligible customers and care facilities to know this assistance is available and encourage them to apply before the upcoming deadlines so that they can take advantage of these helpful programs, which can offer peace of mind.”

To qualify for the residential rebate, applicants need to have an active Pacific Power account number, either as a customer or as the tenant of a Pacific Power customer. They also have to be enrolled in both Pacific Power’s Medical Certificate program and Oregon Low Income Discount program. Eligible customers should select backup power equipment from the program’s qualified product list and meet applicable requirements, which are spelled out in detail on our website.

Licensed care facilities also have to have an active Pacific Power account number, either directly or through a Pacific Power customer whose property they occupy. Eligible facilities include licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices.

Eligible equipment must be purchased by December 31, 2026, and Pacific Power must receive the completed application and purchase receipt by January 31, 2027. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the program’s annual funding is fully used.

Pacific Power launched the Oregon Backup Electric Power Rebate Program in 2023. Since then, the company has issued 421 rebates totaling more than $1.2 million.

The program is also helping communities strengthen their backup power readiness. In 2025, Linn County identified eligible care facilities and encouraged them to invest in backup power. Twenty-seven facilities received rebates of $4,000 each, for a total of $108,000. A batch application process is now available for jurisdictions submitting applications for multiple facilities.

Customers with questions about batch applications for multiple care facilities may email Generator@resource-innovations.com">PacPowerGenerator@resource-innovations.com.

To hear more about the impacts of this program from a customer’s perspective, you can access video and interview excerpts here: Media gallery.

Content on our media gallery is downloadable and free to use in your reporting.

###

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.

BENTON COUNTY, Ore. (18 September 2026) – Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful shooting of a doe deer near Monroe in Benton County.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on September 13, 2026, a doe deer was shot on private property near Alpine Road and Foster Road. The deer was left to waste. The suspect(s) are believed to have been traveling in a full-size, loud pickup truck. After the deer was shot, the vehicle was observed traveling eastbound on Alpine Road.

During the investigation, troopers recovered a .30-30 caliber shell casing from the roadway near the scene.

OSP Fish and Wildlife is asking anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident, or who may have information regarding the vehicle or person(s) involved, to contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or call OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Tips may be submitted anonymously. Please reference case number SP26-300293.

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.

# # #

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.

“Hiring Don Bohn in 2019 was the best decision we ever made as a Board of Commissioners.” — Board Chair Mark Kujala

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County Manager Don Bohn has announced plans to retire April 2, 2027, concluding seven and a half years as County Manager and 37 years of public service.

Bohn’s retirement is expected to be formally acknowledged by the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners at its September 23 meeting.

During his time with Clatsop County, Bohn has worked alongside County employees, elected officials and community partners to strengthen the organization, build relationships and maintain effective services for the community.

“Hiring Don Bohn in 2019 was the best decision we ever made as a Board of Commissioners,” Board Chair Mark Kujala said. “Don brought three decades of wisdom from Washington County and has guided us with a calm, steady and balanced approach.”

In his retirement letter, Bohn reflected on the people who have shaped his time with the County.

“I am continually inspired by the public employees and elected officials that daily serve our community with humility, passion and grace,” Bohn wrote in his retirement letter shared with the Board and staff. “I am proud of our work together and the innumerable ways we have fortified the organization and culture, enhanced critical partnerships and consistently provided quality, efficient, effective and relevant services to the community.”

Bohn described the County’s accomplishments during his tenure as a collaborative and productive team effort and expressed confidence in the organization’s future.

Kujala also credited Bohn with strengthening relationships throughout the region.

“Throughout his seven-plus years of service, Don’s commitment to collaboration has built deep, lasting relationships with regional community partners,” Kujala said. “He has always been strategic, intentional and unafraid to face challenges head-on — ultimately lifting Clatsop County to new heights.”

Bohn said the people and partnerships that support the County will continue to guide the organization after his retirement.

“I am confident the pillars of political leadership, professional management, quality workforce and community partnerships will continue to support and guide the County going forward,” Bohn wrote. “Until my final day I will do my part in service to the organization and community.”

The County expects to begin the first phase of the recruitment process in November by selecting a professional recruitment team to assist with the search for the next County Manager.

The County Manager position is anticipated to open for applications in 2027, before Bohn’s final day April 2.

“I have been truly blessed to work alongside Don,” Kujala said. “While we will be sad to see him retire, we are grateful to have his leadership through the coming months. He will leave behind a resilient team and a thriving organizational culture. We wish Don and his wife, Stacee, the very best as they enjoy this well-deserved next phase of life together.”

Additional information about the recruitment and transition process will be shared as it becomes available.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REACH Expands Affordable Homeownership Work with Mt. Tabor Annex Partnership

24 new townhomes will create permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for Portland families

PORTLAND, Ore. — REACH Community Development (REACH) is expanding its work in affordable homeownership through a partnership with Pahlisch Commercial, Inc. (PCI) to develop 24 new townhomes at the former site of the historic Mt. Tabor Annex, formerly known as the Mills Open Air School.

Located at 511 SE 60th Avenue, the Mt. Tabor Annex Townhomes will provide homeownership opportunities for income-qualified Portland households. All 24 homes will have three bedrooms, with six affordable to households earning up to 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) and 18 affordable to households earning up to 80% AMI.

The Portland Housing Bureau is awarding $4.326 million in Metro Affordable Housing Bond funds, pending Metro approval, to support the $13.5 million development.

“For REACH, affordable homeownership is an important next step in our work to create housing opportunities that help people build stability and intergenerational wealth,” said Margaret Salazar, CEO of REACH Community Development. “Mt. Tabor Annex brings together an experienced development partnership, public investment and the Community Land Trust model to create homes that are affordable to lower-income households and remain affordable for generations to come.”

“Pahlisch Commercial is proud to partner with REACH on a project that will create high-quality homeownership opportunities for Portland families,” said Destin Ferdun, Director of Affordable Housing Development at PCI. “We bring extensive experience in residential development and construction to this partnership, while REACH brings deep expertise in affordable housing and a strong commitment to the communities it serves. Together, we’re excited to bring these homes to the Mt. Tabor neighborhood.”

REACH has a long history of developing and preserving affordable rental housing and is increasingly expanding its work in affordable homeownership. Mt. Tabor Annex is one of two affordable homeownership developments REACH and PCI are partnering on, alongside a project in Vancouver, Washington.

REACH and PCI are structuring and developing the project to make the homes affordable to income-qualified buyers at the time of purchase. Proud Ground will serve as the project’s Community Land Trust partner, ensuring permanent affordability of these homes.

The three-story townhomes will feature three bedrooms, garages, energy-efficient design features and balconies overlooking a shared, family-oriented courtyard. The project is located near schools, grocery stores and commercial areas along Belmont and Hawthorne, with Mt. Tabor Park just blocks away.

The project is currently in pre-development, with completion anticipated in September 2028. Additional information about homeownership eligibility, pricing and the application process will be shared as the project moves closer to completion.

###

About REACH Community Development

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

About Pahlisch Commercial

Pahlisch Commercial is a premier real estate investment and development company dedicated to creating vibrant multifamily and mixed-use communities across the Pacific Northwest. We deliver high-quality projects that stand the test of time. Backed by the legacy and integrity of the Pahlisch brand—a name trusted in the region for over 40 years—we build where we live, which gives us a deep understanding of local markets, needs, and opportunities, fostering a competitive advantage through our vertical integration and regional expertise. More information about Pahlisch Commercial is available at www.pahlischcommercial.com.

Namika Miyagi receives national scholarship to support workforce education

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Clark College is proud to announce that student Namika Miyagi has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.

The Chime Workforce Scholarship, funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Foundation, provides each scholar with $1,000 to help cover educational expenses while completing a certificate or associate degree that prepares them to enter the workforce in a high-demand field.

"At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity. We're proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families," said Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation.

Miyagi, an international student from Japan, is serving as Clark College's 2026–27 PTK Vice President of Fellowship and is an International Peer Mentor. She is currently pursuing a degree in computer science with plans to continue her studies at a four-year school upon graduation from Clark. Her goal is to enter the MedTech field, using her skills in technology to help prevent health conditions and support early detection.

"We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships," said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. "These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to seeing all they go on to accomplish."

The Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students preparing for high-demand careers that strengthen their communities and local economies. By helping students complete their education and earn workforce credentials, the program helps create a stronger pipeline of skilled workers in fields where they are needed most.

About Clark College

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington's largest public institution of higher education. Clark College provides Southwest Washington residents 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.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation's colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

Phi Theta Kappa has been recognized as an official honor society at Clark College since 1991. PTK members represent a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Many are working adults, students preparing to transfer to four-year universities, or individuals pursuing new career opportunities. They span all ages, majors, and career fields, united by a commitment to academic excellence and personal growth. 

Membership to PTK is by invitation only — eligible students are invited at the end of each term — and is based on having a 3.25 cumulative GPA after completing at least 12 credits towards a degree, or six credits towards a certificate program. At Clark College, the Alpha Sigma Phi Chapter gives students opportunities to expand their leadership abilities, connect with peers, and broaden their horizons both inside and outside the classroom. Learn more about Clark's PTK chapter here.

 About Chime Scholars Foundation

Chime is a financial technology company founded on the premise that core banking services should be helpful, easy, and free. They offer a broad range of low-cost banking, payments, lending, and investing products that address the most critical financial needs of everyday people. Their members-aligned business model has helped millions of people to unlock financial progress. Funds in Chime deposit accounts are FDIC-insured through The Bancorp Bank, N.A., or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, up to applicable limits.

Chime is not FDIC-insured. The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A. are the FDIC-insured members. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. FDIC deposit insurance limit is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category.

####

A series of rulemaking advisory committee meetings has been scheduled to discuss updates to the smoke management rules.

This will include multiple work sessions and opportunity for public comment.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23. There will be a period for public comment at 2 p.m. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. 

You can view the previous meetings on the website. More may be scheduled in the future. All meetings will be held virtually and are open to the public. 

Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting y.berry@odf.oregon.gov">Shelby Berry at 503-949-5181.

BENTON COUNTY, Ore. (17 Sept. 2026) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take of a buck deer that was killed with a spear near Monroe in Benton County.

On September 9, 2026, OSP Fish and Wildlife troopers responded to a report of a dead buck deer on private property near Cox Lane and Foster Road outside Monroe. Troopers located the buck with a spear lodged in the animal, and the deer had been left to waste.

OSP Fish and Wildlife is asking anyone who may have information regarding this incident, or who observed any suspicious activity in the area, to contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or call OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Tips may be submitted anonymously. Please reference case number SP26-295930.

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.

# # #

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.

September 17, 2026

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Cullaby Lake Sept. 17

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Cullaby Lake due to the presence of a cyanotoxins above recreational use values (RUVs). The lake is in Clatsop County.

People should avoid swimming and other water activities with a high risk of swallowing water or inhaling water droplets in areas of the lake where blooms are present. Ingestion or inhalation of water is the exposure route of concern. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA’s RUVs are designed to protect the most vulnerable, including children, who have a higher activity level and are more likely to swallow water while recreating.

OHA encourages people to visit Cullaby Lake and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, and motorized or non-motorized boating activities that have a low risk of swallowing or inhaling water droplets.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source for drinking and cooking.

Symptoms for people, pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size, level of activity, and likelihood of swallowing water.

For people, exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crusts along the shore. This is regardless of whether a recreational use health advisory in place. Symptoms in dogs can include difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, and loss of appetite, and more.  If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible. OHA recommends keeping dogs on leashes, away from affected water and mat material, to help reduce the chance of exposure.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs, where toxins are more likely to build up, before cooking or freezing. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

###

Sixth graders from Clatsop County get hands-on experience in possible forestry careers. Anticipate approximately 400 students from area schools will rotate through 10 different stations.

What: Watch students from all Clatsop County schools participate and rotate through 10 different stations: tree planting, plant identification, wildland fire fighting, wood products, fisheries, recreation, wildlife rescue, restoration, fungi in the forest and tree measurements.

Visuals: See students receive hands-on training on how to plant trees, use a fire hose to hit a target, learn about on-site local fish, take a hike, ID plants and much more.

People on-site available to interview: Students and teachers, experts from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University Extension Service, Oregon Parks and Recreation, Clatsop County Fisheries, Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Wildlife Center of the North Coast, Oregon Women in Timber, Hampton Lumber, Nuveen Natural Capital, North Coast Watershed Association as well other local volunteers.  

When: Thursday, September 24, 2026

Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Best visuals and station rotations occur 9 a.m.–noon. Note: This is a two-day event but photo release and coordination for spokespeople are for Sept 24 only, NOT the first day, Sept. 23.

Where: ODF’s Demonstration Forest and Arboretum adjacent to the Clatsop County Fairgrounds and ODF’s district offices. Address for ODF office: 92219 OR-202, Astoria, OR 97103

Please send an RSVP by end of the day Sept. 22 so we can plan to have people available for interviews. All stations are outdoors so dress for the weather that day. RSVP to Jessica.NEUJAHR@odf.oregon.gov.  For more information contact: Jessica Neujahr, ODF public affairs, (503) 983-3367 (cell phone good for day of the event too). If your schedule changes, we can accommodate last-minute coverage.

Fast facts background and purpose:

• The event has been hosted by the Clatsop County natural resource community since 1960.
• More than 400 students attend each year.
• Top goal is to get students interested in exploring and learning about the broad career opportunities in forestry and natural resources.
• Highlights the partnerships it takes to manage forests for all Oregonians.

List of stations:

PORTLAND, Oregon - The Peter and Laurie King Kerr Estate (now known as Elk Rock Garden) is among Oregon’s newest entries in the National Register of Historic Places. Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) recommended the nomination at its June 2026 meeting for the property’s significance, in the areas of architecture and landscape architecture, as a rare surviving Portland area example of a turn-of-the-century country estate. The National Park Service, which maintains the National Register, accepted the nomination in late August 2026.
 

Located on the outskirts of South Portland, the Peter and Laurie King Kerr Estate was designed and constructed between 1897 and 1957 and it still reflects the layered contributions of its owner, grain commission merchant Peter Kerr, and several prominent design professionals, including landscape architects John C. Olmsted and Adolph Meyer, horticulturalist Emanuel T. Mische, and architects Ellis F. Lawrence and William Holford, the designers of the Kerr residence located on the grounds. Now open to the public, the Peter and Laurie King Kerr Estate stands as one of the Portland area’s only country estates or large private gardens that retains much of its original scale, setting, and design.
 

The National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Properties listed in the National Register are:

• Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;

• Considered in the planning of federal or federally assisted projects;

• Eligible for certain federal and state tax benefits;

• Qualified for historic preservation grants when funds are available;

• Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;

• Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.

State law in Oregon requires local governments to offer a minimal level of protection for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places; decisions about how to accomplish that goal reside with local governments, which also have the authority to create and regulate local historic districts and landmarks.

 Visit the National Register program webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/national-register.aspx to explore listed properties, review eligibility criteria and the nomination timeline, access research tools, and those interested in seeing if their property is eligible can submit a Historic Resource Record (HRR) form to receive preliminary feedback from State Historic Preservation Office staff.

###

A one-of-a-kind work of art now has a permanent home at Lexington Elementary—and the community is invited to help celebrate it. Kelso School District will host a dedication ceremony Thursday, September 24, from 4:30–5:00 p.m. at Lexington Elementary for the school’s new glass art installation, created by Silverdale, Washington, artist Lisa Stirrett through the Washington State Arts Commission’s Art in Public Places program (AIPP).

The centerpiece of the installation is three striking glass salmon inspired by Lexington Elementary, the Kelso community, and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The salmon represent perseverance, resilience, and the enduring connection to home.

But perhaps the most meaningful part of the artwork is one that belongs entirely to Lexington’s students: their handprints are incorporated into the piece. Approximately 100 handprints are embossed into the back of one salmon, with many more handprints integrated throughout the installation—creating a permanent snapshot of the children who were part of Lexington at this moment in the school’s history.

“This artwork has quickly become a special part of Lexington, and we’re excited to open our doors and share it with the larger community,” said Lexington Principal Tim Yore. “It tells a story about who we are, where we live, and the students at the heart of our school. We hope people will come see it, discover all the incredible details, and celebrate with us.”

Made from hundreds of individually crafted pieces of glass, each of the three salmon weighs approximately 150 pounds. A specialized five-person crew installed the artwork this summer in Lexington’s main commons near the school entrance.

The September 24 dedication will include a welcome, an overview of the Art in Public Places program, remarks from the artist and from students, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Lexington received the artwork through ArtsWA’s Art in Public Places program, which reserves one-half of one percent of state construction costs for public art in newly constructed public buildings. Local representatives worked with ArtsWA through the artist selection and design process to create a piece reflecting Lexington’s identity and values.

Since 1974, ArtsWA’s State Art Collection has grown to more than 5,000 works displayed in schools and public buildings across Washington, with a distinctive commitment to bringing original artwork into K–12 schools.

The dedication is open to students, families, staff, and community members.

WHAT: Art in Public Places Dedication Ceremony
WHEN: Thursday, September 24, 4:30–5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Lexington Elementary

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.

The next regular public meeting of the FVRLibraries Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, September 21, 6:00 p.m. at Goldendale Community Library. It will be a hybrid (in-person/online) meeting. You can view the agenda and meeting materials at https://www.fvrl.org/about/board-of-trustees/

PRIVATE TIMBER LANDS
 

Those who enjoy traveling the back roads of our private timber lands may have found locked gates or restricted access. This leaves some people to believe private timber companies deny access to their lands simply because they don’t want private citizens on their property. This is not the case.

With the exception of active commercial use such as logging or harvest of other forest products, the closures are in reaction to the ever-increasing incidents of offensive littering, abandonment of vehicles, theft of forest products, and acts of criminal mischief. Some common acts of criminal mischief include destruction of property caused by 4X4s and ATVs riding in unapproved areas, destruction of road access gates, and more.

Damage and theft detract from the natural beauty of our forests and incurs costs for cleaning, repairing, and removal of vehicles and garbage. These costs are passed onto private timber companies as well as taxpayers in the county.

What can each of us do to stop the defacing of our forests and waterways? During your visit and when you leave forest lands and waterways:

• Read signs posted at entry points into private & public lands – signs include important information including log truck activity.
• Report criminal acts to law enforcement.
• Report located dump sites or abandoned vehicles.
• Stay informed of possible land use restrictions. This information is usually posted at each access.
• When in doubt about access, contact the landowner or your Lincoln County Sheriff’s office Forest Patrol at (541)-265-4277.
• Do not discard glass, cans, rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or litter other than in receptacles provided for these items.
• Report anyone observed hauling trash or debris into our forests.
• Consider bringing a trash bag or two to pick up trash you observe.
• Do not discard any glass, cans, rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or litter in any waters of the state.
• Do not drain, cause, or permit to be drained, sewage or the drainage from a cesspool, septic tank, recreational or camping vehicle waste holding tank or other contaminated source, upon the land of another without permission of the owner, or upon any public way.
• When target shooting, be sure to pick up brass, targets, and anything else used during your visit.
• Do not permit any rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or other refuse to be thrown from a vehicle you are operating.

Our forestlands, public and private, should be treasured and protected by everyone. Through our efforts, we can strive to regain the trust of the private timber owners. The challenge for each of us is to take pride in where we live and work and clean up our county.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

###

Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited

What: Beach & Riverside Cleanup at OMSI

When: Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214 Map Link

Event Description: SOLVE staff and volunteers will celebrate the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup along the Eastbank Esplanade and surrounding streets to clean up litter before it enters our beloved Willamette River. This family-friendly event welcomes individuals of all ages, providing an opportunity for community engagement and environmental responsibility.

Why: The Beach & Riverside Cleanup (September 18 – 27) spans three significant environmental days: International Coastal Cleanup (September 19), National Public Lands (September 26), and World Rivers (September 27). With 90+ projects taking place across Oregon and SW Washington, this initiative aims to prevent trash from inland sources, such as rivers and streets, from reaching our beaches and oceans. Keeping Portland's waterways clean is vital for the health of the community and the environment. SOLVE's mission focuses on empowering individuals and businesses to contribute to their communities, fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for our natural areas. Together, these efforts can create a cleaner, more inviting environment that reflects care for both the community and the planet.

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am at the north OMSI parking lot to see approximately 50 volunteers of all ages 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 Eastbank Esplanade.

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

Available interviewees: 

• Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
   

SOLVE’s 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is proudly supported by Clean Water Services, Kaiser Permanente, Knife River, Keep America Beautiful, Metro, Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, Owens Corning, Portco Packaging, Tillamook, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., and KOIN.

For more information visit solve.org/beach-riverside, or event registration page to sign up.

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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 17, 2026

Mazama Energy Raises $135 Million to Scale the World’s Hottest Engineered Geothermal System

Series B led by Centaurus Capital and Doerr Capital, with ConocoPhillips, Shell Ventures, Khosla Ventures and Gates Frontier participating, enabling Mazama to push beyond 750°F and demonstrate a commercially scalable pathway to deploy superhot rock geothermal.

DALLAS, September 17, 2026 — Mazama Energy today announced $135 million in new capital to accelerate superhot rock geothermal commercial development, including an oversubscribed Series B led by Centaurus Capital, founded by John Arnold, and Doerr Capital. ConocoPhillips and Shell Ventures joined the round, with repeat investment from Khosla Ventures and Gates Frontier. Additional investors include SiteGround Capital, H. Barton Asset Management, and Jeffrey and Marieke Rothschild Foundation.

Mazama holds the record for the hottest engineered geothermal system ever built. In 2025 at Newberry, Oregon, Mazama created an engineered geothermal system at 629°F (331°C), proving reservoir creation, connectivity and heat recovery.

Mazama is now pushing toward even hotter targets. Its second well, Project Athena, reached that same 10,350-foot depth in 15 days this month, about 80% faster than the 2025 well, and is drilling a mile further down toward 750°F (400°C).

Reaching 750°F (400°C) delivers up to 10 times the power of a conventional 390°F (200°C) well, owing to the much higher energy density of supercritical water and improved reservoir productivity. This allows Mazama to deliver projects using 75% less water and drilling 80% fewer wells than conventional geothermal developments. Mazama’s technology has the potential to significantly improve the viability and permitting prospects of geothermal projects across a wide range of regions, reducing both surface infrastructure requirements and overall project footprint.
 

Unlocking superhot rock geothermal requires solving three interconnected challenges: reaching extreme temperatures without compromising the equipment, creating a productive reservoir where none exists naturally, and efficiently extracting heat to generate and sustain power. Mazama has spent the last several years developing these capabilities into a single integrated system paving the way towards delivering carbon-free, baseload power competitive with fossil fuels.

“The breakthrough in superhot geothermal is turning extreme heat into a repeatable, economic power system,” said Sriram Vasantharajan, CEO of Mazama Energy. “At Newberry, we have demonstrated the critical pieces together: extreme-temperature drilling, engineered reservoir creation and heat harvesting, at temperatures no other EGS has achieved. We are now driving that integrated system toward greater speed, efficiency and scale. That is the foundation for commercial superhot power.”  

What this capital funds next

Utilities and grid planners are trying to add power they can count on around the clock faster than new transmission and new generation can be permitted and built. Mazama’s bet is to go down, not out: pull more energy from underground instead of adding more infrastructure above ground.

This financing funds Project Ceres, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, which will advance horizontal well development in superhot rock toward a 15 MWe of capacity per well and demonstrate power generation in 2027. Athena and Ceres are the near-term proof points for a much larger ambition: Mazama is targeting independent certification of more than 10 GWe of resource potential at Newberry alone, while evaluating additional sites in the United States and internationally as it builds toward multi gigawatt-scale developments. Mazama’s goal is to make superhot rock geothermal a scalable source of firm power to address rising electricity demand, affordability and energy security around the world.

About Mazama Energy

Mazama Energy is a geothermal developer that has differentiated technology to deliver and scale superhot rock geothermal. In 2025 Mazama achieved the highest temperature in an engineered geothermal system, 629 °F (331°C), at Newberry, Oregon, unlocking the potential to generate significantly more energy from fewer wells, use less land, water and capital, and thereby, lower the cost of power. By integrating advanced drilling technologies, reservoir development, diagnostics, and heat-harvesting technologies, Mazama is building a robust platform to make superhot rock geothermal a scalable source of carbon free, reliable and affordable power worldwide. For more information, visit mazamaenergy.com   

Quotes from Strategic Investors:

“The world needs vastly more electricity, and we need to produce it cleanly and affordably. Superhot geothermal has the potential to be a major new source of 24/7 clean power, delivering dramatically more energy with less land, water, and infrastructure. Mazama is making that promise real and moving this technology decisively toward commercial scale.” said John Doerr, chairman of Doerr Capital and Kleiner Perkins

“Superhot geothermal offers the promise of firm, carbon-free power with a relatively small footprint, but realizing that promise requires significant technical innovation,” said John Arnold, President of Centaurus Capital. “Mazama has made impressive progress, and I am excited to support its next phase of development.”

"Power is the constraint on everything we're trying to build this decade," said Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures. "We backed Mazama early because geothermal can be the planet's largest source of clean, 24/7 power, and we've watched them build the world's hottest engineered geothermal system. Scaling toward 400°C means ten times the heat from a fifth of the wells and a fraction of the water, the kind of breakthrough that makes geothermal a pillar of the energy transition."

From ConocoPhillips: “We are pleased to support Mazama as it advances a differentiated pathway to commercial scale ultra-high-temperature geothermal based on demonstrated field performance.” 

National Lifeline Awareness Week runs Sept. 14-18

SALEM, Ore. – During National Lifeline Awareness Week, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is highlighting Oregon Lifeline, a federal and state government program that provides qualifying low-income households with access to discounted phone or high-speed internet service through participating providers, listed at lifeline.oregon.gov.

Oregon Lifeline offers monthly discounts of up to $20.25 on phone service and up to $24.25 on high-speed internet service. The program also offers free wireless voice minutes and data through Access Wireless where coverage is available. Oregon residents on federally recognized Tribal lands may qualify for an additional $25 discount each month.

To qualify, Oregonians must receive benefits from select public assistance programs, such as Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Oregon Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household for either discounted or free service.

Customers can apply in one of the following ways:

• To apply for free wireless service through Access Wireless, visit www.accesswireless.com.
• To apply for discounted phone or high‑speed internet service, individuals may submit an online application at https://bit.ly/4cCqliT.

For more information about Oregon Lifeline, visit lifeline.oregon.gov, or call 800-848-4442 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

CLATSOP COUNTY, OR — Clatsop County is accepting applications for two vacancies on the 4-H & Extension Service District Budget Committee. 

Members of the committee review the proposed overall 4-H Extension Service District budget, make recommendations and approve the proposed 4-H Extension Service District budget for adoption by the county commissioners.

The Committee meets in May to review the proposed budget. The vacancies are for three-year terms ending June 30, 2029. 

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026. 

Application forms are available on the Clatsop County website and at the County Manager’s Office, 800 Exchange Street, Suite 410, Astoria.  

Applicants must review and submit the Conflict-of-Interest Questionnaire and the Acknowledgement of Roles and Responsibilities statement with application.  

The Board of Commissioners will make the appointment at a future Board of Commissioners meeting.

###

Salem, OR – September 16, 2026 –  On September 15, 2026, the Honorable Marion County Circuit Court Judge Amy Queen sentenced Jonathan Muhire (age 20) to 25 years in the Department of Corrections and lifetime post prison supervision after he pled guilty to the following charges:

• Kidnapping in the First Degree
• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree
• Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Attempted Assault in the Second Degree

Muhire will also have to register as a sex offender.

In the early morning hours of June 16, 2025, the victim was walking to work on Commercial Street SE.  Muhire, a stranger, approached and asked if she had a boyfriend. She told him no and made it clear she was not interested in interacting. Muhire grabbed her hand and then put his arm around her. When she continued to express her disinterest, Muhire shoved her into the bushes and down a steep embankment. He physically assaulted her and slammed her head into the ground.

Once out of sight, Muhire began to sexually assault the victim. She attempted to defend herself with a knife she had for protection, but Muhire disarmed her and used it against her. Muhire told her he would kill her. Yet despite all of this, the victim did not give up and kept fighting. At some point, while Muhire attempted to move the victim deeper into the brush, she was able to get away and ran until Muhire caught her and tackled her to the ground.

By this time, the victim had run close enough to the road to be visible to a passerby, who yelled and frightened Muhire off. Community members were then able to help the victim and called law enforcement.

Salem Police Department did extensive canvassing in the area and eventually found Muhire.  At the time he was found, Muhire was still possessing a distinct jacket that he was wearing during the assault.

At sentencing, Judge Queen addressed the defendant saying, “You showed zero mercy to [the victim] The violence you perpetrated and the terror you subjected her to as she walked alone to work - leaving her battered, bruised, and sexually violated - this was not an awful mistake, not someone overcome with lust. This is someone who is a danger to any woman who chooses to walk alone or be in your presence, frankly."

This case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple. During the sentencing, Semple said: "The defendant preyed on the victim. He picked someone walking alone, who he thought was weak, and who was little. What he didn't anticipate was that though she was little, she was fierce and she would fight him every step of what he did to her that night.”

“The victim showed tremendous strength and courage,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. “Hopefully she will find peace in some measure of justice as she heals from the horrors of this event.”

The Marion County DA’s Office wishes to acknowledge the thorough investigation of the dedicated detectives at the Salem Police Department.

Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, no additional details will be released.

####

September 16, 2026

Portland, OR- Jesse Calhoun, already indicted for the murders of five Portland area women  is now indicted in connection with a sixth death.

A Multnomah County grand jury indicted Calhoun on a charge of Manslaughter in the First Degree for unlawfully and recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life cause the death of Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Gibson on or about November 18, 2022.

The victim’s family issued the following statement:

“Our family is grateful that a definitive step toward justice is finally being taken for our sister, Libby. 

Libby was kind, creative, and silly. She welcomed everyone with love and acceptance. Her future was tragically taken from her way to soon.  

We are deeply appreciative of the tireless work and dedication of the law enforcement officers and the District Attorney’s Office whose efforts have helped bring us to this point. 

At this time, our family respectfully asks for privacy as we process this heartbreaking development and continue to honor Libby’s memory.”

-Libby’s siblings

Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said Libby’s body has not been found. Anyone with information on this or other Calhoun related cases is asked to contact Portland Police at : homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov

DA Vasquez said:

“We will not stop. We will do everything in our power to hold him accountable and see that justice is done for each and every one of these victims. We remain committed to these families for as long as it takes.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero said :

“The scope of this investigation is enormous. But all information is useful. And to the extent that individuals have been willing to come forward in the past and provide information to us, no matter how small, that information has led us to where we are here today.”

Indictments are accusations and not convictions.

Defendants are considered innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

                                                               ###MCDA###

Columbia County proposes a countywide transient lodging tax (TLT) to support community services and tourism. The proposed tax would affect stays of less than 30 days in hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, RV parks, campgrounds, vacation rentals, and similar facilities. 

On September 2, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners Approved Order No. 29-2026, In the Matter of  Calling an Election to Consider Adoption of a Columbia County Transient Lodging Tax in Columbia County, Oregon.

Voters will decide on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, whether to approve Measure 5-314, a countywide transient lodging tax. The proposed tax rate is 13% in unincorporated areas and in cities that do not collect their own lodging tax, and 4% in cities that already do. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and take part in this important decision.

Early estimates suggest TLT could raise between $150,000 and $300,000 in the first year. These funds would support essential services and promote tourism, helping the community and ensuring transparency.

Over the past two fiscal years, the County has had to make furlough reductions, cut 14 full-time positions, use one-time funds, and sell assets to balance the General Fund.

Under Oregon law, revenue from any newly established local lodging tax must follow strict funding distributions.  50% of net revenue must be dedicated exclusively to funding tourism promotion and tourism-related facilities within the County. Examples of tourism programs that may be funded include improvements to the County Fairgrounds and County Parks and resiliency grants for small businesses in the restaurant and lodging industry.   The remaining 50% may be allocated to the County general fund to support County services that rely on the General Fund, which include the Sheriff's Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Juvenile Department, and several others. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE COLUMBIA COUNTY TRANSIENT LODGING TAX? A proposed tax on overnight visitors staying up to 30 consecutive nights. If passed, it would create a local tax on all short-term lodging, such as hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds, and would take effect on January 1, 2027.

What are the proposed tax rates? The measure sets two different rates depending on where the lodging is located:

• 13% tax rate: Applies to short-term lodging located in all unincorporated areas of Columbia County, as well as any incorporated cities that do not collect their own local lodging tax.

• 4% tax rate: Applies to short-term lodging located within incorporated cities that collect their own local lodging tax (such as St. Helens or Scappoose).

Why are there two different rates? The two different rates prevent double taxation on visitors staying inside cities that collect a lodging tax. The 4% rate ensures the county can capture a small portion of tourism impacts inside city limits to maintain an approximate level tax rate across the county. In comparison, the 13% rate ensures that areas without a city tax still contribute equally to countywide impacts.

What happens if a city starts or stops collecting a transient lodging tax? If a city starts collecting a transient lodging tax, the county rate will be 4%.  If a city stops collecting a transient lodging tax, the county rate of 13% will be taxed within that city.

Will this measure increase my property taxes? No. This measure does not affect property taxes. It will not increase the taxes on your home, land, or business.

Who pays this tax? This tax is paid exclusively by overnight visitors and tourists staying in short-term rental accommodations. Local homeowners, residents, and long-term renters do not pay for it unless they stay at a short-term rental within the county (see the next section).

LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS & EXEMPTIONS

What counts as "Transient Lodging"? The tax applies to any facility used for temporary, overnight human occupancy for 30 consecutive stays or fewer. This includes, but may not be limited to:

• Hotels, motels, and inns

• Bed and breakfasts (B&Bs)

• Short-term rentals (STRs) like Airbnb and Vrbo.

• Recreational vehicle (RV) parks and commercial campsites

Are there any stays exempt from the tax? Yes. Per state guidelines, the tax does not apply to:

• Stays longer than 30 consecutive calendar days.

• Accommodation at non-profit summer camps or youth shelters.

• Medical lodging, such as hospital rooms or nursing homes.

• Federal employees traveling on official government business.

LODGING OPERATIONS & RULES

 I run a short-term rental or lodging business. What do I have to do if this passes?

1. Charge the appropriate local rate (13% or 4% depending on your location) on top of your standard nightly booking rate.

2. Collect the tax from guests at the time of payment.

3. Remit the collected taxes to the designated county tax authority every quarter.

Do online platforms like Airbnb collect this automatically? Yes, for major online booking intermediaries (platforms like Airbnb or Expedia), the platform itself is legally required to collect and remit local and state lodging taxes directly to tax authorities on behalf of the host. However, operators remain responsible for ensuring any direct bookings comply with the tax.

LOCAL IMPACT

How will Columbia County use the money? Because Oregon House Bill 4148 mandates a strict 50-50 split for new or increased local lodging taxes, the projected funds will be legally divided right down the middle:

• Tourism Promotion & Facilities (At least 50%):

• Examples: Funding for county parks, fairground improvements, trail maintenance, or tourism grant programs for small hospitality and restaurant businesses, etc.

• County & Local Services (Up to 50%):

• Examples: Boosting critical county-wide services such as emergency management, law enforcement, jail operations, or maintaining infrastructure impacted by visitor traffic, etc.

Who provides oversight to make sure the money is spent correctly?

The county tracks the funds transparently through the budget. State law strictly defines how lodging tax revenue can be spent; the county cannot legally spend the tourism portion on non-tourism-related expenditures.

For more information:

https://industry.traveloregon.com/about/about-oregons-transient-lodging-tax/

https://www.oregon.gov/DOR/programs/businesses/Pages/lodging.aspx

If you have additional questions, send an email to lic.info@columbiacountyor.gov">public.info@columbiacountyor.gov  

###

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Hillsboro, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to gather and transmit national defense information.

Ruoyu Duan, Age 41, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging conspiracy to gather and transmit national defense information, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, between November 2021 and March 2025, within the District of Oregon and elsewhere, Duan conspired with others to surreptitiously gather sensitive military information related to the United States Army’s operational capabilities, including computer equipment, training materials, intelligence reports, and technical manuals. Duan paid his co-conspirators, active-duty U.S. Army soldiers, and others, to gather information and equipment. Specifically, they obtained information related to U.S. military weapon systems, such as U.S. Army combat vehicles, including the Bradley, Stryker, and HIMARS platforms, and transferred that information to people in China. 

Duan served as an U.S. Army soldier from 2013 – 2017 and was trained in the handling of sensitive and classified military information.  

On March 5, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Duan and Li Tian, an Active-Duty U.S. Army Officer, with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property.

The FBI arrested Duan in Oregon on March 6, 2025.

Defendant Duan faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on December 10, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut.

The case was investigated by the FBI Portland and Seattle Field Offices and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, with assistance from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Seattle Field Office, CBP Office of Professional Responsibility, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Geoffrey A. Barrow and Katherine A. Rykken, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, and Christopher Magnani and Yifei Zheng, Trial Attorneys for the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— Today, United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford presented awards to the Law Enforcement members who have supported cases and the Oregon community in 2025.

Today’s Law Enforcement and Agency Partner (LEAP) Awards recognize our partners in this work. It is due to the hard work of our law enforcement agencies in Oregon that we are able to bring charges, hold criminals accountable, and protect our communities. The officers and agents highlighted at the event are being honored for cases that include human trafficking, crimes against children, financial crimes, drug distribution resulting in death, and gang violence. These are crimes that harm not only the direct victims but our community as a whole.

“For those we honor today, this is a calling, not a profession or a job. They have devoted their lives and have sacrificed time with family and friends to protect our communities. The pursuit of justice is not confined to ordinary hours, and our work would be impossible without their steadfast commitment. The strength and success of our cases rests on the rigor and integrity of their investigations, and we extend our profound gratitude to our law enforcement partners whose unwavering service allows us to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect the rights of all citizens,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Case: 25CR02656                                                                                              September 16, 2026

Portland, OR- Kelsey Ashley Lynn Haws was sentenced September 15, 2026 to 70-months prison (5 years and 10 months) in connection with the death of her 22-month old child.

Haws was convicted of Criminally Negligent Homicide, Attempted Assault in the Second Degree and Criminal Mistreatment.

Senior Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Chuck Mickley prosecuted the case for the state. After the sentencing he said, “This case is a tragic reminder of the extraordinary danger that fentanyl poses in our community, especially to young children. It is not uncommon for parents who are addicted to fentanyl to make efforts to keep the drug and associated paraphernalia in places that are not easily accessible to their children, and to avoid using the drug in the presence of children. What this and many other cases painfully demonstrate is that these measures often fall short. A very small amount of fentanyl can be lethal to a child.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Portland Police Bureau and primary Detective Michael Jones for their excellent work on this case.

The DA’s Office would also like to acknowledge the care and compassion that the MCDA Victim Advocates bring to victims in our cases.

THE FACTS:

On June 19, 2023 paramedics were called to a home on a report that a 22-month old was unresponsive. The child was a healthy boy with no past medical issues. The defendant was his mother. She woke up with the child sleeping next to her around 2pm. His grandmother arrived to watch him so the defendant could go to work. The grandmother became more concerned over time when she could not wake the child. She eventually poured cold water over him and he still did not wake which is when she called 911. Paramedics used Narcan on the child twice without significant response. The child was rushed to the hospital but died.

The defendant told police that she was a fentanyl user and admitted she had a straw with fentanyl residue in it. She told police that she took that straw away from the child and threw it away.

                                                                                                                                ###MCDA###

PORTLAND, Ore.— Luis Nino-Moncada, 33, a Venezuelan national unlawfully residing in the United States, was sentenced today to the time he has served in custody since January 2026, approximately nine months, and one year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $24,413 in restitution for damage to a government vehicle. Nino-Moncada will be deported.

According to court documents, Nino-Moncada entered the United States illegally around October 2022. He was ordered to appear at a removal hearing in Denver, Colorado, on November 21, 2024. Nino-Moncada failed to appear at the hearing and an immigration judge ordered his removal from the United States.

On January 8, 2026, Nino-Moncada drove a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck with a female passenger into the parking lot of Adventist Health Portland. After Nino-Moncada parked, a Border Patrol agent parked his government vehicle behind the truck. Border Patrol agents exited their vehicles and surrounded the truck to arrest Nino-Moncada and the passenger because they were unlawfully in the country and eligible for removal.  The female passenger was the primary target due to ties to a trans-national gang Tren de Aragua’s prostitution ring. Nino-Moncada, believing the agents were “ICE” agents, refused to comply with their lawful commands to exit the vehicle. Nino-Moncada instead forcefully drove the truck backwards, crashing into the government car. He then lurched his truck forward into the path of an officer and reversed again, severely damaging the law enforcement vehicle, before fleeing the scene.

As part of his plea agreement, Nino-Moncada admitted that his conduct placed others at risk of serious bodily injury and that he was conscious of or recklessly disregarded that risk. It was only after defendant struck the government car twice, within just a few feet of the officers’ positions, and with one officer in the path of the truck, that a government officer fired two shots at defendant. The car was declared a total loss, and defendant, as part of his plea agreement, agreed to pay restitution of over $24,000.

On July 28, 2026, Nino-Moncada pleaded guilty to the felony charge of depredation of federal property. As part of his plea agreement Nino-Moncada admitted he is subject to an Order of Removal and agrees not to contest his removal or file a habeas petition for release from immigration custody.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations. The United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.

# # #

SALEM, Ore. – A new report on the state of health of Oregon’s forests is now available. Based on an extensive aerial survey of Oregon’s forests completed by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service, the report shows that while tree death and damage was lower last year than the 10-year average, drought is still a key stressor of Oregon’s forest trees, making it harder for trees to defend against insect pests.

The full 2025 report is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/documents/forestbenefits/fhh-report-2025.pdf

ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl helped produce the report. She said drought is often paired with rising temperatures. “Together these are often the underlying cause of tree deaths in our state. Drought reduces tree growth and lowers their defenses against insect pests and some diseases, which healthy trees may otherwise resist or tolerate.”

Lower than average death and damage

The report stated that 2025 saw a return to typical precipitation amounts, but spring was the fourth driest on record. A total of 181,500 acres showed death or damage of some kind from one or more causes. The damage was well below the 10-year average and less than half the peak year for damage in 2022. That year, 1.8 percent of Oregon’s 30 million forested acres showed signs of death or damage, compared to 0.7 percent in 2025 and 0.8 percent in 2024.

The highest percentage of damage or death was seen in eastern Oregon. Union County was worst affected, with 2.4 percent of its forested acres showing death or damage. This was followed by Umatilla County at 1.24 percent and Harney County at 1.12 percent. Coastal counties and those bordering the Coast Range had the lowest percent of death and damage in their forests.

Buhl said a majority (78 percent) of the damage seen from the air this year resulted from the interplay of drought and opportunistic beetles targeting stressed Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), true fir species (Abies spp.), and pine species (Pinus spp.).

The report also measures other causes of trees being injured or killed, such as diseases, storms, and wildfires.

Levels of tree diseases remain much the same

The report showed the acreage or incidence of common tree diseases were largely unchanged. Researchers noted that this can sometimes be the result of limits to how well such diseases can be detected from the air. An exception is the water mold causing sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum). Since its initial discovery near the California border in 2001, it continues steadily spreading north and northwest in Curry County around the community of Port Orford in southwest Oregon by about three to five miles a year.  Sudden oak death infects scores of different shrub and tree species but kills Oregon’s native tanoak trees. The disease is spread by spores blown by the wind to new areas.

The State of Oregon is cooperating with federal land managers to slow the spread by identifying newly infected sites and cutting and burning infested vegetation. Private land is also being treated.

Ground-based observations showed that Swiss needle cast disease remains a problem for Douglas-fir growing in areas with high late-spring atmospheric moisture, primarily in the Coast Range. Despite the name, the disease is caused by a fungal pathogen native to the Pacific Northwest.

“The fungus affects the needles, causing many of them to be shed prematurely,” says ODF Forest Pathologist Gabriela Ritokova. “This produces a sparse crown and 20 to 50 percent  slower volume growth, reducing the amount of timber the tree produces.”

Mild temperatures in winter and spring are believed to favor fungal development, worsening its impact. This is especially true in damp coastal areas formerly dominated by Sitka spruce and western hemlock that have been replanted with Douglas-fir plantations.

On the ground collaborators are also important

Buhl emphasized the importance of on-the-ground collaborators to help round out the full picture of forest health in Oregon. “In addition to data ODF and the USDA Forest Service gather, we rely on Oregon State University Forestry Extension staff from across the state, and collaborate with other natural resource agencies, universities, public and private forest landowners, and members of the public to gather information,” she said.

In the aerial survey, trained observers fly over all forested lands in the Pacific Northwest in fixed-wing aircraft and record damage to trees from all sources. Flights are staffed with one observer on each side of the aircraft. Survey flights typically fly between 1,500 to 2,500 feet above ground level, following a systematic grid four miles apart and traveling at 90 to 140 miles an hour.

The aerial forest health survey is the longest continuous survey of its kind in the United States. It started in 1947 and has been flown every year since. The only exception was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the annual survey flights in Oregon can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/natural-resources/forest-health/aerial-detection-survey

                                                                               # # #

OHCS investment helped residents preserve 201-site manufactured home and RV community

Embargoed until Friday, September 18, 2026, 9 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Craig Swanson, Lebanon High School, (541) 451-8555,  

aig.swanson@lebanon.k12.or.us">craig.swanson@lebanon.k12.or.us

Leah Rainey Named Linn-Benton Lincoln Regional Teacher of the Year
 Candidate for 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Leah Rainey as one of Oregon’s 17 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year! Rainey teaches CTE/Health Sciences at Lebanon High School.

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at Lebanon High School on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 9 a.m., when Rainey will be honored in an all-school assembly.

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12.

Rainey was nominated by a colleague who noted, “Her leadership in Health Occupations education extends beyond her classroom, as she advocates for student access, pathway development, and continuous program improvement.” They added, “Ms. Rainey’s students show increased engagement, persistence, and clarity around healthcare career pathways. Students who may not have previously considered careers in health sciences gain confidence in their abilities and develop a strong sense of purpose.”

“Expertise in a field is important, but what matters most is using that expertise to create opportunities where every student can succeed,” Rainey stated in her nomination. “[My students] discover confidence, teamwork and the realization that they are capable of far more than they once believed.”

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development.

“We are so proud of this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year who consistently demonstrate hard work, build strong relationships, empower their students, and create classroom environments that lead to student success,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “As mentors, advocates, and community leaders, they show us all that the best is on display in schools large and small, rural and urban, from the first years of schooling to the final preparations for a student’s next steps beyond high school. We thank them for their inspiration and can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Thanks to a partnership with Oregon Lottery, each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 award and is considered a semi-finalist for the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year, which will be announced later this fall.

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, over $2 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Lebanon Community School District, and over $12 million went to Linn County.

“These are exceptional educators who inspire students daily across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are honored to celebrate their dedication and the lasting impact they have on our students and families.”  

On Friday, September 25, 2026, once all 17 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website.

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2027-28 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.

Shortly following the event, photos from the regional surprise announcement for Rainey will be available HERE.

Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 16, 2026

Contact Information: 

umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist (971) 301-3771

Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT

David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was 5.1% in August

Oregon’s unemployment rate was little changed at 5.1% in August and 5.2% in July. It has been within a tight range between 5.0% and 5.3% for the past 18 months, since March 2025 when it was 5.0%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in both July and August.

In August, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 800 jobs, following a revised loss of 1,800 jobs in July. August’s losses were largest in professional and business services (-1,100 jobs). Gains were largest in construction (+700 jobs) and retail trade (+500).

In the past 12 months, payroll employment dropped by 10,900 jobs, or 0.5%. Health care and social assistance continued its rapid growth of the past four years by adding 10,200 jobs, or 3.2%, in the past 12 months. Private education (+800, or 2.2%) and other services (+1,300 jobs, or 2.0%) were the only other major industries that added jobs since August 2025. Manufacturing (-6,800 jobs, or -3.8%) cut the most jobs in that time. Most of the other major industries cut jobs by less than 2%.

However, there were signs of stabilization over the past five months, as total nonfarm payroll employment inched upward by 1,800 jobs, or 0.1%. The gains since March were largest in health care and social assistance (+3,800 jobs); construction (+2,200); other services (+1,700); retail trade (+1,400); and private education (+1,400). These gains were partially offset by losses in manufacturing (-3,100 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-2,600); and government

(-2,000).

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the August county and metropolitan area unemployment and jobs data on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for September on Wednesday, Oct. 14. 

About Workforce and Economic Research

The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department develops and distributes quality economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and support a thriving economy. Staff collect data from state and federal records and surveys; analyze the available information; and share insights with the public in a variety of ways, including regular reports, publications, and the website, QualityInfo.org.

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. – The Clark County Council will hold a hearing on the 2025-2045 Comprehensive Plan update on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at 4 p.m. The hearing will be held in a hybrid format. Attendees can join in person in the sixth-floor hearing room at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or virtually via Webex. Information on how to attend the Council hearing can be found on the County Council webpage: https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings .

The County Council will consider the following updates to the county’s comprehensive plan:

• Changes to the comprehensive and zoning plan map;
• Updates to policies and text in the comprehensive plan document;
• Changes to Clark County Code Title 40, the county’s unified development code, to implement map and policy changes;
• Changes to the Arterial Atlas;
• Updated Capital Facilities and Capital Facilities Financial Plans; and
• Updated traffic impact fees.

Additional tentative meeting dates are planned as follows:

• Friday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m.: Council hearing continued (if necessary)
• Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m.: County Council hearing and ordinance adoption

The staff report and related materials will be available 15 days prior to the hearing date on the county's website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2025-update-meeting-and-event-information. Copies are also available by request to Jose Alvarez, Jose.Alvarez@clark.wa.gov, 564-397-4898. For other formats, contact the Clark County ADA Office at ADA@clark.wa.gov, voice 564-397-2322, Relay 711 or 800-833-6388, Fax 564-397-6165.

Written comments for the hearing can be submitted via online form via the county website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/public-comment or via the US Postal Service to the Clark County Council, c/o Rebecca Messinger, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000.  Written comments may be submitted beginning on Sept. 16, at 8 am and must be received by the end of the hearing on Oct. 1.

Learn more about the county Comprehensive Plan Update project, Your Future. Your Voice. at: https://bit.ly/2025CPUpdate.

Salem, Ore – The Oregon Talking Book and Braille Library’s Advisory Council will meet virtually from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Max Robinson at obinson@slo.oregon.gov">max.robinson@slo.oregon.gov. See the agenda below.

Questions or concerns can be addressed to Jen Robinson, Program Supervisor at 503-378-5391 or obinson@slo.oregon.gov">jen.robinson@slo.oregon.gov. Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested 48 hours before the meeting; notice 72 hours before the meeting is preferred.  Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in an alternate format 72 hours before the meeting.  Requests may be made to Max Robinson at obinson@slo.oregon.gov">max.robinson@slo.oregon.gov.

Oregon Talking Book & Braille Library Advisory Council

Meeting

September 23, 2026 Online

Kirk Wagner, Chair

Agenda

12:00             Approval of the minutes                                                                      Wagner

12:05             Public Comment                         

12:10             State Librarian Report                                                   Cornelisen

12:20             Program Supervisor Report                                           J. Robinson

12:30             Fund Development Report                                             Henderson

1:00               2026 Customer Satisfaction Survey Report                   M. Robinson

1:20               Select Advisory Council Chair                                        J. Robinson  

1:25               Questions from Council                                                 Wagner

1:30               Adjournment                                                                  Wagner

Any person may address the Advisory Council on any topic for up to 3 minutes. The Council does not generally engage in dialog with those making comments but may refer any question or issue raised to the State Librarian.

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

GOVERNMENT CAMP, Ore. — Hoodland Fire District personnel joined multiple local and state agencies Tuesday in a technical rescue involving an injured hiker near Tom Dick and Harry Mountain.

Hoodland Fire and Clackamas Fire were initially dispatched for a technical rescue involving an injured hiker in steep terrain near the Mt. Hood Skibowl ski area. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office was also notified due to the potential need for a Search and Rescue response.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office personnel, Hoodland Fire's first-arriving engine, and an American Medical Response ambulance were on scene and beginning the response when a Hoodland Fire chief officer arrived and established incident command. Hoodland Fire worked with Sheriff's Office personnel and a Clackamas Fire Battalion Chief to confirm the patient's location, evaluate rescue options, and determine the best access for personnel and equipment.

Hoodland Fire and Clackamas Fire crews used UTVs and the Mt. Hood Skibowl access road to reach the Upper Bowl area before continuing on foot along the ridge to the patient's location.

Because of the patient's location and difficult terrain, aviation resources were requested to assist with the rescue. Life Flight Network responded and was available to transport the patient from the Skibowl area. An Oregon National Guard helicopter from Salem also responded with hoist capabilities.

The National Guard helicopter lowered a paramedic to the patient's location, where patient care was provided in coordination with Hoodland Fire and Clackamas Fire personnel. After evaluating the patient and available evacuation options, paramedics at the patient's location determined that a direct helicopter hoist and transport provided the most appropriate evacuation rather than carrying the patient out and transferring to Life Flight.

The patient was packaged and hoisted aboard the National Guard helicopter with two paramedics and transported directly to a Portland-area hospital for further treatment.

Portland Mountain Rescue and Search and Rescue personnel were also dispatched through the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and staged nearby to provide additional rescue personnel if needed.

This rescue brought together personnel and resources from Hoodland Fire District, Clackamas Fire District, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, American Medical Response, Life Flight Network, the Oregon National Guard, Portland Mountain Rescue, Search and Rescue personnel, and Mt. Hood Skibowl.

Hoodland Fire District appreciates the cooperation and professionalism of everyone involved in safely reaching, treating, and evacuating the patient from this challenging location.

VANCOUVER, Wash. — How did social media become something designed to keep us scrolling? On Thursday, October 1, the Clark County Historical Museum’s Speaker Series will explore the history behind one of the defining features of the modern internet with Built, Not Broken: A History of the Feed You Can’t Leave, presented by Kayla Anderson.

The program begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m., at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, 1501 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, Washington.

This October installment of the Clark County Historical Museum Speaker Series is presented in special partnership with the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and the National Park Service. Through the partnership, admission to the program is free and open to the public.

Anderson, founder and CEO of Vancouver-based Riparian Media, will trace the evolution of social media from the early web through the development of the infinite scroll and into today's AI-generated digital landscape.

“We tend to think of social media as something that happened to us,” Anderson says. “This talk traces how it was built, from the early web’s clicking-through-pages problem, to the invention of the infinite scroll, to the moment social platforms realized that a feed with no bottom is a feed you never leave.”

The presentation will follow two decades of platform evolution and consider the choices that shaped the way people experience social media today. Anderson will ultimately ask a question that is increasingly relevant as artificial intelligence transforms online content: What do we want this thing to be next?

Anderson is the founder and CEO of Riparian Media, a full-service creative agency based in Vancouver, Washington. She has worked professionally in content creation since 2018 and has a background in climate science communication. Her work earned recognition from Harvard’s C-CHANGE as a “Climate Creator to Watch.” Since founding Riparian in 2022, Anderson has built an agency serving organizations throughout the region, helping them determine what to say and where to say it. She has spent much of her career watching social media platforms rise, evolve and, at times, collapse in real time.

The Clark County Historical Museum Speaker Series is held throughout the year and features presentations exploring the people, places, events and ideas that have shaped Clark County and the wider region.

Built, Not Broken: A History of the Feed You Can’t Leave is sponsored by the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission, with The Columbian serving as media sponsor. The program is presented in special partnership with the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and the National Park Service.

WHAT: Built, Not Broken: A History of the Feed You Can’t Leave
WHO: Kayla Anderson, Founder and CEO of Riparian Media
WHEN: Thursday, October 1, 2026
DOORS: 6 p.m.
PRESENTATION: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, 1501 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661
ADMISSION: Free and open to the public. Registration required: www.cchmuseum.org

The Newberg-Dundee Police Department participated in focused DUII patrols from August 19th through September 7th as part of a Labor Day holiday enforcement effort. This resulted in two DUII arrests, which is a relatively low amount compared to past years. We are hopeful that these enforcement efforts are having the desired impact of reducing the number of impaired driver's on the road and encouraging people to find a sober ride home. These patrols will continue periodically throughout the year with the partnership of the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

The September Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Regular Board Meeting will be held September 16, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. 

If you wish to attend this meeting, please email sam.kaufmann@tvwd.org or call 503-848-3094 by 4:30 p.m. on September 16, 2026

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

About TVWD 

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

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

DALLAS (OR) – Today, Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso sentenced Christopher Jamie Current, age 57, to serve 28 months in prison (2 years, 4 months) after being convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and Assault in the Third Degree.

Current, of McMinnville, plead guilty to the charges which arose out of a 2024 incident on Highway 18 near Grand Ronde. Investigators determined that Current and another driver were driving aggressively, at high speeds and caused a multi-car collision which resulted in serious injury to a third driver. Current was also determined to have been under the influence of controlled substances, including methamphetamine at the time of the collision. The other involved driver was separately prosecuted.

The case was investigated by the Oregon State Police and prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Kaylee Hudson.

TILLAMOOK, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will resume road restrictions this fall in the western part of the Tillamook State Forest to improve deer and elk escapement during hunting season.

Some roads will be closed to motorized vehicle use during the general archery and rifle hunting seasons in September, October and November. Selected roads in the Trask, Wilson and Nehalem River areas will be gated and signed. Controlled access during the three-month period is designed to reduce hunting pressure in these areas.

Hunters and other recreational users are welcome to access the gated areas by foot, mountain bike, horse or other non-motorized means.

ODF is partnering with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and Tillamook Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association in this program. The partnership has been in place for 22 years and the location of gates change year-to-year based on access needs, stand conditions and operations.

Motorized access by ODF staff or contractors working in those areas may occur on occasion. Maps of the road management areas are available at the Tillamook ODF office located at 5005 Third St., Tillamook and on the department’s website. Scroll down the page to “Tillamook State Forest Road Report” to find the maps.

If you have questions about the road management program, contact Nick Stumpf at the Tillamook ODF office, 503-842-2545, or Paul Atwood at the Tillamook ODFW office, 503-842-2741.

September 15, 2026

Contact: Franny White, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" target="_blank">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539

OHA accepting comment on proposed changes to health database

PORTLAND, Ore.— U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford is pleased to announce a series of criminal and civil enforcement actions to combat fraud involving federal pandemic relief funds. Since June 2026, the District of Oregon’s Covid Fraud Task Force has brought 12 enforcement actions involving more than $29 million in losses and thus far resulting in more than $8.6 million in recovery. Since 2020, the District’s COVID Fraud Task Force recovered more than $314 million and held fraudsters accountable through similar efforts. 

The District’s COVID Fraud Task Force brings together investigators and Assistant U.S. Attorneys from a dozen agencies to combat fraud involving pandemic-relief programs in Oregon and across the country through an integrated, multi-agency approach that coordinates criminal prosecution, civil enforcement, and asset recovery. Its work has focused on schemes targeting the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and other federal relief programs. This task force has set a national standard for combating pandemic-relief fraud.

“These criminals exploited pandemic programs meant to keep honest small businesses alive. By aggressively pursuing pandemic‑related fraud, we’re protecting the local businesses that follow the law, serve our communities, and drive our economy. Our small, dedicated multi‑agency team delivers an exceptional return for the American taxpayer—holding offenders accountable and recovering hundreds of millions in settlements, seizures, and restitution. And when possible, we work cooperatively with companies to return improperly obtained taxpayer funds. Fraud, waste, and abuse don’t stand a chance,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“Intentional misrepresentation to gain access to SBA program funds intended for the nation’s small businesses is reprehensible,” said SBA Office of Inspector General’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Timothy Larson. “Our Office will remain relentless in the pursuit of fraudsters who seek to exploit SBA’s vital economic programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”

The following cases highlight the COVID Fraud Task Force’s work over the past few months:

U.S. v Benjamin Young, David Starling, and Adam Starling

On June 9, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Benjamin Young and David Starling with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and Young with 12 counts of wire fraud. Adam Starling previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States.

The indictment alleges, and Adam Starling admitted in his plea agreement, that participants in the conspiracy fabricated employee and wage records to obtain Employee Retention Credits and Qualified Sick and Family Leave Credits. Co-conspirators listed relatives as employees of one another’s businesses even though those relatives performed little to no work. The purported employees included one co-conspirator’s two-year-old twins. The wages were reported and filed with the IRS, seeking over $3 million in COVID-19 related tax credits. The scheme also used fabricated IRS records to support PPP loan applications to the SBA that were later forgiven based on false information.

The indictment further alleges that Young fraudulently obtained approximately $1.6 million in PPP loan forgiveness in the name of a victim nonprofit organization and used fabricated records to obtain a $2.5 million SBA-guaranteed business loan. Young allegedly misappropriated the loan proceeds and used them to acquire real property. In November 2025, the United States seized properties owned by Young, including this one, that allegedly were purchased with proceeds of the schemes. 

U.S. v Melissa Fireside

On September 1, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Melissa Fireside, a former Clackamas County Commissioner, with two counts of wire fraud. According to the indictment, Fireside sought PPP and EIDL loans, totaling more than $300,000, for a business that did not exist in the name of an adult for whom she provided care. The applications included false statements about the non-existent business, including employees and gross revenues. Fireside also included fabricated supporting documentation including tax documents and bank records. Fireside diverted the PPP loan proceeds for personal use. Fireside has since fled the United States and is a fugitive from justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the District of Oregon United State Marshals Service Office, the United State Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip using USMS Tips.

U.S. v K’Lum Strickland

On September 1, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging K’Lum Strickland with one count of wire fraud. According to the indictment, Strickland stole almost $70,000 through the PPP and EIDL programs. To obtain the loans, Strickland submitted applications with false information, including non-existent businesses, false gross revenues, and false IRS documents. Strickland spent all of the loan proceeds for personal expenses.  

U.S. v Beniamin Lucescu

On September 11, 2026, a federal jury convicted Beniamin Lucescu of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering for a scheme through which he defrauded the government out of approximately $487,000 in EIDL proceeds. As proven at trial, Lucescu claimed he was obtaining the loans for Rose City Senior Care, a home senior care business he operated with his wife. Lucescu falsely certified the proceeds would be used for business working capital and to address economic injury caused by the pandemic while he actually intended to, and did, use the funds to pay personal tax debt and make speculative cryptocurrency investments.

U.S. v Kenneth Burns

Kenneth Burns pleaded guilty to bank fraud for defrauding the government out of more than $230,000 in PPP loan proceeds. According to court documents, Burns submitted a loan application containing false information, including IRS documents and information about the business. 

On July 7, 2026, Burns failed to appear for his scheduled sentencing hearing, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest as a wanted fugitive from justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the District of Oregon United State Marshals Service Office, the United State Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip using USMS Tips.

U.S. v Joel Caswell

On August 21, 2026, Joel Caswell was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for fraud, tax violations, and identity theft. He was also ordered to pay $1,198,799.83 in restitution to the government. According to court records, Caswell executed multiple fraud schemes that involved

submitting fabricated financial records to a bank, a private lender, and the SBA to secure loans. Caswell used the fraudulently obtained loans for personal expenses.

On September 1, 2026, another individual was charged for defrauding the SBA’s PPP and EIDL loan programs for over $760,000. This case remains under seal. 

Emerald Green Lawn Service, Inc.

On July 6, 2026, Emerald Green Lawn Service, Inc., executed a False Claims Act Civil Settlement Agreement to repay $71,485.19 of EIDL loan proceeds for knowingly submitting false applications to obtain EIDL loans.  

Ramzy Hattar; and Zedan Outdoors, LLC d/b/a Talyor’s Bar & Grill

On September 11, 2026, the United States filed a complaint against Ramzy Hattar and his associated business Zedan Outdoors, LLC, dba Taylor’s Bar & Grill for filing false claims in applications to obtain more than $350,000 in PPP and EIDL loans. According to the complaint, Taylor’s Bar & Grill was not operating at the time it obtained the loans. The complaint further alleges that Hattar misused the loan proceeds. 

Microtec Inc., formerly known as Lucidyne Technologies, Inc.

On August 27, 2026, Microtec Inc., which was formerly known as Lucidyne Technologies, Inc. agreed to pay the United States $1,554,137 to resolve an investigation into whether Lucidyne Technologies improperly certified its eligibility for a PPP loan.  Microtec Inc. cooperated upon being contacted and resolved the issue.

Additional Civil Case Pending Execution:

On September 4, 2026, the United States reached a False Claims Act Civil Settlement Agreement in a sealed qui tam action with a company that improperly obtained PPP loans, recovering approximately $1.6 million. 

The COVID Fraud Task Force continues to pursue criminal and civil enforcement actions aggressively with forthcoming matters on the horizon.  

# # #

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

The term period starts immediately and is three years, ending Dec. 31, 2028. Incumbents have the opportunity for re-appointment to two additional three-year terms.

The 15-member board makes recommendations about local government funding for basic needs, self-sufficiency, and housing programs. Members also advocate for services supporting low-income communities, families and persons at local, state and federal levels.

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

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

Application information is available online at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/caab-community-action-advisory-board or by calling Abby Molloy at 564.397.7832.

Deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 9.

Pleasant Valley schools have a long legacy of learning. First, there was Pleasant Valley District No. 60 in the mid-1800s. That district was consolidated into the Battle Ground School District in 1957. Community-approved bonds later financed the current Pleasant Valley campus, which opened in 1976.

Although the school was not fully furnished at the time of its opening, that temporary inconvenience did little to slow the work happening inside the classrooms. Pleasant Valley’s teachers made sure their students understood that learning could continue even without all the usual supplies and materials, setting an early example of the care, commitment and dedication that would come to define the school community.

Now, several decades later, Pleasant Valley primary and middle schools will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the current campus.  All alumni, families, staff and community members are invited to this event, which will include memorabilia, music and connections with past and present staff, students, families and community members.

Organizers are seeking community participation in several ways. Alumni musicians are invited to volunteer to join an alumni band, while former students, staff and community members can submit memories or participate in interviews for a memory wall display commemorating Pleasant Valley’s history. 

“Pleasant Valley has shaped the history of its community,” said Amy Pace, a current teacher at the school and Pleasant Valley alum. “We look forward to telling the history of this campus and writing the next chapter of Pleasant Valley schools.”

About the event

Friday, Sept. 25

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Open to the public

14320 NE 50th Ave.

Vancouver, WA 98686

Tualatin City Council Awards Contracts for Riverfront Park and Downtown Revitalization Project

Tualatin, OR – The Tualatin City Council has selected two firms to advance high profile downtown projects. A team led by Berger Partnership will design the new Riverfront Park. A team led by Walker Macy will execute phase three of the Downtown Revitalization Project.

“Keep your eyes on downtown, momentum is building. The Downtown Revitalization Project is establishing a vision for downtown while setting the stage for redevelopment. The Riverfront Park will be the first built example of our new vision. Berger Partnership and Walker Macy are both outstanding firms. We look forward to working with their talented teams to bring these projects to fruition.” – Frank Bubenik, Mayor

Riverfront Park Project

The six-acre Riverfront Park project will extend Tualatin Community Park from the Juanita Pohl Center to the Boones Ferry Road bridge. The City completed property acquisition in 2024 and began site preparation in late 2025. Subsequent community engagement has identified ADA river access, new community gathering space, and a pedestrian connection into downtown via the Tualatin River Greenway Trail as project priorities. This project is funded through the Tualatin Parks and Trails Bond, the Core Opportunity and Reinvestment Area urban renewal district, and multiple grants from Metro. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2029.

Berger Partnership has been selected to lead the design phase of the Riverfront Park project. This work will include extensive community engagement, which will inform the development of construction-ready design documents. Berger Partnership has worked on comparable projects throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the Spokane Riverfront Park, the Downtown Olympia Waterfront, and the Meydenbauer Bay Park in Bellevue, WA. Berger Partnership is a Seattlebased landscape architecture firm rooted locally by their team that includes Herrera Environmental Consultants and the public engagement firm, Enviroissues.

To learn more about the Riverfront Park visit: tualatinoregon.gov/projects/riverfront-park

To learn more about Berger Partnership visit: bergerpartnership.com

Downtown Revitalization Project - Phase Three

The Downtown Revitalization Project aims to establish a community-informed district identity and position downtown for redevelopment. This project launched in April 2025 and has completed a Downtown Identity Study (Phase One) and eight detailed studies in partnership with the University of Oregon's Sustainable City Year Program (Phase Two). Phase Three of the Downtown Revitalization Project involves creating an urban design framework and aligned downtown design standards. This phase will also include extensive public involvement in coordination with the Riverfront Park project. Phase Three is fully funded through a Metro 2040 Planning and Development Grant awarded in June 2026.

A team led by Walker Macy has been selected to lead Phase Three of the Downtown Revitalization Project. Walker Macy is the largest landscape architecture and urban design firm in the Northwest and has worked on projects including plans for downtown Bend, the Portland Japanese Garden, Pioneer Courthouse Square, and the original Tualatin Commons. The Walker Macy team includes JLA Public Engagement, GBD Architects, JET Planning, Walker Consultants (parking analysis), Leland Consulting Group (real estate marketing analysis), and Matt Brown (development strategy).

To learn more about the Downtown Revitalization Project visit: tualatinoregon.gov/downtown

To learn more about Walker Macy visit: walkermacy.com

###

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with BLM Volunteer Events in the Pacific Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore. – National Public Lands Day is back on September 26! Join the Bureau of Land Management to celebrate America’s 250^th birthday and participate in the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. It’s the perfect excuse to get out, give back, and make a real difference.

“We are hosting incredible events across Oregon and Washington,” said Morgan Rubanow, outreach specialist for BLM Oregon/Washington. "Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a history enthusiast, or looking for a fun day out with the family, there is truly something for everyone.”

From beach cleanups to historic preservation, every volunteer's effort directly impacts the health and accessibility of our shared public lands. Volunteers may receive fee-free entrance coupons or volunteer t-shirts while supplies last.

Burns District

• Riddle Brothers Ranch Restoration in Hines
  7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29
  Structure preservation and staining
• Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway Kiosk Installation
  8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Help install new informational kiosks

Coos Bay District

• Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area Interpretive Event
  10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Educational stations on natural resources

Lakeview District

• Warner Wetlands Accessibility Improvements in Plush
  8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Hart Bar Interpretive Site improvements

Medford District

• Buck Rock Historic Road System Workday at Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
  8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Road system sign and map installation

Northwest Oregon District

• Molalla River Cleanup in Mollala
  9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19
  Trash removal, trail maintenance, and recreation site rehabilitation
• Disciples of Dirt Trail Maintenance at Carpenter Bypass
  9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19
  Mountain biking trail maintenance
• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport
  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Beach clean-up, invasive plant removal, garden maintenance, and fee-free festivities

Prineville District

• Reynolds Pond Restoration Project
  10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25
  Site cleanup and workday
• Hampton Butte Rockhound Site Cleanup
  9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Cleanup workday to fill in holes from rock collectors

Roseburg District

• Swiftwater Trailhead Clean Up at Idleyld Park
  8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19
  Trailhead and day use area restoration and maintenance

Spokane District

• Fishtrap Loop in Sprague, Wash.
  8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Annual trail maintenance work party
• Fishtrap Watermelon Hill in Fishtrap, Wash.
  9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7
  Shrub planting and fence repair

Vale District

• Oasis Spruce Up Day in Huntington
  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mountain Time on Friday, Sept. 25
  Trash cleanup, invasive weed removal, and general site maintenance

For more information about specific events, please see the National Environmental Education Foundation webpage or the BLM Volunteer Opportunity webpage.

-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.
 

City Council Declares 120-Day Moratorium on New Data Center Development

WOODBURN, OR. – The Woodburn City Council voted September 14 to declare a 120-day moratorium on new data center development following a public hearing.

The moratorium temporarily pauses the acceptance, review, and approval of City permits and development proposals for new data storage, processing, and information technology centers, as defined by the Woodburn Development Ordinance.

The moratorium does not apply to other types of industrial development.

The 120-day period will give the City time to:
• Review zoning and development regulations.
• Evaluate public utility and infrastructure needs.
• Reassess data center siting criteria.
• Review potential impacts related to water, energy, noise, and the environment.
• Develop regulations and processes for evaluating future data center proposals.

No data center applications are currently pending or active in Woodburn.

Learn More:
The City of Woodburn is committed to keeping the community informed throughout this process.

For additional information, including background materials, previous media releases, and the Data Center Moratorium FAQ, visit the City of Woodburn webpage: https://www.woodburn-or.gov/1133/Data-Center-Moratorium

BAKER COUNTY, Ore. (15 Sept. 2026) – On Monday, September 14, 2026, at 9:44 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Highway 86 near milepost 31 in Baker County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver BMW motorcycle, operated by Lance H. Madden (55) of Loveland, Ohio, was traveling eastbound on Highway 86 near Richland when it failed to navigate a left-hand turn and entered the soft gravel shoulder. While attempting to correct back toward the roadway, the motorcycle flipped. The rider and motorcycle then traveled down an approximately 20‑foot embankment toward the river. Baker County Search and Rescue assisted with a rope rescue to recover the rider.

The operator of the BMW motorcycle (Madden) was transported by Life Flight to an area hospital with serious injuries. OSP was later notified that Madden died at the hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, Baker County Search and Rescue, Richland 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.

HILLSBORO, Ore- On July 24, 2026, a Washington County jury found Edward Patrick Gorman guilty of assault in the second degree, failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons, driving under the influence of intoxicants, and reckless driving. On September 11, 2026, Washington County Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth Lemoine sentenced the defendant to 130 months in prison. Deputy District Attorney Christina Luedtke prosecuted this case.
 

On March 17, 2023, the defendant picked up a friend and drove to a bar in Hillsboro, Oregon, where he was eventually cut off by the server. That server later reported that the defendant was likely intoxicated before he arrived at the bar.
 

The pair then left the bar in the defendant’s pickup truck and began driving south through Hillsboro. Several witnesses reported that the defendant was speeding, driving erratically, and swerving between lanes of travel. As Mr. Gorman drove through the intersection of SE 10^th Avenue and SE Walnut Street, he struck a bicyclist with so much force that the victim flew through the air, hit a second vehicle, and landed on the ground a considerable distance from the point of impact. The victim suffered extensive injuries, including multiple broken bones and a severe head injury.
 

His passenger advised him that he had hit someone and told him to stop. However, Mr. Gorman made no attempt to stop or aid the victim and instead drove home. Hillsboro police located him at his home just 15 minutes later. They found his truck in the driveway with substantial front-end damage. The defendant admitted to the police that he had been drinking. Officers obtained a warrant for his blood and determined the defendant had a BAC of .09% several hours after the crash.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the work of the Hillsboro Police Department and the Washington County Crash Analysis Team, which responded to the scene and conducted a thorough investigation.
 

Mr. Gorman will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence. 

Press Release   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
September 15, 2026

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2026 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Awards celebration, presented by Riverview Bank, set for October 14 at The Heathman Lodge

VANCOUVER, Wash.  — The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank. The annual awards recognize exceptional businesses, leaders, and manufacturers whose innovation, leadership, and contributions are helping shape a strong and thriving Southwest Washington. 

Established in 2012, the Business & Leadership Awards shine a spotlight on the people and organizations moving the region forward and embodying the Greater Vancouver Chamber's motto of "Moving Business Forward." This year's finalists represent a diverse cross-section of Southwest Washington's business community and are recognized in five categories: Start-Up to Watch, Small Business, Large Business, Statesperson, and Manufacturer of the Year. 

The 2026 finalists are: 

Start-Up to Watch — In Business Five Years or Less 

• School of Rock Vancouver 
• Tipsy Chicks 
• Wash Kings Car Wash 

Small Business — Up to 25 Employees 

• Blaze Restoration 
• ANC Movers 
• Kafiex Roasters 

Large Business — More Than 25 Employees 

• McCord's Vancouver Toyota 
• El Gaucho Vancouver 
• MacKay 

Statesperson of the Year

• Alishia Topper, Clark County Treasurer 
• Katie Favela, City of Ridgefield Councilmember 
• Rep. Peter Abbarno, 20th Legislative District 

Manufacturer of the Year 

• Omega Industries 
• The Last U.S. Bag Co. 
• United Precision Corporation 

"This year's finalists reflect the incredible range of talent, innovation, and dedication that exists throughout our business community," said John McDonagh, President & CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. "From entrepreneurs building new businesses to established companies investing in our region and all creating jobs, these organizations and individuals are making a meaningful difference in Southwest Washington. We look forward to bringing the community together to celebrate their achievements and recognize the people who continue to move our region forward." 

The community is invited to celebrate this year's finalists and honorees on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Heathman Lodge during an in-person awards celebration and VIP Social. 

The Business & Leadership Awards will also recognize Clark County's 2026 First Citizen Award honoree, Jon Girod, owner of Quail Homes and founder of Careers in Construction. Presented by Edward Jones, the First Citizen Award is one of Southwest Washington's longest-standing community honors and recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, volunteerism, and philanthropy have made a lasting impact on the community. 

Tickets for the 2026 Business & Leadership Awards VIP Social at The Heathman Lodge are available at VancouverUSA.com/Business-Leadership-Awards. 

The Greater Vancouver Chamber's Business & Leadership Awards are made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Riverview Bank, along with Edward Jones, BBSI, Maddox Industrial Transformer, Washington Trust Bank, WSU Vancouver, Alaska Airlines, The Columbian, and MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions.

###

About the Business & Leadership Awards

Introduced in 2012, the Business & Leadership Awards honor outstanding businesses and individuals who exemplify the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s motto of "Moving Business Forward." For over a decade, the southwest Washington business community has celebrated excellence and leadership through these prestigious awards. 

About the First Citizen Award

Since 1939, the annual First Citizen Award has been presented to a Clark County resident who models the attributes of good citizenship through leadership, action, civic pride, and cultivates inclusive civic engagement practices. These are individuals who, through their business, volunteering, and philanthropic efforts, improve the lives of those in the community by serving first. For more information about the First Citizens through the years, visit:  https://www.vancouverusa.com/first-citizen-award-honorees. 

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. 

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon’s community colleges are drawing students back, but will they stay? Two-year enrollment rose 6.6% in fiscal year 2025, even as the state’s latest affordability measure found that 35% of resident students faced college costs beyond their expected resources. 

For first-generation and low-income students, admission is often only the first hurdle. Finding the money, guidance and sense of belonging needed to graduate and transfer can be even harder. 

Against that backdrop, Portland Community College and the PCC Foundation marked the 15th anniversary of Future Connect, a nationally recognized program designed to turn college access into college completion. The Sept. 10 celebration at the Willow Creek Opportunity Center in Washington County brought together former students, elected leaders, community donors and friends of the program.

Since its first cohort entered PCC during the 2011-12 academic year, Future Connect has served nearly 5,000 students. The program combines scholarships with personalized advising, career guidance and support from a dedicated college success coach. Students also receive job and internship resources and help navigating academic, financial and personal barriers. 

“Future Connect demonstrates what is possible when a college and its community commit not only to opening the door to higher education, but also to helping students thrive once they walk through it,” said Dr. Katy Ho, interim president of Portland Community College. “For 15 years, the program has combined financial support with personalized coaching, trusted relationships and a strong sense of belonging for thousands of first-generation and low-income students. Its success now shapes how PCC supports new students across the college.”

Future Connect cohorts reflect communities that have historically faced some of the greatest barriers to higher education: 75% of students come from low-income households, 85% are the first in their families to attend college and 87% are students of color. In total, the PCC Foundation has secured more than $24 million in gifts and grants (from private and public partners) for Future Connect with $8 million supporting scholarships.

“Fifteen Years of serving students is something the community can truly be proud of,” said Josh Laurie, dean of PCC’s College Success Programs. “In that time, we have invested and reinvested in how students access opportunity through education. When we started the program 15 years ago, people said it might not stick and it might just be a flashy object that fades. But we believed in what we were building and so did the community.”

In 2011, Future Connect began with more than 100 students and support from the City of Portland and PCC Foundation donors. It later expanded through partnerships with Beaverton and Hillsboro and now welcomes more than 300 new students each year. 

Its influence has extended beyond PCC. In 2015, then-Gov. Kate Brown ceremonially signed House Bill 3063, the “Aspirations to College” law based on Future Connect. The law funded similar programs at Oregon community colleges, and Future Connect received a $1.3 million state grant in 2016. 

A 2017 Education Northwest evaluation found that Future Connect improved first-year grade-point averages and credits earned, persistence into the second year, and three-year completion and transfer rates. In December 2021, the federal What Works Clearinghouse found promising evidence of effectiveness in its review of the evaluation. 

The transfer component is key. According to Columbia University, a national research report shows that about 80% of entering community college students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, yet only 33% transfer to a four-year institution and 16% earn a bachelor’s degree within six years. For students from low-income households, the completion rate is 11%. 

Future Connect scholars can continue receiving assistance through available scholarships at Portland State University, Lewis & Clark College, Pacific and Linfield Universities, and any Oregon university of their choice. Known as Future Connect’s Next Step Scholarships, qualifying PCC graduates earn scholarships that pay for tuition and other costs. On average, Next Step scholars receive between $35,000 to $68,000 annually through institutional and merit-based scholarships and grants.

The program also provided the foundation for PCC’s First-Year Experience, which brings Future Connect-style wraparound support to more new students. PCC piloted the initiative in fall 2024 with a $1 million gift from Brigid Flanigan, founder and principal of Tenfold Senior Living, and has expanded to serve 5,000 students a year. 

“Future Connect shows what can happen when a community gets behind a strong idea,” said Christina Kline, executive director of the PCC Foundation. “We have helped connect individuals, businesses, foundations, and public partners with opportunities to invest in the program as it has expanded into new communities, reached more students, and shaped new approaches to student success at PCC. That sustained commitment reflects tremendous confidence in Future Connect and, most importantly, in its students.”

Longtime supporters include Michael and Alice Powell, founders of Powell’s Books. The couple supported a Future Connect leadership program; Michael served on the PCC Foundation Board, and both were honorary chairs of the Foundation’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign.

“Future Connect has meant so much to us because we’ve seen what can happen when students are given the opportunity and encouragement to pursue their goals,” Michael said. 

“To have been part of this program from the beginning and watch it grow over 15 years has been incredibly meaningful. We’re proud to have played a part in helping thousands of students continue their education and build the lives they envision for themselves,” added Alice.

Laurie said the anniversary demonstrates the durability of a program that some initially questioned.

“It is quite simply a way to envision a caring approach within a large institution; it takes time, a ton of energy and ultimately a lot of trust,” Laurie said. “We are so grateful to have all three of those still going strong after all these years.”

 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.

During The MAIN Event held September 10, the Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) announced that David Gates, vice president and chief information officer at Clackamas County Bank, was the recipient of the 2026 OBA Presidential Award for his outstanding leadership as chair of the OBA Technology Committee.

The OBA Presidential Award is given annually to one of OBA’s peer group chairs in recognition of their exceptional leadership, commitment, and service to their peers and Oregon’s banking industry. OBA’s committees and roundtables are led by volunteer bankers who serve two-year terms, helping shape meeting agendas, bring forward timely issues, connect members with one another, and create valuable opportunities for education and peer collaboration.

As chair of the Technology Committee, Gates has distinguished himself as an outstanding facilitator and advisor. He consistently brings forward timely topics and engaging speakers while keeping discussions focused on the technology issues that matter most to bankers today. His ability to engage participants and create an environment where members feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their experiences has helped make the Technology Committee a valuable resource for its members.

“David understands that the value of a peer group goes beyond the agenda or the speakers. It’s about the relationships, ideas, and experiences that members take away from being part of it,” said Scott Bruun, president and CEO of the OBA. “He genuinely believes in the value of the peer group experience. In fact, he recently told us that, of all the various meetings that occupy his schedule, OBA Technology Committee meetings are by far his favorite. That kind of enthusiasm says a lot.”

In addition to his leadership of the Technology Committee, Gates has contributed to OBA through his service on the board of Synergy by Association, OBA’s for-profit subsidiary. Through both roles, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting his peers and strengthening Oregon’s banking industry.

“David’s leadership of the Technology Committee has been exceptional,” Bruun said. “He focuses on creating value for participants, guides discussions toward the issues that matter most, and consistently fosters the kind of open exchange that makes an OBA peer group successful. We are grateful for his dedication, leadership and service to Oregon banking.”

The Presidential Award was established 25 years ago to recognize the volunteer peer group chairs who go above and beyond in their service to OBA and their fellow bankers.

The Local Government Grant Program Advisory Committee will meet Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, 2026, to evaluate grant applications from around the state for projects that support the acquisition, development or rehabilitation of outdoor recreation facilities.

The meeting will be held on Zoom. Meeting details, including the agenda and list of project proposals, are available online.

The meeting is open to the public, but there will not be time for public comments during the meeting. The committee will evaluate 43 applications over the three days. Approximately $17 million of grant funds are available.

After applicants provide a brief presentation of their proposals, the committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The list will be sent to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval.

The advisory committee consists of 10 members who represent cities, counties, park and recreation districts, port districts, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state. 

The Local Government Grant Program was established in 1999 to direct a portion of state lottery revenue to award grants to eligible applicants for outdoor park and recreation projects. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information contact Jennifer Dimsho, Program Coordinator at 503-951-1317 or .Dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov">Jennifer.Dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov or visit the program website. If special accommodations are needed to attend the meeting, contact Jennifer Dimsho at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

PORTLAND MAN SENTENCED TO 16.5 YEARS IN PRISON FOR KILLING HIS ROMANTIC PARTNER.

Portland, OR-Jon Pharris Ray French was sentenced September 14, 2026 to 16.5 years in prison.

For details on the case please see our earlier release below.

-MCDA

PORTLAND MAN  FOUND GUILTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEATH OF HIS ROMANTIC PARTNER AND MOVING HER BODY AFTERWARD.

CASE: 24CR06379                                                                                                          September 4, 2026

Portland, OR-

Jon Pharris Ray French, 35-years-old, today pleaded No Contest in Multnomah County Circuit Court to the charge of Manslaughter in the First Degree and Guilty to Abuse of a Corpse in the Second Degree.

The pleas came in connection with the death of the defendant’s romantic partner Jeannie Enyeart who disappeared in January of 2024.

Multnomah County Chief Deputy District Attorney Todd Jackson and Deputy District Attorney Ryan Solomon handled the case for the state.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail and specifically Detectives Brent Christensen and Scott Broughton for their outstanding work on this case.

The DA’s Office would also like to recognize the work of MCDA Victim Advocates who  provided care and support for the victim’s family in this case.

The Facts:

On January 29, 2024 Jeannie Enyeart’s son reported her missing to the Portland Police because he was worried he had not been able to reach her. He said it was quite unusual that he could not get through to her on her cell phone for such a long time.

When police contacted the defendant, he claimed that he’d seen the victim the day before and that her car should be in the driveway of the home they shared in Portland.

Instead, the car had crashed into a snowbank on a rural road near the town of Stevenson in Washington State.

An investigator contacted the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and learned that the car had been towed from the crash site  and that the defendant had been driving the vehicle when it crashed.  Investigators searched  the car and found Ms. Enyeart’s body in the backseat under a moving blanket and several other items. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was blunt trauma to the neck. The manner of death was homicide.

On February 5, 2024, police arrested Jon Pharris Ray French for the death of Jeannie Enyeart.

Sentencing is set for September 14, 2026 at 10am in front of Judge Jenna Plank in courtroom 13B.

                                                                 ###MCDA###

Elliott State Research Forest Begins First Timber Harvests Since Research Forest Designation

Sale marks major milestone for Oregon’s working research forest

Read the full news release.

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon’s Elliott State Research Forest has begun its first timber harvests since its designation as a research forest. This marks another significant milestone in operating the Elliott as a world-class research forest that contributes to multiple public benefits.  

“This harvest, with both restorative and regenerative practices, is the next step in delivering on the promise of the Elliott State Research Forest,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “It shows that Oregon can produce timber, protect wildlife habitat, and generate world-class research all on the same landscape." 

Guided by the Forest Management Plan, operations on the Elliott aim to balance society’s need for wood products with the preservation of water quality and quantity across the watershed, carbon sequestration, climate resilience, and other forest ecosystems services – achieved through the practice and testing of ecological forestry. With a contiguous land base of nearly 83,000 acres, the Elliott is uniquely positioned to study the viability of ecological forestry by comparing the ecological and economic outcomes of harvest types within the same watershed.   

Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner said, “the Elliott State Research Forest continues to embody the collaborative spirit of Oregonians. This milestone took years of cooperation between scientists, timber communities, and tribal nations to build a plan that works for the land and the people who depend on it.” 

Timber harvests are among the many management activities covered by the approved Habitat Conservation Plan, which supports operation of the Elliott as a working research forest. The plan ensures compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by identifying management activities that may impact protected species, paired with conservation commitments that 

protect those species and their habitat over time. 

“The Elliott’s future has always been tied to Oregonians coming together and designing a path forward that represents our state. We fulfill our obligations to school kids. We protect public lands. We do research that benefits rural communities, and we provide access to timber off the Elliott,” said Secretary of State Tobias Read. 

Harvest Details 

The Elliott’s first timber harvests will occur across 501 acres at two sites and will include a restoration thin and a regenerative harvest. The restoration thin will support the creation of complex older forests to improve long-term forest health, while the regeneration harvest will provide sustainable wood production that supports local economies and research. The estimated $4 million sale from this timber harvest will go back into the Elliott to fund operations—from research and local partnerships to education and recreation planning, conservation, and associated community and economic benefits. Future timber sales will be a mix of regeneration harvests, restoration thinning, and ecological forestry approaches. 

Advancing Research 

As a research forest, the Elliott is advancing a business model and social, economic, and ecological research for how forest management can support many public benefits. These harvests help advance the Elliott’s working research forest model, providing both practical and scientific information for use by forest scientists and managers. DSL will be collecting baseline economic and ecological data, which helps us better understand the viability of ecological forestry. Harvest operations occur alongside research projects foundational to the forest’s mission and management goals. 

Protecting Species 

The Elliott is operating under conservation measures to protect threatened and endangered species. To ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act, the Elliott’s Habitat Conservation Plan requires habitat buffers and daily logging time restrictions during nesting seasons of the marbled murrelet and spotted owl. 

About the Elliott State Research Forest 

The Elliott State Research Forest is Oregon’s public research forest—a working landscape where science and management meet to support climate resilience, biodiversity, rural economic vitality, and sustainable timber—all under transparent oversight. For more information about Elliott State Research Forest news and programs, please visit www.oregon.gov/dsl/Pages/Elliott.aspx. 

###

For immediate release

September 14, 2026

Contact Chris Nelson (503) 551-0531

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CURRICULUM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED

OREGON CITY — Clackamas Community College, in collaboration with Clackamas Workforce Partnership, Clackamas Education Service District, South Metro-Salem STEM Partnership and We Boil the Ocean, is inviting local manufacturers and skilled trades employers to help introduce the next generation of workers to career opportunities during Manufacturing Day 2026.

The event, themed “Explore the Trades,” will be held Friday, Oct. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the college’s Oregon City campus. Up to 1,000 middle and high school students are expected to attend.

Participating businesses can connect with students and showcase their industries in several ways:

• Host a hands-on booth or interactive demonstration at the event.
• Offer students a behind-the-scenes tour of their facilities.
• Sponsor the event and support career exploration activities.

Manufacturing Day gives employers an opportunity to help students understand what modern manufacturing and skilled trades careers look like. Through direct interaction with industry professionals, students can learn about the technology, skills, education and career pathways behind the products and services they see every day.

The event also helps businesses build connections with local schools and educators while encouraging students to consider careers that support the region’s workforce needs.

Manufacturing Day will take place in the Holden Industrial Technology Center at Clackamas Community College, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City.

Businesses and industry partners are asked to register by Friday, Sept. 25. To participate or sponsor the event, complete the registration form at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/JDUihwjsiz. For questions or more information, contact Julie Gassner at Julie.gassner@clackamas.edu.

This event is sponsored by Portland General Electric.

-30-

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) published its second quarter 2026 report on work under way to improve Child Welfare programs.

The report shows continued success in placing children entering care with relatives and retaining relative caregivers.

In three of the past seven months, ODHS exceeded the national average for initial relative placement. Relative placements reached 40.6% in February, 44.5% in May and 41.3% in July. The national average is 39%.

Research shows that children do best when they can remain with people they know and trust. Placing children with relatives as soon as possible when they enter care improves outcomes for children and can make reunification with parents easier.

Relative placement is just one priority area included in the quarterly report. Other measures are focused on ensuring safety and supporting families to prevent child maltreatment; improving services and results for children in foster care; ensuring a well-supported workforce and enhancing the program’s infrastructure to better serve Oregonians; and using data for accountability and to support continuous quality improvement.

“Stability is critical for children who have experienced trauma,” Child Welfare Interim Director Rolanda Garcia said. “We are focused on improving the way we serve relative caregivers so children can stay connected to family.”

ODHS launched a simplified certification for relatives in August 2025 to streamline the process of becoming a resource parent.

ODHS also has focused on improving resource parent retention by creating a strong support network of community partners, respite care providers and staff trainings focused on customer service. Partnerships with community agencies are particularly important for supporting relatives who may be caring for multiple grandchildren during retirement.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote relative placements, Child Welfare will highlight the importance of keeping children connected to extended family during September’s Kinship Care Month.

Resources

Read the ODHS Child Welfare 2026 Q2 Progress Report

See all ODHS Child Welfare progress and data reports

Learn about becoming a resource (foster) parent

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore.  (14 Sept. 2026) – On Saturday, September 12, 2026, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Klamath County 911 received a call reporting an individual who had been shot in their vehicle on Whitetail Lane in Bonanza in Klamath County.

Upon responding to the scene, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office deputies located a deceased male, identified as Timothy Carr (52) of Bonanza. The Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated for the homicide investigation, with the Oregon State Police assigned as the lead investigating agency.

Following the initial investigation, Thomas Sylvester (53), also of Bonanza, was arrested and lodged in the Klamath County Jail on charges of Second-Degree Murder, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Abuse of a Corpse, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

The Klamath County Major Crime Team is comprised of the Oregon State Police, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, Klamath County Parole and Probation, and the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Oregon State Police at (541) 664-4600 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-299497.

This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional information is available for release at this time.

# # #

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 nearly 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.

MALHEAUR COUNTY, Ore. (14 September 2026) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful shooting and waste of a mule deer buck near the Owyhee Avenue and Twilight Drive area near Nyssa in Malheur County.

On Thursday, September 10, 2026, OSP’s Fish and Wildlife Division responded to a report of a deceased mule deer buck that appeared to have been shot and left to waste with only its head removed. Troopers located the buck on private land approximately 100 yards from Twilight Drive in a hay field.

Anyone with information regarding the unlawful take of this mule deer buck is asked to call the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-297246.       

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.

# # #

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.

Shortly after 10:00 p.m. on September 13, 2026, Beaverton Police officers responded to a serious traffic crash involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle at the intersection of SW Scholls Ferry Road and SW Loon Drive in southwest Beaverton.

The crash involved a Kawasaki Z50 motorcycle and a Tesla. The motorcycle rider, a 34-year-old man from Dallas, Oregon, died at the scene. The driver of the Tesla remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

The Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) responded to the scene and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

###

VANCOUVER, Wash. –  What if your business could receive a semester's worth of consulting support from a team of dedicated business students, guided by experienced faculty and seasoned business leaders, at no cost?

That is exactly what happens through Washington State University Vancouver's Business Growth Mentor & Analysis Program. For organizations looking for fresh perspectives, data-driven recommendations and actionable growth strategies, the opportunity can be transformative.

A Win-Win for Businesses and Students

The Business Growth MAP program pairs regional businesses and nonprofits with teams of Carson College of Business students who serve as consultants throughout the semester. Student teams work alongside faculty and volunteer business mentors to analyze challenges, identify opportunities, conduct research and develop strategic recommendations tailored to each client.

For students, the experience provides hands-on consulting work with real organizations. For businesses, it delivers professional-quality analysis and recommendations without consulting fees.

The impact is significant. During the 2025/26 academic year:

• 16 businesses participated in the program.
• 100% of clients said they would recommend participating.
• 100% of clients indicated they would implement at least one recommendation from their student consulting team.

Since 2011, Business Growth MAP students have provided approximately 175,000 hours of pro bono consulting support to more than 415 small businesses and nonprofit organizations, helping generate more than $18.5 million in new revenue.

Celebrating Outstanding Client Projects

Each year, the program recognizes exceptional student consulting engagements. This year's Outstanding Team Project Awards were presented to teams serving MOTOCO and Mortons Barbecue & Catering

MOTOCO: Strengthening Operations for Growth

Washougal-based MOTOCO, a motorcycle parts, service and accessories company, partnered with a student consulting team that tackled everything from market analysis and customer research to inventory management and operational efficiency. The team surveyed customers, benchmarked competitors, identified operational bottlenecks and helped streamline inventory, customer relationship management and financial systems.

"The students were able to focus deeply on our areas of concern as well as bring to our attention some other issues that we did not understand the implications of," said owner Sandy Adams. "They quickly found our problem areas and diligently worked to find solutions, all of which are utilized today."

Mortons Barbecue & Catering: Building a Roadmap for Sustainable Growth

The spring award recipient, Mortons Barbecue & Catering of Vancouver, worked with a student team that conducted extensive primary research to identify opportunities for long-term expansion. Their recommendations included implementing a catering management system, launching a retail product line, creating winery partnerships and developing strategies to increase corporate business.

Owner Eric Morton credited the students' adaptability and commitment to understanding his business.

"I have already connected with a number of wineries based on the work of the students and we have many potential opportunities pending," Morton said. "The students genuinely wanted to help grow my business, and I am so thankful for them and the work they did."

Learning Beyond the Classroom

One of the program's greatest strengths is the collaboration among students, faculty, mentors and business owners.

During 2025/26, 17 volunteer mentors contributed more than 100 hours of expertise to help guide student teams through real-world consulting engagements.

Students consistently describe Business Growth MAP as one of the most valuable experiences of their academic careers because it allows them to apply classroom knowledge to complex business challenges while building skills in communication, leadership, analysis, teamwork and client management.

Looking for Business Partners

WSU Vancouver accepts applications from businesses that would like to participate in upcoming projects year-round.

Small businesses, growth-stage companies, and nonprofit organizations that are facing strategic, operational, marketing, financial or growth-related challenges are especially encouraged to explore the opportunity.

Participating organizations gain access to fresh thinking, market research, strategic recommendations and implementation planning while helping prepare the next generation of business leaders.

That is the power of Business Growth MAP: businesses receive valuable consulting support, students gain meaningful real-world experience, and the entire region benefits from stronger, more successful organizations.

Learn more about becoming a Business Growth MAP client online. 

About WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is one of six campuses of Washington State University and the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington. The campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs that support workforce development, innovation and economic growth through strong partnerships with businesses, industries and community organizations.

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver and is accessible via I-5, I-205 and C-TRAN bus service.

# # #

Portland, OR – The Department of Veterans Affairs today awarded $38,283,041 in grants to 22 community organizations to help Veterans in FY 2027 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Oregon

This funding is part of a record-high $1.17 billion in grants awarded to 680 organizations across the country to fight Veteran homelessness. The grants follow VA’s success in housing 51,936 homeless Veterans in Fiscal Year 2025, the highest number in seven years.

Resource and supportive services grants will be distributed through the agency’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program to:

• Prevent the imminent loss of a home.
• Identify new, more suitable housing situations for Veterans and families.
• Rapidly re-house Veterans and their families who are homeless and might remain homeless without assistance.

Funds for transitional housing and intensive supportive services will be distributed through the agency’s Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program to:

• Fund transitional housing with supportive services or service centers.
• Support transition-in-place housing, where Veterans remain in their current housing unit while receiving services to help them move toward permanent, stable housing.
• Provide special housing designed to better serve women Veterans and those who are chronically mentally ill, frail, or elderly.

View the full list of SSVF and GPD awardees here.

“VA medical centers across Oregon remain committed to ensuring Veterans have access to safe, stable housing and the supportive services they need to thrive,” said Karla Azcuy, Director of VA Portland Health Care System “These grants strengthen our partnerships with community organizations and help us reach Veterans where they are, providing resources that make a meaningful difference in their lives.”

# # #

If you are a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging will hold its annual retreat on Monday, Sept. 21, from 3:15 to 6 pm.

The in-person meeting will be held in the sixth-floor Training Room in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. The retreat will not include provisions for virtual attendance, and will not be recorded, but is open to the public. 

Topics at the retreat include the 2027 work plan and 2026 Silver Citizen nominees. 

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

Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited

What: Waterway Cleanup Series Wrap-Up event at High Rocks Park

When: Wednesday, September 16, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: 2 82nd Drive Gladstone, OR 97027 | Map Link

Event Description: Join SOLVE for the concluding event of the Waterway Cleanup Series, a recurring and much-anticipated initiative in collaboration with Clackamas Water Environment Services. From May through September, SOLVE actively promotes and lends support to an array of litter cleanup projects across the region, all dedicated to elevating the cleanliness of our rivers, streams, and creeks. This final event of the summer-long series will help beautify the riverbanks of the Clackamas River and celebrate the culmination of 55 cleanups along various waterways, lakes, and recreational areas, across Oregon such as the Willamette, Molalla, Rogue, Siletz, Clackamas, and Columbia rivers.

Why: Oregon's rivers are renowned for their beauty, yet they face ongoing threats from litter and runoff from developed areas. The need to clean our waterways has never been more critical. SOLVE invites volunteers of all ages to participate in this final event of the summer initiative, aimed at removing litter from our rivers, streams, and creeks. Together, we can take meaningful steps to ensure our communities benefit from safe, healthy water for generations to come.

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am on the pedestrian bridge crossing the Clackamas River located right next to the DMV to see approximately 50 volunteers of all ages checking in, collecting their cleanup supplies, receiving a safety speech and event debrief, and then heading out in groups to pick up litter along the Clackamas River.

This event will feature plenty of visuals of volunteers picking up litter along the Clackamas riverbanks and at High Rocks Park, making for great community packages, VOs, and VOSOTS.

Available interviewees:

• Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
• Ron Wierenga, Deputy Director, Clackamas Water Environment Services

Visit the event registration page or the Waterway Cleanup Series landing page on the SOLVE website for more information.

About SOLVE:

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

About Clackamas Water Environment Services

Clackamas Water Environment Services produces clean water, protects water quality and recovers renewable resources. We do this by providing wastewater services, stormwater management, and environmental education. It’s our job to protect public health and support the vitality of our communities, natural environment, and economy. Learn more at: https://www.clackamas.us/wes.

#####

MEDIA CONTACTS:
For more information, please contact:

SOLVE

Stefanie Wich-Herrlein, Sr. Communications Manager

971-319-4503 - stefanie@solve.org   

Clackamas County Public & Government Affairs

Todd Loggan, Community Relations Specialist, Sr.

971.284.7149 - tloggan@clackamas.us

Cornelius Police Department deputies have located 6-year-old Nicholas Jose-Alehando. He has been found safe.

Thank you to the community for the tips and video checks. No further assistance is needed.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office detectives are asking for the public’s help locating 6-year-old Nicholas Jose-Alehando.

Nicholas was last seen around 10 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, walking south on 9th Avenue from Adair Street near the Cornelius Space Age, 845 N Adair Street, Cornelius.

He is a Hispanic male juvenile, 4 to 5 feet tall, with short black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black puffer jacket, a black long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and red and black shoes.

Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue has been activated to assist in the search.

Anyone in the area is asked to check overnight video footage and contact detectives if Nicholas appears on camera.

Anyone with information is asked to call non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 and reference case number 50-26-12992.  If you see Nicholas, call 911 immediately.

SALEM, Oregon—The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene Sept. 22-23 in Salem.

On Sept. 22, commissioners will tour Detroit Lake State Park and hold a work session from 1:30 to 4 p.m. providing background on state historic preservation office operations and an update on recent fee and policy changes.

On Sept. 23, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. virtually to discuss acquisition priorities and opportunities, and potential litigation. The Executive Session will be held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e) and (h) and is closed to the public.

A business meeting will begin at 9:45 a.m. in the Oregon Department of Transportation Commission Room, located at 355 Capitol St. NE, Room 103 in Salem. The business meeting is open to the public. All public commission meetings are streamed live to YouTube.

Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting; instructions on how to listen will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. The business meeting includes time for informal public comment not related to items on the agenda.
 

Registration is required to speak during the informal public comment portion. Register online by 5 p.m. on Sept. 21 to speak at the virtual meeting. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. Sept. 21 to Cpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRCpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.  

The full agenda and supporting documents are posted on the commission web page. Notable requests:

• Request to approve acquisition of Abiqua Falls properties with lottery bond funding directed by the legislature.
• Request to approve disposition of Corral property to Frenchglen School District.
• Request to approve construction contracts for Silver Falls.
• Request to approve adoption of proposed amendments to archaeological permit rules to update dispute resolution process.
• Request to approve adoption of amendments to Local Government Grant program to update matching requirements as required by SB 1585.
• Request to approve adoption of proposed amendments to Land and Water Conservation fund allocation rules.
• Request to approve adoption of proposed amendments to agency procurement and contracting rules.

Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Jayme Jones, commission assistant, at least three days in advance at jayme.jones@oprd.oregon.gov or 971-707-2175.

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

The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on September 15, 2026. 
This meeting will be held virtually through Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/87015625019?pwd=LAMMDDX5HrzBLkz1QRnAoj7CEkQlPZ.1
Passcode:883297

RIDGEFIELD, Wash. - The Historic Music Preservation Project and its resident ensemble, the Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra, will present Hot Rhythms: A Sinful Cabaret Burlesque Revue on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the historic Old Liberty Theater in downtown Ridgefield.

The one-night-only performance combines authentic hot jazz of the 1920s and 1930s with classic burlesque in an evening inspired by the glamour, theatricality, and spirit of the golden age of stage performance.

Recognized for its performances of original dance orchestra arrangements from the Jazz Age, the 12-piece Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra will present a program of spirited and Halloween-inspired selections from the early twentieth century. Joining the orchestra are acclaimed Pacific Northwest burlesque performers Natasha Riot, Cruz Daniels, and Wolfgang X, who will bring the storytelling traditions of classic burlesque to life through dance, costume, and theatrical performance.

Founded in 2021, the Historic Music Preservation Project is a Vancouver, Washington-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection, preservation, performance, and education of early American jazz and popular music. Through performances, archival work, and educational programs, the organization seeks to preserve and share music that helped shape American cultural history.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:45 p.m. General admission tickets are $30. A limited number of VIP tables, which include admission for four guests and a bottle of champagne, are available for $150. Tickets and additional information are available at: www.historicmusic.org.

This event is generously made possible through media sponsorship of the Clark County Historical Museum.

About the Historic Music Preservation Project

The Historic Music Preservation Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Vancouver, Washington, dedicated to preserving, performing, and sharing early American jazz and popular music through archival stewardship, concerts, recordings, and educational programming. The organization serves as steward of the Herman Kenin Library and presents performances through its resident ensemble, the Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra.

CLACKAMAS, Ore. — The Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony Sept. 13 at Camp Withycombe.

Col. Eric Brenner assumed command of the brigade from Col. Paul Dyer during an outdoor ceremony on the Armed Forces Reserve Center parade field.

The change of command is a military tradition that formally transfers the authority and responsibility of a unit from one commander to another. The passing of the brigade colors symbolizes that transfer and represents the continuity of leadership, mission and responsibility for the soldiers assigned to the brigade.

The 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team carries a long military legacy rooted in the Pacific Northwest. Its lineage includes the 41st Infantry Division, whose soldiers served extensively in the Pacific during World War II. Today, the brigade remains one of the Oregon Army National Guard’s major commands, with soldiers and units across the state who have supported overseas deployments, domestic emergencies and other missions at home and abroad.

Dyer reflected on his time with the brigade and the relationships built throughout his career, describing the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team as more than a military organization.

“What this patch means, it’s family. It’s family to me,” Dyer said. “I look across here and I look out there and I see people that I choose to call family, and that’s a little different. There’s something special.”

Dyer also expressed confidence in Brenner, whom he has known for about 25 years, as he takes command of the brigade.

Brenner thanked Dyer for his leadership and said the work completed under Dyer’s command established a strong foundation for the brigade’s future.

“The work you’ve done over the brigade, it’s laid a foundation to grow and transform,” Brenner said. “Following in your footsteps will be a challenge, but a challenge that can be overcome with the outstanding officers, NCOs and soldiers out there before me.”

Brenner said he was grateful for the opportunity to once again wear the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s distinctive sunset patch and looked forward to working with the soldiers of the brigade.

“I look forward to working with you and meeting the challenges ahead,” Brenner said.

During the ceremony, Dyer was also presented the Meritorious Service Medal by Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, adjutant general, Oregon, recognizing his service and accomplishments as brigade commander.

Released Photos:

7O2A1216 Passing of the brigade colors

Col. Paul Dyer, outgoing commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and Col. Eric Brenner, incoming commander, participate in the passing of the brigade colors during a change of command ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon, Sept. 13, 2026. The passing of the colors symbolizes the transfer of command authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)

7O2A1187 Brigade formation

Soldiers assigned to the Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team stand in formation during a change of command ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon, Sept. 13, 2026. Col. Eric Brenner assumed command of the brigade from Col. Paul Dyer during the ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)

7O2A1197 during the national anthem

Col. Eric Brenner, incoming commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, salutes during the national anthem at the brigade’s change of command ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon, Sept. 13, 2026. Brenner assumed command of the brigade from Col. Paul Dyer during the ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)

7O2A1223 Meritorious Service Medal

Brig. Gen.  Alan R. Gronewold, adjutant general, Oregon, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Col. Paul Dyer, outgoing commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon, Sept. 13, 2026. Dyer relinquished command of the brigade to Col. Eric Brenner during the ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)

CLACKAMAS, Ore. (Sept. 13, 2026) ~ Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center will celebrate its annual NICU Reunion today,  Sunday, Sept. 13, bringing together hundreds of former NICU patients, their families and the healthcare professionals who cared for them. This year’s dinosaur-themed event, “Little Dinosaurs, Great Big Roar,” is a heartwarming celebration of strength, resilience and the incredible journeys of the hospital’s NICU graduates.

Media are invited from 1:30-2:30 p.m. to see families, friends and healthcare workers gathered to reconnect and celebrate the growth and milestones of children who received care in the Sunnyside NICU. The reunion typically draws 400 to 700 people each year and gives former patients and their families an opportunity to reconnect with the nurses and doctors who supported them during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

NICU parents Hannah and Jesse Lear-Konold and their 6-month-old son, Jude, will join the celebration this year to reconnect with the nurses and doctors who cared for Jude during his two-week NICU stay. Hannah’s journey to motherhood was anything but easy. At 19 weeks pregnant, she went into early labor and was in danger of losing Jude. Doctors performed emergency surgery and placed a cerclage, allowing the pregnancy to continue. Hannah ultimately went into labor again at 35 weeks and gave birth to Jude on March 11, 2026. Although his birth went beautifully, Jude later had difficulty feeding and was evaluated by the Kaiser Permanente care team, who determined he needed to spend time in the NICU until he could safely feed on his own.

As first-time parents, Hannah and her husband, Jesse, were frightened when they learned their newborn would need intensive care. But Hannah said the NICU team immediately made them feel supported and reassured.

“Jude is truly our miracle baby, and we are so incredibly grateful for the Kaiser Permanente team,” Hannah said. “From the doctors who helped us when we thought we might lose him to the nurses who loved and cared for him in the NICU, we felt like we were home. We owe the NICU team the world, and they will forever be in our hearts.”

Hannah and Jesse spent their days and nights with Jude during his two weeks in the NICU. Today, Jude is thriving and already showing his adventurous personality. He loves music, being held and camping with his parents, who took him on his first camping trip as a newborn. The family says Jude has already become quite the traveler, enjoying weekend getaways and even airplane rides.

“Jude loves adventure, and we joke that he decided to join the world early because he was eager to start having fun with us,” Hannah said. “We can't imagine our lives without him.”

Interviews Available:

Media are invited to attend the NICU Reunion celebration from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, in the courtyard outside the Labor & Delivery department at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center, 10180 S.E. Sunnyside Road, Clackamas. Interviews will be available near the entrance to the courtyard. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org">Karen Vitt to RSVP or for additional information.

• Julie Metcalf, DNP, NNP-BC, RN, a NICU nurse and invaluable member of the Sunnyside NICU team, will be available to discuss the reunion, the care provided to NICU babies and families, and the importance of supporting families throughout their NICU journeys.
   
• Hannah and Jesse Lear-Konold and their 6-month-old son, Jude, will be available to share their family's NICU journey, including Jude’s premature birth at 35 weeks, his two-week NICU stay and the care and support they received from the Sunnyside NICU team.

Visuals/Activities at the 2026 NICU Reunion include:

• Dinosaur-themed activities and giveaways, including a dinosaur egg hunt
• Baby goats and bunnies for children to interact with
• Portland Fire's new mascot, Rose, the Glitter-Breathing Dragon! (weather permitting)
• Lucy the Lab, Kaiser Permanente's friendly volunteer registered therapy dog
• Clackamas Fire with a fire truck, as available, and fire safety information
• AMR Ambulance and children’s safety activities
• PANDA neonatal transport team, as available; the Pediatric and Neonatal Doernbecher Transport team provides ICU-level care for critically ill and injured children during transport
• Northwest Mothers Milk Bank
• Local library partners and free books for children
• Little Goldfish Swim School
• Trauma Nurses Talk Tough
• Burn safety education
• Arts and crafts, games and prizes
• Story time, sidewalk chalk and temporary tattoos
• Popcorn and other treats
• Photo booth
• Raffle prizes and giveaways, including a drawing for a handmade scarf, four OMSI tickets and several stuffed toys
• Opportunities for former NICU families to reconnect with the nurses, doctors and caregivers who helped care for their children

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

OREGON CITY — Clackamas Community College invites the public to join its celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day on Saturday, Oct. 10, noon-4 p.m. This free event will feature local Indigenous artisans and community resources, vendors, music performances, community advocate presentations, food and opportunities to learn about and connect with indigenous communities in our region.

“What makes Clackamas Community College's Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration so meaningful is that it goes beyond recognizing history. It provides an opportunity to witness Indigenous people thriving as entrepreneurs, artists, leaders, storytellers and innovators,” said Casey Layton, the college’s chief culture and impact officer. “For five years, I have watched and participated alongside community members generously sharing their knowledge, culture and experiences in ways that deepen understanding and connection.”

Indigenous Peoples Day is sponsored by multiple partners, including the Clackamas Community College Foundation, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Clackamas County, Wenaha Group and Respond to Racism.

“This celebration honors the Indigenous peoples who have been the stewards of this land since time immemorial while also celebrating the vibrant contributions they continue to make today,” Layton said. “When you attend this event, the honoring is active, the learning is authentic, and the sense of community is undeniable."

The event will take place at the Niemeyer Center on the college’s Oregon City campus, 19600 Molalla Ave. Parking is free. Get tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indigenous-peoples-day-2026-tickets-1991487925996?aff=PressRelease. For questions regarding accommodations, contact the Cougar Leadership, Education and Advocacy for Progress (LEAP) Office at diversity@clackamas.edu or call 503-594-3008.

-30-

LA GRANDE, Ore. — The Oregon Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment cased its colors for the final time and uncased new ones Sept. 12, formally redesignating as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment during a ceremony at Eastern Oregon University's football field.

The redesignation reconnects the battalion with an infantry lineage that traces back nearly 140 years to 1888, when citizen-Soldiers in Eastern Oregon first organized to serve their communities and state.

Col. Andrew William Vidourek hosted the ceremony, with Lt. Col. Jorge L. De Anda and Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel G. Sapp representing the battalion's official party. Second Lt. Kumsa A. Lemessa served as master of ceremonies. The event included a lineage reading, casing of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry colors, uncasing of the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry colors, and a rebadging ceremony in which Soldiers replaced their unit patches.

"This is a significant milestone in the history of the Oregon Army National Guard," Vidourek said. "We gather for a ceremony that honors both where this organization has been and where it is going."

The battalion's roots stretch back to the Spanish-American War, when Soldiers serving as the 2nd Oregon Volunteer Infantry crossed the Pacific, took part in the capture of Guam and became the first American troops to land in the Philippines in 1898. During World War I, Oregon Soldiers were reorganized into the 41st Infantry Division, known as the "Sunset Division," and deployed to France with the American Expeditionary Forces.

The unit's infantry legacy continued into World War II as part of the 41st Infantry Division's "Jungleers," fighting through the Pacific island-hopping campaign. One of the regiment's defining moments came June 16, 1944, when the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry led an assault against entrenched Japanese defenders on the island of Biak, overrunning fortified caves and bunkers in one of the Pacific theater's most difficult fights.

Following the war, the organization reorganized several times before becoming the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, transitioning to heavy armor and earning the nickname "Eastern Oregon's Own." The battalion deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and Operation New Dawn in 2010, and Soldiers of Adder Company deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield from 2023 to 2024. In 2011, the battalion became the first National Guard unit to field the M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams tank.

"Closing these colors is bittersweet," De Anda said. "We all spilled sweat, spent long weeks away from home and mastered the skills of heavy armor and mechanized warfare. Be proud of what we've built and what we've accomplished under that crest. However, as we stand on this parade field today, we must remember a fundamental truth: the power of this unit has never resided in our equipment or the designation on our guidons. It has always resided in the character of the Soldiers who have answered the call."

De Anda pointed to the battalion's community roots as evidence of that continuity, noting that 100 years ago, Soldiers of Company Echo mustered on a drill floor above a drugstore in downtown La Grande with little equipment but full commitment.

"We are and have always been Eastern Oregon's own," De Anda said. "Our strength comes from the communities that have answered the call for over a century, from Pendleton to Ontario, Hermiston and La Grande, Baker City, Burns. We are the citizen-Soldiers who leave our families, our farms, our classrooms and our jobs to serve. No change in nomenclature or equipment will ever alter that identity."

As the newly designated 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, the unit will become Oregon's first mobile infantry battalion, built as a lighter, faster and highly mobile formation. The battalion conducted annual training at Camp Rilea this summer and plans to deploy a task force to Honduras next year to train alongside partner nations. The unit is also integrating infantry squad vehicles and expanding its use of unmanned aerial systems.

"You are now responsible for a remarkable piece of Oregon military history," De Anda told the formation. "You inherit much from those that came before you. Your responsibility is not to admire that history, but to build upon it."

In an interview before the ceremony, Vidourek reflected on the significance of reconnecting the battalion with its infantry roots.

"I know their hearts are with 3-116 Cav, but the reality is this organization has redesignated many times over the last 140 years," Vidourek said. "To go back and touch that lineage that started 140 years ago, Soldiers that fought in Guam, World War I, World War II, the historic Battle of Biak, and now we're redesignated as that infantry regiment, it's pretty cool. It's a cool thing to be a part of. It doesn't happen very often. A lot of times a Soldier will go through a whole military career and not be a part of something like this."

Both commanders closed their remarks by thanking the Soldiers' families for their support and calling on the battalion to carry the legacy forward.

"Every generation is asked the same question: will you be ready when your nation calls?" Vidourek said. "For nearly 140 years, Oregon Soldiers have answered that question with their actions. The Soldiers standing in formation today are the next chapter of that story. Eastern Oregon's own."

Released B-Roll Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1022829/oregon-guard-battalion-redesignates-reconnects-with-infantry-legacy

Released Photos: 

260912-Z-ZJ128-1001
U.S. Army Maj. Justin W. Symons, battalion executive officer for the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, salutes while leading the formation at the start of a redesignation ceremony at Eastern Oregon University's football field in La Grande, Ore., Sept. 12, 2026. During the ceremony, the battalion was redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, reconnecting the unit with an infantry lineage dating back to 1888.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260912-Z-ZJ128-1002
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jorge L. De Anda, left, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel G. Sapp, right, case the battalion's colors during a redesignation ceremony at Eastern Oregon University's football field in La Grande, Ore., Sept. 12, 2026. The battalion was redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment during the ceremony, reconnecting the unit with an infantry lineage dating back to 1888.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260912-Z-ZJ128-1003
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jorge L. De Anda, incoming commander of the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, unfurls the battalion's new colors during a redesignation ceremony at Eastern Oregon University's football field in La Grande, Ore., Sept. 12, 2026. The 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment was redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment during the ceremony, reconnecting the unit with an infantry lineage dating back to 1888.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260912-Z-ZJ128-1004
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jorge L. De Anda, left, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, pins the new unit patch on Maj. Justin W. Symons, right, the battalion executive officer, as Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel G. Sapp looks on during a rebadging ceremony at Eastern Oregon University's football field in La Grande, Ore., Sept. 12, 2026. Soldiers replaced their unit patches after the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment was redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260912-Z-ZJ128-1005
Soldiers of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, stand in formation with their new company guidon during a redesignation ceremony at Eastern Oregon University's football field in La Grande, Ore., Sept. 12, 2026. The 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment was redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment during the ceremony, reconnecting the unit with an infantry lineage dating back to 1888.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Charter Review Commission will hold a series of town hall meetings to discuss nine proposed amendments that will be on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The town hall events will be held in each of the five county council districts.

The meetings are scheduled as follows:

• District 1: 11 am to 1 pm Saturday, Oct. 10, Vancouver Community Library, Columbia Room, 901 C St.
• District 2: 3 - 5 pm Sunday, Oct. 11, Bud Van Cleve Room at Luke Jensen Sports Complex, 4000 NE 78^th St.
• District 3: 3 - 5 pm Sunday, Oct. 4, Cascade Park Library, 600 NE 136^th Ave.
• District 4: 12:30 - 2:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 3, Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4^th Ave.
• District 5: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Saturday, Sept. 26, Ridgefield Community Libryary, Allene Wodaege Community Room, 210 N. Main Ave.

Charter Review Commissioners will present information and answer questions on the proposed amendments to the county’s charter. Anyone wishing to provide written comment to the commission may do so via the county’s website.

More information on the Commission’s events is available at https://clark.wa.gov/charter/events.

Clark County’s home rule charter is the county’s rulebook for how its government is set up and how it operates. It defines roles, powers, elections and processes. It doesn’t set day-to-day policies and cannot override state and federal laws or constitutions.

Fifteen commissioners were elected in November 2025 to serve on the Charter Review Commission. The commission will resume its weekly meetings beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 5 pm with both in person and online attendance options. The meetings are held on the sixth floor of the county’s Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. To learn how to join online and provide public comment during a meeting visit https://clark.wa.gov/charter/charter-review-commission-2026-2027. Meeting agendas and video recordings are available on the same web page.