On February 6, 2026, at approximately 12:26 p.m., officers with the Battle Ground Police Department were dispatched to Walmart, located at SW 10th Avenue and SW Scotton Way, following a report that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle in the parking lot.

Officers arrived and located an injured adult male (pedestrian). Medical personnel responded within minutes and transported the man to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigators.

Battle Ground Police Department detectives are conducting the investigation. At this time, neither excessive speed nor impairment are suspected as contributing factors.

The identity of the deceased will be released by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.

No additional information is available at this time.

February 6, 2026

Case: 25CR63427

Portland, OR - The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Burglary Task Force secured its first conviction with a guilty plea on February 5, 2026 from 39-year-old Amber Marie Turner. 

Turner pled guilty to one count of Burglary in the First Degree and was sentenced to 2 years of prison. She will be required to pay restitution and will be on post-prison supervision for 3 years following release from prison.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Alexander Garcia leads the Burglary Task Force and prosecuted the case for the state.

“Criminals who target businesses in our community will be prosecuted and held accountable. The Burglary Task will make sure of it. This conviction is a step in the right direction. For business owners, for victims, for our community.”

The Multnomah County DA’s Office would like to thank Portland Police Detective Cameron Smith and other members of the Burglary Task Force for their excellent investigative work on this case.

THE FACTS:

On November 13, 2025, surveillance video captured one male subject breaking into Mary Jane’s House of Glass around 3:50 a.m. The man pushed through a plexiglass window and began stealing Mary Jane’s merchandise. Turner and others then entered the store to steal additional merchandise. 

Police arrived on scene and located Turner near the business. Turner had a large backpack and a white tote bag filled with Mary Jane’s merchandise. Turner was additionally armed with a large crow bar.

As part of her guilty plea, Turner admitted that she entered the store with others, stole merchandise, and was armed with the crow bar and other tools.

The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet for their Regular Business Meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 6:45 p.m. 

The Board and key staff will attend in-person at CSD's District Office - 18135 SE Brooklyn St., Portland, OR  97236.

The public and guests may join in person or virtually via the Zoom app.

To join the meeting, please click on the link below

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

Or Telephone, dial:

     +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799

Webinar ID: 879 4165 3784
Passcode: 017162

Public comment will be limited to a total of 30 minutes per meeting. Individuals wishing to address the Board will be required to submit their request and topic via the online form at least 24 hours prior to the start of the regular business meeting.  For more information regarding this process, please visit our website at www.csd28j.org.

Note: The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet in executive session at 5:30pm (prior to the regular business meeting), pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(b) to consider the dismissal or discipline of,or hear complaints or charges brought against a board member, employee or contractor,

An executive session is also schedule to take place after their regular business meeting, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(d) and ORS 192.660 (2)(k) - to consider matters relating to school safety or a plan that responds to safety threats made toward a school and to conduct deliberations with persons designated to carry on labor negotiations. 

Access is limited to designated staff only.

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

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

GRESHAM, Ore.— The Gresham Redevelopment Commission (GRDC) has launched a new grant program aimed at helping small businesses in Rockwood, one of Oregon’s most diverse neighborhoods. The program will offer matching grants to businesses and commercial property owners to update, make repairs, and improve building exteriors.

Eligible Rockwood business owners can have up to 50% of a project’s total costs covered, for a maximum of $10,000 in reimbursements. Projects covered by the grant program include, but are not limited to, exterior lighting, exterior painting, landscaping, signage, and window replacement.

“This program represents a concerted effort to reinvest in our small businesses and to help create a pathway for economic prosperity in the most diverse corner of Gresham,” said Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall.

Interested business owners located in the Gresham Rockwood-West Urban Renewal area can learn more about the program and apply by visiting GreshamOregon.gov/Rockwood-Storefront-Improvement-Grant.

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About Gresham:  

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

Date: 2/9/2026

Time: 7:15pm

Location: Zoom

Washougal, WA — Washougal School District celebrates Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month by highlighting programs that prepare students for success in college, career, and life. This February, students in CTE pathways ranging from carpentry and plumbing to culinary arts are applying their skills through hands-on projects, competitions, and real-world learning experiences.

In the 2024-25 school year, every graduating senior in a Career and Technical graduation pathway at Washougal High School earned postsecondary credit and participated in work-based learning activities. Students in grades 9-12 earned a combined total of 1,539 industry-recognized certifications. The district is building on this momentum in 2025-26 through continued hands-on job readiness and work-based learning opportunities. 

“Career and Technical Education prepares students for the future,” said Margaret Rice, Director of Career and Technical Education at Washougal School District. “Through hands-on learning and work-based experiences, students are building the job-ready skills they need to succeed after graduation.”

Student Achievement & Competitions

Annual SkillsUSA regional competitions provide students opportunities to apply and showcase their technical skills. On January 23, Liam Harvey, Washougal High School student, participated in the Southwest Washington Regional SkillsUSA carpentry competition at the Northwest Carpenters Union and placed 13th. At the Regional SkillsUSA Plumbing competitions, Washougal High School students Jose Echevarria, Evan Brunelle, and Kyle Brunelle placed 9th, 11th, and 17th respectively.

Washougal High School students also competed in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) regional competitions on January 30 at Lower Columbia College. Liberty Andelman and Jacob Larzalere placed 1st in Social Media Strategy, Breanna Hausinger and Ganguni Higgoda Gamage placed 2nd in Visual Design, Madeline Brock placed 4th in Public Service Announcement, Madeline Brock placed 4th in Impromptu Speaking, Breanna Hausinger placed 4th in Real Estate, Rickie Wright and Madelin Brock placed 4th in Marketing, Rickie Wright placed 6th in Advertising, and Angel Plaza placed 6th in Business Management.

In Washougal School District, extracurricular transportation to and from competitions is supported by local Educational Programs & Operations dollars.

Job Readiness in Action this February

Culinary Arts

Washougal High School students in the culinary arts program are sharpening their skills while giving back to the community. During CTE month, culinary arts students will operate the school’s Panther Café, present kitchen vocabulary lessons to first-grade dual language classes, use pancakes to teach math concepts to kindergarten students, and create spice rub gifts for Skamania County Fair Board members. On February 20 and February 26 from 9-11 a.m., community members may visit the Washougal Community Center for a free, student-planned and student-served Refuel meal.

Carpentry

Washougal High School CTE students will mentor fourth-grade students through a hands-on wooden toolbox project that builds skills, construction math, confidence, and leadership across grade levels.

Leadership

Associated Student Body (ASB) Leadership students at Washougal High School will lead schoolwide activities throughout the month of February, including the planning and implementation of the Sadie Hawkins dance.

Industry-Aligned Learning

Washougal’s CTE program is guided by a CTE Advisory Committee made up of local business and industry professionals. The committee provides input to ensure courses remain aligned with current workforce needs, industry standards, and emerging career opportunities.

Through strong partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders, CTE helps close the skills gap by preparing students for high-skilled, high-demand, and high-wage careers in a changing economy. To learn more about Career & Technical Education opportunities in Washougal School District, visit https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/cte/.

PR 01 26                                                                               

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 6, 2026

CONTACT: Kevin Wingert, BPA, 971- 207-8390

BPA Administrator Hairston announces retirement after three decades of service to Pacific Northwest

Portland, Ore. – John Hairston, who has served as administrator and CEO of the Bonneville Power Administration since January 2021, is announcing his retirement from federal service. 

“From the beginning of my tenure as Administrator, I have thrived only because I could depend upon the professionalism, skill and resilience of the best federal workforce I have ever encountered,” said Hairston. “We are a workforce of serious people capable of solving serious challenges. As we navigated turbulence, that capability proved stronger than ever. I have complete confidence in the Bonneville workforce and in our current leadership to guide BPA to continued success on behalf of our customers and the region.”   

Hairston was named the BPA’s 16th administrator after serving in an acting capacity since September 2020. He dedicated 35 years of service to BPA in numerous positions, including as the agency’s first Chief Administrative Officer in which he significantly advanced the safety, security and resilience of BPA’s workforce. His incomparable agency experience and proven leadership acumen made him the ideal candidate for BPA’s top position, which he assumed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“John Hairston has been a steady, principled leader for BPA during a period of real complexity and change,” said Scott Simms, CEO and executive director of the Public Power Council. “On behalf of public power utilities across the Northwest, I want to thank John for his service and for his commitment to keeping BPA and its talented workforce focused on reliability, affordability, and its core public mission. John and the BPA team’s work to strengthen BPA’s financial footing, advance transmission investments, pursue day-ahead market participation, cement new long-term contracts and engage constructively with customers and regional stakeholders has positioned the agency to meet the challenges ahead. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him the very best in what comes next.”

As current wholesale power sales contracts neared expiration, Hairston recognized the importance of BPA’s financial strength as a foundation for establishing new contracts. He advanced policies and tools to give BPA greater flexibility for strategic asset investments and ensure long-term competitiveness. Despite inflationary pressures and rising costs, BPA avoided rate increases for most of his tenure while maintaining highly reliable service.

With a clear path to long-term competitiveness, Hairston oversaw a highly collaborative regional effort to forge new wholesale power sales agreements. Through the Provider of Choice initiative, BPA and 134 of its utility customers secured another two decades of certainty and stability for millions of energy consumers in the Northwest. Under these new contracts, utilities are assured a firm supply of wholesale power and BPA is assured of its ability to recover costs and to continue providing reliable, affordable electricity for years to come.

In another defining moment, Hairston clarified BPA’s path toward day-ahead market participation following an exhaustive regional process. At Hairston’s direction, BPA is pursuing participation in the Southwest Power Pool’s Markets+ day-ahead market. By enabling more efficient, cost-effective and reliable sharing of resources across a wider geographic area, BPA’s pursuit of day-ahead market participation aligns with the agency’s strategic objectives designed to meet a sharp rise in demand for power and transmission services.

“John Hairston has been a courageous, steady and principled leader for the Pacific Northwest as our industry has faced tremendous challenges,” said Lanny Nickell, SPP president and CEO. “I’m very grateful for John’s leadership in advancing Markets+ as a solution that promotes increased reliability and affordability for the West. I look forward to partnering with BPA and his successor as we work together to power progress for Western consumers.”

Recognizing a void in comprehensive transmission planning, Hairston worked with the Western Power Pool to spearhead the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition, a first of its kind inter-regional effort to develop actionable transmission plans encompassing the entire Western Interconnection.

“John’s leadership at BPA has been invaluable to the region during times of great change and challenges,” said Sarah Edmonds, president and CEO of Western Power Pool. “As an advocate for the Western Resource Adequacy Program and an originator of the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition, John has been a steadfast champion of regional reliability for the West.”

Within BPA, Hairston initiated reforms to modernize and advance the agency’s transmission planning and expansion capabilities. After identifying more than $6 billion in grid reinforcement and expansion projects to add significant transmission capacity and enable the addition of more energy sources, Hairston spearheaded the launch of a transformative project to serve transmission requests on an accelerated timeline. This effort builds on reforms he adopted in 2024 to more quickly and efficiently process requests for generator interconnections.

Working closely with his counterparts at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation, Hairston has been a strong proponent for investments in the reliability, capacity and efficiency of the federal power system. Jointly, the agencies are implementing a portfolio of projects with the potential to increase the capacity of the federal hydropower system by 800 MW over the next two decades. Hairston also committed to working with Energy Northwest to increase the capacity of the region’s only nuclear plant, the Columbia Generating Station, by 160 MW, which is enough electricity to power over 125,000 more homes.

“Throughout my thirty-plus years at Bonneville, I have witnessed firsthand John’s work to best position BPA to both deliver value to the region and meet our customers’ needs,” said Suzanne Cooper, deputy administrator and chief operating officer at BPA. “John is truly a long-term thinker — steady, focused, and always keeping the bigger picture in mind. His definition of success hasn’t ever been personal; it’s been about the organization and the people around him. He consistently invested in fellow leaders, cultivated a spirit of teamwork, and empowered his executive team to move BPA’s strategic priorities forward. Bonneville and the Pacific Northwest are all the better for his public service.”

A hallmark of Hairston’s leadership is his consistent emphasis on the importance of partnerships and strengthening coalitions, with an emphasis on considering diverse viewpoints. This was evident in his work with tribes resulting in a 20-year agreement to test the feasibility of reintroducing salmon above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams. The historic agreement supports important research while preserving the capacity and flexibility of the Federal Columbia River Power System.

The Department of Energy is actively in the process of selecting the next BPA Administrator to ensure a smooth transition.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES REGARDING JOHN HAIRSTON:

“I want to thank Administrator Hairston for his diligent work on behalf of the region, his leadership was instrumental in unlocking progress on the Columbia River Treaty and leveraging BPA’s borrowing authority to advance much-needed transmission investments. Looking ahead, our region needs to ensure Bonneville and its next Administrator is laser focused on meeting surging electricity demand, recovering salmon runs, and keeping rates affordable.”
– Senator Maria Cantwell, Washington

“Administrator Hairston’s work on behalf of Oregonians and folks across the Pacific Northwest will be felt far into the future. I thank him for his years of public service and congratulate him on his next chapter.” – Senator Jeff Merkley, Oregon

“I thank John for his years of service to the Bonneville Power Administration and those across the Pacific Northwest who rely on BPA’s affordable, reliable power. His leadership has positioned BPA for long-term success, focusing on the unique needs of the many customers they serve. While navigating complex political challenges, John remained steadfast in his commitment to BPA’s mission and the responsibility they have to the ratepayers. He will be missed by the many of us who had the pleasure of working with him, and I wish him and his family the best in the next chapter.” – Representative Dan Newhouse, 4th District, Washington

“Administrator Hairston has helped move BPA toward a more collaborative and solution-oriented approach. Through P2IP, we are advancing coordinated investments in salmon recovery, fish and wildlife protection, and long-term system reliability. For the Colville Confederated Tribes, this work is grounded in our Tribal trust rights, our inherent sovereignty, and our responsibility to future generations. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to durable outcomes for both Tribal communities and the region as a whole.” – Jarred-Michael Erickson, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

“The Coeur d'Alene Tribe wishes the best for John as he moves on to his next venture in life. As the first person of color sitting in BPA's administrative seat, John has proven that hard work, character, and true leadership transcends all barriers as he has led with excellence through challenging times. He has brought solutions to the table while balancing cost, energy, and stewardship. Along the way, he has made courageous decisions that were needed to keep both our energy supply and environmental health moving forward. His leadership will be missed by all of us here in the Northwest. We wish him blessings as he moves on.” – Chairman Chief Allan, Coeur d’Alene Tribe

“We will miss John Hairston and wish him the best in his future endeavors. He was particularly important to the Kalispel Tribe and also for the Tribes of the Upper Columbia Basin. He demystified the Administrator's office at BPA. He was the first Administrator to visit the Kalispel Reservation. His easy manner and engaging personality were well suited for the complexities of balancing the needs of the Columbia River Basin, both from the energy and fish and wildlife perspectives. I know I am not alone in expressing these thoughts about John. He guided BPA through challenging times with decisiveness and fairness. He leaves big shoes to fill.” – Deane Osterman, Executive Director, Kalispell Tribe of Indians

“His support, advocacy, and positive relationship with the Tribe has resulted in legacy work that will benefit future generations. His leadership and commitment to habitat restoration and the health of our waters, lands, fish, and wildlife has brought us closer to our shared vision and dream of bringing salmon home to our land once again. As one of our elders has said, ‘Bring salmon home and it will heal our people.’ John’s dedication and advocacy has truly helped move us a step closer to that future. We are deeply grateful for all he has done and for the commitment he has shown in advancing this important work.” – Greg Abrahamson, Chairman, Spokane Tribe of Indians

“John has provided strong leadership on some of the most critical issues to the region. In a complex and evolving industry, he has a skilled and balanced way of addressing challenges to chart a path forward. Congratulations to John and to EWEB.” – Scott Corwin, President & CEO, American Public Power Association

“Administrator Hairston has long recognized the value of always-available hydropower from the Columbia River System, which is the foundation of affordable, reliable electricity across the Pacific Northwest. We appreciate his service to BPA customers, including electric co-ops who keep the lights on across eight states in the region.” – Jim Matheson, CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative

“At a defining moment for BPA, John provided steady, principled leadership marked by integrity, courage, and clarity of purpose. He earned the trust of our members and remained steadfast in his commitment to public power. NWPPA and its members are deeply grateful for his service.”
– Kurt Miller, CEO & Executive Director, Northwest Public Power Association

“John’s tenure at BPA has seen tremendous growth in the value that agency brings to the region and public power. He has helped keep the agency focused on continuing to meet the needs of existing customers as juggling the demands for new generation and greater capacity on the federal power and transmission systems.” – Zabyn Towner, Executive Director, Northwest Requirements Utilities

“Throughout his tenure, John approached leadership the way great athletes do—by listening to the team, making the hard calls and focusing on fundamentals. His work to advance transmission expansion will have a lasting impact on the region’s ability to connect new resources, meet growing demand and enhance reliability.” – Crystal Ball, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee

“On behalf of PNGC Power, we sincerely thank Administrator Hairston for his support and collaboration during an extraordinary period of change. Even where our views diverged, he brought courtesy, clear communication, and transparency to the table, making him a valued partner in advancing reliable, affordable power for our members.” – Jessica Matlock, President and CEO, PNGC Power

“John Hairston is a tremendous leader, and millions of people across the Northwest have benefited from his decades of public service. John's commitment to sharing proven facts to advocate for our affordable, reliable hydropower system has made a major difference for families and businesses across the Northwest.” – Clark Mather, Executive Director, Northwest RiverPartners

“It has been an honor to work with John Hairston, whose exemplary leadership as Board Chair of WEI provided clear strategic direction and a lasting legacy across the energy industry. His influence, mentorship, and leadership principles will continue to guide our organization for years to come.” – Kevin Sullivan, President, Western Energy Institute

“John Hairston’s leadership reinforced strong partnerships across the Pacific Northwest, including close coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He consistently supported continued investments in the federal hydropower system, recognizing its role as critical infrastructure for the region’s reliability and resilience. We are grateful for his service and collaboration.” – Brigadier General William C. Hannan, Jr., Commanding General, Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

“As a federal partner, the Bureau of Reclamation has appreciated John’s steady leadership and collaborative spirit. The Federal Columbia River Power System is stronger for his dedication and service. We wish him continued success in his next chapter.” – Roland Springer, Acting Regional Director, Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region, Bureau of Reclamation

“John Hairston’s decades of leadership at the Bonneville Power Administration have strengthened the foundation of public power across the Northwest. His support for Energy Northwest’s mission, along with his commitment to operational excellence and regional collaboration, has been instrumental in advancing reliable, affordable and carbon free power for the communities we serve.” – Bob Schuetz, CEO, Energy Northwest

About BPA The Bonneville Power Administration is a federal non-profit power marketing administration that delivers reliable, low-cost hydropower produced in the Columbia River Basin as well as the output from the region’s only nuclear plant to communities across the Northwest. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage transmission lines. More information about these and other activities is available on our Media Relations page.

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Stay healthy, safe during Super Bowl celebrations this Sunday

Joint Statement from Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton and Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez

February 6, 2026

The Oregon Supreme Court issued an opinion yesterday in State v. Roberts requiring the dismissal of criminal cases where the state has failed to provide a court appointed attorney within 60 days for misdemeanors and 90 days for felonies. 

The immediate effect of this decision is the dismissal of 1,465 cases statewide, including 915 in Multnomah and 263 in Washington County.  Cases subject to dismissal include crimes such as drug trafficking, aggravated theft, firearms and weapons offenses, felony DUII, and strangulation. This will cause real pain and harm to victims and the public.

We respect the decision and agree that a defendant’s right to an attorney is essential.  However, we also believe a victim’s right to justice, the public’s right to safety, and Oregonians’ right to a functional public defense system are essential as well.  The Court in Roberts honors one right while the State ignores these other rights. 

Oregon has proven incapable of providing this critical service where other states, and Oregon itself until a few years ago, manage to do so.  Oregon’s public defense system is broken and no one appears able to fix it.  Excuses claiming too little money, too few attorneys, or too many criminal cases do not hold up on closer examination.

Oregon spends almost four times the national average per capita on public defense—more than $300 million per year.  Hourly rates for public defenders are among the highest in the nation. Statewide case filings are 15% lower than they were before the crisis.  As spending increases and case filing decreases, the problem persists.

Our offices have taken extraordinary steps to find solutions including establishing special resolution dockets, modifying charging practices, and implementing efficiency improvements.  We have participated in work groups, crisis teams, and legislative hearings.  We testified before the House Judiciary Committee regarding a proposal we believed would help.

After four years of this crisis, we believe a lasting solution does not lie with the courts, prosecutors, or even defense attorneys.  Rather, it lies with the State.  We are encouraged that the Governor appointed OPDC Director Sanchagrin to lead the agency on a permanent basis. But now our house is on fire, and we are again sounding the alarm. We need quick and forceful action from Governor Kotek and Director Sanchagrin to find and implement immediate solutions. And we stand ready to help in any way we can.

                                                                                                  ###

Vancouver, Wash. – On February 6, 2026, at around 9:00 a.m., Vancouver Police responded to the area of NE 162^nd Avenue/NE Poplar Street for the report of a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision. The female victim was transported to an area hospital but did not survive her injuries. The driver remained on scene and is cooperating with police.                  

The Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating and nothing further is releasable at this time.

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ASTORIA, OR — The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted last month to adopt updates to the County’s Comprehensive Plan for Planning Goal 16 (Estuarine Resources) and Planning Goal 17 (Coastal Shorelands).

These updates help guide future land use and development decisions in Clatsop County’s coastal and estuarine areas while supporting protection of natural resources that are essential to the County’s environment, economy, and quality of life.

What Goals 16 and 17 cover

Oregon’s statewide planning goals provide the framework for land use planning across the state. In Clatsop County:

• Goal 16 (Estuarine Resources) guides planning and decision-making related to estuaries and estuarine shorelands, including protection of natural functions and appropriate uses.
• Goal 17 (Coastal Shorelands) addresses development and land use within coastal shoreland areas to ensure those uses are compatible with coastal resources and local needs.

Together, these goals shape how Clatsop County approaches land use planning in areas influenced by shoreline, habitat, working waterfront uses, recreation, and coastal hazards.

Adoption of these goals is an important milestone and part of the County’s ongoing responsibility to regularly evaluate and improve its Comprehensive Plan over time. The updates reflect a public process that included community open houses, public notices, and public hearing opportunities throughout the planning effort.

“This adoption reflects a very engaged public and years of dedicated staff work,” said Board Chair Mark Kujala. “I want to thank Community Development Director Gail Henrikson, Planning Manager David Cook, and the entire Community Development and Planning Department staff - past and present – for the commitment and time that made this Comprehensive Plan update possible."

With the adoption of these updates, the County concludes project Clatsop 2040 which began in 2019. Clatsop 2040 was an effort to update all the County’s 18 Comprehensive Plan goals, documents that shape the way land use and environmental protection occur within the unincorporated County.

To learn more, visit the Comprehensive Plan update page at ClatsopCounty.gov.

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PENDLETON, Oregon. — Travel Pendleton proudly announces Interwoven: Where Cultures Meet, a new multi-day fashion event taking place October 15–17, 2026, continuing Pendleton, Oregon's rich tradition of storytelling through art and design. Funded in part by a grant from Travel Oregon, Interwoven is a fashion, design, food, market, and culture mashup representing Indigenous and Western artists. Interwoven is a space for sharing roots, making connections, remixing traditions, and creating together in a place globally recognized for rich cultural traditions. Interwoven is for the bold, for the visionary, and for what's next. 

Interwoven is a platform where stories are told through textiles and craftsmanship. Over three immersive days, designers and artists will present work rooted in heritage, place, and lived experience—creating a dialogue between tradition and contemporary fashion.

A signature element is the Interwoven Market, featuring 70 regional artists and makers, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with creators, purchase one-of-a-kind works, and participate in hands-on learning workshops and maker demonstrations. Interwoven will also host multiple fashion shows. Among them is a distinctive fashion show on horseback where equine models will walk the runway, highlighting craftsmanship both on and off the saddle. Interwoven will further support emerging and established designers through its Unresidency Program, selecting eight designers to receive support to develop eight-piece collections. These collections will debut in a featured runway show during the festival. 

Beyond fashion, Interwoven offers an immersive food experience, curated pop-up exerpiences, discussion panels, and exhibits leading up to the event, and highly photographable moments throughout Pendleton—encouraging attendees to explore the town as both a destination and a blank canvas.

While Interwoven Market vendor applications and Unresidency applications are not yet live, there are multiple opportunities to become involved as a designer, maker, volunteer, or sponsorship partner. Event registration, details, and applications for vendors and artists reside on Interwoven's website, https://www.interwovenoregon.com. Market vendor applications open February 14, and the UnResidency program opens to applicants March 2. 

Created by Travel Pendleton, Interwoven: Where Cultures Meet is a space for artists to gather, collaborate, and share their work in a town deeply rooted in design and legendary experiences, while introducing Pendleton’s local makers and designers to a broader regional audience.

Media Advisory

NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST

When: 9 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2025       

Where: Please RSVP to Kaley McLachlan-Burton, Clark County Public Works PIO, to receive location information.

What: The media is invited to join Clark County Public Works in celebrating the residents and community partners who worked together to divert 186,000 pounds of food waste in 2025, through the We Compost program. The program diverts residents’ household food waste from the landfill, sending it to make nutrient-rich compost instead. Through community hub locations throughout the county, the program provides access to composting, especially for residents with limited ability to compost at home, such as those living in apartments and residents outside residential curbside organics service areas. Community hub food scrap drop-off locations are hosted by churches, businesses and educational facilities.  

Event agenda

• 11:15: Presentation by Clark County Solid Waste Operations staff about the county’s innovative strategies to divert food waste from the landfill, data about the program’s record-breaking success and plans for the future of the program
• 11:30: Presentation from commercial compost facility Dirt Hugger’s co-founder, Pierce Louis; Dirt Hugger, located in Dallesport, WA, is the facility where food and yard debris from Clark County is sent to be commercially composted
• 12: Video featuring a Waste Connections of Washington organics service route driver
• 12:15: Guided roundtable discussion with community hub site leaders

Clark County staff and community hub site leaders will be available for interviews after the scheduled activities conclude at 1 p.m. Media are invited to record videos and take photos at the community hub site where the celebration takes place.

Why: Now in its fourth year, the We Compost program increases access to composting in Clark County. There are currently 17 community hub locations in the county, where any resident can compost their household food waste for free. The program inspires residents to reduce waste and compost food scraps, in support of Clark County’s efforts to meet Washington’s organics management goals. By composting food scraps, nutrients in food are recycled back into the soil. Composting food scraps also reduces landfilled organic matter, which reduces emissions that contribute to climate change.

Learn more about the program at clark.wa.gov/public-works/clark-county-we-compost-community-hubs.

Read the program’s 2025 report here. 

Portland, OR — On July 4, 2026, America250 will bury the Semiquincentennial Time Capsule within Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. The stainless-steel cylinder, designed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is designed to safely store commemorative objects for 250 years until the capsule’s opening on July 4, 2275.

Each state has been asked to contribute a submission that represents its people, stories, and values at this historic moment, and the America 250 Oregon Commission invites the public to share ideas for Oregon’s contributions.

Items should reflect Oregon and its people today and may include creative works, written reflections, or symbolic objects created with long-term preservation in mind. Submissions must fit within a 6" x 5" x 2" archival storage box, ideally made of a nonreactive metal (gold, silver, copper, titanium, platinum) or consist of a single page of archival paper no larger than 8.5" x 11". Other materials (such as stone, fabric, glass, clay) may be utilized, recognizing that the potential for long-term degradation is increased.

Oregonians are encouraged to submit recommendations to egon.250@ohs.org" target="_blank" title="Oregon.250@ohs.org">Oregon.250@ohs.org by March 1, 2026. Public input will help inform the Commission’s final selection, ensuring Oregon’s contribution reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences.

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

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

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking one volunteer to serve on the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Advisory Committee and ATV Grant Subcommittee and two volunteers on the ATV Highway Access Committee.

The ATV Advisory Committee opening is for “at-large ATV user”. The ATV Highway Access Committee positions are for “ATV User” and “member of the public”. All positions are four-year terms.

The seventeen-member ATV Advisory Committee meets once or twice a year. Duties include reviewing accidents and fatalities resulting from ATV recreation; reviewing changes to statutory vehicle classifications as necessary for safety considerations; reviewing safety features of all classes of ATVs; and recommending appropriate safety requirements to protect child and adult ATV operators.

The ATV Grant Subcommittee is responsible for reviewing and recommending grant funding in support of ATV recreational activities throughout the state. The grants support operations and maintenance, law enforcement, emergency medical services, land acquisition, safety/education, planning and development.

The Grant Subcommittee holds up to four public meetings per year that may be conducted either in-person or remotely. Computer access and experience is mandatory.

The ATV Highway Access Committee meets on demand, based on applications submitted. Duties include evaluating proposed ATV use on sections of State Highway rights-of-way and submitting a report to the Oregon Transportation Commission with a recommendation. Short sections of State Highways are proposed by local communities in order to make connections to ATV recreation areas.

Ideal candidates representing the interests of ATV trail users can live anywhere in Oregon with experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Land management
• Recreation planning
• Trail planning or design
• Recreation related volunteerism, or
• A trail enthusiast who is uniquely qualified to evaluate statewide project proposals through other experience and involvement.

Strong candidates may also demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreational trail needs, other broad recreational issues and the importance of providing accessible recreational opportunities.

To apply for one of the open positions, go to the ATV-AC webpage and click the “Committee Interest Form” link at the bottom of the section. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 2, 2026.

For more information, contact Jeff Trejo, OPRD ATV Safety Education Coordinator, at ejo@oprd.oregon.gov">jeff.trejo@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-586-9622.

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Portland Fire responds to afternoon apartment fire.

At 3:45 PM, Portland Fire was dispatched to a possible apartment fire in the Lents Neighborhood near the 7000 block of SE 92^nd Avenue. Crews enroute vocalized seeing a header or thick smoke column rising skyward indicating a working fire.

With the closest hydrant available on the onboard computer system being on SE 92 with significant fire present a “double header” was attached to the fire hydrant indicating the hydrant had 2 hoses attached to ensure enough water would be available if needed in the suppression efforts. The building with the fire issue was located near the back of a large property with many apartment buildings. The engine bed was completely empty with 1600’ of lay-in line on the ground.

Once the engine parked with a good view of the fire, the command officer called for a second alarm assignment adding enough of a workforce present to perform rescue and minimize the spread of fire if needed which is common practice for PF&R. A single second floor apartment had heavy fire on the balcony with fire present on the interior of the apartment in question. This was a single apartment in a building that houses 8 individual occupancies.

The crew quickly applied water from the outside, eliminating a bulk of the fire on the exterior and then moved the hoses up the stairs on the interior to continue extinguishing the fire. The truck on scene extended the aerial ladder and assessed the condition of the roof and attic space above the fire. The fire was completely extinguished shortly after the 10-minute timer was read and all second alarm companies were returned to the stations without being assigned any tasks. The recruit class working at the training station responded to the incident and were able to get some valuable time in a live fire setting under the watchful eyes of their training specialists. This is invaluable experience as they work their way through the training curriculum to earn the place out of the training setting.

The fire investigation team was on scene performing a forensic evaluation along with interviews with residents to aid in discovering the cause of the fire. There were no reported injuries associated with the fire. There will be an entire apartment displaced with the resident total unknown but potentially up to 3 adults per a neighboring resident.

Portland Fire would like to thank our mutual aid partners in Clackamas County Fire District in their assistance in the fire suppression efforts. PF&R would also like to thank PPB for providing traffic control that prevented vehicles from driving over the fire hoses connected to the hydrant running across SE 92^nd. Lastly, PF&R would like to thank the dispatchers at BOEC for their assistance in monitoring the event and providing critical updates.

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The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in a Executive & Working Session Meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Parkrose School District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott Street, Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30pm.

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

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

We encourage and welcome all members of our community to engage with our board. Please email questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or call 503.408.2100 to arrange for translation services at least 72 hours before this meeting. Closed captioning provided on zoom. Other appropriate auxiliary aids and services may be provided upon request and appropriate advance notice.

The agenda is posted on our website at: LINK.

Agenda items include but are not limited to: Middle and High School goals presentation, Budget Committee applicant interviews, recognition/appreciation planning, board self-evaluation, legislative advocacy day in Salem and an extended travel request. 

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

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

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

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

What began as a simple crayon activity in a Wallace Elementary classroom has turned into a surprise 23 first graders will never forget. Thanks to local knitter Amy LaFave, students will discover the “perfect hats” they designed before winter break didn’t just stay on paper—they were lovingly knit into real hats, made just for them.

Before winter break in December, Wallace Elementary first-grade teacher Ashley Lowry gave her students an unusual assignment: design their “perfect hat” using a simple paper template and crayons. The students colored bold patterns with their favorite colors, never knowing why they were doing it.

Behind the scenes, those drawings were quietly delivered to Ashley’s aunt, Amy LaFave, who turned each child’s crayon creation into a real, wearable hat.

With a circular hand-crank knitting machine and a little help from her 11-year-old grand-niece, Emily (who also happens to be Ashley’s daughter), LaFave knitted 23 one-of-a-kind hats, each inspired by a student’s original design.

The magic moment will happen on Tuesday, February 10, when students return from morning recess to find their personalized hats waiting for them on their desks, an unexpected surprise.

LaFave is no stranger to knitting or the Kelso community. She owned and operated LaFavorites, a local knitting shop, for 15 years before selling the business in December 2019. Her family’s commitment to service runs deep; her husband, Dave, served for many years as Fire Chief of Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue.

For Ashley Lowry and her students, the project blends art, generosity, and surprise into a memory that will last far longer than winter. From crayons to yarn, this simple classroom activity has become a powerful reminder of how creativity and kindness can come together to warm both heads and hearts.

UPDATE

Thank you to the community for your assistance. Kaiya has been located and is safe.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s help and the quick sharing of information.

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The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing endangered juvenile.

Name: Kaiya Bermanis
Age: 10

Kaiya is described as a female, approximately 4 feet 9 inches tall, with a medium build and dark, curly hair. She was last seen wearing a black baggy sweatshirt with “USA” on the sleeve and blue jeans.

Kaiya was last seen at approximately 9:00 a.m. today in the area of Lancaster Drive NE and Jade Street NE.

Due to her age and a medical condition, there is concern for her welfare.

Anyone who sees Kaiya or has information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office immediately by calling 503-588-5032 or 911.

Oregon’s State Rehabilitation Council recognized Safeway stores in northeast Portland for their partnership with the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program at its quarterly meeting Feb. 5.

The council’s Partner Awards go to businesses that partner with VR directly or through a contracted provider or workforce partner. The award recognizes businesses that have gone above and beyond in recruiting, hiring, retaining and promoting individuals with disabilities. 

“The award recognizes businesses that have created an environment where people with disabilities can thrive, whether they are students beginning to explore their future careers, people entering the workforce for the first time, or people looking to change careers or advance to the next level,” said Ed Cortez, chair of the SRC.

The SRC serves as an advisor to VR, which provides employment services for people with disabilities. VR also provides services to Oregon businesses to help recruit, train, retain and promote employees with disabilities — all at no cost.

The SRC Partner Awards demonstrate how partnership between business and VR is a win for everyone, said VR Director Keith Ozols.

“Individuals with disabilities benefit from the independence employment brings,” he said. “Businesses, meanwhile, grow their workforce with qualified candidates. Communities also thrive when everyone who wants to work has the opportunity.”

Safeway stores in northeast Portland have shown exceptional flexibility and commitment to supporting employees with disabilities.

“Safeway has become an unexpected source of positive, long-term employment outcomes for our clients, helping them build their confidence in their ability to sustain employment and helping them strive toward larger, long-

term goals,” said VR counselor Matthew Whitaker.

For example, one store manager adjusted the dress code to allow a VR participant with sensitivity to textures to wear shorts – a simple change that made a big difference in the employee’s comfort. For another VR participant, the store manager modified the employee’s tasks and offered cross-training opportunities in different departments.

“I’m truly grateful for this recognition,” said Denise Truett, Talent Acquisition Rep for Safeway. “It means a great deal to be part of a workplace that values belonging—where courtesy, dignity and respect create the foundation for an inclusive and diverse community. This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but the culture we build together every day.”

VR services for businesses

VR is a resource for Oregon businesses regarding disability in the workplace. The program helps businesses recruit, train, retain and promote employees with disabilities — all at no cost.

For information, visit the VR Services for Businesses page.

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About the State Rehabilitation Council

Oregon's State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) is an advisory partner to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Its role is to listen to VR participants about their VR experience and advise the VR program on how to improve services. 

About Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a program of the Oregon Department of Human Services. VR helps people with all kinds of disabilities find careers that fit their skills, interests and abilities. The program is also a resource for Oregon businesses regarding disability in the workplace. 

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Beaverton, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for coercion and enticement of a minor after he directed the minor victim to send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Michael Cambalik, 43, was sentenced to 405 months in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release. Cambalik will pay restitution to the minor victim.

“Our foremost responsibility is the safety of children. Predators like this one hide in plain sight, including on online gaming platforms,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “We will remain vigilant in holding them accountable and keeping our children safe.”

“Today’s sentence sends a clear message emphasizing the FBI’s unwavering commitment to holding child sex abusers accountable for their actions,” said FBI Portland Acting Special Agent in Charge Mari Panovich. “Our focus while investigating these horrendous crimes is victim-centric and removing violent offenders from our community continues to be a top priority.”

According to court documents, in December 2024, the parent of a then-nine-year-old minor victim contacted their local police department after finding CSAM texted to an unrecognized phone number from the minor victim. Cambalik, a registered sex offender, contacted the minor victim through an online video game, Call of Duty. After posing as a female minor, Cambalik coerced the minor victim into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos.

On May 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Cambalik with sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor.

On November 12, 2025, Cambalik pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Paaso.

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

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Portland, OR – Multnomah County Central Library, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, and Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Oregon welcomed Oregon's First Lady for an heart-warming community reading event celebrating early childhood literacy on February 5th, 2026. Families gathered for an engaging morning of storytelling to hear "Ten Ways to Hear Snow," written by acclaimed Portland author Cathy Camper and illustrated by Kenard Pak, with enthusiastic young listeners

“It’s so special to gather with children and families to share stories,” said First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson. “Programs like Dolly Parton's Imagination Library remind us that when we put books directly into children's hands, we're giving them tools to become the informed, confident and compassionate Oregonians of tomorrow.”

The Imagination Library program delivers carefully selected, age-appropriate books at no cost to enrolled children from birth through age five, now reaching families in every Oregon county and zip code. The morning included a greeting from the First Lady, an interactive story session, special presentation from author Cathy Camper about her book, songs and crafts, along with opportunities for families to learn about enrolling their children in the complimentary book program.

"Multnomah County Library is thrilled to partner with the First Lady, United Way, and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Oregon to celebrate the joy of reading and the importance of early literacy," said Annie Lewis, Multnomah County Director of Libraries." Hosting this event with a beloved Portland author makes it even more special, showcasing the incredible literary talent in our own community while connecting families to resources that strengthen the foundation for lifelong learning."

"United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is proud to serve as one of the Local Program Partners for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Multnomah County," said Kelly O’Lague, President and CEO, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. "Early literacy is a critical building block for children's success, and this program removes barriers by delivering free, high-quality books directly to families' homes. Events like this remind us of the magic that happens when we invest in our youngest learners."

"As a Portland author, I'm deeply honored to be part of this celebration of early literacy and the Imagination Library's incredible work in our community," said Cathy Camper. "Books like “Ten Ways to Hear Snow” open windows to new worlds and help children see themselves and others in beautiful, meaningful ways. Seeing the partnership between The Governor’s office, The Imagination Library, local program partners and public libraries, gives me hope for the next generation of readers and storytellers."

"The Imagination Library creates more than book deliveries - it builds precious connections between children and their families around the magic of storytelling”, said Kaylee Chrystal, Community Engagement Coordinator for Imagination Library of Oregon. We're deeply appreciative of the First Lady's participation, United Way's partnership as our Local Program Partner, Multnomah County Library's commitment to literacy, and Cathy Camper's generous spirit in sharing her work with young readers."

The program currently serves more than 73,000 Oregon children - representing approximately 34% of the state's children under five years old -who receive monthly book deliveries through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, in every zip code in Oregon. Families pay nothing for participation, with program expenses supported through collaborative funding from local community partners, The Dollywood Foundation, and the State of Oregon via the Department of Early Learning and Care.

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About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 300 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community Partners.  The Imagination Library mails more than 3 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five - at no cost to families.  Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More(™).

The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SUB-COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Investigator Sub-Committee of the Private Security/Investigators Policy Committee for the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

The meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. David J. Huckins, PIID No. 080024

   Private Investigator Renewal Application Review

   Presented by Michelle Morrison

3. Agency Update

4. Round Table

5. Next Scheduled Meeting - TBD

Administrative Announcement

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

Date: Wed, February 25th, 2026

Time: 7 pm

Location: Alberta Rose Theatre

Tickets: $15-$45

Event Website: scienceontaporwa.org/events/alberta_feb_25_ai_lover/

Humans are inherently social, and for many, romantic love represents the pinnacle of emotional connection. Yet, not everyone finds a romantic partner or experiences the kind of connection they seek. Some may turn to AI for solutions.

From virtual companions to AI-driven therapists, artificial intelligence is already reshaping how we communicate, alleviate loneliness, and express desire. And as AI continues to evolve, it could become more than just a tool in our lives: it could become a romantic partner.

This show will delve into the science of love, belonging, and happiness to explore whether AI mitigates loneliness or exacerbates it. Using what we already know about the intersections of emotional connection and technology, she will reflect on whether humans can truly fall in love with an AI, and can an AI reciprocate? What might a human-AI romance look like, and what could it mean for the future of intimate relationships?

L. Kris Gowen is a queer sexuality educator who has spoken nationally and internationally on the intersections of sex and technology. She has authored textbooks, teacher guides, and lesson plans to support inclusive school-based sexuality education, based in science and curiosity. When not thinking about sex and relationships, she lives and breathes all things karaoke. 

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

AMBOY, WASHINGTON – On Saturday, February 14^th , North Clark Historical Museum will hold the 38^th Annual Membership Meeting at 21416 NE 399^th St., Amboy, WA  98601.

Focus for 2025--Preserving Local History, Cultivating the Future!

   T.E.A.M. – Together Everyone Achieves More!

Saturday, February 14^th        12:00 – 4:00 pm         Open House

                                                12:00 – 12:45 pm       Door Prize raffle tickets available to purchase

                                                1:00 pm                       Business Meeting

                                                Agenda:                       Welcome, introductions

                                                                                    Officer reports-Secretary & Treasurer

                                                                                    Election of Board members

                                                                                    Slate of Officers for 2026

                                                                                    Committee reports

                                                                                    Upcoming events

                                                                                    Citizen’s Award

                                                                                    Volunteer Recognition

                                                                                    Other business: Bylaw revisions

                                                                                    Presentation of 2026 Raffle Quilt

                                                                                    Drawing for door prizes

                                                                                    Adjournment

                                                Refreshments will be served after the meeting

The 2026 Raffle Quilt, made by the Chelatchie Quilters, will be revealed.  Tickets will be available for purchase after the meeting. Quilt Raffle proceeds go to the Capital Improvement Fund.

General business will be conducted.  Board Members April Reichstein and Debbie Zitt are up for reelection for a three-year term.   Pete Catching, new Board member, is up for election for a three-year term.

A Citizen’s Award will be presented to Fire District #10 Volunteer Firefighters for their service to the community.

Volunteers to the Museum will be recognized for the wonderful work they do.

Bring a guest to share the fun!           For more information, please contact 360-247-5800 and leave a message or email museumnch88@gmail.com.

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The North Clark Historical Museum was founded in 1988 and is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The doors were opened in June of 2000.  Mission Statement:   To preserve North Clark County’s natural and cultural history through collections and exhibits, and to sponsor educational programs and research opportunities for the enrichment of the public.
 

Correction note: This alert has been updated to reflect that Michael went missing from Eugene on February 3, 2026.  

(Salem) – Michael M. Newton, age 16, went missing from Eugene on February 3, 2026. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that Michael may be at risk and is searching for him to assess his safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Michael. Anyone who suspects they have information about his location should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

Michael is believed to be with his mother, Ms. Aroya Newton, and/or with Ms. Newton’s partner, Noah Miller, in the Cottage Grove, Mapleton and Florence areas.

Name: Michael M. Newton

Preferred Pronouns: He/him

Date of birth: 12/22/2009

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 240

Hair color: Dark Brown

Eye color: blue/grey

Law enforcement agency and case # EPD 26-026968

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2076410

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

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

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Vancouver, Wash. – Firstenburg Community Center (700 N.E. 136th Ave.) will mark 20 years of serving east Vancouver with a free, all-ages anniversary celebration from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27.

The event will feature free activities throughout the day, inviting people to explore the center at their own pace. In addition to public swims and a family movie night featuring “Ice Age 2: Meltdown” (PG), guests can enjoy music and dance performances, take part in crafts and games, scale Sadri’s Summit Climbing Wall, participate in fitness classes, and connect with community resources.

“For 20 years, Firstenburg Community Center has been a place where people come to take care of themselves and each other,” said Angela Brosius, Firstenburg Community Center director. “Community centers play a critical role in community health by bringing people together, reducing isolation, supporting physical and mental wellness, and creating a sense of belonging. This anniversary is a celebration of the connections that happen here every day.”

Firstenburg Community Center first opened its doors to the public on Feb. 26, 2006, marking a major milestone for Vancouver. At $21 million, Firstenburg was the City’s largest investment on the east side at the time, creating a welcoming place for connection, recreation and lifelong wellness.

Named in honor of Ed and Mary Firstenburg following their $3 million donation to the project, the center has spent the past two decades living up to its namesake, serving the community with heart.

All activities during the anniversary celebration are open to the public; no membership is required. For the full schedule, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/firstenburg-20th-anniversary-celebration.

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CELEBRATE SUPER BOWL AND SEAFOOD AND WINE SAFELY

Football fans are gathering for Super Bowl Sunday and Seafood and Wine attendees are getting ready to trickle into town. When you think of drunk driving, it’s easy to think about the financial impact: fines, legal fees, and criminal charges are no joke and can seriously affect your future. But there are additional consequences that impact our communities.

Drivers that get DUIs (a driving under the influence citation) are the lucky ones. Many know someone that has been killed or injured by an impaired driver or know someone that made the wrong choice and was the drunk driver. During football season, special events, and throughout the year, we urge you to make the right choice and not to drive after drinking. If you are drinking, have a plan to keep yourself and your community safe. Have a designated driver, use a taxi, or alternate transportation. Friends also play a large role in keeping each other safe. Encourage those around you not to drive after drinking and when possible, help them find a safe way home.

If you didn’t plan on drinking but find yourself drinking in the moment, do not drive home, find a safe alternative instead. But you really need your car for work in the morning and you’re “just a little buzzed?”. Buzzed driving is drunk driving. You may get hit with large fines, lose your car and your job due to court dates and a DUI charge on your record, and you may kill someone or yourself if you are in a crash. Don’t be the reason someone doesn’t make it home. Don’t drive after drinking. 
 

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

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Salem, OR—A single parent of two young children earning $24,000 in Oregon could receive over $12,000 as a cash refund if they claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the federal Child Tax Credit, the Oregon Earned Income Credit (EIC), and the Oregon Kids Credit.

Low-income Oregon families overwhelmingly use cash refunds to cover the basics—housing, utilities, food, etc.

Yet, more than 20 percent of Oregonians eligible to claim the EITC, don’t. Low participation rates in these programs leave millions of dollars on the table for low-income Oregonians.

An IRS study of 2020 federal tax returns found that Oregon ranked last in EITC participation with only slightly more than two out of three eligible taxpayers claiming the credit. Oregon’s standing has since improved, rising to 44^th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, and participation rates were up to more than 78 percent for tax year 2022.

The Oregon Department of Revenue is working with other state agencies and community partners to encourage taxpayers to learn more about this credit and find out if they’re eligible.

The department is working to increase uptake of the EITC in Oregon by both raising awareness of how refundable federal and state credits can put cash directly in the pockets of low-income Oregonians, and by offering free tax filing assistance. The state partners with community based organizations to offer free tax filing assistance at sites across the state. The hands-on guidance encourages Oregonians to check if they are eligible for these refundable tax credits.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a fully refundable federal tax credit for people making up to $68,675 in 2025. A refundable credit not only reduces the amount of tax a taxpayer owes, any leftover credit results in a cash refund that can be deposited directly into their bank account. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $8,046 on their federal tax return, and a maximum Oregon Earned Income Credit of $966 on their state tax return. Certain taxpayers without children may also be eligible for these credits.

Individuals may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Oregon EIC, and other credits, even if they are not required to file a tax return. To receive the refundable credits, however, they must file a federal and state tax return.

Basic qualifications for EITC include:

• You, your spouse, or any qualifying child must have a Social Security number to claim the federal credit.
• Your earned income in 2025 must be below certain limits based on your number of qualifying dependents.
• You may be eligible even if you do not have a qualifying child.
• Taxpayers can use the IRS EITC Assistant to check their eligibility further. The assistant is available in English and Spanish.

State tax credits for families

In addition to federal refundable credits, Oregon has multiple state tax credits that low-income families can claim – the Oregon Earned Income Credit (EIC), and the Oregon Kids’ Credit. Both of these credits are also available to taxpayers who use an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) to file their taxes or have a qualifying child with an ITIN. Taxpayers with an ITIN, claim the Oregon EIC using schedule OR-EIC-ITIN. The EIC otherwise has the same basic qualifications as the federal EITC listed above.

The Oregon Kids Credit is a refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $26,550 or less, the full credit is $1,050 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $31,550.

The department recommends that Oregonians wishing to claim the Oregon Kids Credit use Direct File Oregon, the interview-based tax preparation software that allows taxpayers to file directly with the state for free. There was an earlier error in the forms for claiming the Oregon Kids Credit which has been updated and fixed in Direct File Oregon.

Taxpayers who plan to claim the Oregon Kids Credit, and file their taxes using another tax filing software can check the Department’s webpage to see if the software has been updated with the correct forms and instructions. The department has been in communication with its tax preparation software partners to ensure the fix is quickly applied to their forms.

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

Taxpayers can visit the Oregon Department of Revenue website to find free tax preparation sites by using the interactive map. For more information on the EITC, visit https://www.eitc.irs.gov/. For questions about Oregon taxes, call the Department of Revenue at 503-378-4988, or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

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Other recent releases:

January 31-Direct File Oregon updated to calculate Oregon Kids Credit correctly

January 26-Oregon, IRS begin processing e-filed returns; First state refunds expected February 17

January 8-E-file your taxes to get your refund and kicker faster

January 8-Downloadable video: Scanners capturing information from tax forms

November 7-Fact Sheet: Oregon’s Surplus Revenue “Kicker” Credit

At 1:37 PM on February 4th, the Vancouver Fire Department responded to a vehicle collision involving a commercial strip mall located at 212 NE 164th Street.

Fire crews were dispatched after a vehicle drove into the structure. A total of five fire units and 13 firefighters responded, including the Vancouver Fire Department Technical Rescue Team.

All occupants were accounted for, and no injuries were reported. The Technical Rescue Team provided temporary shoring to support affected portions of the structure while crews worked to safely remove the vehicle from the building.

Fire personnel remained on scene to assist with scene safety. 

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Lake Oswego, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for trafficking cocaine and laundering the proceeds through a business bank account to buy cryptocurrency.

Michael Wayne Frost, 47, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to forfeit over half a million dollars’ worth of assets involved in his money laundering offense, including cryptocurrency and cash.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers engaged in multiple controlled purchases of cocaine from Frost. On July 2, 2024, a federal search warrant was served on Frost’s residence in Lake Oswego. Agents seized a kilogram of cocaine and about $20,000 in cash from the residence. Agents later applied for additional warrants and seized more than $509,000 in cash and cryptocurrency tied to the cocaine sales. Frost deposited some of the cash into a business bank account he controlled and then transferred funds to Robinhood, a platform he used to invest in cryptocurrency, in an effort to launder the drug proceeds.

On August 21, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a seven-count indictment charging Frost with distributing cocaine and money laundering.

On September 24, 2025, Frost pleaded guilty to count one of the Indictment charging possession with intent to distribute cocaine and counts two and three of the Indictment charging money laundering.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the Gresham Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit at the United States Attorney’s Office. It was prosecuted by Kemp Strickland and Christopher Cardani, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Sherwood Police Investigations Unit Arrests Local Resident for Drug Trafficking

February 4, 2026

In early December 2025, the Sherwood Police Department Investigations Unit assisted the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with an investigation of a Drug Trafficking Organization operating out of a residence in Sherwood, Oregon. Pursuant to the execution of a federal narcotics search warrant, investigators seized approximately 37 pounds of methamphetamine and several ounces of heroin. One person was arrested on federal drug charges.

DEA is the primary investigative agency for this case. The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) District of Oregon is prosecuting the case. All questions should be referred to the USAO.

The Sherwood Police Department would like to thank the DEA and USAO for their assistance with combatting illegal narcotics within our community.

New legislation would hold federal immigration officers accountable in hospitals, protect patients’ and providers’ rights, and ensure everyone can access healthcare without fearing for their health and safety.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Frontline healthcare providers and legal advocates packed a Capitol hearing room and overflow space for the first hearing of the Healthcare Without Fear Act (Oregon Senate Bill 1570-1) Feb. 4. Nurses and allies are backing the bill to hold federal immigration officers accountable to the same hospital standards as state and local law enforcement, protect patients’ and providers’ rights, and ensure hospitals remain safe spaces for all people.

“We are here today because federal agents are interfering with our ability to care for our patients. They are putting community safety at risk. Our neighbors are scared to access the care they may need,” said Ellie, a Portland nurse and ONA member who testified in support of the bill. “We want to ensure that healthcare spaces are safe for our patients and staff. Places where human and civil rights are valued and protected.” 

• Watch testimony on the Healthcare Without Fear Act on the Oregon legislature’s website once it is posted. 

In 2025, the Trump administration eliminated long-standing “sensitive location” protections and began actively targeting hospitals, schools, and places of worship for immigration raids and crackdowns—spreading fear, compromising healthcare and putting lives at risk. 

“SB 1570-1 is about a simple but fundamental principle: no one should be afraid to seek medical care. Not for themselves. Not for their children. Not in moments of crisis, pain, or vulnerability,” said Oregon Senator Wlnsvey Campos, a chief sponsor of the bill. “We are living in a moment when immigration enforcement has become more visible, more aggressive, and more unpredictable. Oregon cannot afford to not act in this moment. We need a clear, enforceable statewide standard that protects patients, supports healthcare workers, and strengthens public health.”

Across the country, federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—have demonstrated a troubling pattern of violence, harassment, intimidation and unlawful detention of across the country. In Oregon, federal immigration officers recently shot two people in a hospital parking lot in Portland and arrested an entire family while they were trying to take their sick 7-year-old daughter to the ER. Federal officers also bring detainees from the Portland ICE facility to local hospitals for healthcare—where immigration officers have not always followed standard hospital protocols.  

Federal agents have reportedly pressured Oregon doctors and nurses to skip recommended healthcare so they could discharge detained patients more quickly; refused to step away during private health consultations which include protected health information or sensitive medical exams; freely roamed patient hallways; and removed hospitalized patients against medical advice. These activities could violate patients' right to privacy, undermine trust in healthcare providers and our health system, jeopardize patients’ care, and create very real safety and security risks for patients and staff. Several nurses provided testimony of their experiences anonymously because they feared retaliation. A nurse who cared for a patient detained by ICE shared:

"They (ICE agents) asked for information regarding the patient's condition multiple times, which I told them was not allowed and that I would not tell them anything. At one point they told me the patient wanted to leave against medical advice, and I told them I had to hear it from the patient themselves ... The patient didn't want to leave and was just scared,” the nurse wrote. 

The Healthcare Without Fear Act will establish a statewide standard to prevent hospitals from being weaponized by federal agencies, hold ICE agents accountable in hospitals, protect patients and staff, uphold ethical and legal healthcare principles and ensure the safety of our communities.

The act requires hospitals and clinics to keep federal immigration agents out of patient care spaces without a warrant, classifies immigration status and place of birth as protected health information, safeguards all patients’ private healthcare information, and empowers healthcare providers to share information about patients’ legal rights.

“We want to take care of you, your loved ones, and our community members without the imposed pressure of federal agent overreach and use of force,” said Erica, a nurse and ONA member who testified in support of the bill.

“When federal agents override hospital protocols, they don’t just create confusion—they create fear. Fear that causes patients to delay care. Fear that doesn’t allow first responders and frontline care workers to do our jobs. Fear that fractures trust. Fear that puts lives at risk,” said Oregon Representative Dacia Grayer, a firefighter and paramedic who is also a chief sponsor of the bill. “This legislation protects patients. It protects caregivers. And it upholds a fundamental principle we should all agree on: in moments of medical need, care must always come first.” 

California passed a similar bill (Senate Bill 81) in 2025. Oregon’s Healthcare Without Fear Act is the next step in a growing national effort to hold government agents accountable and protect vulnerable patients. 

More information on the Healthcare without Fear Act can be found at OregonRN.org/CareWithoutFear

The Healthcare Without Fear Act is part of the 2026 Immigrant Justice Package. More information about other legislation in the 2026 Immigrant Justice Package can be found here. 

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Salem, Ore., January 27, 2026 — Chemeketa Community College invites the community to celebrate Valentine’s season with The Great American Love Songbook with Tune Tours, a romantic live concert taking place at 7 p.m. on February 11 in the Chemeketa Auditorium (Building 6), located at 4000 Lancaster Dr. NE in Salem (Purple Parking Area). Tickets are available now through Eventbrite.

Set the mood for an evening of timeless romance and live music, enhanced by multimedia visuals. This special Valentine’s performance features Tune Tours, a project led by Oregon-based musicians Jon Deshler (trumpet) and Neal Grandstaff (guitar), longtime collaborators known for their expressive performances and deep roots in jazz and the American song tradition.

Joining Deshler and Grandstaff is Finn Yang, a talented young pianist whose musical maturity and sensitivity bring fresh energy to the group. Together, the trio presents a pre-Valentine’s concert inspired by the Great American Love Songbook, featuring classic love songs made famous by legends of jazz and popular music.

Audiences will also enjoy Jon Deshler’s curated multimedia archives of historic jazz performances, showcasing icons such as Chet Baker, Count Basie, and Peggy Lee, creating a blend of live music and visual storytelling. Romantic, swinging, and heartfelt, this concert is the perfect night out for couples, friends, and anyone who loves beautifully crafted songs. Celebrate love with live music that speaks straight to the heart.

Deshler has a longstanding connection to Chemeketa, having performed in the orchestra for the college’s productions of Oliver! and Mary Poppins. He is also the owner of a historic theater in Mt. Angel, further reflecting his deep commitment to the performing arts in the region.

More information and tickets are available through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-great-american-love-songbook-tickets-1980127642081?aff=oddtdtcreator

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For more than 50 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

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

Portland, OR — The America 250 Oregon Commission, in partnership with Oregon Heritage and the Oregon Historical Society, is proud to announce the recipients of its second round of grant funding, awarding nearly $75,000 to 25 organizations across Oregon for projects and programs that commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. These grants are in addition to an initial $50,000 in total funding awarded to 13 organizations in October 2025.

“With recipients in communities across all corners of Oregon, these grants represent Oregon’s commitment to commemorating America’s 250th birthday in ways that reflect the unique character of our state,” said America 250 Oregon Commission Chair Kerry Tymchuk. “From highlighting Indigenous histories to honoring the sacrifice of Oregon’s veterans to instilling a love of history in our youth, these initiatives provide an opportunity for Oregonians to engage in our shared story. We are grateful to the Oregon State Legislature for providing the funds that made these grants possible.”

The Oregon 250 Grant Program was established to help organizations create inclusive, community-focused projects that highlight Oregon’s diverse histories, traditions, and cultures. These grant awards of up to $3,000 will support programs that align with the mission of America 250 Oregon and one or more of its seven guideposts.

A third funding cycle will open at 8am on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, and grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible projects. More information about the Oregon 250 Grant Program can be found at oregon250.org.

The following organizations were awarded grants in the Oregon 250 Grant Program’s second funding cycle:

CETI, Multnomah County 

Grant funds will support the creation of a bilingual, augmented-reality storybook and community events that preserve, interpret, and honor the erased history of Portland’s Chinese immigrant community buried at Lone Fir Cemetery’s Block 14.

City of Monmouth, Polk County 

Grant funds will support the purchase and installation of a permanent display case that will be placed in Monmouth’s City Hall and used for exhibitions acknowledging the Indigenous peoples of this region that encourage visitors to consider diverse perspectives while reflecting on the past.

Civics Learning Project, Statewide

Grant funds will provide support for We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, a comprehensive curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students covering the history and principles of constitutional democracy in the United States that culminates with simulated congressional hearings where students testify before a panel of judges acting as members of Congress.

Crossroads Creative and Performing Arts Center, Baker County 

Grant funds will support the production of a film showing diverse Baker County residents sharing the Declaration of Independence in locations across the county, meant to serve as a reminder of the power of the charge to create a more perfect union.

ClearPath Healthcare/Hospice of Redmond, Deschutes County 

Grant funds will support programs for local veterans, including the creation of a Wall of Memory, monthly Taps memorial gatherings, pinning ceremonies, and programs bringing veterans in connection with one another.

Dayton Community Development Program, Yamhill County 

Grant funds will support the digitization of historical Dayton newspapers that are currently held on microfilm. The project will build on a previous digitization project, adding papers from 1929 to 1947 to the University of Oregon Digital Newspaper Program.

Douglas County Historical Society, Douglas County 

Grant funds will support “Your Heritage: Douglas County Oregon Through the Ages,” a student essay and art contest increasing youth awareness of county history.

Gresham Historical Society, Multnomah County

Grant funds will support production and marketing of Gresham History Week (June 13–21), a festival commemorating the semiquincentennial as well as GHS’s 50th anniversary.

Hellenic-American Cultural Center and Museum, Statewide

Grant funds will support HACCM staff and volunteers traveling to four locations around Oregon to document, collect, and archive stories of the Greek American experience through oral history interviews, meetings, and community gatherings. These stories will serve as source material for future special exhibitions and other public programs.

High Desert Museum, Deschutes County 

Grant funds will support a community conversation series and a public lecture series that will examine the legacies of America 250 through the lens of the American West, bringing together scholars, Indigenous knowledge holders, artists, and the broader public to explore themes such as patriotism, citizenship, voting rights, the American Dream, and the layered cultural narratives that define the High Desert.

Historic Jacksonville, Inc., Jackson County 

Grant funds will support the “Museum without Walls” project to convert Jacksonville’s 1881 Old City Hall into the ADA accessible physical base of a citywide museum that shares the history of Jacksonville’s Historic Landmark District through onsite exhibits and introduces guests to the many ways they can explore the town including physical and virtual tours.

Jackson County Expo Center, Jackson County 

Grant funds will support the creation of a new exhibition featuring a series of exhibits created by local organizations that will together share the history of the Rogue Valley.

Klamath Falls School District, Klamath County 

Grant funds will support exhibitions and programs relating to 250 Years of Exploration: From Pioneers to Space, a community-wide celebration that connects America’s 250th anniversary to the enduring spirit of exploration that has shaped both the nation and the Klamath Basin.

Lane County, Lane County 

Grant funds will support the preservation and digitization of historically significant original ledgers, ordinances, and record books of Lane County.

League of Women Voters of Lane County, Lane County 

Grant funds will support Democracy at the Grange, a free public civic education event in Cottage Grove offering clear, accessible explanations of how Oregon’s civic systems work, including ballot measures, Oregon’s open primary, resolutions, and how residents can access trusted election information through Vote411.

Milwaukie Historical Society, Clackamas County 

Grant funds will support an online exhibit and public event sharing the history of the Milwaukie Pastry Kitchen, the first Black-owned bakery in the state of Oregon.  

Oregon ArtsWatch, Multnomah County 

Grant funds will support the publication of 20 stories highlighting America 250 Oregon projects, increasing knowledge about events and encouraging engagement.

Oswego Heritage Council, Clackamas County 

Grant funds will support the publication of Oswego: People, Places, and Events, a historical publication sharing stories from the past 150 years in the Lake Oswego area through photographs, quotations, newspapers, and a timeline.

Restore Oregon, Statewide
Grant funds will support Restore Oregon’s efforts to gather and share a collection of Oregon’s preservation history, highlighting losses (intentional and natural) and celebrating what has been saved through future exhibits and storytelling.

Southern Oregon Historical Society, Jackson County 

Grant funds will support two projects; first, a crowd-sourced photo collection project centered on peoples’ personal sense of America, with a goal of collecting 250 captioned photo submissions from Southern Oregonians; second, SOHS will consult with Grand Ronde basket maker Stephanie Craig on its Native American basketry collection, working on basket identifications, information, and best practices for museum storage.

Tangent Together, Linn County 

Grant funds will support the Tangent Harvest Festival and the creation of Oregon Harvest Games within its Kids’ Village, offering children interactive, age-appropriate activities that demonstrate how agricultural tasks were performed historically and how they are carried out today.

Twin Oaks Elementary School, Lane County

Grant funds will provide immersive, place-based learning experiences for students in grades K–5 as well as purchase a collection of books to extend learning beyond these excursions.

Warm Springs Community Action Team, Jefferson County 

Grant funds will support the production of A Bridge to the Future, the first-ever film to tell the story of the Warm Springs Reservation and its people into the present. Written, filmed, and edited by and with tribal members, the film uses the metaphor of the Commissary to explore how Warm Springers use the tools of the colonizer to dismantle oppression and build something new and powerful, shaped by tribal hands and invested in a tribal future.

Warren Community Foundation, Columbia County 

Grant funds will support facility improvements to the Grange Farm Museum in St. Helens that will significantly enhance the museum’s usability and overall visitor experience.

Willamette Heritage Center, Marion County 

Grant funds will support the creation of an immersive exhibit examining what the events of 1776 meant and mean to people living in Mid-Willamette Valley. 

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

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

JUVENILE LOCATED - CANCEL REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in helping to locate a missing and endangered 13-year-old male named Ryan Beatty.  He is described as a white male, 5ft 8in tall, approximately 120 lbs, with brown curly hair, brown eyes, and braces.  He was last seen yesterday evening at his residence in the Duluth neighborhood (NE 10^th Ave and NE 219^th St) near Ridgefield, WA.  His current clothing is unknown, but he may be wearing a black jacket, sweatpants, hiking boots, and carrying a black backpack.  He may have been picked up by an unknown vehicle overnight.

Ryan’s family is very worried about him.  If you have information about his location, please call 3-1-1 in Clark County or contact the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.  Reference case number 26000924.

Portland, OR — With just five months until July 4, 2026 — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the foundational document of our democracy — America 250 Oregon Commission is pleased to share an update on its work to date.

Created in March 2024 through SB 1531, the America 250 Oregon Commission is charged with “coordinating, providing guidance, and ensuring that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial.” The Oregon State Legislature has also provided a total of $500,000 for the Commission “to expend and allocate” in the fulfillment of that mission.

“The America 250 Oregon Commission invites all Oregonians to help make America’s 250th anniversary a commemoration that reflects on our past and inspires us to continue the work of forming a more perfect union,” said America 250 Oregon Commission Chair Kerry Tymchuk.

To date, the Commission has met on six occasions, holding its first meeting on August 6, 2024, and meeting mostly recently last week on January 29, 2026. Since its creation, the Commission has accomplished several projects and established multiple avenues for public involvement across the state.

ADOPTED GUIDEPOSTS

Adopted seven “guideposts” as the priorities for America 250 Oregon programs:

• To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
• To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
• To highlight the work of Oregon’s many history and heritage organizations.
• To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
• To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
• To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon’s veterans.
• To celebrate the power of place through Oregon’s remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.

OREGON 250 WEBSITE

Oregon’s official U.S. Semiquincentennial website, oregon250.org, launched February 2025. In this digital space, the public can browse a community events calendar, explore online exhibitions, and access resources for getting involved in this nationwide commemoration. The site also includes website links to all nine of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes as well as information on understanding tribal treaties, visiting tribal museums, and resources to learn about Indigenous histories and traditions.

OREGON 250 TRAVELING EXHIBITS

The America 250 Oregon Commission partnered with acclaimed photographer Peter Marbach to create two digital and traveling photographic exhibits that showcase the essence of Oregon and its vibrant communities. The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries. The Pursuit of Happiness focuses on the people and communities of Oregon and the ways we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state. Both exhibits will continue to travel throughout 2026 to museums, libraries, and civic centers around the state free of charge, and will be available to travel after the semiquincentennial.

OREGON 250 COMMUNITY GRANTS

With the assistance of the Oregon Heritage Commission, the America 250 Oregon Commission created the Oregon 250 Grant Program to assist in funding America 250 observances and programs across the state.  

To qualify, programs have to align with at least one of the Commission’s seven guideposts. To date, two rounds of funding have provided a total of $125,000 divided between 38 recipients, with half of the recipients serving rural Oregon communities. Applications for a third round of funding, totaling $50,000, will open on March 4, 2026. A list of grant recipients can be found on the Commission’s news and press page.

AMERICA 250 OREGON E-NEWSLETTER

The America 250 Oregon Commission publishes a monthly e-newsletter to share updates on all 250–related activities. Subscribe to the email list to receive the newsletter.

PARTICIPATION IN AMERICA 250 PROGRAMS

The America 250 Oregon Commission is encouraging Oregonians to participate in a variety of programs sponsored by other states, organizations, or by the national America 250 Commission, which was established by the United States Congress. These programs include: 

• Moments that Made US: This traveling exhibition was developed through a multi-state collaboration that explores the ideas of the Declaration of Independence through defining moments in American history. Designed as a free, customizable, print-on-demand exhibition, it can be easily shared at schools, libraries, civic centers, and museums nationwide. In the Pacific Northwest, the America 250 Oregon Commission partnered with Washington 250 and Idaho 250 to create regional panels that highlight local stories alongside the national narrative. The main exhibition panels will be available on February 13, 2026, with the regional component available in early March.
   
• America’s Potluck: Led by Utah 250, this nationwide effort encourages Americans to gather with friends and neighbors for potlucks on July 5, 2026.
   
• Sharing the Spirit of America: Oregon will participate in a nationwide simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence at 3pm PT on July 8, 2026.
   
• America Gives: This national initiative invites businesses, nonprofits, schools, faith groups, and community organizations to increase volunteer service in 2026. 
   
• Oregon’s Revolutionary War Memorial: Located at Beaverton Veterans Memorial Park, this new memorial honors America’s first veterans. The dedication also recognizes figures such as William Cannon, a Revolutionary War veteran who later settled in Oregon and is buried in St. Paul, Oregon. The public opening and celebration is scheduled for April 19, 2026.
   
• Light to Unite: This initiative, led by the National Flag Foundation, calls on Americans and communities to light buildings and landmarks in red, white, and blue and fly the U.S. flag on the evening of July 4, 2026.
   
• America 250 Time Capsule: On July 4, 2026, America 250 will bury a time capsule within Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia, which will be opened on July 4, 2275. Each state has been asked to submit items that represent the people of its state that can fit within a 6" x 5" x 2" archival storage box and/or a single page of archival lay-flat paper, not larger than 8.5" X 11". The America 250 Oregon Commission will be issuing a media release soon to ask Oregonians to submit suggestions by March 1, 2026. 

About the America 250 Oregon Commission
 

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

Beaverton, Oregon – The Beaverton Police Department is investigating a fatal auto-pedestrian crash that occurred on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at approximately 6:52 p.m. in south Beaverton.

Officers responded to the intersection of SW Greenway Boulevard and SW Windmill Drive following reports of a vehicle striking a female pedestrian. The pedestrian was identified as 69-year-old Qiuhua Shen of Beaverton. She was transported to a local hospital where she later died.

Preliminary investigation indicates Mrs. Shen was crossing SW Greenway Boulevard with her husband at the time of the crash. The area is not well lit, the couple were wearing dark colored clothing and were not using a crosswalk when the crash occurred.

The driver involved in the crash remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Officers determined the driver was not impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the Beaverton Police Department at 503-526-2261 and reference case number 2026-310836.

At approximately 7:44 AM, Vancouver Fire responded to reports of a structure fire at 2305 E. 6th St. in Vancouver.

A total of seven Vancouver Fire units were dispatched, with 22 firefighters responding to the scene. The incident involved a one-story fourplex housing unit. The fire was contained to a single unit and was quickly addressed upon crews’ arrival.

Tragically, one person and one dog were found deceased.

The Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the incident. All questions regarding the investigation should be directed to their office.

Vancouver Fire reminds the public that smoke alarms save lives. Residents are encouraged to regularly test smoke alarms and check or replace batteries as needed.

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

To view the Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve November 18, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Casey C. Pitney, PSI No. 105268

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

4. Ronald Riebel, PSI No. 038063

   Denial of Provisional Private Investigator Applicant

   Presented by Michelle Morrison

5. Wayne L. Yu, PSI No. 077282

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

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

   Adopting Rules for Private Professional Applicants with Prior Law Enforcement Experience (House Bill 2183)

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

7. Informational Update on the Suspension and Emergency Suspension Rule Changes Approved by the PSIPC

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

8. Agency Update

9. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – May 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

DALLAS (OR) – Christopher Denver Castator, 33, has been sentenced to serve 70 months (5 years, 10 months) in prison for injuring a store employee as he was attempting to elude being apprehended for stealing from the West Salem Roth’s Fresh Market.

Castator, of Redmond, Oregon, was sentenced by Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso, after pleading guilty to Robbery in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. The May, 2025 incident arose after the victim attempted to prevent the defendant and an accomplice from stealing merchandise. As the pair were retreating in their vehicle, Castator shot and struck the victim with a seven-inch arrow propelled from a blowgun type device.

 Judge Caso sentenced Castator according to Oregon’s Measure 11 minimum mandatory sentencing law. He will not be eligible for any form of early release or sentence reduction for the entire length of his incarceration. He will also be required to serve a 36-month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 4, 2026

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

WorkSource Oregon to Host Second Chance Career Fair in Southeast Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. — WorkSource Oregon will host its first-ever Second Chance Career Fair on Wednesday, Feb.11, from 10 a.m. to noon at the WorkSource Oregon – Portland Metro Southeast Center in Portland. The free event will connect job seekers with local employers who are open to hiring people facing barriers to employment, including recent incarceration.

“This event is about opening doors,” Oregon Employment Department director Andrew R. Stolfi said. “We want job seekers to have direct conversations with employers who value skills, potential, and growth, and who understand that talent exists everywhere.” 

All job seekers are invited to attend and connect with employers from a range of industries, including healthcare, social services, manufacturing, staffing, and nonprofit organizations. Employers and community partners scheduled to attend include the City of Portland, Dress for Success, Gliss, Central City Concern, United Salad, Stone Soup, DPI Staffing, The Pathfinder Network, Urban League of Portland, and Oxford House. 

“We encourage attendees to bring copies of their resumes and be prepared to speak directly with employers about current job openings, career pathways, and next steps,” said Reentry Specialist Chelsea Cook, who is coordinating the job fair. “WorkSource Oregon staff will also be available to provide information about job search support and employment services.” Cook specializes in helping people who have been formerly incarcerated find jobs. 

This is the first time WorkSource Oregon has hosted a career fair focused on second chance hiring but hopes to make it an annual event in the future. 

Event details 

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 
Time: 10 a.m. to noon 
Location: WorkSource Oregon – Portland Metro Southeast Center 
6401 SE Foster Rd., Portland, OR 97206 

Email: Services@oregon.gov" target="_blank">EmployerServices@oregon.gov.

About Workforce Operations 

The Oregon Employment Department’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services to job seekers, employers, and businesses, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, job search strategies, support for job postings and hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information.  

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) is an equal opportunity agency. WSO 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 503-947-1680. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to Services@oregon.gov" target="_blank">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. WSO 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 503-947-1680. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a Services@oregon.gov" target="_blank">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

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VANCOUVER, Wash. — In conjunction with Financial Aid Awareness month this February, the Financial Aid Office at Clark College will host a series of free workshops beginning Feb. 5, to help current and prospective students better understand how to pay for college at its main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA.

Open to the public, the free workshops will cover key financial aid topics including scholarships, student employment, student loans, and maintaining eligibility for aid. The series is designed for anyone considering higher education and who has questions or concerns about college costs.

“Many students and families assume college is out of reach financially, when in reality there are more resources available than ever before,” said Associate Dean of Financial Aid, Glendi Gaddis. “These workshops are about breaking down barriers, busting myths, and helping people feel confident navigating the financial aid process.”

Participants will learn about the different types of financial aid available — including grants, scholarships, work study, and loans — and gain practical guidance on applying for aid and staying eligible once enrolled. 

Washington is among the most generous states in the nation when it comes to supporting access to higher education, with nearly half of Washington households qualifying for some form of financial aid. However, accessing that support often begins with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WAFSA) — a step many eligible students do not take.

Clark College’s Financial Aid workshops aim to increase awareness, encourage FAFSA/WAFSA completion, and support current/existing students and families as they navigate the process.

Workshop Schedule (main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver WA)

SCHOLARSHIPS: Show Me the Money 
Learn where to find scholarships, how to apply, and tips to stand out. Attendees can also get help with filling out Clark College Foundation scholarship application.

Date: Thursday, February 5        Time: 2:00-3:00pm, Gaiser Hall  (GHL) 213

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT: Earn While You Learn 
Discover on-campus job options, how to apply, and how working can fit into your class schedule.

Date: Monday, February 9           Time: 2:00-3:00pm, Gaiser Hall  (GHL) 213

MAINTAINING ELIGIBILITY: Understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 
Find out what SAP is, why it matters, and how to stay eligible for financial aid.

Date: Thursday, February 19       Time: 2:00-3:00pm, Penguin Union Building (PUB) 258B

STUDENT LOANS: Know Before You Owe 
Get the facts about student loans, borrowing wisely, and what repayment really looks like.

Date: Monday, February 23         Time: 2:00-3:00pm, Gaiser Hall (GHL) 205

Financial Aid Resources

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  - https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

• Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WAFSA) - https://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa

• State Board of Community & Technical Colleges (SBCTC) - https://www.sbctc.edu/paying-for-college/

• Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) - https://wsac.wa.gov/financial-aid

About Clark’s Financial Aid Office

The Clark College Financial Aid Office supports students by providing access to financial resources, education, and guidance that empower them to achieve their academic and professional goals. Services include financial aid advising, workshops, work study opportunities, and financial wellness resources.

Learn more: https://clark.edu/enroll/paying-for-college/financial-aid
FAQs: https://www.clark.edu/enroll/paying-for-college/financial-aid/faq.php

Event Information

Location: Clark College main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 

Cost: Free - there is no fee to attend. No registration required.

Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.

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

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

Accommodation: If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact hr@clark.edu or 360-992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

About Clark College

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

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Vancouver, WA – February 2, 2026 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington (BGCSW) will host its annual Youth of the Year Celebration on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Clark College in Vancouver. The event recognizes outstanding local teens for leadership, academic achievement, community service, and healthy lifestyles.

Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s highest honor, recognizing teens who demonstrate exceptional leadership and character. Local nominees have spent months preparing for the event, participating in leadership workshops, writing personal essays, and crafting speeches that reflect on their journeys and the impact BGCSW has had on their lives.

“These young people are already leaders in our community,” said Francisco Bueno, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington. “Youth of the Year is about more than recognition, it’s about giving teens a platform to be heard and showing our community what’s possible when we invest in young people.”

One local Youth of the Year will be selected to represent Southwest Washington at the Washington State Youth of the Year competition, where they will compete for college scholarships and the opportunity to advance to regional and national levels.

Community members are invited to attend the celebration and show their support for local youth. Media are encouraged to attend and will have opportunities to interview nominees, families, and Club leadership.

For event details and tickets, visit mybgc.org.

Why This Matters

• Youth of the Year gives local teens a public platform to share their stories, challenges, and goals with the community.
• Finalists compete for scholarship opportunities that can directly impact their ability to pursue higher education.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington serves more than 2,000 youth annually, helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, and academic success.
• One local teen will represent Southwest Washington at the Washington State Youth of the Year competition.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington:

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington exists to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible community members. Since our founding, we have been committed to providing a safe and positive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.

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TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST, ORE.—Browns Camp Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Campground, managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), will transition from a first-come, first-served model to a reservation-only system when it reopens for the season on April 1, 2026.

“We are making the change to a reservation-only campground for two main reasons,” said Ben Burns, ODF’s State Forests Recreation Facilities Manager. “First, it benefits our campers. When you load up your toy hauler for a weekend trip, it’s reassuring to know you’ll have a campsite waiting when you arrive. This system eliminates the frustration of driving around the campground hoping to find an open site.”

ODF successfully implemented a reservation system at all equestrian campgrounds in 2025 for similar reasons.

“Horse campers often travel long distances with large trailers and have limited options if a campground is full,” Burns said. “The reservation system worked well to eliminate that problem, so based on that success, we’re expanding reservations to OHV campgrounds.”

The change will also improve operational efficiencies.

“Fee collection takes up a significant portion of staff time during the camping season,” Burns said. “The time saved can instead be used to better maintain and improve our campgrounds.”

Browns Camp has 28 campsites, and ODF encourages visitors to reserve early—especially for busy holiday weekends—when reservations open on March 2, 2026. The group camping area at Browns Camp is already reservation-based and will remain unchanged.

Campsites can be reserved at www.reserveamerica.com. Same-day reservations will be allowed although reserving sites prior will be recommended due to spotty cell phone service in the area. Camping fees will remain the same at Browns Camp: $20 per night.

In addition, ODF is working to improve overnight options for OHV users in Tillamook State Forest by converting the Diamond Mill OHV Area into a campground.

“We are actively working on that project, and it will be ready to roll out for the 2026 season,” said Burns.  Visit ODF’s  Recreation, Education and Interpretation website and social media sites for updates and opening announcements.”

Salem, OR – The Department of Administrative Services Office of Economic Analysis State Chief Economist Carl Riccadonna and Senior Economist Michael Kennedy presented the latest economic outlook and revenue forecast to the legislative committee on finance and revenue on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The quarterly revenue forecasts serve to open the revenue forecasting process to the public and is the basis for much of the Oregon state government budgeting process.

What is different about this forecast?

The first quarter (Q1) March economic outlook shows improvement as government data releases have primarily returned to their normal schedule following the federal government shutdown last fall. Both state and national economic resilience remain a key focus. A stronger growth outlook, supported by monetary and fiscal stimulus, further reduces recession risks and is expected to create positive labor market conditions.

Revenue Forecast

As new information about prior tax years becomes available, it reshapes the understanding of tax collections related to economic activity. Over the last three months, updated data shows Corporate Income Tax liability is stronger than expected, while Personal Income Tax liability is modestly lower than previously estimated. Improved data on economic output and profitability, along with resources carried over from the prior biennium, contribute to the net change in the projected General Fund balance.

About the Office of Economic Analysis

The state chief economist oversees the Office of Economic Analysis, within the Department of Administrative Services, and provides objective forecasts of the state’s economy, revenue, populations, corrections population and Youth Authority population. These forecasts are used across state government, and by the public for a variety of reasons, notably to inform the state budgeting process. For more information about the Office of Economic Analysis and recent forecasts, please visit the OEA website.

SOUTHWEST PORTLAND, Ore. – Instructor Rachel Skinner of Southwest Portland has received the Oregon Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages Award of Excellence in Teaching, recognizing her student-first approach in Portland Community College’s ESOL Program.

“Being chosen for the ORTESOL Award of Excellence in Teaching is truly an honor and deeply meaningful to me,” Skinner said. “ORTESOL is a community I admire for its generosity, collaboration, and commitment to multilingual learners, and I am grateful to be recognized by colleagues I respect so much.” 

While Skinner is a relatively new instructor, she is already making a significant and positive impact on the program, according to colleagues who have noted her "passion, creativity, and commitment" to her students.  

Skinner shared that a bilingual journey of living in Brazil deeply shaped her view of language and culture. Nowadays, she uses that experience as fuel in supporting learners as they navigate new languages, communities, and ways of seeing the world. In her U.S. culture class for international students, she organizes field trips that support cultural integration, including basketball games at the Moda Center, as well as on-campus visits to the PCC Maker Lab and other outings.

“It is evident Rachel goes above and beyond in several projects she has initiated or collaborated on,” said fellow ESOL faculty Luciana Diniz. “She is an inspiration to both instructors and students within our department."

The ESOL faculty serves as the new editor of The Ambassador, the ESOL department’s tri-annual magazine, encouraging students to contribute and helping showcase their work. Colleagues said Skinner’s focus on equitable, student-centered learning, particularly for vulnerable learners who benefit from extra time and individualized instruction, is a difference maker.

She launched “Literacy Hour” at Sylvania Campus to provide extra reading and writing support for Level 1 students, then expanded it to other ESOL learners who needed additional practice. She recruited and trained volunteers for one-on-one tutoring and worked with local literacy groups to connect tutors with multilingual learners.

Skinner received seven independent nominations, higher than the typical one or two, according to ORTESOL’s Grants and Awards Committee. This committee evaluates candidates on meeting student needs, strong instruction, innovation, equity and inclusion, and leadership among peers.

“This award affirms the joy and purpose I find in teaching and reminds me why I am so passionate about supporting learners as they grow in language, confidence, and connection,” she said.

Skinner holds a master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages from Portland State University and has taught English for more than three years. She volunteered with the Beaverton Literacy Council and assists with tutor training at Portland Literacy Council. Along with a certificate, Skinner received a $100 cash prize and selected a free ORTESOL membership for next year.

For information about PCC ESOL classes, visit pcc.edu/esol.

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.

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The Willamette Water Supply System Commission Board meeting will be held Thursday February 5, 2026 at Noon.

Location: This meeting will be held virtually and not at a physical location. To attend remotely, please use the meeting link provided in the agenda. For any questions, contact us at wwss@tvwd.org or call 971-222-5957.

If you wish to address the WWSS Board, please contact wwss@tvwd.org or call 971-222-5957 to request the Public Comment Form and return it 48 hours prior to the day of the meeting. 

The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities and those who need qualified bilingual interpreters. Please contact WWSS@tvwd.org or call 971-222-5957 to request an interpreter for the hearing impaired, a bilingual interpreter, or for other accommodations should be made at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

The Board meeting agenda packet and additional information regarding the Willamette Water Supply Systems are available on the WWSS Commission website: 

https://www.tvwd.org/willamette-water-supply-system-commission/page/willamette-water-supply-system-commission

EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Prior to the regular board meeting, an executive session of the Board is called under ORS 192.660 (2)(e) to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions, under ORS 192.660(2)(f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection and ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed, will be held 11:15 – 11:45 AM.

FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES

TODAY: Healthcare providers will pack the room at first hearing on bill to hold ICE accountable in Oregon’s hospitals 

Senate Health Care Committee Hearing on the Healthcare Without Fear Act - Senate Bill 1570-1 
Wednesday, Feb. 4 
3 p.m.  
Oregon State Capitol 
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301 
Hearing Room D 

Livestream available on the Oregon State Legislature’s website.

WHAT: Frontline healthcare workers and state legislators are among those scheduled to testify in support of the Healthcare Without Fear Act – Oregon Senate Bill 1570-1 during its first hearing Feb. 4. If passed, the bill would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to follow the same standards as other law enforcement inside Oregon hospitals, protect patients’ and workers’ rights, and ensure all people can access healthcare without fearing for their health and safety.

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 4. 3 – 4:30 p.m. 

WHERE: Senate Committee on Health Care Meeting 

Hearing Room D in the Oregon State Capitol 
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301 
Livestream available here 

WHO: Nurses and healthcare workers from across the state, Oregon state legislators, legal experts and allies.   

WHY: Hospitals and clinics must be places of healing—not fear, intimidation, and detention. The Trump administration has begun targeting hospitals, clinics, schools, and places of worship for aggressive immigration enforcement actions—leading to violence, harassment, intimidation. 

Federal immigration officers recently shot two people in a hospital parking lot in Portland and arrested an entire family while they were trying to take their sick 7-year-old daughter to the ER. Federal officers have also been bringing detainees from the Portland ICE facility and people injured in ICE actions to local hospitals for healthcare. They have not always followed standard hospital protocols. 

Federal agents have reportedly pressured doctors and nurses to skip recommended healthcare so they could discharge detained patients more quickly, refused to step away during private health consultations which include protected health information or sensitive medical exams, freely roamed patient hallways, and removed hospitalized patients against medical advice. These activities violate HIPAA, undermine trust in healthcare providers and our health system, and jeopardize patients’ care. 

The Healthcare Without Fear Act—Oregon Senate Bill 1570-1—prevents hospitals from being weaponized by federal agencies by requiring federal immigration officers to follow the same standards as other law enforcement in Oregon hospitals and clinics, protects patients’ and workers’ rights, and helps ensure all people can access healthcare without fearing for their health and safety. 

More information on the Healthcare without Fear Act can be found at OregonRN.org/CareWithoutFear.

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Salem, Ore. – The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) will meet via Zoom on February 19 and 20, 2026, to consider proposed nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed to YouTube.
 

Public comment on the proposed nominations or other items not on the agenda can be made online, during the meeting, or by written submission. Registration via Zoom is required to speak at the meeting. To view the full agenda, register to give comment during the meeting, or learn more about public comment options, please visit the commission web page: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx#sachp.
 

The SACHP is a nine-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields, including archaeology, architectural history, historic architecture, anthropology, history, and museum management. Nominations recommended by the SACHP are forwarded to the National Park Service, which maintains the National Register of Historic Places under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. This effort aligns with the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan goal to increase the number and thematic diversity of Oregon properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It also supports the goals to include more voices and increase access to Oregon heritage that are part of the Oregon Heritage Plan.
 

The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be made with at least 48 hours of advance notice by calling (503) 986-0690.
 

More information about the SACHP and the National Register of Historic Places process is available online at www.oregonheritage.org and from SACHP coordinator Caitlyn Abrahms at 503-201-0454 or rahms@oprd.oregon.gov">caitlyn.abrahms@oprd.oregon.gov.

The Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes Trophy Awarded to ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL, Portland, Oregon

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College hosted three full days of big band jazz at the Annual Clark College Jazz Festival, where sixty middle and high school jazz ensembles from throughout Washington and Oregon performed in this year’s competition. Trophies were presented to the top three jazz ensembles for middle schools and division A through AAAA high schools. Individual outstanding musician and outstanding section awards were also presented at the end of each division’s preliminary competitions. 

At the end of Saturday’s program, the 2026 Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes Trophy was awarded to Roosevelt High School, Portland, Oregon. The winning band will return for a special performance in the next year’s jazz festival held on the last weekend of January. This year, the 2025 Sweepstakes Band, Mountain View I High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Sam Ormson, was spotlighted on Saturday evening.

The 2026 outstanding musician awards were presented as following:

Middle School Silver Jazz Band finals results:

      1^st place – Leona Libby Middle School, West Richland, WA

      2^nd place – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

      3^rd place – Sellwood Middle School, Portland, OR 

A Division Jazz Band finals results:       

      1^st place – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

      2^nd place – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

      3^rd place – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Outstanding Middle School Jazz Musician certificates were presented to:

      Ella Alcock – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

      Scarlette Tenold – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

      Cloe Barnes – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

      Hudson Stose – Laurin Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

      Bella Wilson – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

      Jaxson Glover – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

      Bear Ricks – Hockinson Middle School, Brush Prairie, WA

      Keira Garrison – View Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield, WA

      Aurora Maayen – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

      Liam Derbin – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

      Joshua Walden – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

      Raul Becerril-Vargas – Wy’East Middle School, Vancouver, WA

      Heiver Mavarez Sivira – Wy’East Middle School, Vancouver, WA

      Natalie Lynch – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

      Charlie Thrasher – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

      Benny Zacks – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

      Raphael Paglia-Brockman – Sellwood Middle School, Portland, OR

      Sam Loh-Menendez – Sellwood Middle School, Portland, OR

      Leo Camacho – Sellwood Middle School, Portland, OR

      Miles Kennedy – Leona Libby Middle School, West Richland, WA

      Andrew Kim – Leona Libby Middle School, West Richland, WA

      Emmy Black – Leona Libby Middle School, West Richland, WA

      Benjamin Larsen – Carmichael Middle School, Richland, WA

      Teagan Sams – Carmichael Middle School, Richland, WA

      Anthony Pfau – Carmichael Middle School, Richland, WA

Outstanding High School Musician awards for the A Division were presented to:

      Julia Vaughan – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

      Lucille Helms – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

      Liam Watkins– South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

      Benjamin Jaimes – La Center High School, La Center, WA

      Jeremy Solis – Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver, WA

      Kyler Dixon – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Outstanding Middle School Jazz Section Awards were presented to:

      Outstanding Rhythm Section – Leona Libby Middle School

      Outstanding Saxophone Section – Beaumont Middle School

      Outstanding Trumpet Section – Sellwood Middle School

      Outstanding Trombone Section – Carmichael Middle School

Outstanding Section Awards for Division “A” were presented to:

      Outstanding Rhythm Section – Eckstein Middle School

      Outstanding Saxophone Section – Seton Catholic High School

      Outstanding Trumpet Section – South Whidbey High School

      Outstanding Trombone Section – South Whidbey High School 

Friday, January 30, 2026

AA and AAA Division High School Jazz Band finals results:

AA Division:  1^st place – Richland High School Jazz III, Richland, WA

               2^nd place – Mountain View High School Jazz II, Vancouver, WA

               3^rd place – Grant High School Jazz III, Portland, OR

AAA Division: 1^st place – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

               2^nd place – Mt. Spokane High School Jazz I, Spokane, WA

               3^rd place – Mead High School Jazz II, Spokane, WA

Outstanding High School Musician Awards for the AA Division were presented to:

      Paxton Henry – Grant High School, Portland, OR

      Kelly Pfam – Richland High School, Richland, WA

      Benjamin Gomez – Richland High School, Richland, WA

      MJ Manano-Willis – Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, WA

      Asa Smith – Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, WA

      Asher Bolotski – Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle, WA

      Chet Martin – Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle, WA

      Zandy Owens – Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle, WA

      Luke Detert – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

      Asher Baughn – Ingraham High School, Seattle, W

      Levi Caldwell – Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, WA

      Thomas Eustice – Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, WA

      Furious Hill – Columbia River High School, Vancouver, WA

      Aiden Servino – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

      Cody Halley – Prairie High School, Vancouver, WA

      Brandon Felton - Prairie High School, Vancouver, WA

      Calle Rude – Evergreen High School, Vancouver, WA

      Byron Jimenez – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

      Penelope Griffin – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

      Reginald Kellon – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

Outstanding High School Musician Awards for the AAA Division were presented to:

      Danyyil Zelyanovskyy – Lake Oswego High School, Lake Oswego, OR

      Finn Frost – Grant High School, Portland, OR

      Iris Ruthruff – Grant High School, Portland, OR

      Charlie Moore – Mead High School, Spokane, WA

      Brayden Craft – Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, WA

      Elliot Cong – Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, WA

      Daniel Affeldt – Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, WA

      Gavin Gregort – Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, WA

      Parker Jisa – Richland High School, Richland, WA

      Andrew Lee – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

      Sylvie Sylvander – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

      Nathan Doyle – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

      Beckett Van Dyck – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

      Sarah Boehi – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

      Oliver Armstrong – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

      Parker Dunn – Evergreen High School, Vancouver, WA

      Shane Ward – Evergreen High School, Vancouver, WA

      John Cannon – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

      Adrian Baraiac – Union High School, Vancouver, WA

      Enzo Sander – Union High School, Vancouver, WA

      George Powell – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

      Harry Rosenberg – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

Outstanding High School AA Jazz Section Awards were presented to:

      Outstanding Rhythm Section –  Mountain View High School Jazz II

      Outstanding Saxophone Section – Grant High School Jazz III

      Outstanding Trumpet Section – Mt. Spokane High School Jazz II

      Outstanding Trombone Section – Richland High School Jazz III

Outstanding High School AAA Jazz Section Awards were presented to:

      Outstanding Rhythm Section – Hockinson High School

      Outstanding Saxophone Section – Hockinson High School

      Outstanding Trumpet Section – Mt. Spokane High School

      Outstanding Trombone Section – Grant High School

Saturday, January 31, 2026

AAAA Division High School Jazz Band finals results:

       1^st Place – Garfield High School Jazz I, Seattle, WA

        2^nd Place – Roosevelt High School, Portland, OR

        3^rd Place – Mead High School Jazz I, Spokane, WA

Outstanding High School Musician Awards for the AAAA Division were presented to:

      Eliot Kim – Westview High School, Portland, OR

      Luka Schrock – Roosevelt High School, Portland, OR

      Zyler Modderman – Roosevelt High School, Portland, OR

      Sari Isreb – Grant High School, Portland, OR

      Elaina Stuppler – Lakeridge High School – Lake Oswego, OR

      Josue Sanzhez Badillo – A.C. Davis High School, Yakima, WA

      Bryan Sanchez-Martinez – A.C. Davis High School, Yakima, WA

      Sawyer Lohrmann – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

      Kayla Ang – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

      Sean Calkins – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

      Lucjan Brant-Zawadski – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

      Ian Park – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

      Johnathan Yven – Henry Jackson High School, Everett, WA

      Lucas Adams – Henry Jackson High School, Everett, WA

      Andrew Bae– Henry Jackson High School, Everett, WA

      Ronan Scott – Richland High School, Richland, WA

      Cole Roxburgh – Richland High School, Richland, WA

      Kylie Forston – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

      Cameron Proff – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

      Greyson Stainbrook – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

      Dominick Weckerly – Sherwood High School, Sherwood, WA

      Elliott Beck – Garfield High School, Seattle, WA

      Elijah King – Garfield High School, Seattle, WA

      Hank Sebnhg – Garfield High School, Seattle, WA

      Jace Samaha – Mead High School, Spokane, WA

      Valin Gabriel – Mead High School, Spokane, WA

      Caroline Beaulieu – Camas High School, Camas, WA

      Elijah Lenneck – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

      Temperance Gillis – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

      Natalie Costello – Union High School, Camas, WA

      Aubrey Grier – Prairie High School, Vancouver, WA

Outstanding High School Section Awards for the AAAA Division were presented to:

      Outstanding Rhythm Section – Roosevelt High School, Portland, OR

      Outstanding Saxophone Section – Lake Stevens High School Jazz I, Lake Stevens, WA

      Outstanding Trumpet Section – Richland High School Jazz I, Richland, WA

      Outstanding Trombone Section – Mead High School Jazz I, Spokane, WA

About the Annual Clark College Jazz Festival

Clark College Music program offers a dynamic curriculum in theory, performance, appreciation, and history. Designed for both music majors preparing for advanced study, and non-majors seeking a deeper cultural connection, the program blends academic rigor with hands-on performance opportunities. Faculty bring professional experience to guide students in building skills and confidence for future careers in the arts. Students can explore pursuits in concert band, jazz ensemble, orchestra, and choir. Learn more about Clark’s Music program.

For complete information about the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, visit: http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

For a full roster of Clark College music events, visit www.clark.edu/cc/music. 

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

City of West Linn Appoints Oddis Rollins as Chief of Police

WEST LINN, OR – February 3, 2026 – The City of West Linn has appointed Oddis Rollins as the City’s next Chief of Police, an internal promotion that reflects the strength and stability of the West Linn Police Department (WLPD). City Manager John Williams selected Chief Rollins after careful consideration, citing strong confidence in his leadership and the overall excellence of the department.

Chief Rollins brings more than 21 years of law enforcement experience to the role. He served for ten years as a Police Officer and Detective with the Tigard Police Department before joining the West Linn Police Department as a Sergeant in January 2015. He was promoted to Police Captain in August 2018 and has served as Interim Chief of Police since November 2025, following the retirement of former Chief Peter Mahuna.

“Over the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Oddis on a wide range of complex and important issues,” said John Williams, City Manager. “He brings deep professional knowledge, demonstrated operational expertise, and a clear commitment to ethical leadership. Chief Rollins has earned the trust of his colleagues, community partners, and residents, and I am confident he will continue to lead the Department with integrity, transparency, and respect.”

Chief Rollins has consistently demonstrated the core values of the West Linn Police Department, including service, accountability, professionalism, and strong community partnership. His appointment reflects the strong foundation already in place within the Department and the City’s commitment to continuity and internal leadership development.

“Promoting from within preserves organizational momentum and reinforces the culture of professionalism that defines the West Linn Police Department,” said the City Manager. “Our community is fortunate to be served by a highly dedicated and talented team of public safety professionals, and Chief Rollins is well-positioned to lead that team forward.”

Chief Rollins commented, “It is both a privilege and an honor to be entrusted with the opportunity to serve as the next Chief of the West Linn Police Department. I am proud to stand alongside a talented, professional, and dedicated team that selflessly serves our community every day. Together, I am excited for the opportunities ahead and look forward to seeing how the West Linn Police Department continues to grow, evolve, and serve our community in the years to come.”

Community members are invited to attend a public introduction with Chief Rollins on Tuesday, February 18, at 6:00 PM at the West Linn Public Library Main Reading Room. Chief Rollins will share his background, leadership philosophy, goals for the Department, and plans moving forward, followed by a question-and-answer session. Light refreshments will be provided.

The City of West Linn congratulates Chief Rollins on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to his continued service to the community.

A formal swearing-in ceremony will be held on Wednesday, February 25, at 1:00 PM, also at the West Linn Public Library Main Reading Room. The public is welcome to attend.

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The Willamette River Water Coalition (WRWC) Board Meeting will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. 

This meeting will not be held at a physical location; the Board, staff, and members of the public will connect virtually. If you wish to join this virtual meeting, please contact ine.desau@tvwd.org">katherine.desau@tvwd.org or call 503-848-3078 by 12:00 p.m. on February 10, 2026.  Alternatively, you may connect via the link or phone number referenced at the top of the meeting agenda.

The Board meeting agenda packet is available here.  Additional information about the WRWC is available at: https://www.tvwd.org/wrwc

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Re-Imagined Radio invites listeners to fall in love with radio romance this February with a special episode sampling two of Hollywood’s most beloved madcap romantic comedies: “It Happened One Night” and “The Philadelphia Story.” The episode premieres Monday, Feb. 16—just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Witty, sophisticated and sparkling with fast-paced dialogue, both stories are adapted from award-winning motion pictures and feature unforgettable performances by some of the greatest stars of the Golden Age. Together, they offer laughter, romance and subtle social commentary—perfect listening for the season of love.

The episode opens with “It Happened One Night,” adapted from the March 20, 1939 broadcast of “Lux Radio Theatre.” Originally released in 1934 and directed by Frank Capra, the film starred Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable and became the first motion picture to win all five major Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay. Re-Imagined Radio samples the adaptation, with Colbert and Cary Grant reprising their motion picture roles as a runaway socialite and the cynical reporter who becomes entangled in her journey home.

Fast-talking, charming and endlessly inventive, “It Happened One Night” is widely regarded as one of the greatest motion pictures ever made and a foundational example of the screwball comedy genre.

The program continues with “The Philadelphia Story,” drawn from a March 17, 1947 adaptation for “The Screen Guild Theater.” The story began as Philip Barry’s 1939 Broadway hit starring Katharine Hepburn and was soon adapted into a celebrated motion picture featuring Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart. Nominated for six Academy Awards, the film remains one of the finest examples of the “comedy of remarriage,” a popular genre of the 1930s and 1940s that cleverly navigated social taboos and the restrictions of the Motion Picture Production Code.

Beyond romance and humor, “The Philadelphia Story” reflects a growing cultural tension of its era, contrasting established upper-class privilege with an emerging middle class striving for opportunity and change.

“Listeners told us they wanted more romance,” said John. F. Barber, Re-Imagined Radio producer and faculty member in the Digital Technology and Culture program at Washington State University Vancouver. “So we went looking for radio stories many people may not have heard—or may not even know existed. These two adaptations, drawn from some of the most successful films of all time, create vivid images through exceptional writing and superb voice acting. We’re delighted to offer them, with love, for Valentine’s Day.”

About Re-Imagined Radio

Re-Imagined Radio explores classic and contemporary audio drama, reexamining radio’s rich storytelling traditions and reintroducing listeners to forgotten or overlooked works that continue to resonate today.

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.

# # #

Vancouver, Wash. – Six additional cases of measles have been reported in Clark County. The new cases are connected to the measles case announced by Clark County Public Health on Jan. 23. The new cases were exposed to measles in non-public locations. No additional public exposure locations have been identified for any of the cases in Clark County.

“We do not currently have any evidence that measles is spreading in public locations in Clark County,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director.

Here is additional information about the six new cases:

• Age
  • Younger than 18 years: five cases
  • 18 years and older: one case
• Vaccination status
  • Unvaccinated: five cases
  • Unverified: one case

The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine provides the best protection against measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles. People who are not vaccinated or have not had measles in the past are at risk of getting sick if they are exposed to measles.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left.

Anyone who believes they have symptoms of measles should call their health care provider before visiting the medical office to make a plan that avoids exposing others in the waiting room.

For more information about the local measles investigation, visit the Clark County Public Health measles investigation webpage.

A man was stabbed in Tigard Tuesday morning, leading to a large search for the suspect.

At 7:14 AM, a person called 911 to report the stabbing, which investigators believe happened in an area behind a row of businesses on SW Cascade Ave south of SW Scholls Ferry Road, near railroad tracks. The victim, a 33-year-old man, was taken to the hospital by ambulance with injuries that are believed to be serious.

Several officers responded to the scene, including a K-9 handler and drone operators. The area next to the railroad tracks also has several encampments and a creek running through it. Officer searched in the marshy, wooded area for hours searching for the suspect or any evidence that may be connected to the investigation.

The attached photos show how thermal imaging from a drone helped direct efforts in the search, as officers searched through trees, bushes, camps, debris and areas along the creek. 

A man in the area was briefly detained in connection with the investigation and was released. Detectives are working to gather more information related to the identity of the suspect in this case. 

Anyone with information that may be helpful in this case is asked to call the tips line at 503-718-COPS or send an email to tips@tigard-or.gov.

We’d like to thank our partner agencies for their assistance in responding to this call, including a K-9 handler from Hillsboro Police, an officer from King City Police and deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

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SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will meet on Tuesday, February 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of State Lands building in Salem.

The Land Board will consider approval of the meeting minutes from December 3, 2025. All remaining agenda items are informational updates on:

• draft legislative concepts being developed by the Department of State Lands for the 2027 Legislative Session;
• an annual report from the Oregon Department of Forestry on management of the Common School Fund forest lands;
• the annual audit of the Common School Fund;
• the annual report on the state’s Real Property program; and
• a climate action spotlight highlighting DSL’s work aligned with Governor Kotek’s Executive Order 25-26, including updates on two climate resilience projects:
  • the Geologic Carbon Sequestration Project (in partnership with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries); and
  • the Elliott State Research Forest Carbon Project.

Meeting Details and Agenda

Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Department of State Lands

Land Board Room

775 Summer St. NE, Salem

The full meeting agenda and materials are available on the DSL website. The meeting will be livestreamed to the DSL YouTube channel.

The public may submit written testimony or sign up to provide spoken testimony (in person, by video, or phone) during the meeting. The meeting agenda indicates whether testimony will be accepted on an item. Advanced sign-up is required, and the deadline is 10 a.m. on Monday, February 9.

If you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact Arin Smith at 503-986-5224 or in.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov">arin.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov at least two working days prior to the meeting.

Visitors are not permitted to bring backpacks, bags, or large purses into the building prior to, during, or following Land Board meetings. Purses, medical bags, and diaper bags are permitted, but may be subject to inspection by the Oregon State Police.

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State Tobias Read, and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.

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www.oregon.gov/dsl

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Veterans Center of Excellence at Clark College, in collaboration with the Suicide Prevention Team from the Portland Veterans Affairs, will present Awareness to Action Series: Suicide Prevention is Everybody’s Business, a free multi-session workshop series beginning Feb. 10, focused on education, prevention, and community action.

Designed to increase awareness, build practical skills, and empower participants to take an active role in suicide prevention, the series is grounded in veteran suicide prevention and open to community members. The workshops offer tools that are applicable across diverse populations. 

The series reflects Clark College’s commitment to fostering a compassionate, informed, and supportive campus and community. By combining national strategies, evidence-based practices, and open dialogue, the workshops emphasize that suicide prevention is everybody’s business.

Event Information

Location: Gaiser Hall, Room 213, from 3 pm - 4 pm on Clark College main campus

Cost: FREE - there is no fee to attend

Registration: Register for the series here. When registering, you can indicate if you would like to attend virtually; a virtual link will be shared closer to the event date with your registration email.

Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.

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

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

Accommodation: If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact hr@clark.edu or 360-992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

Workshop Schedule — Register for the series here.

Tuesday, Feb. 10 - Overview of Veteran Suicide and the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide: 

This workshop will review the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide and how it is implemented nationwide. Participants will learn how to help prevent veteran suicide in their communities and how to access available crisis support resources.

Tuesday, March 17 - Lethal Means Safety — Safe Storage of Firearms and Medications:

This session will explore why and how increasing time and distance between a person in suicidal crisis and access to lethal means can significantly reduce suicide risk and save lives.

Tuesday, April 14 - Safety Plans — When and How to Have One: 

Participants will learn how to create a Safety Plan, a practical tool that identifies coping strategies and sources of support. Safety Plans can help individuals manage suicidal thoughts by providing structure and support during moments of crisis.

Tuesday, May 12 - Postvention — Support After a Suicide: 

This workshop will introduce suicide postvention—an often overlooked but critical component of suicide prevention. Postvention focuses on providing immediate and ongoing support to individuals and communities impacted by suicide loss and plays a vital role in healing.

About Clark’s Veterans Center of Excellence

The Clark College Veterans Center of Excellence is dedicated to making Clark College the first choice for veterans, active duty, and military-affiliated students. The center engages, supports, and empowers students to achieve their educational and professional goals by coordinating comprehensive services that address academic, financial, physical, and social needs. Offerings include tutoring, academic supplies, quiet study spaces, a computer lab with printers, practical workshops, and more. Learn more at Veterans Center of Excellence (clark.edu).

About Clark College

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

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Warm Springs, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually abusing two minors on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.

Harold Charley, 39, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release.

According to court documents, in January 2024, Charley, a prior sex offender, engaged in sexual abusive contact with two minor victims between the ages of 12 and 16 over the course of several weeks on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.

On September 23, 2025, Charley was charged by superseding information with two counts of abusive sexual contact.

On October 7, 2025, Charley pleaded guilty to two counts of abusive sexual contact.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Warm Springs Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Paaso.

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

# # #

Salem, Oregon – In the first round of FY2026 Career Opportunity Program grant awards, the Oregon Arts Commission and The Ford Family Foundation have awarded $92,278 to 29 artists for career development projects.

The awards include $43,842 from the Oregon Arts Commission for all artistic disciplines and $48,436 in supplemental funding for 14 established Oregon visual artists, visual arts writers and curators of visual arts through a partnership with The Ford Family Foundation’s Visual Arts Program. Individual grants range from $363 to $8,000.

Career Opportunity grants support individual Oregon artists by enabling them to take advantage of timely opportunities that enhance their artistic careers. Most grants support the artists’ participation in residencies, exhibitions or performance opportunities.

“The Career Opportunity Grant provides unique experiences that can truly propel an artist’s career—offering chances for learning, connection and professional growth,” said Arts Commissioner Jenny Stadler, who led one of two review panels. “It’s always inspiring to see the incredible work of artists across the state.”

The Ford Family Foundation funds are available to established Oregon visual artists who are producing new work in the fields of contemporary art and craft.

“Artists are anchors of Oregon towns and cities,” said Kara Carlisle, president and CEO of The Ford Family Foundation. “By investing in artists’ research, training, dedicated work time and new exhibition opportunities, we’re not just amplifying their careers, we’re reinforcing the cultural fabric of our communities. We’re proud to join the Arts Commission in this shared commitment to impact.”

FY2026 Career Opportunity Program round one grant award recipients are:

Elizabeth Arzani, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation, $3,000

To support a solo exhibition at Pendleton Center for the Arts Gallery for the month of June in 2026.

Christian Orellana Bauer, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

To support travel and/or required fees to participate in a residency at the Vermont Studio Center (VSC) in December of 2025 in Johnson, Vermont.

Heather Lee Birdsong, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation, $2,500

To support framing and labor expenses for an exhibition in March 2026 at Russo Lee Gallery in Portland, which will be her first solo exhibition at a commercial gallery.

Kathleen Caprario, Springfield

The Ford Family Foundation, $363

To support her participation in the exhibition, “Spaciousness of Change,” at Scalehouse Gallery in Bend, Oregon, July 3, 2026 - August 28, 2026.

Jennie Castle, Albany

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation, $3,000

To support a 2026 Art/Sci Awarded Residency at PLAYA in Summer Lake, Oregon. Specific dates have not yet been announced, but all possible dates fall within the opportunity grant window.

Nicholas Christopher, Beaverton

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

To support Christopher’s securing an original audio composition by Don Flores and compensating a group of Street Style Dancers from all over the Pacific Northwest to share a unique style of Waving & Popping, in collaboration with Congruency Dance Collective.

Twig Cosby, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $1,354

To support Cosby’s career development and art practice as a wood-fire ceramic artist in a year-long, live-in residency at Pleasant Hill Pottery in Lane County beginning October 2025. Cosby will focus on material research to develop form and surface.
 

Lori Damiano, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $793

To support Damiano’s artist residency at the Praxis Digital Weaving Lab in Cleveland, Ohio, from February 3-15, 2026. Damiano will be accessing a TC2 digital jacquard loom for the first time.

Leah Denny, Beavercreek

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation, $1,680

To support a solo exhibit of Denny’s sculptural work at the Alexander Gallery of Clackamas Community College during the dates of March 31, 2026 through April 30, 2026.

Michelle Diaz, Albany

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

To support travel expenses for attending the Superstars Writing Seminars in Colorado and the Life, The Universe & Everything (LTUE) symposium in Utah, both held in February 2026, to enhance Diaz’s writing education and connect with industry professionals.

Liza Faktor, Portland

The Ford Family Foundation, $3,000

To support Faktor’s attendance of “Roots Assembly: Forests, Rewilding and Ways of Being,” a curatorial program examining the vital role of forest ecosystems and rewilding in preventing climate collapse.

Marcus Fischer, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation, $4,893

To support the first exhibition of Fischer’s work at NOON Projects in Los Angeles, California, from April to late May, 2026.

Sylvia Friday, Alsea

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

To support Friday’s career as a traditional willow basket maker and educator. Friday will travel to Europe in Autumn 2026, to study with master weavers in Poland, England and Germany.

Ebony Frison, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation, $5,000

To support the creation of new work for the 2026 Oregon Biennial, drawing from Frison’s personal archive, family’s archive and the Forgotten Frontlines archive, using photogravure, painting and prose as primary mediums.

Suzanne Haag, Eugene

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

To support Haag’s participation in Positioning Ballet Foundation’s International Forum for Future Artistic Leaders in Ballet/Dance held November 7-9, 2025, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Allie Hankins, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,148

To support the performing of an excerpt of Hankins’ solo “By My Own Hand, Part 4: MELODY,” in April 2026 at Judson Memorial Church as part of the long-running Movement Research series.

Sabina Haque, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation, $5,000

To support participation in PLAYA’s inaugural Wildfire + Water: Artists and Scientists Adapting to Change Residency, a year-long, artist-led program in Lake County, Oregon, culminating in an art exhibit addressing urgent environmental issues.

Stephen Hayes, Portland

The Ford Family Foundation, $3,000

To support Hayes’ inclusion in the 2026 Oregon Contemporary Artist’s Biennial exhibition, which will run from April 1, 2026 through July 5, 2026 and be presented at OX-Oregon Contemporary Institution.

Misael Hernandez, Springfield

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

To support Hernandez’s participation in Anderson Ranch’s Artist-in-Residence Program taking place February 4 through March 11, 2026.

Leslie Hickey, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $1,740

To support the remainder of Hickey’s fellowship at the New York Public Library’s Picture Collection, with the term ending on March 31, 2026.

Conrad Kaczor, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

To support Kaczor’s GlogauAIR artist residency in Berlin, Germany, in winter 2026, where he will create and share an interdisciplinary artwork internationally and return to Portland to present the finished work with a public engagement component.

Kristan Kennedy, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation, $6,000

To support expenses related to an exhibition opportunity at NOON Projects in Los Angeles, California, opening in April 2026. The exhibition is a two-person show featuring Kennedy’s work alongside that of Marcus Fischer.

Rainen Knecht, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation, $5,000

To support the production of paintings with artist-made frames and the costs associated with travel in order to attend the opening of Knecht’s first out-of-state solo exhibition in eight years, this spring in San Francisco.

Horatio Law, Portland

The Ford Family Foundation, $3,000

To support the creation of “John Day Tango: An Oregon Love Story,” a multimedia project that involves shadow-play, video projection and live performance, to be exhibited at the Portland Chinatown Museum from April-July, 2026.

Astra Lincoln, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $1,500

To support Lincoln’s participation in the competitive, invite-only Centrum Artist in Residency Program in January, 2026.

Edward Lopez, Ashland

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

To support a three-month residency in Sevilla, Spain, in early 2026 to study cante jondo at the Fundación Cristina Heeren, expanding Lopez’s vocal artistry while weaving his professional practice with the deep currents of his Andalusian heritage.

John Niekrasz, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission, $2,000

To support the travel, lodging and technical assistance necessary for the exhibition of Niekrasz’s new 45-minute sound-art composition for Elastic Arts Foundation’s 16-channel sound system in Chicago, Illinois, in May 2026.

Keith Van Norman, Corvallis

Oregon Arts Commission, $1,307

To support a meaningful step in Van Norman’s career, he will moderate a panel discussion, display his print “Rhapsody in Gray” and conduct a printmaking demonstration. Van Norman will also network with research, industry and community leaders at the State of the Coast Conference in November 2025.

Emily Wilson, Gardiner

The Ford Family Foundation, $3,000

To support attending and exhibiting at the 2026 National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) Conference in Detroit, where Wilson will mentor artists, sustain professional relationships and expand gallery representation.

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The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at: www.oregonartscommission.org.

The February Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board Work Session will be held February 3, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. 

If you wish to attend this meeting remotely or in person, please email sam.kaufmann@tvwd.org or call 503-848-3094 by 4:30 p.m. on February 3, 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.

TROUTDALE, Oregon— Oregon State Parks is inviting youth ages 6–17 to share their creativity and connection to nature through the Youth Audio Story Contest.

Oregon’s landscapes have long inspired stories, from rushing rivers to old-growth forests. This contest encourages young park visitors to add their voices to that tradition by submitting original, youth-narrated audio stories inspired by the outdoors.

The contest highlights the Columbia River Gorge, known for its beauty, cultural significance, and ecological richness. Stories may reflect real experiences, such as a favorite trail or a wildlife encounter, or imaginative adventures set in Oregon’s natural spaces.

The selected winning story will be featured as part of the Accessible Gorge Audio Trails project on the Accessible Gorge website, an online resource that aims to break down informational barriers for visitors and residents with disabilities. The winning story will also be available to listen to via a QR code at select trailheads in the Columbia River Gorge, offering visitors a unique youth perspective.

Entries may be submitted individually or in groups of up to three. A parent or legal guardian must submit the entry.

Key Dates
• Submission deadline: Friday, February 20 at 11:59 p.m. PST
• Winner notified by email, and the winning entry will be announced on the Oregon State Parks’ website: February 28

For more information about the Youth Audio Story Contest or the Accessible Gorge Audio Trails project, visit the contest webpage.

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Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring of source water. The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. In the 50 liters sampled each day from January 25 to January 28, 2026, two Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in the sample collected on January 25 and one oocyst was detected in the sample collected on January 26. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the samples collected on January 27 or January 28. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run drinking water source on January 21, 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

About the Public Works Service Area

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

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

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

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

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

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

SALEM, Oregon— The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will replace five Akebono flowering cherry trees from State Capitol State Park during the week of February 3, 2026, as part of a long-term tree management plan. Five new Akebono cherry trees will be planted to replace them, and existing trees will be pruned to encourage new growth this spring.

The work is part of a 20-year strategy for the North Mall of State Capitol State Park that focuses on maintaining a healthy, resilient and safe canopy over time. The trees scheduled for removal were identified through this planning process as having reached the end of their natural lifespan, with age-related decline and cumulative damage from past winters.

The replacement Akebono cherry trees are already well established, standing approximately 14 feet tall and measuring at least three inches in diameter at breast height. They are about 8-years old and high-grafted to allow people to walk beneath the canopy as the trees continue to mature.

“We’re planting the trees during late winter while they are dormant, which gives them the best opportunity to establish strong root systems before spring arrives,” said Valley Region Operation Manager, Kevin Strandberg. “We expect the new trees to bloom this March and continue to grow and flourish for decades.”

The park will remain open during the removal and replanting work. The new trees are expected to live 35 to 40 years. Tree replacements are intentionally staggered over time to preserve the character of the North Mall while ensuring long-term continuity of the cherry tree canopy.

XXX

Salem, Ore. – With a Northwest team in the Super Bowl, wagers on the biggest game of the year are now available through the Oregon Lottery’s DraftKings Sportsbook.

For this year’s match up of the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, DraftKings Sportsbook is offering more than 1,000 prop bets. “Prop bets” often fall outside of traditional game plays and range from who wins the coin toss to the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach. A new wager being offered this year is whether the coin toss winner will defer or receive. A few other examples offered include:

• Which quarterback throws the most passing yards?
• Which team scores first?  
• Who will be the game’s MVP?

Oregon Lottery debuted sports betting in October 2019 and has seen more than $3.5 billion wagered since its launch. Oregon Lottery’s Sports Betting Products Manager Kerry Hemphill believes interest will be high for Oregonians with our neighbor to the north playing.

“I expect having a ‘local’ team in the game will boost excitement and provide a connection for fans in Oregon that we haven’t seen in years,” she said.

During last year’s Super Bowl, Oregon players placed a record 456,000 bets through DraftKings Sportsbook, with wagers totaling $8.2 million. The biggest win of the day was from a customer in Eugene who placed a $25 bet on a 13 leg multi-sport parlay resulting in a $49,370 win.

You must be 21 years or older to place a sports wager in Oregon. Oregon Lottery suggests players use safer play tools such as My Stats and My Budget Builder, within the DraftKings app, to get clearer insights into their play and tailor spending to match their personal preferences and goals. For more information on making changes to your gambling and other helpful resources, visit Oregon Problem Gambling Resource at opgr.org or call 1-877-MYLIMIT to chat or text with a certified counselor. Help is free, confidential and it works.

To play Oregon Lottery’s DraftKings Sportsbook or for more detail about wagers offered during the game, go to https://www.oregonlottery.org/sports/.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned $17.8 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

The Portland Office of Violence Prevention is now accepting applications for the 2026 Spring Break Youth Safety Initiative Sponsorship to help reduce youth violence: principally, gun violence through collaborative community-based prevention efforts during Spring Break (March 21st – March 29th).

A total of $180,000 is available for programs and activities with organizations able to apply for up to $15,000. Awards may vary based on the scope of work and number of community members served.

The deadline to apply is February 18, 2026 at 12 p.m.

The sponsorship is open to organizations located in the states of Oregon and Washington, providing services within the City of Portland and Multnomah County.

Examples of programs supported by the grant include:

• Preventative programs, workshops, camps, and events;
• Flexible funds for direct community assistance and services;
• Youth and adult mediation & mentoring programs;
• Arts & Culture or Recreational Violence preventative programs;
• Workforce development or job training and placement; and
• Athletic, sport, educational, leisure, and other activities.

For more information about the grant and instructions on how to apply, visit https://www.portland.gov/community-safety/ovp/springbreak or contact ovp@portlandoregon.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Event Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM; discussion begins at 6:30 PM
Location: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
Cost: Free; registration recommended
More information at cchmuseum.org

Produced by: NAACP Vancouver Chapter 1139-B in collaboration with the Clark County Historical Museum

NAACP and Clark County Historical Museum Present

Where Faith Meets Freedom: Jesus, the Cross, and Liberation

VANCOUVER, WA — In observance of Black History Month, the NAACP Vancouver Chapter 1139-B and the Clark County Historical Museum invite the community to a facilitated conversation: Where Faith Meets Freedom: Jesus, the Cross, and Liberation on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

This free public program centers on two foundational works of Black theology: The Cross and the Lynching Tree by the Rev. Dr. James H. Cone and Jesus and the Disinherited by the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman. Both titles are part of the NAACP and Clark County Historical Museum’s joint reading list and offer powerful frameworks for understanding faith as a force for dignity, resistance, and liberation.

Together, these texts confront the enduring realities of racial violence, oppression, and suffering while affirming the spiritual strength that emerges from struggle. Cone draws a direct connection between the crucifixion of Jesus and the history of lynching in America, urging readers to understand the cross through the lived experiences of Black suffering and survival. Thurman speaks to those pushed to the margins, presenting Jesus as a source of courage, nonviolence, and hope for those whose backs are against the wall.

The conversation will be guided by local faith and community leaders, including Rev. Michael Jones Jr., Vice President of the NAACP Vancouver Chapter; Rev. Dr. Joyce Smith, Pastor of Community AME Zion Church in Vancouver; and Pastor Byron Harris of Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church. Together with attendees, the panel will explore how these works speak to one another, where faith and freedom intersect, and why their messages remain deeply relevant today—personally, spiritually, and socially.

Registration is recommended, as space is limited. This event is free and open to the public. More information at www.cchmuseum.org.

Organizer:
Rev. Michael Jones Jr.
Vice President, NAACP Vancouver Chapter
esident@naacpvancouverwa.org">vicepresident@naacpvancouverwa.org

Salem, Ore.— Residents using Liberty Road S will see a new traffic signal in use Feb. 3 at Davis Road S. This new signal will make the intersection safer for drivers turning left onto either road, especially during peak travel times.

Drivers should be aware of the new traffic pattern when traveling in this area. During the signal activation, pedestrians and motorists should use caution, expect some delays and follow traffic control signage and workers.

The need for a traffic signal at Liberty Road S and Davis Road S was identified in traffic studies that were required from some adjacent housing developments. These studies showed a signal was needed and was warranted according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The MUTCD is a publication of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration that defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices.

Funding for the traffic signal comes from the 2022 Safety & Livability Bond, System Development Charges and funds collected from recent developments in the area for their share of the intersection improvement costs.

In November 2022, Salem residents approved a $300 million community improvement bond. This bond will fund a 10-year plan to make various improvements in the city. The selected projects aim to improve streets, sidewalks, bike paths, parks and public facilities throughout the city. 

For general information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vancouver Fire Department Quickly Puts Out RV Fire

Vancouver, WA — February 2, 2026 

The Vancouver Fire Department responded to a fire in a travel trailer being used as a permanent residence in the 10400 block of NE 53rd Street.

Firefighters acted quickly to put out the fire and protect nearby trailers, preventing it from spreading.

Crews arrived to find the trailer on fire and immediately began working to control the situation while checking surrounding units for damage. Additional fire crews assisted to ensure the fire was fully contained and nearby trailers remained safe. 

The fire was brought under control by 10:02 a.m. No injuries were reported. One person was displaced, and the occupant declined medical evaluation. Damage to the trailer is considered major.

The Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was caused by an electrical issue. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced occupant, and all Vancouver Fire Department units returned to service shortly after.

Vancouver Fire Department commends the quick response and teamwork of all personnel involved, which helped limit damage and protect the surrounding community.

Estacada, OR — The Estacada School District is celebrating a major milestone, with a 92.2% four-year graduation rate, far exceeding the Oregon state average and reflecting a decade of sustained improvement for students across the district. Just ten years ago, the district’s graduation rate stood at 38.5%. Since then, Estacada has more than doubled its graduation rate, underscoring the impact of focused academic improvement, expanded student supports, and a commitment to closing gaps for historically underserved student populations.

“Reaching a 92.2% graduation rate is a testament to the hard work of our students and staff and the strength of our community,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Carpenter. “This didn’t happen overnight. It reflects years of intentional work to improve instruction, increase engagement, and create multiple pathways for students to succeed.”

Career-connected learning continues to play an important role in student success. Students participating in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs graduated at rates well above the district average, reinforcing the value of hands-on, relevant learning experiences that connect school to future careers.

While the district is proud of its progress, leaders emphasize that the work is ongoing. Estacada School District remains focused on sustaining gains and continuing to improve outcomes for students who face additional barriers to graduation. “Our goal is to provide meaningful outcomes for students,” Superintendent Carpenter added. “We will continue to refine our systems and supports so every student leaves our schools prepared for their next step, whether that’s a career or college.”

The City of Salem is aware of reports of federal law enforcement use of force against Salem residents. The reports allege racial profiling, detention, property damage and injuries to Salem residents by masked teams of federal agents. The City condemns any illegal use of force and any violation of residents’ constitutional rights.

We urge residents to know their rights and take lawful steps to protect themselves: Know Your Rights: Immigrants' Rights - ACLU of Oregon.

The City recognizes that these reports have caused fear, anxiety, and distress within the Salem community, and we share in residents’ concern for the safety and well-being of all affected. We join calls for the State of Oregon and federal government to reassure and protect residents from these types of actions by federal law enforcement.

In alignment with City Council, we encourage Oregon’s federal delegation to address: (a) a comprehensive approach to solve our broken immigration system in order to provide a realistic pathway to citizenship for all aspiring Americans, and (b) protect our immigrant and other vulnerable communities from the unlawful and unnecessary actions being taken by federal agents in the name of immigration enforcement.

What to do if you witness a crime: If you are the victim of or witness a crime, you are encouraged to call 911 to report the incident. Salem Police will respond to active scenes and attempt to deescalate the situation. If an incident involves federal law enforcement in performance of their duties, the U.S. Constitution restricts the City and police from interfering with federal law enforcement. Investigation and potential referral of criminal charges involving federal law enforcement is under the jurisdiction of federal authorities.

Residents may contact the Department of Homeland Security, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties online at: https//www.dhs.gov/file-civil-rights-complaint, or the FBI at: Electronic Tip Form | FBI or Portland — FBI.

Guidance from State law: Under Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise law, the City does not and is prohibited from cooperating with federal enforcement of immigration law. Neither the City, nor the Salem Police Department, cooperate or assist the federal government’s enforcement of immigration law. The Salem City Council has reaffirmed the City’s commitment to Oregon Sanctuary Promise law and in recognition of the impacts of the federal government’s actions, has declared a state of emergency in Salem.

Guidance from Federal law: Under the U.S. Constitution and federal law, local law enforcement is also prohibited from interfering with federal officers in the performance of their duties, even if it is alleged or believed that the federal officers are violating the law or infringing on someone’s constitutional rights.

Krishna Namburi, City Manager
Dan Atchison, City Attorney
City of Salem, Oregon
 

Salem Police Incident Report: Thursday, January 29

• The call, from the daughter of the involved woman, was received thirty minutes after the incident had ended. There was no active scene for officers to respond to or intervene in. 
• The complainant told dispatch her mother would not speak directly with anyone immediately after the incident. The dispatcher asked the caller whether her mother needed medical assistance. The daughter stated that she would be taking her mother to the hospital and did not request medical assistance or transport from the City. 

Subsequent Follow Up

Salem Police Response Procedure

Federal Oversight

What to do if you witnessed this incident?

Woodburn, OR:  The Woodburn City Council has released several key documents as part of its continued commitment to transparency and open communication with the community. These materials are intended to ensure residents have access to the most current information regarding the City’s role in federal immigration enforcement and the use of public safety technology.

The released documents include:

• Two legal opinions related to the City’s role and responsibilities in response to federal immigration enforcement, including guidance on Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Law

• An Impact Assessment of the City’s Flock Safety Camera system

In response to community concerns and while a comprehensive review is underway, the City disabled the Flock Safety Camera system in November of last year.

“These documents are being shared to provide clarity, address community questions, and support informed public dialogue,” said Scott Derickson, Woodburn City Manager.  “Transparency remains a priority as the City continues to evaluate policies and practices that impact our community.”

All documents are available for public review on the City of Woodburn’s website at: https://www.woodburn-or.gov/community-services/page/immigration-resources-recursos-de-inmigraci%C3%B3n

Legacy Oregon Burn Center hosts free Safety Fair and Chili Cook-Off during National Burn Awareness Week

(PORTLAND, Ore., February 2, 2026) - Burn risks exist in every living space, from homes to apartments to temporary shelters. During National Burn Awareness Week, February 1-7, 2026, the Legacy Oregon Burn Center (OBC) will host the second annual Safety Fair and Chili Cook-off. The event aims to raise awareness about preventing burn injuries and home fires. First responders and healthcare teams will also compete for the title of chili champion. The public is invited to this family-friendly free event.

Legacy Oregon Burn Center Safety Fair & Chili Cook‑Off
Date: Sunday, February 7, 2026
Location: Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97217
Time: Noon–3 p.m. (please no pets)

Most burns are preventable. “About 90% of burn injuries happen in the home,” said Erin Horrax, RN, nurse educator for the OBC. “One third of our patients are children and 80% of those patients are being scalded by hot liquids.” Horrax explains that spilling a hot cup of tea or coffee on the skin or exposure to excessively hot tap water can result in burns that require months of treatment, extensive surgeries, and long hospital stays and afterward, patients may experience years of healing, therapy, and repeat surgeries.

Horrax offers some key prevention tips:  

• Kitchen Safety: Create a three-foot kid free safety zone around all cooking. Always supervise children around microwaves. Store flammable items away from heat, turn pot handles inward, and never leave cooking food unattended.
• Bathroom Precautions: Set your water heater below 120°F and supervise children during baths.
• Sleeping Areas: Extinguish candles before going to sleep and keep heat sources away from fabrics.
• General Home Safety: Test smoke alarms regularly, charge devices safely, and store chemicals out of reach.

                                                                                 ###

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

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. (Feb. 2, 2026) – On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 7:20 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a report of a person down on the northbound shoulder of Interstate 5 near the Exit 24 on ramp.

The preliminary investigation indicated the pedestrian, Anthony Jonathan Byam (34) of Phoenix, had been struck by a vehicle that did not stop. Byam was declared deceased at the scene. 

An investigation into the hit-and-run crash is ongoing.  

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

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Fire District 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.

February 2, 2026

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

Black Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition recruiting for Adult Advisory Council

SALEM, Ore. - The Black Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition is now accepting applications for the Adult Advisory Council to support youth-led suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. Adult advisors collaborate with and support the coalition’s Youth Wellness Consultants by providing guidance, sharing resources and helping to shape culturally specific, community-based prevention efforts. Adults with lived experience, professional expertise, or strong community relationships are encouraged to apply.  Applications will close Feb. 28. This role is voluntary.

To apply, submit an application by Feb. 28, 2026.

CARES Northwest Expands Services in Washington County

Relocation to the new Family Peace Center will triple trauma therapy capacity and double child abuse assessment services

PORTLAND, ORE February 2, 2026— CARES Northwest is pleased to announce expansion of its services in Washington County with the relocation of its existing clinic to the new Family Peace Center of Washington County. The Family Justice Center of Washington County purchased a 64,000‑square‑foot building at 1100 NE Compton Drive in Hillsboro to house the Family Peace Center, where CARES NW will offer expanded child abuse evaluation and support services.

CARES NW serves more than 2,500 children annually and is a nationally recognized children’s advocacy center dedicated to the treatment and prevention of child abuse.

The new space is a 10,000 square foot, state-of-the-art center that was designed with children and families in mind, and always with a focus on trauma-informed care. Thanks to this larger clinical footprint, CARES NW will double their child abuse evaluation capacity and triple the counseling capacity in Washington County.

“CARES NW has been supporting Washington County children and families for more than 36 years,” said Jenny Gilmore‑Robinson, executive director of CARES NW. “Until now, most children have been cared for at our clinic in NE Portland on the Legacy Emanuel campus. Recognizing the importance of serving children in their home communities, we’ve partnered with the Family Justice Center to co‑locate in their larger new facility in Hillsboro. This move is a major step forward in bringing hope and healing to more Washington County children, and we are honored to work alongside the Family Justice Center and our partner agencies.”

By co‑locating with leading nonprofit partners serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, CARES NW will make it easier for families affected by multiple types of violence to receive comprehensive care closer to home.

“Equally importantly, the families we serve will benefit from our stronger working relationships with domestic violence and sexual assault partners of the Family Justice Center,” said Gilmore-Robinson. “Instead of a phone call away, these amazing organizations will now be as close as an elevator ride or a walk down the hall, making warm handoffs and collaboration seamless for our shared clients.” The new clinic was a community-funded project.

The Family Peace Center will be the first of its kind in Oregon to provide services for survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault in one centralized location.

###

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

(Salem, Ore.) – The first quarterly meeting of 2026 for the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will be held virtually on Wednesday, March 4. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a town hall meeting at 11:30 a.m., which is open to the public.

Established in 1945, the Advisory Committee holds a distinct and fundamental role in advising the director and staff of ODVA. The nine members of the committee are military veterans from all corners of the state, appointed by the governor to serve and act as advocates for veteran issues and veteran concerns across Oregon.

Following every quarterly business meeting, the committee holds a town hall inviting the public to raise questions or concerns about broad veteran issues or to share information with the committee and agency director.

Members of the community are also invited to submit written public comments to the committee by emailing odva_vaac@odva.oregon.gov. The Advisory Committee meets quarterly on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Please register at events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/6894d639-c267-4f15-a99e-424eff10a459@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf to attend the business or town hall portion of this meeting. Attendees will be allowed to participate during the town hall portion only and will be invited to turn on their camera and unmute mics during a recorded meeting that will be posted online at a later date.

More information about the Advisory Committee and meeting materials can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx.

Oaks Park Celebrates Valentine’s Weekend with Skate Date Package and Lover’s Lane Love Notes

PORTLAND, Ore. (February 2, 2026) — Oaks Park invites couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend with a nostalgic and playful twist through its Valentine’s Skate Date Package, available February 13 and 14, 2026, during the 7:00 to 10:30 p.m. Open Skate sessions. The limited-time offering combines classic roller skating, shared dining, and a festive romantic atmosphere in one of Portland’s most iconic destinations.

Designed for first dates, longtime partners, and everyone in between, the Skate Date Package sets the mood for a charming evening of retro romance on the rink. Couples can enjoy hand-in-hand skating during couples-only moments while soaking up the Valentine’s vibe under the lights of the historic Oaks Park Roller Skating Rink.

The $49.95 Skate Date Package for two includes:

• Two Open Skate session admissions
• Two standard skate rentals
• Two Rick’s Cafe meal vouchers
• Two drink tickets

For guests who prefer to skate without the full package, skating-only tickets are available for $13 per person. The Skate Date Package is available online only for a limited time at www.oakspark.com/valentine.

In addition to the rink-side romance, Oaks Park is offering couples and families a lasting way to mark the occasion through its Lover’s Lane Plaque Campaign. The campaign invites the community to commemorate meaningful relationships with a custom-engraved plaque permanently installed along Oaks Park’s beloved Lover’s Lane walkway, creating a “permanent love note” that supports the preservation of the historic park and its nationally recognized roller rink.

“Whether it’s a first date, a 50th anniversary, or a family tradition passed down through generations, Oaks Park has always been a place where love shows up in many forms,” said Emily MacKay, Oaks Park Marketing and Events Director. “These plaques let people leave a piece of their story in a place that has meant so much to so many for more than a century.”

For more than 100 years, Oaks Park has been a joyful, multi-generational destination where families gather, friends reconnect, and new love stories begin. This Valentine’s season, the park invites the community to celebrate both the moment and the memory, from skating hand-in-hand on the rink to leaving a lasting message along Lover’s Lane.

To participate, donors can visit www.oakspark.com/love to customize their message and complete a tax-deductible donation through Oaks Park’s secure online form.

####

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. (Feb. 2, 2026) – On Friday, January 30, 2026, at 6 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to single-vehicle fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Highway 30 near milepost 19 in Columbia County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Dodge Ram 2500, operated by Ethan Anthony Goss (22) of St. Helens, was traveling eastbound on Highway 30 near Scappoose when it struck a pedestrian crossing the highway. The pedestrian was wearing dark clothing in an unlit area of the highway.

The pedestrian, Sherri Lynn Shaver (69) of Eagle Creek, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Dodge Ram (Goss) was not injured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Scappoose Fire District, Columbia County Medical Examiner’s Office, 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.

For Immediate Release: Feb. 2, 2026

Media Contact:  Communications@employ.oregon.gov;

Gail Krumenauer, state employment economist; umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">gail.k.krumenauer@employ.oregon.gov

2025 in Review: Job Losses and Rising Unemployment

Oregon’s labor force grows slightly despite negative turn in job growth

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon saw job growth in a handful of sectors and experienced a small increase in its labor force, but overall, the state lost jobs in 2025 as the unemployment rate rose nearly a point to 5.2%.

In reviewing the year, state employment economist Gail Krumenauer noted job gains were concentrated in private health care and social assistance, but rising jobless workers resulted in the highest unemployment rate – outside a recession or recovery period – in a decade.

Looking ahead, Oregon’s Office of Economic Analysis expects a rebound to slow job gains in 2026.

Visit QualityInfo.org for the full Year in Review article.

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.

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LINN COUNTY, Ore. (Feb. 2, 2026) – On Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 22 near milepost 68 in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a blue Hyundai IONIQ, operated by Curtiss Joseph Scholl (55) of Sisters, was traveling westbound on Highway 22 near Idanha when it attempted to pass another vehicle. For an unknown reason, the operator lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree.

The vehicle’s passenger, Kellie Jay Scholl (53) of Sisters, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator (Curtiss Scholl) was extricated from the vehicle and transported to an area hospital with injuries.

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

OSP was assisted by the Detroit/Idanha Fire Department, Lyons Ambulance, Stayton Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

 

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in 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.

The nation’s 2026 tax filing season is officially open. Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to file their 2025 tax returns and free help is available.

Filing your taxes could mean you could get money back – even if you don’t have to file or don’t have a Social Security number. Plus, this year you could get your share Oregon’s $1.4 billion kicker refund.

You could get money back if:

• You work
• You have children younger than 6 and you earn $30,000 or less
• You paid more in tax withholding than required.

Free tax is filing available to identify ways to get money back. The Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds trustworthy, culturally relevant or culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments and rural community organizations that provide free tax filing help for people with low incomes. Help is available in multiple languages.

Not filing a tax return often leaves money unclaimed. Filing your taxes is a legal obligation if you meet minimum income thresholds, but you can also get refunds, and claim credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit). Plus, this year there are new tax laws that could help families get more money back. Even with tax law changes, which can be complex, the Internal Revenue Services has stated that most taxpayers will be able to file their returns and receive their refunds without delay.

Community organizations offering free tax filing help:

The following community organizations offer free tax return preparation through October 15. All give assistance in English and Spanish at a minimum and most offer virtual filing options for individuals living outside of these areas.

• Beaverton, Gresham, Portland: CASH Oregon, 503-243-7765, info@cashoregon.org
• Bend, Redmond: Latino Community Association, 541-382-4366, info@latinocommunityassociation.org
• Bend, Corvallis: Oregon State University, 541-737-3371, vita@oregonstate.edu
• Coos Bay, Roseburg: Moneywise Oregon, 541-670-5054, dan@moneywiseoregon.org
• Medford: United Way Jackson County, 541-864-5092, unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org
• Monmouth, Independence: Western Oregon University, 503-751-4132, wouvita@wou.edu
• Ontario, Portland: Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, 971-331-9811, ethz@irco.org">elizabethz@irco.org
• Woodburn: Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos, 503-982-0243, biec@centrodspc.org">debbiec@centrodspc.org

For more information about the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/tax-help.aspx.

With nearly 90 career and technical education options, Chemeketa prepares students for in-demand jobs while supporting the region’s workforce and economy

Salem, Ore., February 2, 2026 — Throughout February, Chemeketa Community College will celebrate National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by spotlighting the programs that prepare students for in-demand careers, strengthen local industries, and fuel Oregon’s economy. As a leading provider of workforce education in the Mid-Willamette Valley, Chemeketa’s CTE programs play a vital role in connecting people to opportunity and helping communities thrive.

Career and Technical Education is at the core of Chemeketa’s mission to build careers and strengthen communities. With around 90 CTE program options, students can pursue pathways aligned with their passions and interests while gaining the skills employers are actively seeking. Chemeketa’s CTE offerings span healthcare, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, business, technology, agriculture, transportation, public safety, and other high-demand fields—many leading directly to family-wage jobs.

As part of National CTE Month, the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA), in partnership with Oregon’s 17 community colleges, will host CTE Day at the Capitol on February 18. The event will feature hands-on demonstrations and displays in the East Galleria showcasing how community college CTE programs meet workforce needs across the state. Legislators and members of the public are invited to attend and engage directly with college representatives.

Community college leaders, students, and partners will also be at the Capitol on February 18 to emphasize the importance of maintaining stable funding for community colleges and continued support for the Community College Support Fund. Sustained investment ensures colleges like Chemeketa can continue delivering high-quality workforce training that supports economic mobility and regional growth.

“As the primary workforce training providers in Oregon, community colleges deliver education that is directly connected to jobs,” said Dr. Abby Lee, Executive Director of OCCA. “Community colleges are the backbone of our state’s economy, training the professionals who keep Oregon moving forward. National CTE Month and CTE Day at the Capitol are opportunities to show policymakers and the public how Community Colleges WORK for Oregon by delivering real workforce solutions and supporting local economies.”

At Chemeketa, CTE programs are developed in close partnership with local employers to ensure students gain relevant, hands-on experience and industry-recognized credentials. According to a 2023 Lightcast economic impact study, Oregon’s community colleges generated $9.6 billion in economic impact during Fiscal Year 2021–22 and supported nearly one in every 22 jobs statewide.

“Career and Technical Education changes lives,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “Our CTE programs help individuals build meaningful careers that lead to family-wage jobs, while also strengthening the industries and communities we serve. With nearly 90 CTE options, Chemeketa offers pathways that align with students’ passions and goals, whether they are just starting out, retraining for a new career, or advancing in their current field.”

Community members are encouraged to celebrate National CTE Month by learning more about Chemeketa’s CTE programs and following Chemeketa and OCCA on social media throughout February as colleges across the state highlight the people, programs, and partnerships that make Career and Technical Education a powerful engine for Oregon’s workforce.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

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

NORTH PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College will host memorial basketball games Saturday, Feb. 7, honoring late PCC student-athlete Chris Bendle and raising funds for the Chris Bendle Basketball Scholarship.

PCC’s teams will play Lane Community College at the Cascade Campus gymnasium in Portland with the men’s game starting at 2 p.m., followed by the women at 4 p.m. 

"Chris Bendle was loved at Portland Community College," said PCC Athletics Director Tony Broadous, who coached Bendle. "A hardworking, confident competitor, and honor student, he earned his role with hustle and toughness. He redshirted to improve, chasing a great breakout season. He won’t be forgotten." 

The fundraiser supports the scholarship foundation established in Bendle’s memory to honor his passion, drive and dedication to the sport he loved. Bendle, a Scappoose native, was an all-star athlete for Scappoose High School, earned a spot with the PCC Panthers and was known for his work ethic and three-point shooting. The 6-0 guard competed for PCC during the 2018-19 season and was known for his relentless work ethic. Bendle was just 20 when he died on May 28, 2020 in an automobile accident near his hometown. 

During halftime of both games, Panthers fans can participate in a three-point shooting contest with goodies like candy and T-shirt for prizes. A 50/50 raffle will also be held, with tickets available for $1 each.

Organizers said last year’s event raised $600, and the winner’s half of the raffle was donated back to the scholarship foundation. This year's aim is to grow the fund even more.

Supporters can also donate directly through the Chris Bendle Foundation Basketball Scholarship website or for fans who want an ongoing way to give can enroll in the Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program and select the Chris Bendle Foundation as their designated organization. The rewards program allows participating organizations to receive donations based on customer spending tied to a linked rewards account.

Event details

• What: Chris Bendle Memorial Games (fundraiser doubleheader)

• When: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7

• Where: Cascade Campus Gymnasium (600 N. Killingsworth St.)

• Who: PCC vs. Lane Community College

• Extras: Halftime 3-point contests (both games), 50/50 raffle ($1 tickets)

Learn more, or find additional details at panthers.pcc.edu.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 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.

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The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up efforts to keep families safe on the road. From January 26 through February 8, deputies will conduct focused enforcement of seat belt and child safety seat laws across the county—because your safety, and your family’s safety, matters.

Although Oregon boasts a high seat belt use rate of 95.53% (2024), unrestrained crashes still lead to tragic outcomes every year. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT):

• In 2021, failure to wear a seat belt was a factor in half of Oregon’s traffic fatalities.
• More than one-third of children under age 8 injured in crashes were unrestrained, held on laps, or moved to adult belts too soon.

This enforcement effort is funded by the Oregon IMPACT Traffic Safety Grant, which provides additional patrol hours dedicated to preventing serious injuries and saving lives.

Our message is simple:

• Buckle up—every trip, every seat.
• Make sure children are in the right seat for their age and size. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect the people you love.

For more information on child passenger safety, visit ODOT’s Safety Resources.

#BuckleUp #ChildPassengerSafety #LincolnCounty #DriveSafe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Monday, February 2, 2026

Opening Feb. 7, 2026, the exhibition explores the science, significance, history, and wonder of volcanoes that are constantly reshaping the High Desert

(BEND, Ore.) — For millions of years, volcanoes have been the most powerful force in nature. And for many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the May 18, 1980, eruption of Washington’s Mount Saint Helens. The science, spectacle, and significance behind these massive peaks will soon be at the center of an immersive new exhibition, "Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration," which will run from Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, at the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipient High Desert Museum in Bend, Ore.

On the heels of the Museum’s recent “Sensing Sasquatch” exhibition – which won the Western History Association’s prestigious 2025 Autry Public History Prize and earned national praise for exploring the Indigenous perspectives of what many call Bigfoot – comes the latest groundbreaking exhibition from the High Desert Museum. Under Pressure will take visitors on an educational, insightful, and thought-provoking journey into the forces that make volcanoes among the most majestic and often misunderstood natural wonders of the world, while exploring their individual stories and temperaments.

"From cultural and historical significance to the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, the Pacific Northwest and High Desert have a particularly long, complex, and symbiotic relationship with volcanoes,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., High Desert Museum executive director. "We live in their shadows, recreate on their slopes, and admire their beauty, but it’s the volcanoes’ ability to simultaneously cause destruction and creation that evokes feelings of awe. Under Pressure will provide an immersive and deep exploration.”

WHAT:             Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration, a groundbreaking new exhibition from Oregon’s High Desert Museum.

WHEN:            Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027

WHERE:          High Desert Museum (Spirit of the West Gallery)

                         59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702 (map HERE)

COST:              Free with Museum admission or membership

                         Active U.S. military and their families, as well as Tribal members, are FREE with ID

Among the highlights that visitors to Under Pressure can expect to encounter include:

• Engage the senses through interactive displays and exhibits, including volcanic rocks and a volcanic hazard map, to learn about cutting-edge volcano research.
• Hear stories and learn the significance of volcanoes to the people of the High Desert region.
• Get to know 4-6 individual volcanoes through biographies that explain the similarities and differences between them.
• Learn about present-day volcano hazards and how lava flows.
• Understand the technologies that scientists use to detect volcanic activity, which allow us to live among volcanoes while also enjoying their many benefits.

“These geologic giants exist all around us, come in all shapes and sizes, and tell a story of our past, present, and future,” says Whitelaw. “With 350 million people living near an active volcano worldwide, the more we understand about volcanoes, the better we can exist alongside them.”

Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration opens to the public on Feb. 7, 2026, and runs through Jan. 3, 2027, in the High Desert Museum’s Spirit of the West Gallery. For additional information on exhibitions or to start planning your experience, visit highdesertmuseum.org.

About The High Desert Museum

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

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Annual Clinic Provides No-cost Services for Youth ages 4–17

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Clark College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic will offer free dental care for children ages 4-17 during its annual Free Children’s Dental Health Care Day on Saturday, Feb. 7.

The college’s dental hygiene students will provide free care under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Services are available to families with low income or no insurance, and children with special health care needs are welcome.

Free services include:

• Dental exams
• Teeth cleanings
• Dental X-rays
• Sealants
• Fluoride treatments
• Select dental emergencies

Event details:

Appointments are required:  Call Clark Dental Hygiene business office at 360-992-2158

What:   Free Children’s Dental Health Care Day

When:  Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: The Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center in the Health Sciences Building on Clark's main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington 

Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.

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

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

Accommodation: If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact hr@clark.edu or 360-992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

About Clark's Dental Hygiene Program and Clinic

The Clark College Dental Hygiene program is nationally recognized for excellence and highly regarded by dental professionals in the region. Clark also offers a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene, and builds on the existing associate degree. The Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center, located on the college’s main campus, offers affordable dental care for more than 2,000 patients annually. Equipped with modern technology, the center provides high-quality care for patients in the Vancouver/Portland area delivered by Clark’s dental hygiene students under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Available patient treatment times vary term by term. Clinic days are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. 

Learn more about Clark’s Dental Hygiene Clinic here.

About Clark College 

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Columbia 9-1-1 Conducting Planned Maintenance and Inspections

Work follows meetings with first responders and community member to support reliable emergency communications

ST. HELENS, Ore. [February 01, 2026] — The Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District will begin planned preventative maintenance and inspections at select radio tower sites starting the week of February 2, 2026. After meeting with local first responders and receiving input from community members, the District is taking steps to address the concerns raised and maintain reliable emergency communications.

In addition to preventative maintenance, the inspections will help identify equipment that may need updating or replacement to ensure the system is performing as designed. Maintenance activities will take place intermittently over an estimated three-week period. During this time, individual tower sites may be temporarily taken out of service while work is completed.

The District has worked closely with emergency responder agencies throughout Columbia County to identify practical, accessible solutions and to develop a coordinated plan that includes contingency measures to minimize any potential service impacts.

“Our priority is responding quickly and effectively to the concerns raised by the agencies and community members who rely on this system,” said Jeremy Hipes, Executive Director of the Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District. “This work allows us to directly assess system performance and take appropriate action while keeping emergency communications available.”

Emergency services will continue to operate throughout the maintenance period. The District will provide updates as appropriate if conditions change.

For more information, please contact:
Jeremy Hipes
Executive Director
Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District
Phone: 503-397-7255
Email: jhipes@columbia911.com

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - On Saturday, January 31, at a peaceful march in Portland organized by Oregon’s labor unions; workers, children, and community allies were tear-gassed by federal agents. The use of chemical agents against nonviolent demonstrators is dangerous, unacceptable and an attack on Oregon’s working families.

Peaceful protest is a fundamental American right. When federal agents respond to lawful, nonviolent demonstrations with force, they undermine public trust and put workers, patients and entire communities at risk.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) strongly condemns these actions. We will not be intimidated, and we will not accept violence as a response to organizing, dissent, or advocacy. Attacks on working people are attacks on the health and safety of our communities.

Even in the midst of this aggression, ONA’s strength was evident. Frontline nurses and healthcare professionals immediately did what they do best: caring for people in need and providing treatment to those exposed to chemical agents.

Their response reflects the core values of nursing and healthcare—protecting health, safety, human dignity and human rights, especially in moments of crisis.

ONA will continue to stand up for Oregon’s immigrant community—by taking action in our streets, holding hospitals accountable, protecting patients, and advancing policies like the Healthcare Without Fear Act—legislation that establishes clear standards and accountability for federal agents operating in healthcare settings and our communities.

Please visit OregonRN.org/CareWithoutFear for more information and to take action.

ONA remains committed and ready to stand on the frontlines to defend all Oregonians from threats to their safety, health, and fundamental rights. 

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On Saturday, January 31^st, 2026, Lincoln City Police Department Officers, including Police K9 Nato, responded to assist the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in establishing a perimeter around a residence on North Westview Drive in Otis, Oregon. LCSO Deputies relayed that they believed 27-year-old Billyray Branum, of Otis Oregon, was barricaded inside and refusing to come out. Branum had an active felony warrant related to a weapons offense.

After an approximate 90-minute standoff Branum agreed to peacefully surrender and came out with his hands raised. He was taken into custody without violence. During a brief interview Branum acknowledged, “I really did not want to get bit.” He was lodged by LCSO Deputies on his warrants.

Although our K9 Officers, as well as Nix and Nato, train rigorously to track and apprehend suspects, the primary goal of our K9 Program is to encourage offenders to surrender peacefully and keep our Officers safe. We would like to express our gratitude to the citizens of Lincoln City for their ongoing support of our K9 Program. We have experienced many peaceful surrenders based on the presence of our K9 partners and are pleased to support our city and neighboring agencies with their hard work.

Just before 8 p.m. this evening, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue crews responded to reports of a residential fire on Old Parrett Mountain Road in rural Newberg. The 9-1-1 caller reported that the kitchen was on fire in a two-story home.

First-arriving units found the residence fully involved in fire, with flames venting from all windows on all sides of the structure. Due to the lack of fire hydrants in the area, crews initiated a water shuttle operation using water tenders to provide a sustained supply for suppression efforts. Access to the scene was also challenged by a long, narrow driveway extending nearly a half mile. A second alarm was requested right away to bring additional firefighters and apparatus to the scene due to these challenging conditions.

All occupants safely evacuated the home prior to firefighter arrival. One resident sustained minor injuries after attempting to re-enter the home to search for a missing cat. He was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Firefighters worked defensively to contain and extinguish the fire under difficult conditions. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue was assisted on scene by Dundee Fire & Rescue and Newberg Police Department.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by fire investigators.