Oregon, USA - May 9, 2024 - The Oregon State Fire Fighter Joint Apprentice Training Committee is proud to announce the selection of three new apprentice sites: Corvallis Fire Department, Coos Bay Fire Department, and Umatilla Fire District #1. This landmark decision comes as a result of the groundbreaking Oregon House Bill 2294 in the 2023 Session, which allocated funds to establish a Bureau of Labor Industry regulated Fire Fighter Apprentice Program. 

The introduction of the Apprenticeship in Oregon’s Fire Service marks a pivotal moment in the state's firefighting landscape, aiming to attract individuals who may not traditionally consider a career in firefighting. With a strategic focus on BIPOC communities, veterans, and women, the program endeavors to better reflect Oregon’s diverse population. 

Apprenticeship candidates undergo a rigorous selection process, including non-fire service testing, NFPA 1582 Medical Fitness for Duty Exam, and comprehensive background checks. Once accepted into the two-year program, apprentices receive academy training from their respective departments or districts and are subsequently assigned to journey-level firefighters. 

A key component of the program is the completion of Emergency Medical Technician Basic Level training, supplemented by associated college-level coursework in partnership with local community colleges. Upon successful completion of 4000 hours of training and on-the-job experience, apprentices attain journey-level status, equipped with the necessary skills and certifications to embark on their careers in the Oregon Fire Service. 

What sets this program apart from traditional volunteer firefighting roles is that apprentices are compensated for their on-the-job training, eliminating financial barriers that may deter individuals from pursuing a career in firefighting. This initiative addresses the pressing need for a viable career path for those who face economic pressures. 

The selection of Corvallis Fire Department, Coos Bay Fire Department, and Umatilla Fire District #1 as apprentice sites is strategic, considering the workforce diversity challenges these communities encounter. By increasing the "weight of attack" on each shift by 25%, the program not only enhances emergency response capabilities but also ensures that subsequent calls or alarms can be answered promptly, bolstering public safety. 

This program epitomizes a proactive approach to addressing the essential government service needs of our communities. By improving service to the public, enhancing firefighter safety, and creating career opportunities for underrepresented groups, the Oregon State Fire Fighter Joint Apprentice Training Committee is fostering stronger partnerships between the State of Oregon, Fire Departments, and Districts throughout the state. 

In conclusion, the implementation of the Fire Fighter Apprentice Program underscores a commitment to fiscal responsibility, delivering improved outcomes for taxpayers while fortifying the resilience of Oregon's firefighting infrastructure. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT), led by the Vancouver Police Department, is continuing the Independent Investigation of the officer-involved use of force incident involving deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office on April 13, 2024, at the American Legion located at 14011 NE 20th Avenue.

Once the investigation is completed, it will be forwarded to the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review. 

Additional information will be released as it is available and will be sent out in a media release.

###

Tigard, Oregon – Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD) Director of Secondary Amber Fields announced today that Christopher Harvey-Foltz will be the interim principal at Hazelbrook Middle School for the 2024-2025 school year. Harvey-Foltz will assume the role on July 1, 2024, replacing current Principal Lisa Dailey who has accepted a position with the North Clackamas School District. 
 

“In the transition to interim principal, Chris brings a valuable continuity of care to the Hazelbrook community. With his transparent communication, collaboration style, effective relationship-building skills, and strategic mindset, Chris embodies the qualities of a strong leader,” said Director Fields. “He has an unwavering dedication to student well-being ensuring that every student feels acknowledged, appreciated, and heard within our school. We're so excited to have Chris leading us forward to drive continued progress at Hazelbrook.”

Christopher brings 12 years of experience in education, beginning his teaching career as a Special Education teacher for 4 years. He obtained his administrator license in 2019 while working as the Administrator for Special Programs for the Beaverton School District and then held the role of Assistant Director of Special Education for three years before joining the Hazelbrook team in 2023. 

“I am ecstatic for the opportunity to support Hazelbrook in the role of Principal. In my short time at HMS, I have felt extremely welcomed by students, staff, and families, and I am proud of the amazing work our students and staff do each day. This past year has been a year of growth and I’m excited to carry that progress forward with this community.

Harvey-Foltz has brought thoughtful and strong leadership and operational management skills to the Hazelbrook administrative team, as well as a commitment to creating a collaborative workplace for all staff. His experience in working with diverse populations brings an equity-minded focus that aligns with the mission and goals of the TTSD community.  

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is warning drivers who use Chemeketa Street NE that the road will be closed east of 12^th Street NE at the railroad crossing beginning Monday, May 13, 2024, from 7 p.m. to Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at noon. The 18-hour closure is necessary to make railroad crossing repairs at the intersection. Traffic on 12^th Street NE will be allowed in both directions, with one lane closed, as construction is taking place. 

Location: Chemeketa Street NE closed to traffic at 12 Street NE, Salem, OR.

Date and Time: Monday, May 13, from 6 p.m. to Tuesday, May 14, 2024, to noon.

Affected Areas: The Chemeketa Street NE road closure will include travel lanes, sidewalks, and parking spaces near the train tracks in the construction zone.

Caution: Drivers are urged to be cautious while traveling, follow all signage, and watch for workers in the area.

This project is a continuation of planned construction work along the Union Pacific railroad line within the City of Salem. Future closures at the intersections of the Union Pacific Rail Road and Center Street NE, Marion Street NE, D Street NE, and Market Street NE are expected in May and June of 2024. 

Please continue to monitor the Current Road Conditions Map on the City of Salem website to receive up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem.  For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or vice@cityofsalem.net">service@cityofsalem.net.

Miss Oregon, Allison Burke, brought joy and celebration to the Pioneer Community Center on May 10 as part of the Mother's Day festivities. 

Burke, adorned in her Miss Oregon sash and crown, joined volunteers and staff in serving a Congregate lunch to over 50 guests. She also took the stage to share her experiences from her year of service, emphasizing the program's focus on personal successes in community service, academics, and performing arts. 

Additionally, Burke shared her personal connection to Meals on Wheels and Hunger Free America as her Social Impact Initiative, which has been a passion of hers since a young age. She spoke eloquently about the importance of addressing food insecurity in our communities and outlined her ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support for these vital organizations. 

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Burke delighted the audience with a classical violin piece followed by an upbeat fiddle tune, showcasing her musical talents to the delight of all present. 

In recognition of the mothers in attendance, the Pioneer Community Center presented roses, cookies, and tea treats, along with an array of self-care gift bags for raffle prizes, spreading love and appreciation on this special day.

About the Miss Oregon Scholarship Program:

The Miss Oregon Scholarship Program, established in 1947, provides educational scholarships and opportunities for young women aged 18-28, as well as teens aged 13-18, to excel in academics, community service, and the performing arts. Through its commitment to empowering women and promoting self-esteem, the program has become a cornerstone of female leadership and achievement in Oregon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

May 10, 2024 

Contact: 

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292 

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov 

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates Child Care Provider Appreciation Day 

SALEM, ORE. –The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) celebrates the work of providers on Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.  

“It’s important to pause to give recognition where recognition is due,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee, while speaking to providers in Woodburn. “. We see and appreciate the positive impact you make to children, to families, to our economy, and our future. You are changing lives every day – Oregon wouldn’t work without you.” 

Governor Tina Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating May 10, 2024 as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. The Day is celebrated annually across the country on the Friday before Mother’s Day as a way to say “thank you” to the educators and care professionals positively shaping the lives of young children. 

Provider Appreciation Day recognizes the child care workforce and their important contributions to young children, families, and our communities. The pandemic shined a spotlight on what so many parents have known for years – child care providers play an invaluable role in our communities by giving families a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for their own young children.  

“Ensuring providers have professional development opportunities and pathways to stay in this field is paramount,” said Chatterjee. “Thank you for playing a critical role in educating and empowering young children in supportive, culturally competent environments that make it possible for families to access care and to work. 

Today we celebrate you and offer our deep gratitude.” 

Some families are choosing to celebrate Provider Appreciation Day with a card or flowers for their care provider. Community members are encouraged to tag DELC on social media with pictures or words of appreciation. 

### 

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care 

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates. 

(Astoria, OR)  — Clatsop County is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving on the Clatsop County Planning Commission.  The deadline to apply has been extended to 4 p.m. Friday, June 14.

“Planning commission members play a critical role in protecting the health and safety of our communities and property values,” said Gail Henrikson, community development director. “We strive to see that all geographical areas of the county are represented to the greatest extent possible.” 

The Planning Commission is the county’s committee for citizen involvement on development and land use issues, such as zoning, natural resources, transportation, natural hazards, economic development, housing, farm and forest lands and coastal zones. 

The commission makes land use decisions on subdivisions, and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on amendments to the comprehensive plan and its implementing ordinances. 

Committee application forms are available on the Clatsop County website or at the County Manager’s office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410 in Astoria. 

The Planning Commission regularly meets in Astoria at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are currently hybrid, with an in-person and virtual option available. 

The Board of Commissioners is tentatively scheduled to review applicants at its Wednesday, July 10 work session, with appointments tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 24. 

For additional information about the commission’s meetings or responsibilities, please email or call Gail Henrikson at 503-325-8611. 

### 

Department of Public Safety Standards and Training

Memorandum

DATE:         May 10, 2024

TO:             All Oregon Private Security Providers and Interested Individuals

FROM:        Suzy Herring

                  Program Manager

SUBJECT:   Private Security and Investigator Policy Committee (PSIPC) – Recruitment

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (Department or DPSST) is accepting letters of interest, accompanying interest form, for two different openings on the

Private Security and Investigator Policy Committee. The recruitment is open until Thursday, June 13, 2024. The two openings are:

• One person representing the public, who has never been employed or utilized as a private security provider or an investigator; and is not related within the second degree by affinity or consanguinity to a person who is employed or utilized as a private security provider or investigator.
• One person representing the health care industry.

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee established by Oregon Revised Statute 181A.375, and is charged with the responsibility of developing policies, requirements, standards, and rules relating to the private security and private investigator disciplines. All recommended policies, requirements, standards, and rules are submitted to the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (Board) for consideration. The PSIPC meets on a quarterly basis. The meeting calendar is listed here:  https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/BD/Pages/default.aspx. Members of the PSIPC may be eligible for reimbursement of costs incurred traveling to and from meetings.

Nominations for membership must be submitted to the Department for presentation to the Board chairperson for consideration. All appointments to the committee will be subject to ratification by the Board. The term of an appointed member is two years. An appointed member may be appointed to a second term.

If you are interested, you must complete and submit a Policy Committee Interest Form. This recruitment closes at 5pm on June 13, 2024. Interest forms must be received prior to the deadline. The interest form is available on the DPSST website. Here is a link to the form. Please send your completed interest form to:

Samantha Kossa

4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, OR 97317

Samantha.Kossa@dpsst.oregon.gov

Phone 971.209.8235

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Updates on PacifiCorp Lewis River dispersed shoreline campsites

ARIEL, Wash. (May 10, 2024) — PacifiCorp’s boat-in dispersed campsites located on Yale and Swift reservoirs are now open for 2024 reservations for the summer season – a new opportunity for visitors to the Lewis River area. Reservations for dispersed shoreline campsites can be made online at https://www.pacificorp.com/community/recreation/washington/dispersed-camping.html.

The campsites along the shorelines of Yale and Swift Reservoirs are remote sites that provide a wilderness-type camping experience and are only accessible by boat. PacifiCorp has 9 designated shoreline campsites on Yale Reservoir and 11 designated shoreline campsites on Swift Reservoir. 

Dispersed shoreline camping is only allowed at designated campsites. Several informal campsites have been closed because of ongoing impacts to sensitive resources as well as public safety concerns. PacifiCorp continues to evaluate the shoreline campsite program to ensure it remains safe and sustainable for future use.

• Yale Reservoir dispersed camping program begins Friday of Memorial Day weekend and ends Labor Day. 
• Swift Reservoir dispersed camping program begins Friday of Memorial Day weekend and ends September 30.
• Overnight parking and registration for dispersed shoreline camping is available at Saddle Dam Park (Yale Reservoir) and Swift Forest Camp (Swift Reservoir) only. Overnight parking for dispersed camping is not permitted in other recreation sites. 

As of 2024, PacifiCorp does not allow campfires at the dispersed shoreline campsites due to the remote nature of these campsites and the risk of wildfire. It is now prohibited to have an open or stove fire at any time that uses charcoal, wood or pellets as fuel. Disposable grills and torches of any kind are not allowed. Portable cooking stoves and lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel, such as propane, may be used as they can be turned off and do not cause sparks or embers. You can review further details on our website.

PacifiCorp appreciates campers managing their own sanitation at these sites and strictly adhering to the dispersed shoreline campsite program rules. 

###  

About PacifiCorp

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

2024 Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

 and Policy Committee

Open Vacancy – Recruitments

The Board on Public Safety Standards & Training (BPSST) and established Policy Committees have open vacancies looking to be filled. The current vacancies are as follows:

BPSST: All Board applications must be submitted through Workday.com

• Administrator of a Municipality recommended to the Governor by the executive body of the League of Oregon Cities
• Representative of the collective bargaining unit that represents the largest number of individual workers in the DOC
• One member who is a district attorney recommended to the Governor by the Oregon District Attorneys Association
• One chief of police recommended to the Governor by the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police

Policy Committees: All Policy Committee applications are due by June 13, 2024.

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• One person representing telecommunicators
• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a telecommunicator

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

• One person representing the health care industry
• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a private security provider or investigator

Corrections Policy Committee:

• One Corrections Officer who is employed by the Department of Corrections at a women's correctional facility and who is a member of a bargaining unit

Police Policy Committee:

• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a police officer, certified reserve officer, reserve officer or regulatory specialist
• One command officer representing the Oregon State Police

To inquire about a vacancy, please visit Department of Public Safety Standards & Training : Board on Public Safety Standards & Training and Policy Committees : Boards and Committees : State of Oregon.

If interested in applying for a Policy Committee position, please complete and submit the Policy Committee Interest Form found under the ‘Board and Committee Resources’ section of the website listed above.

If interested in applying for a BPSST position, please complete the online application at Workday Board and Commission Opportunities. (Please note that an account may need to be created if not already in Workday)

For further information regarding the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training or its respective Policy Committees, please contact Samantha Kossa samantha.kossa@dpsst.oregon.gov

Thank you,

DPSST Board & Committees Staff

The 65th annual Battle Ground Public Schools Art Show returns this month, bringing back the popular People’s Choice Award. Community members can vote for their favorite submission at each grade level (primary, middle and high) through Sunday, May 19. Top selections will receive the People’s Choice Award at the May 28 board of directors meeting. Board meetings are open to the public and available to watch online.

“This event is a favorite for many of our art teachers, students and families,” said Allison Tuchardt, one of the district’s directors of curriculum, instruction and assessment and one of the organizers of the art show. “Online viewing allows family members from all over the country to see our students' amazing work and participate in the show. I am proud of the work our teachers and students display every year!”

Tuchardt is the daughter of the late Bob Peck, an art teacher at Battle Ground High School for 37 years. Peck created the BGPS Art Show in 1959 along with Battle Ground city librarian Florence Rieck as a way for the community to enjoy the creativity of its students.

The show features art by students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in a variety of media: 2D, 3D, photography and digital art/video. In addition to being viewable on the district’s website, winning pieces will be displayed in person at the May 28 school board meeting, where student-artists will be recognized.

“I am always amazed to see the talent on display from students throughout the district, and impressed by the dedicated art educators who help foster and shape that creativity,” said Superintendent Denny Waters. “The popularity of this event, even after 65 years, serves to show how much our community understands and appreciates the importance of arts in education. We are pleased to support these students through continuing this  tradition.”

In addition to People’s Choice Awards, students will be eligible to receive the coveted Bob Peck Award, Superintendent Awards, Board’s Choice Awards, Best of Show and juried awards.

The public is invited to view students' art on the district website and choose their favorites for the People's Choice Award through May 19.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Michael Brent Currie, passed away May 9, 2024. Currie was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death. 

Currie entered DOC custody on March 15, 2022, from Coos County with an earliest release date of June 14, 2024. Currie was 70 years old. 

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.

####

With the nice weather, full lake, and marinas being open we anticipate a lot of boat activity on Detroit Lake. There are a lot of logs and debris in the lake right now which can be very dangerous. The US Forest Service will be starting the lake sweep on Monday, but we ask everyone to be cautious. Have fun! 

Multnomah County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a shooting that occurred near the intersection of SW 26^th Street and SW Abbott Circle in Troutdale at 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 9. 

Deputies learned one person arrived at an area hospital in a personal vehicle with a gunshot injury. Deputies searched the area for the suspected shooter. No suspect or suspects were located. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Detective Unit is investigating.

Anyone with information on this incident who has not yet spoken to deputies is asked to contact the MCSO Tip Line at 503-988-0560.

Portland, Ore. (May 10, 2024): Pediatricians at Kaiser Permanente Northwest urge parents to exercise caution when considering melatonin supplements for children. After a significant increase in childhood ER visits associated with accidental ingestion, The Council for Responsible Nutrition has called for voluntary action within the industry to enhance packaging and labeling standards for melatonin products.

“Melatonin supplements, while commonly used for sleep regulation, should be used mindfully,” said Dr. Kirstin Reinecke, pediatric sleep specialist with Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Ore. “Parents are encouraged to talk to their pediatrician before starting melatonin.”

A recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a rise in childhood ER visits related to melatonin ingestion while unsupervised, with nearly 5,000 cases involving melatonin gummies alone. Most incidents involve children between 3 and 5 years old, indicating the need for enhanced safety measures.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition recommends updated labeling to include explicit warnings about potential hazards, such as drowsiness and interactions with alcohol. Child-resistant packaging and cautionary statements are also advised, particularly for flavored chewable forms that may appeal to children.

Manufacturers are being encouraged to adopt these guidelines promptly, and Kaiser Permanente supports this action.

Interviews available
Dr. Kirsten Reinecke, pediatric sleep specialist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews with media this Monday, May 13 btwn. 8:30-10:30 a.m. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org">Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Reinecke is prepared to discuss:

• What is melatonin?
• When do you recommend using melatonin? And when should you consult your pediatrician about whether melatonin is right for your children.
• Recommendations from the Council for Responsible Nutrition re. enhanced packaging and labeling standards for melatonin products.
• What can parents do to help with sleep besides offering melatonin?

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring of source water. The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. In the 50 liters sampled each day from May 5 to May 8, one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in each of the samples collected on May 7, and May 8. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the samples collected on May 5 and May 6. Prior to this detection, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run Watershed intake on April 22, 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 53 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,200 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day.

What: Taste of Home Dinner & Auction 
When: Friday, June 7, 2024 at 5:30pm
Where: Johnson Village Subdivision - 16001 NE 34th street Vancouver, WA 98682

VANCOUVER, WA - Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing, is excited to announce their second annual Taste of Home Event. 

The upcoming event is hosted at Johnson Village on June 7 at 5:30PM. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the newly built homes at the subdivision, participate in fun activities, hear Habitat stories, and enjoy an intimate dinner outside on the construction site with an opportunity to make a contribution towards Habitat’s future projects that will serve the next 100 homebuyers in Clark County. 

Purchase your tickets before May 20^th, and join Habitat on Friday, June 7th at 5:30pm. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online at charityauction.bid/tasteofhome

About Evergreen Habitat for Humanity:

Evergreen Habitat for Humanity is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions in Clark County, Washington. Through volunteers, donations, and partnerships with local organizations, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity builds and repairs homes to empower people and revitalize communities. The organization believes that everyone deserves a decent place to live by creating opportunities for families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance. 

For more information on how to get involved or to learn more about Evergreen Habitat for Humanity's mission and projects, please visit ehfh.org or contact Leah Middleton at leah@ehfh.org.  

The City of Fairview, Oregon has designated four finalists for the position of City Manager: Peter Boyce, Elizabeth Coffey, Laura Conroy, and Thomas Hutka. The Fairview community is invited to participate in facilitated roundtable group conversations with the finalists the evening of Monday, May 20th from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at Fairview City Hall, Council Chambers, 1300 NE Village Street, Fairview, OR 97024. Participants are asked to attend for the entire time period to be able to meet with all of the finalists. Please contact Emily Rehder at Jensen Strategies (emily@jensenstrategies.com) for additional language or accessibility accommodations.

Peter Boyce most recently served as the City Administrator for the City of Woodland, WA. He previously served as City Administrator and Assistant City Administrator for the City of Gladstone, OR; Parking Commission Administrative Services Manager for the City of Missoula, MT; County Administrator for the County of Wabasha, MN; Chief Executive Officer, Clerk, and Recorder/Election Administrator for the City/County of Anaconda/ Deer Lodge, MT. Mr. Boyce holds a Bachelor's degree in Technology and Business Development from Montana Technological University. Mr. Boyce said of his candidacy, “I'm very excited for the opportunity to interview for the City Manager position in a vibrant community such as Fairview.”

Elizabeth Coffey is an Assistant City Manager for the City of Gresham, OR. She previously served as the Communications Director for the City of Gresham, OR; Communications Director for Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors; and Executive Director for Columbia County Board of Realtors. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Oregon. Ms. Coffey said of her candidacy, “I’ve spent the last eight years in local government in East County, learning about the challenges and opportunities that our communities face. It’s truly an honor to be considered for the Fairview City Manager position, and I look forward to the upcoming conversations with the City team, the community and the City Council throughout this process.”

Laura Conroy is the current Attorney/Administrator/Project Manager for the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments. She previously served as Director of Strategic Engagement for the Multnomah Education Service District; Principal for Conroy Consulting; Partner at Adkins Watkinson; and Associate at Adkins and Associates. Ms. Conroy holds a Juris Doctor from Willamette University College of Law and a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Resource Economics from Oregon State University. Ms. Conroy said of her candidacy, “Fairview is a vibrant and family friendly community. I’m excited to participate in the selection process for its City Manager.”

Thomas Hutka recently served as the Town Manager for the Town of Newington, FL. He previously served as Public Works Director for Broward County, FL; Municipal Program Management Director for HNTB Consulting; City Manager for the City of Port Huron, MI; and Deputy County Manager for Osceola County, FL. Mr. Hutka holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree in BSE Civil Engineering from Princeton University. Mr. Hutka said of his candidacy, “I am excited about the opportunity to serve Fairview as your next City Manager. Working together, we can keep what’s great about a great community, and successfully face the challenges of the future.”

DATE: Monday, May 13, 2024

TIME: 6:00 p.m.

LOCATION: via Zoom

Update on Friday, May 10, at 7:30 a.m.:

The suspect is identified as 49-year-old Bradley Paul Wyatt. He is currently charged with burglary in the first degree and criminal mischief in the first degree. Wyatt is being held in jail on a state parole violation.

Additional charges may be filed. The case will be forwarded to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office for prosecution.

Initial press release:

Law enforcement officers arrest a man after he broke into an occupied home in Fairview and barricaded himself inside for several hours.

On May 9, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., Multnomah County sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call from a homeowner in the 200 block of Bridge Street in Fairview. The caller reported that an unknown man was trying to enter their home. The caller, and other occupants, were able exit the house and meet deputies down the street. Deputies established a perimeter around the home to keep the suspect contained to a single location and protect surrounding neighbors. During the call, deputies learned that the suspect may have had access to weapons. In response, incident command activated the East Metro Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. East Metro SWAT is comprised of Multnomah County sheriff’s deputies and Gresham Police officers, and includes members specially trained in crisis negotiation and drone operations.

After obtaining an arrest warrant for the suspect, the SWAT team entered the home and took the man into custody without further incident, at approximately 11 p.m.

The suspect will be identified in a future press release after they are booked into the Multnomah County jail.

No injuries were reported by the home’s occupants, the suspect, or law enforcement officers.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the cooperation and patience of all residents impacted by the police activity.

VANCOUVER, Wash.— The Clark College Veterans Center of Excellence invites the community to its 10^th anniversary celebration from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21 in Gaiser Student Center in Gaiser Hall on the main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Directions and maps are available online.

The center assists military-affiliated students with their educational journey. Focused on supporting veteran student success, the center provides a single point of contact to coordinate comprehensive, individualized support services that address the academic, financial, physical, and social needs of Clark College’s student veterans. A Clark College veteran is any military-affiliated student at Clark: veterans, active duty, or a military dependent, either spouse or child. 

The center’s staff can connect student veterans to agencies, programs, and support. The center also provides tutoring, help with books and calculators; useful workshops; a study area with computers and printers; lounge and games for relaxation; networking with other veterans and more.

Donna Larson, Associate Director of Veterans Center of Excellence said, “It is so important for the students to know that we care about them and their success. Student success is directly affected by the resources that we can offer. We want to uplift our student stories and express our gratitude for the donors and community members' contributions that made this happen year after year.” 

Schedule:

• Patriot Guard will welcome guests
• Cowlitz Tribal member will give the land and labor acknowledgement and welcome guests
• VCOE student success stories will be shared
• Contributors to VCOE over the years will be acknowledged
• Veterans Club at Clark College
• Make thank you notes to veterans 

Connect with Veterans Center of Excellence: 

In person: Penguin Union Building, PUB 015

Phone: 360-992-2073 or 360-992-2864

Email: ans@clark.edu">veterans@clark.edu

Website: https://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/vrc/

Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds. If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 or email: hr@clark.edu/.

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90^th year, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

####

ORCHARD, Idaho - The 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment of the Oregon Army National Guard received the Meritorious Unit Commendation on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, during their annual training at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho for exceptional service during a 2010-2011 deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

Col. Russell Gibson, commander of the 82nd Troop Command Brigade, presented the battalion with the unit honor during a ceremony at OCTC. The commendation recognized the unit's "exceptionally meritorious service," providing convoy security and personal protection details throughout two-thirds of Iraq from September 2010 to September 2011. Many former members of the 3-116th 2011 deployment traveled to OCTC to witness the ceremony and receive their award.

"Despite enduring over 45 improvised explosive device attacks and 100 indirect fire attacks, the battalion's mission preparedness ensured these attacks resulted in no significant casualties," Gibson said before hanging the unit streamer on the battalion's colors.

The Meritorious Unit Commendation, a prestigious award for outstanding service during armed conflict, was bestowed upon the 3-116th Cavalry Regiment. Lt. Col. Christopher Miller, the current commander, underscored the magnitude of this honor, stating, "The degree of achievement required for this commendation is the same as that which would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit to an individual."

Miller elaborated on the unit's achievements, which led to the Meritorious Unit Commendation. He highlighted their commitment to the mission and each other during the challenging deployment, where they conducted over 1,500 convoy missions and 100 personal security details, covering a staggering 140,000 miles.

Miller expressed pride in the unit's dual role, serving their local communities and the country. He stated, "Eastern Oregon can be proud of its National Guard members. They have a record of meritorious service in helping their local communities during disasters and serving overseas to defend our country. This is why the Oregon National Guard is seen as the military Service of Choice for Oregonians." 

The 3-116th Cavalry, with units across eastern Oregon, traces its lineage to 1888 militia cavalry companies. Since the 2010-2011 Iraq deployment, the battalion has frequently mobilized for state missions and overseas, including Ontario's Adder Company's recent 2023 deployment, providing rapid reaction forces for U.S. Central Command in the Middle East. 

                                                                        -30-

Released Photo:

240508-Z-ZJ128-1001

Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, carry a set of bleachers into place at the ceremony site at Orchard Combat Training Center on May 8, 2024, preparing for the battalion's Meritorious Unit Commendation ceremony later that day. The Oregon National Guard unit was honored for exceptional service providing convoy security during a 2010-2011 deployment to Iraq. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard public affairs)

240508-Z-ZJ128-1002

Spc. Leary of C Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment holds the company guidon before the battalion's Meritorious Unit Commendation ceremony on May 8, 2024 at Orchard Combat Training Center. The Oregon Army National Guard unit was recognized for outstanding service providing convoy security during its 2010-2011 deployment to Iraq. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard public affairs)

240508-Z-ZJ128-1003

Sgt. Garrett Johnston, serving as the regimental guidon bearer, and Maj. Justin Symons, acting as the commander of troops, stand at parade rest with the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment in formation behind them during the unit's Meritorious Unit Commendation ceremony on May 8, 2024 at Orchard Combat Training Center. The Oregon Army National Guard battalion received the honor for exceptional convoy security operations during its 2010-2011 deployment to Iraq. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard public affairs)

240508-Z-ZJ128-1004

Col. Russell Gibson, commander of the 82nd Troop Command Brigade, addresses soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment during their Meritorious Unit Commendation ceremony on May 8, 2024 at Orchard Combat Training Center. Gibson presided over the ceremony and hung the commendation streamer on the battalion's colors in recognition of their exceptional convoy security operations while deployed to Iraq in 2010-2011. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard public affairs)

240508-Z-ZJ128-1005

Col. Russell Gibson, commander of the 82nd Troop Command Brigade, hangs the Meritorious Unit Commendation streamer on the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment's colors during a ceremony on May 8, 2024 at Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho. Lt. Col. Christopher Miller (left) and Maj. Justin Symons hold the battalion's guidon as Gibson affixes the honor for the unit's exceptional service providing convoy security in Iraq from 2010-2011. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard public affairs)

240508-Z-ZJ128-1006

Lt. Col. Christopher Miller, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, presented the Meritorious Unit Commendation to his soldiers during a ceremony on May 8, 2024, at Orchard Combat Training Center. Every member of the Oregon Army National Guard battalion received the prestigious unit award for the unit's exceptional convoy security operations while deployed to Iraq from 2010-2011 in support of Operation New Dawn. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard public affairs)

240509-Z-ZJ128-1001

A Tank Commander from the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment ground guides his M1A2 SEP Abrams tank into the ready parking area at Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho on May 9, 2024. The battalion was conducting gunnery qualification during its annual training at the combat center. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard public affairs)

240509-Z-ZJ128-1002

A tank crew from B Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment engages targets downrange with the 120mm main gun of their M1A2 SEP Abrams tank during Tank Table VI gunnery qualification on May 9, 2024 at Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho. The live-fire exercise was part of the battalion's annual training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard public affairs)

The May Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board meeting will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2024 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 May 15, 2024.

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

About TVWD 

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

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

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in an Executive & Working Session Meeting on Monday, May 13, 2024 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: recognitions for mental health awareness month and school nurse appreciation, Shaver elementary presentation on goals, choice trust grant presentation, board budget, summer conference discussion, introduction of proposed policy changes, summer school plan, discuss July and August meeting dates, debrief Commissioner Rubio meeting, academic calendar update and local option levy planning.  

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 to the meeting, please fill out an Intent-to-Speak card and hand it to the Board Secretary 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.

Prior to the Working Session meeting there will be a 3rd Grade Writing Contest Award ceremony put on by the Central East Portland Rotary at 5:30pm. 

On Thursday, May 9, 2024, at approximately 05:00 a.m., a Washington County Sheriff’s Office detective stopped a vehicle for traffic violations and recognized signs of impairment from the minor driver. 

In the early hours of Thursday morning, a Washington County Sheriff’s Office detective drove to work through the City of Cornelius and stopped for a red light Eastbound on Baseline Street. 

The detective saw a blue Dodge Caravan approaching and witnessed several traffic violations, including driving the wrong way on Baseline Street near North 20th Avenue. 

After calling for a cover unit, the detective stopped the vehicle for the violations. During the encounter, the detective noticed signs of impairment coming from the driver and other occupants in the vehicle. It was also discovered all the occupants were underage. 

The driver,17, was arrested for DUII while the other four occupants were issued citations for minor in possession. The driver was later released into the care of a responsible party. 

The Sheriff’s Office takes driving while under the influence of intoxicants seriously and is relieved nobody was injured. The Sheriff’s Office encourages you to call 911 if you witness dangerous driving. 

At noon today, SW Polk Fire District was dispatched to a logging accident, which required coordinated efforts from us and Life Flight network.  The incident, which occurred within the vicinity of PacWest Ambulance Service area, prompted a rapid deployment of resources to ensure the safety and well being of those involved.  Upon arrival at the scene, both Life Flight and SW Polk Fire District immediately attended to the injured individual, providing critical care on-site.  The patient, whose injuries were initially assessed as non-life-threatening, was subsequently airlifted to Corvallis Good Samaritan Hospital for further evaluation and treatment. 

After seven meetings spanning five months and more than 25 hours, the 25 member Citizen Budget Committee submitted a Budget recommendation for the approval of City Council that responds to community-identified priorities for library service and family activities. 

The work of the Budget Committee began in January 2024 with a presentation on the Five-Year Forecast focusing on the Transportation, Utility and General Funds. That presentation set the direction for the work of the committee recognizing that:

• To recommend a budget that adheres to the Council Fund Balance Policy, reductions are necessary this year, and
• To ensure the ongoing delivery of programs and services, new revenue is needed on an ongoing basis.

The City Council has an adopted fund balance policy (C-11) of 15% of budgeted revenues in the General Fund. This allows the City to pay for expenses from July to October when the City begins to receive property tax revenue from the counties. 

While the Five-Year Forecast set the stage, the City Manager's FY 2025 Proposed Budget was the starting place for the committee’s deliberations. The City Manager’s Proposed FY 2025 Budget reflected the Five-Year Forecast and identified more than $4M in reductions. Those reductions impacted services highly valued by the community – library, parks, youth, seniors, and public safety. 

“Over the course of their deliberations, the Budget Committee grappled with the hard reality of balancing the needs and expectations of the community, Council Policy, and declining revenues. Advocates for the library, police and vulnerable communities came out to support maintaining services. Other members of the community advocated spending reductions. The Budget Committee navigated a difficult process and challenging conversations with grace. The Committee did excellent work, and there are still difficult decisions ahead of us. I want to sincerely thank the committee and the community for their time, their commitment to our city, and their willingness to have difficult conversations.”

“Next year, we will face an even larger deficit. We need to increase revenue, or the reductions will be more severe. I encourage everyone who expressed support for City services and programs to stay engaged in the conversation,” reflected City Manager, Keith Stahley. 

After long deliberations, the Budget Committee relied on one-time funds (General Fund and Cultural and Tourism Fund working capital) to restore services identified for reduction. 

Ultimately, the Budget Committee approved a FY 2025 Budget to send to the City Council. Their recommendation:

• Included an expenditure budget of $727.6 million across all City funds.
• Restored some proposed General Fund reductions using one-time funding:
  • 7.25 positions at the Library – maintaining current hours
  • Movies in the park, concerts in the park, and the 2025 Kids Relay
  • Irrigation, water fountains, splash pads, and restrooms at neighborhood and community parks
  • One graffiti abatement position for the Police Department – maintaining the two current positions

The Salem City Council will hold a public hearing on the budget on June 10 and is scheduled to vote on adoption at their June 24 meeting.

Background

The City of Salem has faced General Fund budget challenges for well over 20 years. The challenges of a “systemic imbalance” continue to worsen due to the reliance on property tax revenues that were capped by constitutional amendments, Measures 5 and 50. The property tax system in Oregon is broken. The enduring impact of these measures is that they limit the growth of the taxable value of property and set permanent tax rates 

The City of Salem cannot increase property taxes to keep pace with population growth and escalating costs. 

Without a revenue source that keeps pace with escalating costs, we cannot continue to deliver services at the same level. Just like all our budgets, when the cost of groceries and gas increases – we reduce spending in other areas. 

During COVID-19 the US Government offered multiple financial relief packages. This influx of money postponed our financial challenges temporarily. Now those programs have ended, and Salem is returning to the same budget challenge we had in 2019. Without added revenue, increasingly difficult cuts will need to be made.

ASTORIA, Oregon – Steve Forrester, former editor and publisher of The Daily Astorian, will interview Marc Johnson, author of Mansfield and Dirksen: Giants in the Senate on Thursday, May 23, at 6:30 pm in the Astoria Public Library Flag Room. The Astorian is co-sponsoring the event with the Astor Library Friends Association. 

Senators Mansfield and Dirksen were majority and minority leaders of the U.S. Senate in the 1960s, and great friends. Despite strong political differences, they collaborated on a number of landmark policies during the turbulent 1960s. Forrester and Johnson will compare the U.S. Senate then versus now, and talk about national policies in the 1960s that affected the Pacific Northwest.

“In today’s era of polarized politics, it seems extraordinary that the Senate’s majority and minority leaders could put aside party rivalries to work together for the common good, but Mike Mansfield and Everett Dirksen shaped partisanship to create room for significant compromise. Marc C. Johnson deftly reveals how they made that work,” writes Donald A. Ritchie, Historian Emeritus of the U.S. Senate, in his review of Mansfield and Dirksen. 

Marc C. Johnson is an independent historian and senior fellow at the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana. He is the author of Tuesday Night Massacre: Four Senate Elections and the Radicalization of the Republican Party and Political Hell-Raiser: The Life and Times of Senator Burton K. Wheeler of Montana. 

Steve Forrester is the former editor and publisher of The Daily Astorian and author of Ahead of His Time: Richard Neuberger and the Decade that Changed Oregon.

Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served, courtesy of the Astor Library Friends Association.

# # #

HILLSBORO, Ore- On May 9, 2024, Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Erwin sentenced Tyrik Aliem Dawkins to 25 years in prison under Measure 11 sentencing guidelines. On April 25, 2024, the defendant was convicted of Rape in the First Degree, two counts of Sodomy in the First Degree, two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, and Coercion. Deputy District Attorney Christina Luedtke prosecuted this case. 

The defendant and the victim connected through an online dating site and agreed to meet each other in September of 2021. The defendant quickly became aggressive and possessive of the victim. These actions escalated when Mr. Dawkins sexually assaulted the victim multiple times at her apartment in Hillsboro. He took her cell phone, her car keys, and repeatedly blocked her from leaving her apartment over a two-day period. He later forced her to drive him to a hotel where he was staying in Portland. He eventually let the victim leave the hotel but threatened to kill her if she reported his actions to the police. 

Despite these threats, the victim reported the attacks to the Hillsboro Police Department and multiple acquaintances. Detectives interviewed the victim and those she confided in and secured digital evidence linking the defendant to the victim. 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the bravery of the victim in reporting the defendant’s actions. This office also acknowledges the work of the Hillsboro Police Department on this case. 

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

Portland, Ore. – After selling the winning Powerball ticket worth $1.3 billion, the fourth largest jackpot in the game’s history, Plaid Pantry was presented a bonus check worth $100,000 on Thursday. Oregon Lottery officials celebrated with store representatives at the location on 6060 NE Columbia Boulevard in Portland.

“The excitement and impact of a win like this in Oregon is incredible, not only for our prize winners, but also for our communities and locally owned retailer Plaid Pantry,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. 

Cheng “Charlie” Saephan of Portland, his wife, and their friend claimed the winning ticket from the April 6, 2024 drawing. The ticket was the only one in the country to match all five numbers plus the Powerball. 

“The energy and excitement we experienced from selling the winning ticket has been a big morale boost for the entire Plaid team,” said Plaid Pantry President and CEO Jonathan Polonsky. “We are very proud of our brand, which has been serving the Pacific Northwest for over 60 years. This bonus check will be reinvested in our business to benefit our associates, customers, and local suppliers.”

Oregon Lottery staff also surprised store customers at the Thursday event by handing out free $2 Scratch-its. 

Plaid Pantry has 104 stores in Oregon and has sold other sizable wins in recent years, including a $3.3 million Megabucks ticket in August of 2023 and a $1 million Powerball prize in March of 2023. 

Photos from today’s event are available to media at the link below. Please credit Oregon Lottery. 

https://brandfolder.com/s/nzg5t6gh3vstrbgt4s8fp7

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org. 

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will host Oregon’s annual Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony in person at 11 a.m., Monday, May 27, at the Oregon World War II Memorial, located at the intersection of Cottage and Court Street NE on the grounds of the Oregon State Capitol in Salem.

This event honors Oregon’s fallen service members from all eras of service and will include remarks from ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels and Oregon Adjutant General Alan R. Gronewold, along with other veteran leaders and state dignitaries. 

The event will also feature a color guard ceremony, a performance of the national anthem by West Salem High School’s award-winning a cappella group Soundscape, and other ceremonial elements. The theme of this year’s Memorial Day event is “Oregon Remembers.” ODVA Strategic Partnerships Division Director and Navy veteran Sheronne Blasi will serve as emcee.

“Memorial Day, established following the Civil War, is a day when we all pause and remember the more than 1 million men and women throughout history who have given their lives in defense of our nation,” said ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels. “Those of us who volunteer to serve in our nation’s Armed Forces come from a diverse tapestry and understand when we take the oath to defend and preserve our Constitution, and our nation’s highest ideals, we do so on behalf of ourselves, our families, and every person that calls America their home. On Memorial Day, Oregon will remember all our fallen and honor their service and their greatest sacrifice. Thank you for joining us in remembering.”

Limited seating will be available. Attendees are welcome to bring their own seating for the park setting and are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.

For those unable to attend in-person, the event will also be livestreamed beginning at 11 a.m. on ODVA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/odvavet and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAQVavs9KmvDeJ42ySFtY8A. 

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran services office online at oregon.gov/odva. 

###

MARION COUNTY, Ore. 9 May 2024 – In recognition of National Missing Children’s Day, May 25, 2024, the Oregon State Police Missing Children/Adults Clearinghouse is sponsoring an awareness event to provide resources for parents, guardians, and caregivers. 

The event, which coincides with Missing Children's Day, will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the north end of Capitol Mall Park in Salem (Center Steet NE between Winter and Capitol Streets). From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., OSP representatives and partner agencies will be on hand with activities and giveaways. 

The event will include informational booths from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Safe Oregon, OSP’s Missing Children/Adults Clearinghouse, and Marion County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue. Attendees can pick up free identification and DNA kits, visit with a police search and rescue K-9, and tour OSP’s new command vehicle. 

Julie Willard, OSP’s Missing Children/Adults Clearinghouse coordinator, said, “National Missing Children’s Day is an opportunity to remember the thousands of children who go missing each year. We work to educate parents about how to keep their kids safe, and we teach children about the “4 Rules for Personal Safety” that they can learn about on Kid Smartz." 

Kid Smartz is a child safety program that educates and empowers grades K-5 to practice safer behaviors. Please visit the Kid Smartz website for more information. 

About National Missing Children’s Day:
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25, 1983, the first National Missing Children’s Day in memory of Etan Patz, a 6-year-old boy who disappeared from a New York City street corner on May 25, 1979. Etan’s killer was convicted in February 2017, but the case remains active because his body has never been recovered. National Missing Children's Day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers, and others concerned with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority. The commemoration serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families.

# # #

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

SALEM, Ore. — The Forestry Program for Oregon Subcommittee will meet virtually on Wednesday, May 15 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. 

The subcommittee’s agenda includes:

• Review of current draft for Vision of Oregon’s Forests

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

Subcommittee purpose: Collaborative work forum for board and agency leadership to advance efforts to jointly develop a modern Forestry Program for Oregon (FPFO). Read more information about the subcommittee.

If your child will turn 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2024, consider attending an upcoming kindergarten orientation at one of Battle Ground Public Schools’ seven primary schools. Students do not need to be enrolled or pre-register to attend orientation. This is an opportunity for families to visit classrooms, talk with school staff, ask questions and get assistance with enrollment. This year’s schedule is:

• Daybreak Primary - 5-6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21
• Glenwood Heights Primary - 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23
• Captain Strong Primary - 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21
• Yacolt Primary - 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23
• Maple Grove Primary - 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23
• Pleasant Valley Primary - 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 23
• Tukes Valley Primary - 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23

If you are unable to attend an orientation but have questions prior to enrollment, please contact the school your child will be attending. A list of contact information is available on the district website. To determine which of the seven primary schools your child will attend, visit the Clark County Property Information website and enter your address. You can also contact the district boundaries office at 360-885-6577.

Enrolling now also  allows you to sign up your child for  Jump Start in August. This four-day program, Aug. 12-15, helps kindergarten students get acclimated to school. Space for Jump Start is limited and determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment also ensures you will receive information about school open houses held prior to the start of the school year. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and building administrators.

Students who are participating in the district’s Transitional Kindergarten program will automatically be enrolled in kindergarten at their neighborhood school and should let the school’s registrar know if they would like their child to attend Jump Start in August.

Kindergarten enrollment is available online. Parents and guardians will need to provide proof of their child’s birth date (such as a birth certificate) and a signed and completed Washington state certificate of immunization status or certificate of exemption. Please note that the state of Washington requires that immunization records be medically verified. 

School will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024; however, kindergartners will have a staggered start. This allows small groups of students acclimate to the school environment on the first couple of days of school before beginning to attend full time. Parents will receive a letter before the start of school about their child's start date. Sept. 3, 2024, will be the first full day of school for kindergartners. See the 2024-25 school year calendar (Español) (Русский). 

Preschool options
Battle Ground Public Schools also offers preschool options for early learners. Prairie High School, Battle Ground High School and the BGPS Community Education Department offer tuition-based preschool programs for ages 3-5. Battle Ground Public Schools also offers early intervention programs and services for children ages 3-5 who are identified for special education services. Learn more and compare options.

(SALEM, Ore.) – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, is now taking proposals from the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon for grants they could receive for urban and community forestry projects and programs.

In 2023, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) awarded ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program $26.6 million of the $1.5 billion investment in urban and community forestry from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). 

“The IRA funding Oregon received is intended to promote community and urban forest investment and tree equity for overburdened and underserved communities,” said ODF UCF Program Manager Scott Altenhoff. “Tribal communities in Oregon have a long history of displacement, dispossession and under-investment in their communities. So, a significant proportion of the funds – $10 million – are earmarked to support federally recognized Tribes’ efforts to protect and enhance their urban and community forests. This also includes workforce development in the urban forestry sector.”

Specifically, priorities for the funds earmarked for federally recognized Tribes are to:

• Support community and urban forestry assessment, planning, and prioritization
• Support culturally responsive community and urban forestry education, engagement, recreation, and community-building initiatives
• Build capacity with collective impact through a community and urban forestry network 
• Support community forestry and natural resource-related workforce development 
• Significantly expand tree production, planting, and maintenance 
• Support monitoring, adaptive management, and lesson sharing 

The USFS and ODF have also identified projects or programs related to first foods (foods traditionally eaten by Native Americans) and improving community access to greenspaces (e.g., developed parks or natural areas) as priorities for this funding opportunity.

Proposals should address at least one of the above program priority areas, or clearly demonstrate how the proposed project or program supports Tribal community connections to trees and/or forests, said Altenhoff.

He acknowledges that the program areas outlined may not fully reflect each Tribal Nation’s community and urban forestry needs and priorities. 

“We recognize that working with Tribes through this federal funding is critical to strengthening relationships and supporting the needs of Tribal communities to enhance cultural, socio-economic, and environmental priorities,” Altenhoff said. 

Altenhoff said a further $12.5 million will soon be made available to other eligible entities throughout Oregon. The money will fund competitive, multiyear investments in urban and community forestry programs and projects. Proposals for this second funding opportunity should:

• increase equitable access to urban tree canopy
• broaden community engagement in urban and community forest planning, tree planting, and management activities
• improve community and urban forest health and resilience. 

ODF Urban and Community Forestry Program Mission and Vision

The mission of ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is to advance equity, well-being, and resilience for all communities in Oregon by promoting investments in trees and green infrastructure. Our vision is for every community forest in Oregon to thrive with good planning and management, while fostering statewide recognition of trees and forests as vital contributors to the social, economic and environmental well-being of the state’s residents.

                                                                                    # # #

Portland, OR — The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is excited to partner with KALO Hawaiian Civic Club to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with free museum admission and a day of activities for all ages on Saturday, May 18, from 10am to 5pm! This event is also presented in partnership with Oregon Rises Above Hate, a coalition of people and organizations who seek to give voice to AANHPI communities. 

In addition to educational videos and a craft corner hosted by KALO, the event will also feature two Papa Ulana Launiu (Weaving with Coconut Leaves) workshops, a traditional practice of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people. These two-hour workshops led by Maui Grown 808, LLP offer an opportunity for community members to learn about the artwork, its history, and its meaning from artists traveling to Oregon from Lahaina, Maui. Maui Grown 808, LLP are artists Aunty Ui and Uncle Mario of Lahaina, Maui. Each participant will leave with a beautiful, new hat.

These workshops cost $25 to attend ($20 for OHS members) and are open to all people ages twelve and older. Pre-registration is recommended and can be done online at ohs.org/ulana.

Schedule of Events

10:15am
Oli and Opening Protocol
An oli is an Indigenous Hawaiian chant that is a traditional way to begin Hawaiian events.

10:30am–12:30pm
Ulana Workshop 1

11am–3pm
Keiki Corner Crafts
All attendees are invited to take part in keiki (child) crafts especially geared towards visitors under 12 who are not eligible for the Ulana workshops. 

12:30pm–1:30pm
Educational Videos 
Attendees will have the opportunity to watch educational videos about Hawaiian history and culture to connect the past to the events of the day.

1:30pm–3:30pm
Ulana Workshop 2

Native Hawaiians were among the earliest outsiders in present-day Oregon. The future state’s first resource to be exploited by outsiders was animal pelts, highly valued for trimming garments and making hats. Prevailing winds meant that ships heading to Oregon for that purpose routinely stopped in the Hawaiian Islands, also known as the Sandwich Islands. To learn more about this history, read “Hawaiians in the Oregon Country,” an entry on The Oregon Encyclopedia by Jean Barman and Bruce McIntyre Watson.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For nearly 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view. 
 

About KALO Hawaiian Civic Club

Ka ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona Hawaiian Civic Club of Oregon & SW Washington (KALO HCC) is a local 501(c)3 organization located in Beaverton, Oregon. KALO HCC strives to actively participate in the promotion, perpetuation, and practice of the Native Hawaiian culture and values by advocating and elevating the voices of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities through cultural practices and educational opportunities. KALO HCC is housed at the AloHā Resource & Community Center (ARCC), which is an inclusive space for anyone in the community to enjoy. KALO HCC has a Community Pantry & Clothing Closet, both free services, as well as multiple workspaces/meeting areas with free Wi-Fi. The ARCC is open every weekday from 10am to 5pm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE:  May 9, 2024

Man arrested in menacing and pistol-whip incident

Salem, Ore. — At approximately 3:00 p.m. on May 8, officers responded to the call of an armed person at the transit mall in the 200 block of High ST NE. Transit mall security personnel reported a man, who was unable to board a bus, shouted threats and displayed a handgun. As the man fled, he pointed the gun at a passerby. 

Responding officers located the suspect in the area of Court and Church STS NE where witnesses also reported the man used the grip of a gun to strike a female bystander in the face, knocking her to the ground and kicking her repeatedly.

After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect, Enrique King Hatfield, was apprehended by officers and a handgun was found on his person.

The woman who was assaulted was treated by paramedics at the scene. 

The 21-year-old Hatfield was arrested and lodged at the Marion County Jail on various related charges including:

• Assault, second-degree
• Menacing, two counts
• Unlawful use of a weapon
• Felon in possession of a weapon

Hatfield is set to be arraigned at the Marion County Criminal Court Annex today at 2:30 p.m. As such, all further inquiries about this investigation should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

# # #

Vancouver, Wash. – With warm weather in the forecast for this weekend, Clark County Public Health is reminding people to take caution in and around water – especially area lakes and rivers. In spring and early summer, lakes and rivers in Southwest Washington are still cold, and water may be moving quickly. 

“Temperatures may be warming up this weekend, but lakes and rivers are still cold enough to shock and immobilize even the strongest swimmers,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director.

Public Health urges people of all ages to follow these tips for safe swimming and recreating in all bodies of water this weekend and throughout the summer:

• Know your limits. Drowning often occurs when swimmers tire.
• Avoid fast-flowing waters, including rivers and ocean beaches with riptides. 
• Don’t swim alone.
• Avoid distractions when children are swimming or around water. Children should be supervised by adults anytime they are in or around water. Supervision requires complete attention, even if another adult is present. Drowning can happen swiftly and silently. 
• Wear a life jacket. Children, teens and adults should wear life jackets while boating, using a personal watercraft, inner tubing or while using other water sports equipment. Life jackets should also be worn while swimming in lakes, rivers or the ocean. By law, children 12 years and younger must wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket or vest on all vessels 18 feet or smaller. 
• Avoid alcohol and marijuana use when swimming or boating.
• Don’t dive into shallow water or jump off bridges or cliffs.
• Swim in designated swimming areas only. Signs will be viewable letting you know when and where it’s safe to swim.
• Teach children how to swim. Enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Early and frequent swim lessons will teach children the skills needed to stay safe while in and around water. 

Swim beach monitoring

The early arrival of summer-like weather has also prompted Public Health to begin its summer swim beach monitoring early. Beginning Monday, May 13, Public Health will monitor the water quality at the county’s three designated swim beaches – Vancouver Lake, Klineline Pond and Battle Ground Lake – checking the waterbodies every two weeks throughout the summer for bacteria that could make swimmers sick. The summer swim beach monitoring program usually begins after Memorial Day.

Public Health will issue advisories if bacteria levels exceed state thresholds and may pose a risk to people swimming or wading in the water. Signs will be posted at swim beaches with advisories, and information about advisories will be posted on the Public Health website and social media. People can also subscribe to Public Health’s weekly newsletter, In the Splash, to receive advisory updates via email every Friday.

Public Health also monitors local waterbodies, including designated swim beaches, for harmful algal blooms that can pose a health risk to people and can be fatal to pets. Harmful algal blooms have been known to occur at several waterbodies in the county, but none have been identified in Clark County yet this year.

Members of the public can report algal blooms on the Public Health website.

For more information about swim beach advisories and other public health topics, follow Clark County Public Health on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), and look for Public Health updates on Nextdoor. 

Beaverton, Oregon- During the early morning hours of May 9th, 2024, Beaverton Police Department officers were dispatched to the report of a vehicle which had struck a construction trailer and then flipped onto its roof near the intersection of SW Scholls Ferry Road and SW Murray Blvd.

Once officers arrived, they located the vehicle, a 2010 Ford Escape (pictured) and the driver (sole occupant), 37-year-old Jayla Kang Cowan of Aloha, Oregon. Kang Cowan was uninjured. 

Witnesses indicated Kang Cowan was driving her vehicle westbound on SW Scholls Ferry Road through the intersection at SW Murray Blvd when she traveled through caution tape and around traffic cones into a closed-off area. Her Ford Escape then reportedly hit a detached fork to a backhoe before traveling up the back of a construction trailer, causing her vehicle to overturn before it finally came to rest. 

Beaverton Police Officers arrested Kan Cowan for DUII and her vehicle was towed away from the scene. 

According to the Center for Disease Control, 32 people in the United States are killed every day in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver—this is one death every 45 minutes. Drinking and driving do not mix. 

The Beaverton Police Department is participating in a yearlong National Traffic Safety Campaign in 2024. The focus of this campaign is taking impaired drivers off our streets and keeping Beaverton a safe city to travel and live. Officers participated in targeted patrols for impaired drivers throughout April and made 37 total DUII arrests. Of the 37 DUII arrests in April, eight drivers refused to take a breath test and a warrant for a blood draw was granted. 

This May and throughout the rest of 2024, officers will continue their efforts to take impaired drivers off the streets of our no-refusal city. This High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) detail was paid for by grant funds from Oregon Impact and ODOT. ##BPD## 

A 2023 survey from Morning Consult reveals a startling trend: 57% of Gen Zers want to become social media influencers. If that doesn't work out, then what? 

With 1.8 million healthcare positions opening up in the U.S. each year, the industry must now grapple with capturing the next generation's interest. In Salem, Oregon, a clinic has worked to tackle this obstacle head-on by introducing students to the wealth of opportunities within healthcare.

The Salem Clinic Medical Foundation has launched an innovative and hyper-local online platform - Salem Keizer Healthcare Careers (SKHCC), to recruit the next generation of healthcare professionals. SKHCC aims to inspire and empower youth to explore rewarding career paths in their communities. 

"When students think of a career in healthcare, they typically think of just doctors and nurses," says Ericka Kingsbury, programs administrator and spokesperson for the Salem Clinic Medical Foundation. "Our goal is to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm among the youth of Salem Keizer. Healthcare is a highly diverse field. From direct patient care to behind-the-scenes support, there's a career for every kind of skill set and personality type." 

The SKHCC website is a comprehensive local resource, offering detailed information on various healthcare careers – including education requirements and potential earnings (for the Salem Keizer market). The website also provides links to educational institutions offering relevant programs close to home. 

"Not every healthcare career path requires years of schooling," says Kingsbury. "Many entry-level positions are just as vital and rewarding as their credentialed counterparts." 

Kingsbury encourages students, educators, and parents to explore the website and discover the opportunities awaiting in healthcare. "Students are drawn to careers they see online. I hope this website can reach students where they're at and help them discover a lifelong career that enables them and their communities to thrive." 

Visit www.skhealthcarecareers.org to learn more and embark on a journey toward a fulfilling healthcare career. 

About SKHealthcareCareers.org (SKHCC): SKHealthcareCareers.org (SKHCC) is an online platform dedicated to introducing the youth of Salem and Keizer, Oregon, to diverse healthcare career opportunities. Sponsored by the Salem Clinic Medical Foundation, SKHCC aims to inspire and empower young individuals to explore rewarding career paths within the healthcare industry by providing comprehensive information and resources. Winner of the 2024 Marion-Polk County Medical Society President's Award.

Beaverton, Oregon – On April 30, 2024, members of the Beaverton Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division conducted a targeted enforcement operation aimed at combatting sex trafficking within the Beaverton area. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to identify and address individuals involved in sex trafficking and related activities.

During the operation, four adult women were identified and contacted by Beaverton Police Detectives after they agreed to engage in sex acts in exchange for monetary compensation. Rather than arresting these individuals, they were provided with resources and support aimed at assisting them in exiting the cycle of trafficking and exploitation.

Additionally, two individuals were arrested, in separate incidents, during the operation for promoting prostitution. These individuals are identified as 33-year-old Keith Kelly of Portland, Oregon and 21-year-old Julius Lavant Mitchell of Auburn, Washington. During the arrest of Julius Mitchell, he was in possession of a handgun. During a subsequent search of the vehicle operated by Julius Mitchell, detectives seized and additional handgun, which was listed as stolen, 8.5 grams of cocaine, and $1,800 in cash. 

On May 8, 2024 a Washington County Grand Jury indicted Julius Mitchell of Promoting Prostitution. Julius Mitchell was also indicted on charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Delivery of Cocaine and two counts of Tampering with a Witness. Keith Kelly was cited and release from custody on April 30. He is set to appear in court in late May 2024.

The Beaverton Police Department remains steadfast in our commitment to combatting sex trafficking and supporting survivors. We encourage anyone with information related to sex trafficking or suspicious activity to contact the Beaverton Police Department or the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

#BPD#

OREGON CITY – Clackamas Community College is hosting a job fair for individuals interested in pursuing careers in manufacturing and welding. The event will be held Wednesday, May 30, noon-2 p.m., at the Holden Industrial Technology Center on the Oregon City campus located at 19600 Molalla Ave. This event is free and open to the public; parking is free.

This job fair is a great opportunity for job seekers to connect with local and regional employers actively hiring for various manufacturing and welding positions. Attendees are encouraged to bring their resumes and dress professionally to make a strong first impression.

Participating businesses include:

• Astronics-PECO
• Benchmade Knife Company
• Bob's Red Mill
• Cornell Pump Company
• CRB Manufacturing, Inc.
• EVRAZ - Oregon Steel Mills
• Excel Tech, Inc.
• GrovTec U.S., Inc.
• Leatherman Tool Group
• Lincotek
• Microchip Technology, Inc.
• Morgan Truck Body
• North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce
• Orchid Orthopedic Solutions
• Pacific Seafood
• Photo Solutions, Inc.
• Shields Manufacturing
• Syncro Design
• Trillium U.S.
• Vestas
• Western Precision Products

In addition to the job fair, CCC offers comprehensive welding and manufacturing programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in these in-demand fields. The college’s Career Center provides valuable resources and support services to help students with resume writing, interview skills and job search strategies.

For more information about the job fair, email Thomas Brown at thomasb@clackamas.edu. To learn more about CCC’s welding and industrial technology programs, visit www.clackamas.edu/academics/find-your-focus/industrial-technology-automotive. The CCC Career Center can be found at www.clackamas.edu/career-center.

-30-

WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS

Oregon saw 190,500 acres burn by wildfire in 2023, the smallest acreage since 2019. But it was the third most expensive year fighting fires since 2015. We won’t know for sure how this year will turn out, but we have seen acreage and cost rise over the last 10 years. 

All of us can take steps to prepare and protect the land around us from damage. Here are 10 things you can do now to prepare for wildfire season: 
 

1. Use safe backyard burning practices. Escaped debris burning is the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in our state.
2. Use care with power equipment. Do yard clean up in the spring, not in the summer. Equipment fire usually ranks as the second leading cause of human-caused wildfire.
3. Clear a defensible space around your home. Start with 5 feet around your home, then work your way up to a 30-foot distance. This is a buffer-zone that can protect your home in case a wildfire is coming.
4. Check your home address marker – can you see it from the street? If not, trim overgrown vegetation so first responders can find you if they need to.
5. Locate two alternate routes to safety from your neighborhood.
6. Build a 72-hour kit for your family and pets.
7. Create a communication plan. Include family, neighbors and a trusted contact out of the area, preferably out of state.
8. Document your possessions and store this digitally or away from your home. A video can work for this.
9. Sign up for Lincoln Alerts to get local information, warnings, and alerts.
10. Share these tips with neighbors, family, and friends.
11. For more wildfire prevention tips, visit www.keeporegongreen.org

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

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tina Sillers, Director of Media Relations

Downtown Portland Is Flourishing on Both Sides of the River for the Second Annual Bloom Tour   

Visit all twenty-nine locations in Downtown Portland, Old Town, and the Central Eastside  

Portland, OR – The Bloom Tour is back for a second year. This year not only is this event in Downtown and Old Town, but it will also have four locations central east side in partnership with Central Eastside Industrial Council. Almost thirty businesses were paired with some of Portland’s best local florists and artists to create unique eye-catching large scale flower themed art displays from May 11^th to June 11^th. The special event kicks off Friday at downtown Director Park followed by an exciting Bloom Tour showcase on Saturday, just in time for Mother’s Day weekend. 

WHAT: Launch Event For 2^nd Annual Bloom Tour/Bloom Tour Showcase  

WHERE: Director Park, 815 SW Park Avenue 

WHEN: Friday, May 10^th @ 11am 

What is the Portland Bloom Tour?  The Bloom Tour is part walking tour and part floral show with a focus on supporting some of Portland’s unique shops, restaurants and hotels. Participating retailers are also hosting a wide range of Bloom Tour Specials, so follow the tour map and explore them all! Each of these businesses has partnered with local florists and artists who have designed and created a one-of-a-kind large scale floral art piece to welcome visitors to the city.  This is a can't-miss opportunity to explore the city, capture some truly amazing photos and show your support for the Downtown, Old Town, and Central City communities.  This year the event partnered with the newly formed Pacific NW Florists Association whose mission is to promote and support florists and the floral Industry. 

"We are thrilled to be bringing back the Bloom Tour to Portland” says Sydney Mead, Senior Director of Retail Programs for Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. "This year, the activation opens on Mother’s Day weekend, so we are encouraging people to check out this free family event with their moms or the special women in their lives. We have such an amazing retail community throughout the city, this year, working with the Pacific NW Florist Association we were able to learn about the richness the city has in florists as well.” 

“We are seeing an average of four to six thousand people at Director Park every weekend and we expect even bigger crowds for Mother’s Day thanks to a sunny forecast,” says Emily Halvorson, Director of Downtown Activations for Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. “Director Park is the perfect place to kick off this year’s Bloom Tour event.” 

Kim Foren, the owner of Geranium Lake Flowers, added, “Our installations are a celebration of the beauty and resilience of Downtown Portland, a reminder that even in challenging times, we can come together to create something beautiful and meaningful. We hope that our work will inspire others to take action and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of our city, and to embrace the transformative power of nature and art in all aspects of their lives.”  

This event is a project of the Visit Downtown Campaign, a program run by Downtown Portland Clean & Safe and the Portland Business Alliance with additional funding from the City of Portland. 

Follow the Visit Downtown social media channels to learn more about each location.  

Instagram (@downtownpdx) 

Facebook (@downtownportland) 

#BloomTourPDX# 

Get ready to be inspired by the remarkable journey of Sergeant (SGT) Gerardo Mendez Martinez, a 28-year-old Hispanic soldier who has defied the odds and proudly served his country with unwavering dedication since 2013. Born in Silverton, Oregon, and raised in Vancouver, Washington, SGT Gerardo's story is one of determination, resilience, and inspiration. As a first-generation American, SGT Gerardo's journey in the U.S. Army is a testament to his commitment to serving his country while empowering the Hispanic community. ​

SGT Gerado journey to success in the U.S. Army is a true example of the American Dream in action. As the great-grandson of a Mexican immigrant who bravely ventured to the US to help build Oregon's railroads, SGT Gerardo's roots were deeply planted in a rich cultural heritage. However, growing up, he faced a unique struggle navigating a country where fluency in both Spanish and English was a necessity. Despite these challenges, SGT Gerado never lost sight of his dream of a better life in the United States. After joining the Army, he found a way to provide permanent residence to his immediate family. ​SGT Gerardo said, "The Army has been a beacon of hope for my family, providing a sense of security and stability that we never thought possible. It's an honor to serve a country that has given me so much, and I'm forever grateful for the opportunities it has afforded us."

SGT Gerado's accomplishments in the Army extend beyond his military career. He has earned numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding service and has taken advantage of the Army's educational benefits to earn degrees and certifications in fields like cybersecurity. SGT Gerado also helped with managing inventory, maintenance, and distribution of equipment and supplies within the Army. As the first Sergeant in the Army to integrate a logistical process for the new Apache Aircraft, he established a system that would be utilized by the entire Army for integrating the latest aircraft from Boeing Company.

But his story isn't just about personal achievements. He is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the Army, especially for the Hispanic community. SGT Gerado is dedicated to raising awareness of opportunities and benefits available to Hispanic and Latino communities through programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Parole in Place. DACA, a program introduced in 2012, allows certain young undocumented immigrants who came to the US as minors to request temporary protection from deportation and obtain work permits. Parole in Place is a discretionary option that allows certain family members of US citizens and lawful permanent residents to adjust their immigration status while in the US. These programs provide a pathway to permanent residence and ultimately, US citizenship, enabling Hispanics and Latinos to serve in the military and build a better future for themselves and their families.

SGT Gerado's ambitious plans are already in motion. In the short term, he's focusing on completing his bachelor's degree and earning a promotion to Staff Sergeant. Looking ahead, he aspires to become a Warrant Officer, further hone his leadership skills, and play a key role in training the next generation of soldiers to build a stronger, more effective Army. Recently, he took on a temporary position as an Army recruiter in his hometown, a role that allows him to give back to his community and inspire others to pursue a career in the military. If you're interested in learning more about the opportunities and benefits the Army can offer, SGT Gerado invites you to reach out to him directly at 503-490-1467.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) is excited to unveil their newest exhibit, Through the Decades: CCHMuseum at 60, which highlights the first 60 years of the museums work for Clark County. An exhibit ribbon cutting held by the Blue Crew will occur Clark County Historical Museum (1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660) on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 11:00 am after which visitors will be able to explore the new exhibit. Join us for the ribbon cutting and be part helping the museum recreate their 1964 opening day photo.

On May 24, 1964, the Clark County Historical Museum opened its doors. Nearly 2,000 people gathered for the celebration — requiring parts of Main Street to close for the day! On that day, for the first time Clark County had a space solely dedicated to telling the community’s story. The exhibit takes the story from there exploring important figures and events over the last six decades of the museum’s operation. From Dr. John Brougher to Pat Jollota to the museum’s advocacy for preserving our local historic sites to bringing important stories to the stage of the Kiggins Theatre through History on Tap and much more, this retrospective exhibit will ground visitors in the numerous efforts CCHM has undertaken. 

CCHM Executive Director, Brad Richardson, noted “In 1964, community leaders created a space for residents of our county to explore their stories. For six decades, passionate individuals continued to lay the foundation for the success we see today. I have found the words of former CCHS Board President, Dr. John Brougher, encapsulated this moment and our culture well. As the museum’s opening day neared, Dr. Brougher wrote, ‘A number of other volunteer[s]…worked every Thursday…in order to have the museum presentable for the opening date…we all appreciate and thank them heartily for their labor of love.’ I can clearly see the through line of our story to this day. Today, our volunteers, staff, and board passionately continue to demonstrate that same ‘labor of love’ for our museum.”

The Through the Decades: CCHMuseum at 60 event will include the 11:00 am Blue Crew ribbon cutting, remarks from CCHS Board President, Cody Ritter, and CCHM Executive Director, Brad Richardson, and a recreation of the 1964 opening day photo. 

We will also be holding programs celebrating our museum on Saturday, May 25. These programs will include a scavenger hunt event, a talk highlighting BIPOC women aviators, story sharing, and much more.

The exhibit will be installed in the museum’s flat panel gallery and open through Spring of 2025. In celebration of our anniversary, we are waving all admission fees for Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25.

CCHM has also partnered with Vancouver’s own Loowit Brewing Company to brew up a limited edition beer commemorating CCHM’s 60^th Anniversary. Limited supplies of this special edition can and brew will be available starting Friday, May 17 at Loowit’s home base (507 Columbia St, Vancouver, WA 98660) in downtown Vancouver.

For more information, contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or outreach@cchmuseum.org.

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 6:11 a.m., deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a death investigation near the 20400 block of SW Rachelle Court in Aloha. 

Investigators learned a 53-year-old man was deceased at the location, having suffered trauma to the head. The victim, Chad Thibodeaux of Olympia, Washington, was known to the suspect, who fled the location shortly after. Witnesses provided a description of the suspect that was sent to responding patrol deputies. 

A deputy patrolling near the intersection of SW 185th Avenue and SW Tualatin Valley Highway located the suspect, 24-year-old Austin Chan. At 6:58 a.m. Chan was safely taken into custody.

Chan was transported to the Washington County Jail and booked on the charge of murder in the second degree. Additional charges may follow. 

The investigation is ongoing, and additional details will not be released at this time. 

RELEASE DATE:               May 8, 2024
CONTACT PERSON:         On-duty PIO
CASE NUMBER:                 24-18945

Gresham, Ore.— Gresham Police is asking for the public’s assistance with locating a bronze sculpture stolen from Nadaka Park at 17615 NE Glisan St., sometime in the last two weeks. A member of Gresham Outdoor Public Art (G.O.P.A), David Bauman, noticed the two-foot-tall bronze otter was missing on May 3.

The bronze otter, along with a raven, was installed at Nadaka Park in Aug., 2017. The sculptures were created by local artist, Rip Caswell, and his son, Chad. The Raven is still sitting on top of a wooden pole, looking for his friend.

G.O.P.A raises funds to buy outdoor public art, that it then donates to city of Gresham outdoor spaces. Other bronze sculptures have been donated and placed in front of the Gresham Police Department and in Historic Downtown Gresham. 

G.O.P.A. board president, Judy Hahn, stated, “The sad part is the neighborhood really came together to name the otter, Slider, and the raven, Seeker. The community will be missing Slider and members of G.O.P.A would like to see him returned. We’re hoping someone just wanted to put it in their yard.”  Hahn has been in contact with local metal recyclers who she says are very careful not to take metal they suspect is stolen.

Anyone with information about the theft or current location of Slider, the bronze otter, is asked to call the Gresham Police Tip-Line at 503-618-2719.

###30###

 

On April 25, the Multnomah County Chair’s Office released its countywide proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The following public statement is attributed to Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell:

“While I am relieved that the Chair’s Fiscal Year 2025 proposed budget includes funding to maintain the County’s 1,130 jail beds, I am very concerned that it does not include funding to support human resources positions needed for hiring corrections deputies to operate the jails. The proposed budget also eliminates a detective position dedicated to investigating violent crime and a deputy responsible for responding to court-ordered firearm dispossessions. These decisions hurt community safety, not support it.

In every recent jail report and audit, understaffing in corrections is identified as the most pressing issue. Understaffing results in an overreliance on mandatory overtime, which is proven to cause burnout and attrition. It is not fiscally responsible nor is it sustainable. This affects adults in custody, contributing to a loss in programs and services that ultimately impact their health and wellbeing. The Sheriff’s Office has requested funding for human resources positions in nearly every budget cycle since 2020. I strongly encourage the Chair to reconsider this decision.

Equally troubling is a lack of financial support for key community safety functions in gun dispossession and investigations. Currently, MCSO is operating with less than half of the investigative personnel of neighboring sheriff’s offices. Specifically, the absence of funding for detective positions primarily focused on violent crime, including firearms and child abuse cases, increases the likelihood of investigative delays and that more of these gun and child crimes may not be fully investigated.

Amid these grave circumstances, on Wednesday, May 8, Multnomah County awarded our Detective Unit with the Committee’s Choice Award. This accolade recognized the exceptional work of our detectives to resolve hundreds of criminal cases, predominantly child abuse, firearms and Ballot Measure 11 crimes. I congratulate the members of this unit for their resiliency, and I urge the Chair and Board of Commissioners to provide the funding necessary to continue this vital work.

Likewise, the loss of a gun dispossession deputy will limit MCSO’s efforts to reduce gun violence. Data shows gun dispossession is critically important to reducing violence and intimidation, especially among families and domestic partners. Gun dispossession removes firearms from people who are ordered by the court not to have them.

I recognize the Chair and Board of County Commissioners have tough decisions to make, and I believe not funding these positions comes with significant impacts to community safety.

I am committed to my partnership with the Chair and Commissioners, and I encourage them to invest in the programs and services vital to building safer and stronger communities.”

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office will be presenting its budget to the Board of County Commissioners tomorrow, Thursday, May 9, at 9 a.m. Board meetings can be streamed on an electronic device by visiting the Multnomah County Board YouTube channel. The formal adoption of the budget occurs in June.

Image description: A graphic that reads Multnomah County Sheriff's Office press release

STEVENSON, Wash. – Energy Northwest is in collaboration with the City of Bingen, City of Goldendale, and Port of Skamania County to strengthen the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure along State Route 14 (SR-14) along the scenic Columbia River Gorge.

This joint initiative aims to address the current gap in the EV charging network by installing newcharging stations in key locations including Bingen, Goldendale and at Stevenson Community Library. Each of the participating communities were awarded a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the implementation of an EV station.

Key to the successful grant application were local letters of support from Artbliss Hotel, Columbia River Gorge Commission, Hotel Stevenson, Skamania County Board of Commissioners, Skamania County Chamber of Commerce, Skamania Economic Development Council, Stevenson Downtown Association, and Walking Man Brewing.    

Energy Northwest will lead the coordination, construction, and installation of the charging stations and will assume ownership of the stations upon completion.

The project addresses the absence of Direct Current (DC) fast charging options along SR-14, which is a well-traveled route that has seen limited EV infrastructure development. This initiative seeks to fill that void by introducing these much-needed charging stations. Spanning east-west along the north side of the Columbia River, SR-14 offers travelers a scenic alternative to Interstate 84 (I-84) in Oregon.

The EV station located in the Stevenson Community Library parking lot will include one DC Fast Charger (DCFC) and an additional Level 2 charger. Construction is slated to begin in 2024, with an anticipated completion date in 2025. The initiative emphasizes Energy Northwest’s commitment to helping Washington meet its clean energy and transportation goals in partnership with local communities and government entities.

When the stations are online, they will be available for drivers to find on the PlugShare website and mobile app.

Basic Parole & Probation Curriculum Workgroup
Meeting Scheduled

Notice of Scheduled Meeting

The DPSST Basic Parole & Probation Curriculum Workgroup will hold a scheduled meeting on May 16, 2024, at 3:00p.m., at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Brie Murphy at 503-689-6054.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Review Previous Meeting Minutes

3. FRAGS Review

    a) Updating to be BPP Relevant

4. Special Populations Lab Curriculum

    a) Unique Groups that are Supervised

         1. Human Trafficking

         2. Homelessness

         3. MMIP

         4. Additional?

5. Assessment

    a) Test (IE: Final or Midterm)

    b) Projects

    c) Final Presentations

6. Next Steps for Next Meeting

7. Next Workgroup Meeting –TBD

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and will be recorded in the form of minutes.

On May 1, 2024, a deputy serving the City of North Plains took a report of a theft of construction equipment that occurred near NW Commercial St and NW 311^th Ave. The owner of a construction company reported the equipment was valued at over $10,000. Deputies obtained video footage of the suspect and his truck.

Footage of the suspect was shared by the business owner online, and a community member provided a tip to law enforcement, identifying the suspect as 40-year-old Shaun Billman of Forest Grove. On the evening of May 2, 2024, sheriff’s office deputies went to Billman’s home. When deputies arrived, they found Billman outside, near his truck and the stolen equipment. 

Deputies arrested Billman and transported him to the Washington County Jail, where he was charged with aggravated theft in the first degree. 

The equipment was returned to the rightful owner. 

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the community for their assistance in the investigation. 

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Anglers, grab your favorite fishing rig and a map as registration is now open for the inaugural Oregon Native Trout Challenge. Created by Basalt to Breakers (B2B), an Oregon nonprofit with fiscal sponsorship by the Oregon Wildlife Foundation (OWF), is launching the Oregon Native Trout Challenge to encourage anglers to explore new waters, celebrate the diversity of Oregon’s native trout fisheries and support projects that conserve our native trout species.

“The challenge is intended to be a celebration of Oregon’s native trout species and the ecosystems that support their populations. We intentionally made this challenge different from other native trout challenges to encourage people to explore the diverse ecosystems that Oregon offers,” said B2B Founder Max McCool. “Completing the challenge consists of catching and taking a picture of any native trout species caught in each of Oregon’s eight ecoregions and submitting the location, date, and species through our online form,” continued McCool.

The Challenge is catch-and-release. “We want to ensure that each participant follows ODFW regulations throughout the challenge and isn’t putting additional pressure on any vulnerable species,” said McCool.

Each catch must be documented according to the Challenge rules to count. A one-time entry fee of $35 offsets the administrative costs of the challenge with net proceeds used for habitat restoration, trout conservation, and education projects. Beyond learning more about Oregon’s native trout species and our diverse ecoregions, the Oregon Native Trout Challenge seeks to encourage advocacy for local fisheries.

“In Oregon, salmon get the lion’s share of attention but Oregon has stellar trout fishing throughout our state. What I like most about the Oregon Native Trout Challenge is that it encourages anglers to explore more of what Oregon has to offer,” said Tim Greseth, Oregon Wildlife Foundation’s Executive Director. 

Participants can register at https://owhf.tofinoauctions.com/b2bchallenge24/homepages/show. For more information, visit www.basalttobreakers.org. 

Basalt to Breakers
is a nonprofit corporation registered in the State of Oregon. The mission of Basalt to Breakers is to inspire, educate and engage all anglers throughout Oregon in native trout conservation projects. Basalt to Breakers is sponsored by the Oregon Wildlife Foundation. To support B2B with a tax-deductible gift, visit https://secure.givelively.org/donate/oregon-wildlife-foundation/basalt-to-breakers-oregon-native-trout-challenge.

Oregon Wildlife Foundation

is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, OWF has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information, visit www.myOWF.org.

###

Registration opens May 8; register by June 21

This summer, Portland’s Safe Blocks program is helping neighbors host parties in their neighborhoods through the Party On, Portland! event from August 1 through August 14. These parties are a great way to get to know your neighbors, build up your community, and celebrate in a safe environment.

Interested in hosting a party? Register by June 21 at https://www.portland.gov/community-safety/pop. You can get a free permit to close off your street, receive a free noise variance, have Portland safety partners visit your party, and much more!

Questions? Contact King Tran at an@portlandoregon.gov">King.Tran@portlandoregon.gov or 971-235-9001.

If you are looking to host an event with Night Out for Safety and Liberation, National Night Out, or another national organization, please register through those organizations.

Español (Spanish)

Русский (Russian)

Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

华语（中文）(Chinese)

Soomaali (Somali)

українська (Ukrainian)

Română (Romanian)

日本語 (Japanese)

اَلْعَرَبِيَّةُ (Arabic)

SALEM, Ore. – An Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) state forests advisory group will host a tour of forestland in portions of the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests on May 16 and meet on May 17 in Forest Grove, and the meeting will have a virtual option via Zoom.

The public is welcome at both events, hosted by the State Forests Advisory Committee (SFAC). The meeting agenda will be posted on the SFAC webpage. 

Details

Forest Tour: Meets at 8:30 a.m. on May 16 at the Hornshuh Creek fire Station #14 at 49021 NW Sunset Highway in Banks. The tour will visit the Wolf Creek Target Shooting Lanes, a partial cut harvest for habitat development, and a stop at Reehers Camp to hear and see the Salmonberry trail project. RSVP is requested for the forest tour so that attendees can be provided safety equipment. Tour attendees should provide their own lunch, refreshments and transportation suitable for traveling on forest roads. Please RSVP no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 to Emily Shook at emily.j.shook@odf.oregon.gov.

SFAC meeting: The committee will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 17, at the ODF Forest Grove District Office at 801 Gales Creed Road in Forest Grove. Topics on the agenda include an update on the FY2025 Annual Operations Plans, a briefing on the draft Western Oregon Forest Management Plan, and State Forests Implementation Plan revision considerations for FY2026-2027. The public will have the opportunity to provide comments virtually or in person at the beginning of the meeting.

SFAC’s role

The State Forests Advisory Committee (SFAC) includes citizens and representatives of timber, environmental and recreation groups. SFAC provides a forum to discuss issues, opportunities and concerns, and offer advice and guidance to ODF on the implementation of the Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan. The plan provides guidance for managing 616,000 acres within the Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam State Forests, and several scattered state-owned forest tracts in Benton, Polk, Lincoln and Lane counties through a balanced approach to generate revenue while prioritizing environmental and social benefits.

Friday’s meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodation for the meeting can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at (503) 983-3761

The group is the latest in a wave of union organizing at Oregon’s second-largest health system as rumblings of an OHSU and Legacy merger continue

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – On May 7, physicians, physician associates and nurse practitioners at Legacy’s Primary Care clinics announced their intent to unionize with the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA). The 150 providers are unionizing to ensure patient safety; increase retention, recruitment and respect of caregivers; implement safe staffing that will decrease burnout while improving caregiver wellbeing; and have a voice at the table as the details of the OHSU and Legacy merger unfold. The group submitted union authorization cards to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) May 8. The NLRB is expected to hold a hearing and set an election date in the coming weeks.  

“As a group we feel we can have a much more unified and constructive approach for meaningful healthcare change by unionizing. We have seen many negative changes to the healthcare system. Primary care has a significant level of burnout, as evidenced by the numbers of primary care providers leaving this profession,” said Dr. Angela Marshall Olson at Raleigh Hills Primary Care. “Patients must be our first concern. It’s vital for us to have a place at the table to discuss provider retention strategies, which will elevate patient care and staff satisfaction.”

Unionizing providers work at the following Legacy facilities: 
Emmanuel Region
Legacy Medical Group–Broadway
Legacy Medical Group–Emanuel 
Legacy Medical Group–Northeast

Good Samaritan Region
Legacy Medical Group–Cornell
Legacy Medical Group–Good Samaritan
Legacy Medical Group–Northwest
Legacy Medical Group–Raleigh Hills
Legacy Medical Group–St. Helens
Legacy Medical Group–Westside Internal Medicine

Meridian Park Region
Legacy Medical Group–Bridgeport
Legacy Medical Group–Canby
Legacy Medical Group–Lake Oswego
Legacy Medical Group–Woodburn
Legacy Medical Group–Tualatin

Mt. Hood Region
Legacy Medical Group–Firwood
Legacy Medical Group–Mt. Hood

Silverton Region
Legacy Medical Group–Silverton
Legacy Medical Group–Mt. Angel
Legacy Medical Group–Woodburn Health Center
Legacy Medical Group–Silverton Family Medicine
Legacy Medical Group–Molalla Family Medicine

Salmon Creek Region, Vancouver, WA
Legacy Medical Group–Camas
Legacy Medical Group–Family Wellness
Legacy Medical Group–Salmon Creek Family Medicine
Legacy Medical Group–Salmon Creek Internal Medicine

“I’m participating in the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association because a provider’s need for representation has never been greater. Happier providers make for happier patients, and our combined goal should always be to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes,” said Chris Stamatakos, Physician Associate at Salmon Creek Primary Care. “Provider satisfaction should be a central tenet to helping achieve organizational goals, despite the many challenges in healthcare today. I look forward to PNWHMA being a positive force for needed changes at Legacy, while we continue our history of doing the best for our deserving patients.”

The PNWHMA is a physician and advanced practice provider union represented by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and staffed by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). If the providers vote in favor of representation, they will join the nearly 200 hospitalists at six Legacy hospitals who overwhelmingly voted to unionize with PNWHMA last year along with the 17 physicians from Legacy Women’s Clinic who voted to unionize in early 2024.  

Although nurses have advocated for better patient care and working conditions in Oregon for nearly 120 years, new groups of Oregon healthcare workers are now joining or forming their own unions in large numbers. Twenty years ago, few US physicians were part of a union, but as healthcare systems have become larger and more corporate, doctors see collective bargaining as the best way to ensure their voices are heard in decisions that affect their patients and their profession. 

Legacy Health is a private nonprofit health system that operates eight hospitals and more than 70 clinics in Oregon and Washington. The health system spent many weeks in the 2023 news cycle after illegally attempting to close the Family Birth Center at Legacy Mt. Hood, the horrific acts of violence in the workplace at Legacy Good Samaritan, and its announcement to combine with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
 

The Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA) was created in 2015 as the first hospitalist-specific labor union in the United States. It has since expanded to represent more doctors and advanced practice providers. PNWHMA is affiliated with AFT Healthcare—the fastest-growing healthcare union in the country. AFT Healthcare represents more than 200,000 members in 100 locals in 18 states and territories. 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of 18,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

The Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) Board of Directors proudly announces the selection of Scott Bruun as the organization’s incoming President and CEO, succeeding Linda Navarro, who is retiring July 15. The decision comes after a thorough and extensive search process conducted by the Board.

Bruun will join the OBA June 10. He brings a wealth of experience to the position with a distinguished career spanning government affairs, public relations, commercial banking, finance, and three terms as an Oregon legislator. Having most recently served as head of government affairs at Oregon Business & Industry, Oregon’s statewide chamber and business association, Bruun has navigated complex issues and fostered collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.

"We are thrilled to welcome Scott as our new president and CEO,” said OBA Chair Ted Austin, national head of personal trust administration at U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management. "His strategic vision, leadership acumen, and dedication to advancing the interests of Oregon banks and our customers make him the perfect fit to lead our organization forward."

“I could not be more excited to be the next president and CEO of the OBA,” said Bruun. “For our state’s communities and businesses to thrive, Oregon must have healthy and robust banking partners. OBA, through its fantastic staff and dedicated members, will continue its critical work to ensure the health and vibrancy of Oregon’s banking industry. I look forward to helping lead this great organization to improve the overall business and banking climate, foster innovation, and prioritize the financial well-being of every Oregonian."

Bruun succeeds Navarro, who has been with OBA for nearly 28 years. She has led the organization during times of significant change and has been a strong and dedicated voice for Oregon banks and the communities they serve. Navarro will continue to serve during the transition period until her retirement on July 15. 

Of her successor, Navarro said, “Scott is a marvelous choice to lead OBA forward. He brings unique experience and energy that will strengthen our voice and the future of the Oregon banking community. I am excited to watch him thrive as he leads an exceptional organization with the best of the best when it comes to our members and staff.”

The OBA expresses its deepest gratitude to Navarro for her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication throughout her tenure.

EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison today for possessing methamphetamine and a firearm.

Dana Lee Johnson, 41, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on March 26, 2021, a deputy from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Tetherow Resort in Bend after a housekeeper found a bag of suspected drugs in a guest room. Upon arrival, the deputy located a one-gallon plastic bag containing approximately one quarter pound of methamphetamine, two hypodermic needles, and a metal safe. The safe was later found to contain an additional half pound of methamphetamine. Hotel records indicated that Johnson, who had a suspended driver’s license and an outstanding felony warrant for failing to register as a sex offender, was the last guest to stay in the room where the drugs were found.

On April 1, 2021, a deputy returned to the resort after learning that Johnson had contacted the hotel to inquire about the safe he had left behind. One week later, on April 8, 2021, law enforcement officers located and stopped Johnson traveling in a rental vehicle. Investigators searched the vehicle and found more than $7,000 in cash, a rental car agreement in Johnson’s name, and a black backpack belonging to Johnson. Inside the backpack, investigators found and seized an additional half pound of methamphetamine, nearly a half pound of heroin, and a loaded semi-automatic pistol.

On November 18, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a four-count indictment charging Johnson with illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

On October 11, 2023, Johnson pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The CODE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. CODE includes members of the Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Sunriver, and Black Butte Police Departments; the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department; the Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices; the Oregon State Police; the Oregon National Guard; DEA; and the FBI.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

May 8, 2024 

Contact: 

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292 

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov 

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates the Statewide Expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library  

SALEM, ORE. – Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) representatives joined Governor Tina Kotek and state officials today to celebrate its new partnership with The Dollywood Foundation for the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. During the 2023 legislative session, under Senate Bill 5506, $1.7 million was appropriated to DELC to help administer and expand the program statewide.  

The Imagination Library is a program developed by The Dollywood Foundation; a nonprofit organization founded by Dolly Parton. Since launching in 1995, the Imagination Library has become the preeminent, international early childhood book-gifting program. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books each month to children (0-5 yrs. old), free of charge to families, through funding shared by Dolly, the State of Oregon, and local community partnerships. Today, millions of children receive a specially selected book each month, from birth to age five, to help foster early literacy skills and a love of reading.   

The goal of the statewide expansion is to make books available to children ages 0-5 in every zip code in Oregon. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a voluntary program and parents of children ages 0-5 can sign up to receive a new book each month at no cost to families.  

“Brain science clearly shows that kids start to develop literacy skills from birth,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “That’s why here in Oregon, we’re making major investments to help kids develop the joy of reading.” 

In addition to remarks from Director Chatterjee, Governor Tina Kotek, and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman made comments and were joined by representatives from The Dollywood Foundation and local program partners. Dolly Parton provided remarks by video, concluding with an Oregon twist on her classic “I Will Always Love You.   

Currently, over 54,000 children across Oregon receive the gift of a monthly book through 55 community programs. Books are free to the family regardless of family income. The Department of Early Learning and Care is working with local community partners and The Dollywood Foundation to expand. 

Families can visit www.imaginationlibrary.com to find out if the program is available in their area or to sign up to be notified when the program expands to their community. To learn more about becoming a community partner, contact Rachel King at king@imaginationlibrary.com">rking@imaginationlibrary.com 

Dolly Parton's video remarks, along with the remarks of Oregon officials can be found on the DELC website.   

                                                                        ### 

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care 

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates. 

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 200 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. 

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) ordered Sigue Corp. to cease engaging in money transmission activities in Oregon as the company can no longer responsibly serve customers due to its declining financial position. Oregon joined a number of other states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia in issuing the consent order.

Sigue is a state-regulated money transmission company licensed in Oregon and 48 other states (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System ID 915912). Over the past several months, Sigue experienced significant financial deterioration. The company failed to complete multiple money orders and transmissions and to maintain adequate net worth and permissible investments to cover outstanding liabilities, which are violations of state money transmission law. Many customers are still waiting for their funds.

Sigue maintained a surety bond with Liberty Mutual that will cover all of Sigue’s unpaid or otherwise outstanding transactions in Oregon. Individuals who paid for a money transmission or money order from Sigue that went unpaid are encouraged to file a claim directly with Liberty Mutual online by visiting this website and clicking on the link that reads “File Commercial Bond Claim.” Anyone with questions for Liberty Mutual can email hoscl@libertymutual.com or call 206-473-6700.The state surety bond claim process is designed to help make affected consumers whole.

In Oregon there are almost 200 open or unfulfilled transactions totaling $39,000 between money transmissions and money orders. Across the U.S. there were just under 25,000 open or unfulfilled transactions totaling nearly $8.6 million. Sigue stopped transmissions across the nation in January.

The order requires the company to preserve and provide access to all books and records, including information on affected customers. 

“This order not only shows how Oregon’s system of regulation works to protect consumers, but also highlights the strong partnerships we have with other states, the Money Transmitter Regulators Association, and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “Fortunately, all of Oregon’s open money orders and transmissions are covered by the surety bond Sigue was required to have with the division, which means no consumers should lose money.”

As Sigue was primarily used as a transmitter to send money from the United States to Spanish-speaking countries, the division plans additional outreach to the Spanish-speaking community through the Mexican Consulate.

Consumers who have been affected or believe they may have been affected and would like help or to file a complaint, should contact one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. 

###

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and  www.dcbs.oregon.gov.​​

The next meeting of the Veterans Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will be held virtually and in-person on Wednesday, June 5, in the auditorium on the first floor of ODVA’s main office building, located at 700 Summer Street NE in Salem. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by a town hall meeting at 11 a.m., which is open to the public.

Established in 1945, the Veteran Advisory Committee holds a distinct and fundamental role in advising the director and staff of ODVA. The nine members of the Veteran Advisory 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. The Advisory Committee meets quarterly across the state and virtually on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December.

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 inquire about scheduling up to 10 minutes of time to present veteran-related information during the townhall to the committee. Written public comment is also accepted and will be shared with the committee. To engage in this process, please email  odva_vaac@odva.oregon.gov. 

REGISTER TO ATTEND VIRTUALLY
Those who wish to attend the meeting virtually should register at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/5ea30d4e-2026-460a-b7db-dd6b55f96bb0@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf. Attendees will be able to view the business portion of the meeting and may participate during the town hall portion if they wish. Participants will be invited to turn on their camera and unmute mics during a recorded meeting that will be posted online later.

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

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

###

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Finance Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. on May 9, 2024. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/84864145769?pwd=DhtqAyzDg5ryvIInuQyh6WxdjUNpK7.1     
Passcode: 655148

The Woodburn Police Department has received multiple reports from Woodburn residents who have recently been contacted by subjects claiming to be representatives of the Woodburn Police Department or local court officials. 

The scammers calling Woodburn residents claim that the residents have warrants for their arrest for missing jury duty. The scammers have used current and former names of Officers and Deputies throughout the state. They have instructed the residents to make a payment to resolve the issue. Payment requests have involved several methods, including checks, payment/cash apps, cryptocurrency, prepaid cards, and personal debit card information. 

The Woodburn Police Department would like to remind our community that the Woodburn Police Department will not ask for payments from residents and further advises residents not to disclose unsolicited personal information including social security numbers, banking information, passwords, and usernames.  

Residents are advised to hang up if contacted by a scammer.  If a City of Woodburn resident believes they may have suffered any monetary damage due to these scams, please report it to the Woodburn Police Department at 503-982-2345.

PORTLAND, Ore., May 8, 2024– Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center has been awarded on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2024. The award list was announced on May 8th, 2024, and can be viewed on Newsweek.com.

High-quality maternity care, provided from pregnancy through birth and postpartum is key to the long-term health of newborns and women who give birth. Given that maternity care is a major component of healthcare, Newsweek and Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider have partnered for the third time to identify America’s Best Maternity Hospitals in 2024.

“We are proud that Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center has been recognized by Newsweek for the excellent maternity care our patients have come to expect,” said Claire Grant, Director of Maternal Child at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center. “This recognition highlights Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to ensure every patient, family and baby is provided safe, and consistently excellent care in every area of maternity including labor and delivery, midwifery, postpartum and NICU.”

The ranking is based on three pillars:

1. Nationwide Online Survey: Healthcare professionals and hospital managers with knowledge about maternity processes e.g., neonatal and perinatal doctors, nurses, and midwives were asked to recommend leading maternity hospitals in the U.S.
    
2. Patient Experience Survey: Survey of the overall patient experience in the hospital.
    
3. Hospital Quality Metrics: Indicators relevant to maternity care were considered.

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.

###

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

Five schools will receive cash prizes for special school projects in the 15^th annual OnPoint Prize campaign awards 

PORTLAND, Ore., May 8, 2024—Five local schools have won the 2024 OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education Community Builder awards. Each school will receive a cash prize for a special project that positively impacts its school and community. 

OnPoint also named the eight finalists for its Educator of the Year awards who are in the running to have their mortgage or rent paid for one full year and receive $2,500 for their school. The four winners in each category (K-5, 6-8, 9-12, and Gold Star) will be announced on May 23, 2024. The remaining four runners-up in each category will receive a $5,000 cash award and a $1,500 donation to their schools for resources and supplies. 

“We are humbled by the dedication and passion of the educators and schools nominated this year. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists who are making a lasting impact on the lives of their students and in their communities,” said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “It is our honor to recognize their efforts to foster curiosity, inclusivity and academic achievement, both inside and outside the classroom.”

Since 2010, the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education has awarded more than $843,000 in prizes to 326 local educators and schools. The 2024 campaign will award an additional $193,000 to deserving K-12 educators and schools. 

Learn more about the 2024 Community Builder award winners and Educator of the Year finalists below:

Community Builder Awards
OnPoint has recognized five schools from across the region with its Community Builder awards. Four schools will receive $2,000 from OnPoint for a special project of their choice, and one school determined by online community votes will receive $5,000.

$5,000 Community Builder Award Winner

Adams Elementary School is housed in one of the oldest school buildings in the Eugene district. The 1949 building continues to give students an adequate location to learn and grow, but it is greatly lacking expression of the culture and community. The Adams Elementary School Mural Project will not only beautify an external wall of the aged neighborhood school but also give students a chance to express themselves through a large public art piece for the community to share. The wall that has been selected for the project faces the school parking lot and sports fields, so the artwork will be enjoyed by everyone coming to and from the school, including students, staff and neighbors.

$2,000 Community Builder Award Winners

• Marysville Elementary School: S.T.A.R. (Students' Temporary Assistance Resource) Pantry (Portland Public Schools, Portland, Ore.) is an initiative that seeks to alleviate the burden of food insecurity and ensure that every student has access to nutritious food. The pantry will provide essential food items and promote a sense of dignity and inclusivity by offering a supportive environment where individuals can access what they need without facing financial barriers.
• Bear Creek Elementary School: Community Garden (Bend-La Pine Schools, Bend, Ore.) provides students with hands-on experience in planting, sowing and growing food and flowers. Many students will benefit from time outside with a constructive break and get their hands in the dirt. Students will work together and across grade levels, allowing them to interact with more peers who can become allies and mentors.
• Molalla Elementary School: Outside Learning Oasis (Molalla River School District, Molalla, Ore.) project will create a vibrant outdoor area between the main building and the outdoor music module. This space will serve as a dedicated outdoor learning and enrichment area for students, promoting their mental health and overall well-being.
• St. Andrew Nativity School: Thriving through Middle School (Portland, Ore.) is an initiative that will equip the school’s counseling center with wellness kits for families experiencing crises and enhance the counseling environment to address the diverse mental health and social-emotional needs of its students.

Educator of the Year Finalists (listed by category, then alphabetically by last name)

OnPoint also named its eight finalists for its 2024 Educators of the Year awards. Winners will have their mortgage or rent paid for one full year and receive $2,500 for each of their schools. The remaining four finalists will receive a $5,000 cash award and a $1,500 donation to their schools for resources and supplies.

K-5 Finalists

• Roxana Campbell - 1st grade, HOLLA School, Reynolds School District
• Rachel Hertz - Kindergarten/1st grade, North Star Elementary School, Bend-La Pine Schools

6-8 Finalists

• Lynda Beauchamp - 6th grade Math, Realms Middle School, Bend-La Pine Schools
• Sherry Reeder - 6-8th grade Special Education, Molalla River Middle School, Molalla River School District

9-12 Finalists

• Michelle Colbert - 9-12th grade Art and CTE, Fir Ridge Campus, David Douglas School District
• Andrew Gunsul - 9-10th grade Social Studies, Sunset High School, Beaverton School District

Gold Star Finalists (includes pre-kindergarten teachers, school counselors, substitute teachers, librarians or school administrators)

• Martine Barnett - Principal, Columbia City Elementary, St. Helens School District
• Traniece Brown-Warrens - Principal, Markham Elementary School, Portland Public Schools

Click here to learn more about OnPoint's finalists for the 2024 Educator of the Year awards. Winners and runners-up will be announced on May 23, and the announcement will be broadcast live on KGW.

Honoring Founders' Legacy of Excellence in Education

Founded by 16 schoolteachers in 1932, OnPoint continues to honor its legacy today by improving access to quality education for everyone. Visit onpointcu.com to learn more.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 554,000 members and with assets of $9.0 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

###

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry and Department of Forestry are inviting public comment on the final draft of their new shared strategic plan, the Vision for Oregon’s Forests, through May 24.

The board and department have been working together on this plan—which will replace the Forestry Program for Oregon—for the past two years. The Vision for Oregon’s Forests will provide the strategic direction that will guide both the board and department’s work for the next several years. 

Comments can be submitted online or by mail to: ODF Public Affairs, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310. Comments will be shared with the board prior to their June 7 vote to adopt the plan. 

Throughout the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, the board and department will continue to build upon the foundation provided by the Vision for Oregon’s Forests through developing associated progress measures. ODF will also build out its process for development of action plans to achieve the goals identified in the Vision for Oregon’s Forests. Engagement with department and board advisory committees, Tribes, key state and federal agencies, stakeholders, other partners, and local communities to identify actions will be a core component of the planning process.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. – Portland Community College is unveiling its new 10,000 square foot barn at the Rock Creek Campus on Friday, May 10, replacing it with a modern facility designed to enhance the Veterinary Technology Program and improve animal welfare. In collaboration with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce, PCC invites the media to join college leaders, local elected officials, and other esteemed guests for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception.

Event Details:

• When – 10:30 a.m., Friday May 10
• Speakers – Dr. Adrien Bennings (PCC President); Pam Treece (Washington County Commissioner); and Dr. Ragan Borzcik (Veterinary Technology Program Program Chair). 
• Location – Barn (westside of campus), Rock Creek Campus, 17705 N.W. Springville Rd. (Park in Lot D)
• Attire – There is heavy gravel and dirt. Wear appropriate attire for barn environment
• Accessibility – Accessible parking and facilities available
• Media RSVP – Contact James Hill at jghill@pcc.edu

The event will feature tours of the facility where attendees can witness firsthand the upgraded amenities for the animals and the innovative teaching spaces for students. 

The Veterinary Technology Program is a crucial program to meet the workforce needs of the region – the Oregon Employment Department projects employment growth of 23.1% through 2029. A veterinary technician provides essential nursing care for all animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The program is one of only two of its kind in Oregon, and only one of five in the Northwest.

The new barn, funded through the college’s 2017 bond, boasts modern features including recessed flooring for animal pens, state-of-the-art water feeders, full internet connectivity, and internal cameras for animal monitoring. The design prioritizes efficiency and animal welfare, aligning with PCC's commitment to excellence in education and sustainability.

Key Info:

• Project Manager: Stephen Wasserberger, Otak CPM
• Design Team: Opsis Architecture
• Contractor: Ross Builders Northwest
• Budget: $4,000,000
• Construction Completion: April 2024

For more information, visit www.pcc.edu/bond/, or www.pcc.edu/rock-creek-farm/

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

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

Washougal, WA – On April 24 through April 27, 2024, six Washougal High School students competed at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Business Leadership Conference in Spokane, Washington. Students Liberty Andelman and Jacob Larzalere secured places in the top 12 of Intro to Social Media Strategies and Intro to Public Speaking competitions, respectively. On April 27, 9th grade student Jacob Larzalere, took 9th place at state in the Intro to Public Speaking competition category.

Carter Wilson, Jacob Larzalere, Liberty Andelman, Madeline Brock, Xavier Pineda-Gutierrez, and Laura Perez qualified for state competitions based on their performance at the Southwest Washington Regional FBLA Conference in early February.

"Competing at state boosted my confidence and reinvigorated my drive to achieve both my academic and extracurricular goals,” said Larzalere.

This year, more students participated in the Southwest Regional FBLA conference than in the previous 8 years. Over 2,300 students participated in the Washington state FBLA competition this year.

“Qualifying for state is such a high accomplishment. This group of students has set a wonderful example of how perseverance and preparation lead to success," said Nicole Simek, FBLA Advisor at Washougal High School. 

FBLA competitions encourage students to develop business and leadership skills through practical experience. Washougal School District supports and celebrates the achievements of all students as they explore careers and develop skills for the future. Learn more about Washougal School District: https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/
 

Vancouver, Wash. – The Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT), led by the Vancouver Police Department, is continuing the investigation of the officer involved shooting that occurred on February 20, 2024, involving deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Case files have been forwarded to the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the investigation is nearing completion.
 

Additional information will be released as it becomes available. 

###

SALEM, Ore. — A ceremony held Tuesday, May 7 in Salem commemorated law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in Oregon. Hundreds gathered for the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony to honor the state’s fallen officers and those they left behind.

The annual event is held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, site of the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial. Tuesday’s ceremony remembered two fallen officers whose names were recently added to the memorial: Sergeant Jared J. Miller of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, end of watch Dec. 9, 2021, and Reserve Corporal Joseph W. Johnson of the Nyssa Police Department, end of watch April 15, 2023. 

The ceremony was attended by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, elected officials and public safety professionals from throughout the state. Governor Kotek, in her address to the audience, spoke of the sacrifices made by the fallen officers and their families. 

“Sergeant Jared Miller and Reserve Corporal Joseph ‘J.J.’ Johnson were known for rising to the occasion every time. Known for showing up as their best selves when the chips were down. As heroes. And as people who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Governor Kotek said. “There is no sacrifice more noble, no pledge to the public more honorable.”

Sergeant Jared J. Miller fell ill in November 2021 while working as a shift sergeant at the Marion County Jail during an outbreak of COVID-19 at the facility. He died from complications of COVID-19 on Dec. 9, 2021. Sergeant Miller had served with the Marion County Sheriff's Office for 16 years, and is survived by his wife, father, sister, brother, and grandfather.

Reserve Corporal Joseph W. Johnson shot and killed on April 15, 2023, while making a traffic stop in Nyssa. After being dispatched to a domestic incident, Reserve Corporal Johnson engaged in a short vehicle pursuit with the suspect, who stopped and opened fire on the officer while he was still in his patrol vehicle. Reserve Corporal Johnson succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He had served with the Nyssa Police Department for almost five years, and also served as a corrections officer with the Oregon Department of Corrections for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

The memorial bears the names of the 196 officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.

Keynote speaker Mike Reece, Director of the Oregon Department of Corrections, heralded the sacrifices of the law enforcement members and their families, and stressed the importance of honoring their sacrifices and their memories. 

“These men and women were exceptional. Their value to their families and friends, their service to others, and their ultimate sacrifice deserves our eternal gratitude,” Reece said. “So as we gather today at this annual ceremony, we say their names and we give our sacred promise to never forget.”

The ceremony is a significant event that the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is proud to host each year in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and Oregon's various statewide law enforcement associations.

Oregon’s memorial ceremony is held ahead of National Police Week events in Washington, D.C. so that family members and coworkers can attend both memorial ceremonies. More than 23,000 officers who have died in the line of duty are honored on the national memorial.

###

About DPSST

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

For more information on the Oregon Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial please visit https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/Memorials/LawEnforcement/Pages/default.aspx.

Life jackets will be part of this innovative and award winning program to prevent drownings

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Tigard, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to federal prison today for transporting an adult victim across state lines for illegal sexual activity and laundering the proceeds through a Portland-based bottled water company.

Johnell Lee Cleveland, 42, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison and seven years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $32,115 in restitution to the Oregon Department of Employment. The sum of restitution Cleveland must pay to his adult victim will be determined at a later date.

“In the summer of 2020, Johnell Cleveland received a rare early release from federal prison he could have used as an opportunity to chart a new path away from criminality. Unfortunately, he did the exact opposite, diving headfirst into a remarkable series of crimes,” said Steven T. Mygrant, Chief of the Narcotics and Criminal Enterprises Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. “We thank the FBI, IRS, and PPB for their efforts in holding Cleveland accountable and securing this nine-year prison sentence.” 

“Johnell Cleveland has demonstrated a flagrant disregard for the law,” said Douglas A. Olson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “Even after serving a prison term, Cleveland continued his chronic criminal behavior with money laundering, wire fraud, and transporting an adult victim for illegal sexual activity. The FBI, along with our partners, is dedicated to maintaining the safety of our communities, and with Cleveland behind bars, our community is more secure.”

“30 days is long enough to form positive habits; it is also more than long enough to return to bad ones, as Mr. Cleveland unfortunately chose to do,” said Special Agent in Charge Adam Jobes, IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), Seattle Field Office. “Given a second chance, Mr. Cleveland did not choose to better himself. Instead, he proceeded to cause immense harm to the people and to the communities around him. This sentencing shows that CI, along with our partners in law enforcement, will bring justice to repeat offenders as many times as needed, as Mr. Cleveland is finding out today.”

According to court documents, in July 2019, Cleveland was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for distributing cyclopropyl fentanyl, possessing a machine gun and money laundering. In the summer of 2020, nineteen months before his original projected release date, Cleveland sought and was granted a compassionate release from prison based on health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Less than 30 days following his release from prison, Cleveland and an associate submitted a fraudulent insurance policy application for nine pieces of jewelry previously seized by law enforcement. Approximately four months after Cleveland and his associate were issued an insurance policy worth more than $100,000, his associate submitted a false burglary report to the Las Vegas Police Department claiming her Mercedes-Benz sedan and various personal property, including the nine pieces of insured jewelry, had been stolen. Seeking reimbursement, Cleveland quickly notified his insurance company of the purported jewelry theft.

While his insurance fraud scheme was ongoing, in October 2020, Cleveland devised a separate scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID relief program funds. On October 14, 2020, he applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits for a five-month period beginning in April 2020, claiming he was unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In reality, Cleveland was unemployed during this time because he was in federal prison. Despite his false claims, Cleveland’s application was approved, and he began receiving PUA benefits.

Investigators later learned that during this same time period, Cleveland transported for illegal sexual activity an adult woman he had, in August 2020, commenced a romantic relationship with. Cleveland told the woman that he needed money to get his business ventures off the ground and fund their future together. Over time, Cleveland became less friendly and more menacing toward the woman, demanding she travel frequently and engage in more commercial sex. Meanwhile, Cleveland kept all the money the woman earned and threatened her with various punishments he claimed to have used on other women, including locking her in a dog cage.

To conceal and disguise the nature of his victim’s proceeds, Cleveland used the money to pay business expenses for the bottled water company, including costs for bottling and manufacturing, rental of corporate office space in Portland, merchandising, and a monthly retainer with a modeling agency.

On November 3, 2021, Cleveland was arrested without incident in Portland. The same day, investigators seized Cleveland’s vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a secret compartment in the driver-side door that concealed a loaded handgun.

On October 19, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Cleveland and his insurance fraud associate with conspiring to commit and committing wire fraud. Later, in on March 10, 2022, Cleveland was indicted a second time for sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon; and money laundering. 

On February 4, 2024, Cleveland pleaded guilty to both counts of his fraud indictment and a three-count superseding criminal information charging him with transportation for illegal sexual activity, illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and money laundering.

This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS CI, and the Portland Police Bureau Human Trafficking Unit. It was prosecuted by Peter Sax and Nicole Bockelman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

If you or someone you know is in danger, please call 911. If you are a human trafficking victim or have information about a potential human trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting 233733. Calls and texts are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Human trafficking is a serious federal crime where individuals are compelled by force, fraud, or coercion to engage in commercial sex, labor, or domestic servitude against their will. Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause unimaginable harm. In February 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland launched a new national strategy to combat human trafficking that aims to prevent all forms of trafficking, prosecute trafficking cases, and support trafficking victims and survivors.

###

Life jackets are part of this innovative and award winning plan to prevent drownings on the Sandy River.

UPDATE: Commission meetings are held in a hybrid format with in-person and online attendance options. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants with an interest in government and educational access television and cable television franchising to fill four positions on the volunteer city/county Telecommunications Commission. Applicants must be Clark County residents.

The terms are three years, and all of the positions begin immediately. Two of the positions will end March 31, 2026; one ends April 30, 2026; and one will end Aug. 31, 2026.

The commission serves in an advisory capacity to the County Council and Vancouver City Council on matters related to cable television and telecommunications issues. It makes reports, monitors compliance with city and county cable franchise agreements, and establishes rules and regulations regarding cable television and associated telecommunications issues. The commission also serves as an advisory body during cable franchise renewal negotiations with the cable operator. 

The commission meets three to four times per year on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Meetings are held in a hybrid format with in an in-person option at City Hall, 415 W. 6th St. and an online option.

To be considered, please submit a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applicants also can send information by email to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.

Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, June 7, 2026.

To learn more about the commission visit www.cityofvancouver.us/tc.

May 7, 2024

Media Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA launches Fentanyl Aware social media campaign

Risks, harm-reduction strategies, recognizing and responding to overdose, and Oregon’s good Samaritan law to be focus of five-week online promotion

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today kicked off a social media campaign spotlighting the public health harms caused by fentanyl, and how people can prevent the deadly overdoses that devastate communities around the state.

The campaign, called Fentanyl Aware, will run for five weeks, with posts in English and Spanish. Fentanyl Aware will focus on teaching people about fentanyl risks, harm reduction strategies, recognizing and responding to an overdose, and Oregon’s good Samaritan law, which provides legal protections for individuals and the people they’re helping during a drug overdose.

The Fentanyl Aware campaign begins with a series of social media messages with facts about fentanyl – “What it is, where it can be found and why you need to be aware,” according to the first post. It then moves into messages about the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone, including how it’s given, how it works and where to can get it, followed by posts about Oregon’s good Samaritan law.

The campaign wraps up with posts warning about risks of mixing drugs with other substances, relying on fentanyl tests and using drugs alone.

OHA’s statewide campaign borrows from a social media campaign that Lane County Public Health created in 2023 with support from OHA funds. The county also shared its campaign materials with local public health partners to adapt and share – Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties collaborated to launch the Fentanyl Aware Northwest campaign through this partnership.

Just today, Multnomah County launched its own fentanyl awareness campaign, called Expect Fentanyl, focused on Portland-area youth ages 13-20.

The statewide Fentanyl Aware campaign launches on National Fentanyl Awareness Day, a day of observance that recognizes those who have lost loved ones to the overdose crisis and raises awareness of the lethal danger of illegally made fentanyl (IMF).

Cara Biddlecom, OHA’s interim public health director, said Fentanyl Aware contains youth-informed messaging, but it is intended for general audiences.

“We want everyone to see these important messages because anyone can be affected by fentanyl – teens and young adults, older Oregonians, even young children,” Biddlecom said. “These messages won’t end the fentanyl crisis, but they could help equip people with information that could help them save a life, whether it’s someone else’s or their own.”

Fentanyl is now showing up in a wide variety of drugs on the illicit market, including counterfeit pills made to look like common prescription painkillers or anti-anxiety medications. These may contain enough fentanyl in a single pill to cause an overdose.

According to OHA data, the number of people in Oregon dying from unintentional and undetermined overdoses continues to increase at an alarming pace, from 1,083 people in 2021 to 1,289 people in 2022. Fentanyl has surpassed methamphetamine as the most common substance identified as the cause of death in unintentional and undetermined drug overdoses.

In Oregon, the number of individuals who experienced an unintentional/undetermined fentanyl overdose death between 2020 and 2022 more than tripled (for all ages). And those at higher risk for unintentionally dying from a drug overdose continued to include non-Hispanic American Indians and Alaska Natives, non-Hispanic Black/African Americans, and males, though patterns of use across communities is similar. These inequities are avoidable and point to structural racism in the health system and the need for long-term policy change.

Nasal naloxone is now available over the counter, without a prescription. It can be purchased at many retail pharmacies in Oregon, and it costs about $45 for two doses. Most insurance companies cover the medication but may charge a co-pay. Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members can get naloxone at no cost at most pharmacies. Those who use drugs can get medication for overdose reversal and other harm reduction materials such as fentanyl test strips at no cost through syringe service programs. Syringe services are available to everyone that uses drugs, regardless of whether they’re injected. Visit OHA's Opioid Overdose Reversal Medications webpage for a list of syringe and needle exchange services available in Oregon.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, please reach out for help. Speak with a health care provider or visit OHA’s Fentanyl Facts webpage for support and treatment resources. You are not alone.

###

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Caden R. Griffith.  

Caden R. Griffith, age 14, is a child who went missing from Hillsboro on March 25. He was found May 4.

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.  

###

On May 7^th, 2024 at 8:50 am, Portland Fire & Rescue crews responded to a reported apartment fire in the Piedmont neighborhood, with a resident reporting a fire on the second floor of the building and that he heard an explosion. Upon their arrival 5 minutes later, crews found that the fire alarm was activated with residents gathered outside of the building. Crews immediately commenced fire attack as well as search and rescue operations.

Upon accessing the interior of the building, crews reported light smoke on the first floor and that the second and third floor hallways—as well as the east stairwell—were fully charged with smoke. They also found that a sprinkler head was activated in the east stairwell. Upon further investigation, crews found the source of the fire: a lithium-ion battery-powered scooter had ignited and was found on a landing of the east stairwell, between the 2^nd and 3^rd floors. The fire was contained to the scooter and did not extend to the structure. Firefighters moved the scooter to the exterior of the building and then began ventilation and water-removal operations. There were no reported injuries.

Portland Fire & Rescue would like remind Portlanders that lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy and can pose a threat if not treated properly. These batteries are found in electric bikes and scooters, cars, laptops, tablets, phones, and common household devices. Like any product, a small number of these batteries can be defective and can overheat, catch fire, or explode. Lithium-ion battery fires have caused deaths, injuries, and serious fires nationwide. These fires burn hot and fast and can emit large amounts of toxic smoke.

If using any devices powered by lithium-ion batteries:

--Be sure any equipment has the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) mark.

--Follow manufacturers’ instructions for charging and storage.

--Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.

--Keep batteries/devices stored at room temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight.

--Store batteries away from anything flammable.

--Do not charge or store battery operated devices or scooters in stairways/stairwells, in exit pathways, or in front of exit doors. We recommend actively charging this equipment only while you are home. 

--If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, change in shape/color, cracks, leaking, or odd noises coming from a device, discontinue use immediately. If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.

--Inspect all lithium-ion battery-powered equipment and chargers for frayed or cracked cords and replace if necessary.

For safe battery disposal/recycling information, please see this link from the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability:  www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling/battery-recycling

SEASIDE, Ore. – May 7, 2024 – Authorities continue to investigate the 2023 homicide death of Seaside resident Anna Knutson. Investigators seek previously unreported information related to the case and urge anyone with info to contact Detective Shauna Stelson at (503) 738-6311 or sstelson@cityofseaside.us.

Following up on a possible missing person report, officers located Knutson’s body inside a residence where she worked as a housekeeper at 2338 S. Edgewood at approximately 10:10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023.

The Clatsop County Major Crime Team has led the investigation, including agency detectives from the Seaside, Astoria, and Cannon Beach police departments, detectives and medicolegal death investigator from the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, attorneys and victims assistance from the Clatsop County District Attorney’s Office, and Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division.

end of release

Portland Oregon, May 7, 2024 –Rocky Butte Farmers Market (RBFM), Portland’s dog & kid friendly neighborhood market with a block party vibe, will open for the season June 1, 2024 at its new more visible and convenient location on the border of the Roseway and Madison South neighborhoods at NE Siskiyou, between 80th & 82nd Avenues near Glenhaven Park.

RBFM will be open every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through September 28. The iconic urban neighborhood market features affordable locally grown foods and artisan products, as well as weekly children's activities, live entertainment, giveaways, market bingo and more. The Market began as a pop-up in the Madison South neighborhood during the summer of 2019, became a monthly market in 2021, and expanded to a weekly market in 2022 and 2023. 

Market organizers are thrilled to announce new and returning vendors, offering everything from local produce, meat & flowers, to pottery and handcrafted goods.

“One of our major goals during the offseason was to relocate the market to make it more central and accessible for neighbors and those coming from further away,” said Benjamin Cutler, co-founder and board President. “Our site selection team succeeded thanks to a new partnership with PBOT! We are excited to recreate the magic we cultivated with our vendors and volunteers at the highly visible location on Siskiyou Street beside Glenhaven Park this June. We’re looking forward to celebrating local food, crafts and community as we continue to grow RBFM!” 

Well-behaved dogs on-leash are allowed in all areas of the market, which offers fresh water and treats at the info booth for pups. Fun and educational children’s programming is offered weekly and is suitable for all ages. The first 25 market-goers ages 3-13 who stop by the Kids Patch each get a FREE $5 token to spend during their visit! 

Rocky Butte Farmers Market proudly accepts Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), matching up to $20 per market day with Double Up Food Bucks through a partnership with the Farmers Market Fund. 

Learn more about the market, this year's vendors and the weekly entertainment schedule at www.rockybuttemarket.com, and follow market happenings via Instagram and Facebook at @rockybuttefm.

### 

 “The Oregon Plan,” renewed its approval with the Oregon Department of Education, is open to high school students throughout Oregon.

SALEM, Ore. - High school students in Oregon will have a paid opportunity to learn professional technical training while earning high school credit, as part of the newly endorsed program called The Oregon Plan.

Created by the Oregon National Guard, the plan received official approval last month from the Oregon Department of Education, which is required as part of its regular renewal process.

“Through this exciting program students get paid to earn high school credit, learn career skills such as basic finance, medic training, construction and engineering and practice working in teams,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of Oregon Department of Education. “As students plan their summer of learning and work, I hope they consider this enriching and life changing option.” 

Background On The Oregon Plan

Established in 1995 as the Military Career Education Cluster Concept, "The Oregon Plan" enables school districts across the state to award academic credits to students who complete qualified military training and instruction. Approximately 700 high school students have joined the Oregon Guard since 2020.

“The Oregon Plan has been providing valuable education pathways for Oregon students for nearly 30 years," said Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon. "We're proud to highlight this innovative program that recognizes the skills our young recruits gain through their military service."

Multiple high schools across Oregon participate in the program, including Pendleton, Hermiston, La Grande, Elgin, Wallowa, Baker, Ontario, and Grant Union High School in eastern Oregon. Additionally, high schools in Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Douglas, Union, Umatilla, Wasco, Hood River, Malheur, Baker, and Wallowa counties have also approved use of The Oregon Plan.

By enabling credit proficiencies through military training, the Oregon National Guard and The Oregon Plan exemplify a commitment to developing educated, skilled, and work-ready youth for future success.

"Our recruiters consistently hear from educators about the value of this flexible credit program, "said Lt. Col. Jessy Claerhout, Executive Officer, Recruiting Retention Command.  "It provides a helpful pathway for students to turn their military experience into academic progress toward graduation, while obtaining life skills and leadership training."

Many of the credits earned may also translate into college credits towards a higher education degree.

Sophomores and Juniors in high school can learn more about the program here.

You can also learn more about the Oregon Guard’s 100% College Tuition Assistance program here.
 

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announces the approval of nearly $23 million toward creating 157 new homes across the state. These investments will continue to help establish concrete pathways for Oregonians to pursue homeownership.

“While no one community is identical, there is a shared need across communities for more affordable housing options. Even in this tough economy, our imperative is to continue fighting to ensure that Oregonians can still realize the dream of homeownership,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. 

This year, OHCS changed how it grants Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Homeownership funding for the development of new affordable homes through a rolling application process.

“By providing multiple opportunities for developers to apply for funding instead of all at once, this new process can help accelerate new construction timelines in service to getting homes into communities faster, especially in rural areas,” Bell said. 

In fact, 30% of the awarded projects will be built in rural communities. The Hope St. Project is a prime example of that and is the first affordable homeownership community in Hood River. 

“After 32 years of building in the Gorge, Columbia Gorge Habitat for Humanity is very excited to build permanently affordable homes for the first time in Hood River,” said Chad Krause, executive director of Columbia Gorge Habitat for Humanity. “With the help of Oregon LIFT funding, these new homes will be built and sold to hardworking members of our community who can't afford market-rate homes. Hood River teachers and retail workers—needed desperately in our small town—may now be able to purchase their own Habitat homes.”

Here are the 10 developments receiving this round of funding awards:

Since the creation of the program in 2018, $71.3 million in LIFT funds have resulted in 47 projects with a total of 752 homes that are affordable to Oregonians. 

For more detailed information about each recommended project, please refer to the Housing Stability Council packet from April 26, 2024.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)  

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.  

###

7 de mayo de 2024

El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregón otorga casi $23 millones para crear más de 150 viviendas a precio asequible en el estado

SALEM, Ore. – El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregón (OHCS, por sus siglas en inglés) anuncia la aprobación de casi $23 millones que serán utilizados para crear 157 nuevas viviendas en el estado. Esta inversión continuará a ayudar a establecer vías concretas para que los habitantes de Oregon puedan convertirse en propietarios de vivienda. 

“Aunque ninguna comunidad es idéntica, existe una necesidad común de más opciones de vivienda a precio asequible. Incluso en esta difícil economía, nuestra misión es seguir luchando para garantizar que los habitantes de Oregón puedan seguir haciendo realidad el sueño de ser propietarios de una vivienda", declaró Andrea Bell, directora ejecutiva de la OHCS. 

De hecho, el 30% de los proyectos que recibirán fondos se construirán en comunidades rurales. El Hope St. Project es una de esas comunidades rurales que ha recibido fondos y es la primera comunidad de viviendas a precio asequible en Hood River.

“Al ofrecer más oportunidades para que los desarrolladores de vivienda soliciten fondos en lugar de hacerlo todos a la vez, estamos ayudando a acelerar la construcción de nuevas viviendas para que éstas lleguen a las comunidades más rápido, especialmente en las zonas rurales”, dijo Bell. 

El Hope St. Project es una de esas comunidades rurales que ha recibido fondos y es la primera comunidad de viviendas a precio asequible en Hood River.

“Después de 32 años construyendo en el Gorge, Columbia Gorge Habitat for Humanity está muy emocionada de construir casas permanentemente a precio asequible por primera vez en Hood River”, dijo Chad Krause, director ejecutivo de Columbia Gorge Habitat for Humanity. “Con la ayuda de los fondos del programa LIFT de Oregon, estas nuevas viviendas se construirán y venderán a miembros trabajadores de nuestra comunidad que no pueden permitirse comprar viviendas a precio del mercado. Los maestros y trabajadores del comercio minorista de Hood River—quienes se necesitan desesperadamente en nuestra pequeña ciudad—podrán ahora comprar sus propias casas de Habitat”.

Éstos son los 10 proyectos que recibirán fondos en esta ronda:

Desde la creación del programa en 2018, $71.3 millones en fondos LIFT han ayudado a 47 proyectos de desarrollo para crear un total de 752 viviendas a precio asequible para los habitantes de Oregón.

Acerca del Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon (OHCS)  

OHCS es la agencia de financiación de viviendas de Oregón. La agencia estatal proporciona apoyo financiero y de programas para crear y preservar oportunidades de vivienda a precio asequible y de calidad para los habitantes de Oregón con ingresos bajos y moderados. OHCS administra programas que proporcionan estabilización de la vivienda. OHCS ofrece estos programas principalmente a través de subvenciones, contratos y acuerdos de préstamo con organizaciones locales y proveedores comunitarios. Para obtener más información, visite: oregon.gov/ohcs.

ST. PAUL, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) contracted Kevin Barnes, grafting specialist, to propagate improved Douglas fir, western hemlock, western larch, and ponderosa pine trees for the J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard. Barnes plays a crucial role in propagating improved tree varieties that will produce seeds for replanting clearcuts and areas affected by fire in Oregon.

At the J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard, geneticist Don Kaczmarek uses traditional breeding methods to develop trees for Oregon with characteristics such as increased growth rates, climate adaptability, and resistance to insects and disease. Barnes grafts material from parent trees to a rootstock that provides water and nutrients for growth. “It’s a specialized profession and not a lot of people do what we do,” Barnes said.

“Our hope here at Schroeder is that we can continue to provide a reliable seed source that can help keep Oregon’s forests thriving,” Seed Orchard Manager Casara Nichols said.

Barnes uses a grafting technique that ensures the cambium layers of the plant material align. This alignment is vital for the successful growth of the grafted tree. "When you have an old growth tree that's 200 ft. tall, cambium acts like a ladder. No matter how tall that tree is, the water and nutrients go up the tree cell by cell from the root system clear to the top of the tree," Barnes explained. The graft is secured with a 100% natural rubber strip, called a budding strip, which is then sealed with water-based asphalt to protect the union.

“We try to shorten the time from orchard establishment to first cone crops. Trees planted this fall will produce their first cone crops in six to seven years dramatically shortening the time to production of advanced seed compared to trees grown in natural stands,” Kaczmarek said. Trees are grafted in the winter to early spring and orchards are planted in the fall of the same year. It takes roughly seven to 10 months for trees to become established following grafting.

A rich family history in the field backs Barnes’ knowledge of tree grafting. His father, Gerald Barnes, previously managed the Dorena Tree Improvement Center. Through a school trade-learning program, he introduced Kevin and his brother Shawn Barnes, who works for ODF doing seed processing, to the craft. The Barnes family has been instrumental in the development and success of modern orchards across Oregon. They have worked for the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and private timber companies for over 30 years.

The J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard is celebrating its 50th anniversary through May. To find more information about the seed orchard, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/working/pages/seed.aspx.

Group will recognize outgoing members at May meeting

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging continues the “Prepare in a Year” discussion series. This month’s topic is all about creating an emergency preparedness plan. Experts from CRESA, Clark County’s regional emergency services agency, will discuss the topic and answer questions from the audience. 

The meeting will be 4:30 pm Wednesday, May 15.

A disaster can happen anytime, anywhere. Sometimes we have warning, such as with winter weather, other times, it may come from nowhere, like an earthquake or wildfire. Having a plan and being prepared for all types of emergency situations can help reduce fear and anxiety and minimize potential loss. Join us on May 15 to learn how creating a plan will help you before, during, and after a disaster.

At the meeting the commission will also recognize outgoing commission members.

The preparedness series continues on June 12 with a session on how to store water and supplies. (Note: this meeting was rescheduled to June 12 due to a holiday.)

Commission on Aging meetings are currently held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Training Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.

Commission meetings are carried on CVTV Channel 23/323 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.

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

Please see the attached PDF for the press release. The release uses a font called SalishLSU to accurately display the names of the five men included in the tribute. Attached are also photos of the site. 

MARION/CLACKAMAS COUNTIES, Ore. 7 May 2024 – A domestic violence suspect led Oregon State troopers on a high-speed pursuit through Marion and Clackamas counties yesterday.  

On Monday, May 6, 2024, at approximately 11:50 a.m., troopers from the Salem Patrol Office were investigating a domestic assault that occurred the previous evening on Hwy. 214 near Silver Falls State Park. Troopers located the suspect’s vehicle on 72^nd Avenue near Joseph Street SE east of Salem.  

The vehicle eluded troopers and ultimately fled northbound on Interstate 5 from the Salem area at speeds over 115 mph. Troopers and Salem Police Department officers pursued the vehicle until it became stuck in a field off NE Eilers Road south of Wilsonville.  

The suspect, Matthew James Rodgers (33) of McMinnville, refused to get out of the vehicle and was armed with a hatchet. After negotiations with Rodgers were unsuccessful, a chemical irritant was deployed into the vehicle by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. Rodgers then exited the vehicle and was taken into custody.  

Rodgers was charged with burglary, attempt to elude police, reckless driving, reckless endangering, criminal mischief, assault IV (domestic), strangulation, harassment (domestic), coercion (domestic), and unlawful use of a weapon.  

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Salem Police Department, Woodburn Police Department, Canby Police Department, and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.  

The investigation is on-going and additional information is not available for release at this time. 

# # # 

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

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on May 22, 2024, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Samantha Kossa at (971) 209-8235.

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training will be live streaming all public meetings via YouTube. Meetings will no longer be streamed on Facebook. To view the Applicant Review Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve February 28, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Steven Atkins, DPSST No. 64789; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution
    Presented by Cindy Park

4. Joshua Avila, DPSST No. 64730; Portland State University Campus Public Safety Office
    Presented by Cindy Park

5. Nicholas Fugate, DPSST No. 65029; Malheur County Sheriff’s Office
    Presented by Cindy Park

6. Tiah Schwartz, DPSST No. 65176; Portland Police Bureau
    Presented by Cindy Park

7. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only 
    Presented by Cindy Park

8. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – June 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Camas-Washougal, WA - Two Rivers Heritage Museum (TRHM) and Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) partnered to create a historical outdoor timeline exhibit that represents Camas and Washougal history and highlights the artifacts cared for at TRHM. “Pieces of History: An Artifacts Timeline,” is filled with stories and images recounting monumental moments and everyday events in these neighboring communities. The timeline can be viewed at the TRHM at 1 Durgan Street in downtown Washougal, Saturdays from 11am-3pm.

CCHM Public Historian, Katie Bush, served as the project manager for this work. She collaborated with TRHM Display Committee members Karen and Richard Johnson and Gayle and Ivar Godtlibsen, to research and select important historic information to be featured.

“Katie provided a long list of items and dates she identified from our collection and had us rate their importance to the timeline,” Karen Johnson explained.  “We whittled that list down over and over again. It was a difficult process to narrow the information with so many fascinating stories to tell.”

After repeated and thoughtful analysis, the final historic events and dates were decided.  The team then worked to identify exactly what object from TRHM archives would represent the timeline captions. “Selected events are memorable, personal and unique to the local community and represent major, minor, and micro moments in our history,” Karen Johnson explained.

Local photographer, Missy Fant, captured images of each object and Vancouver graphic designer, Masako Brachmann married together these elements into the sprawling timeline that stands 34-feet long along the back fence of the museum.  “The panel design and style match the historic street panels in Historic Downtown Camas,” said Karen Johnson.  “We are trying to stay consistent with historical signage for our cities.” 

"I'm excited to be a part of this collaborative timeline for the Two Rivers Heritage Museum,” said Bush.  “Community-centered projects, such as this, offer great opportunities for heritage institutions to share local stories in engaging ways. I look forward to collaborating with Two Rivers and the Camas-Washougal community on future projects."

While the building is in Washougal, TRHM represents two cities. “I would say our museum collection is divided pretty evenly between Camas and Washougal artifacts, photos, research, and archives,” said Karen Johnson.  “Our two towns, with totally different beginnings, melded into one awesome community.”

When asked which featured timeline events were most significant to the growth of the community the answers varied. Gayle Godtlibsen feels it was the year 1905 when the SP&S Railroad began operation on the north bank of the Columbia River.  “We hope that visitors come away from the timeline inspired to share their experience with others and, hopefully, that will help create more traffic to the museum,” she said. 

Richard Johnson identified 1886 and the start of the Camas papermill as the most impactful year. “I feel interacting with the timeline exhibit is the grand finale to a visit to the museum,” he said. “I want people to feel they had a ‘complete’ experience here.”

The timeline creation and installation were completed by a team of dedicated people. TRHM Display Committee members Karen and Richard Johnson and Gayle and Ivar Godtlibsen; Masako Brachmann, graphic design; Katie Bush, CCHM public historian; Kevin and Curtis Barber of Core Powersports; Missy Fant Photography; J2 Blueprinting printed the panels; local historian Pepper Kim was editor and proofreader for the timeline narrative; John Kimbrough designed and fabricated timeline stand and helped with installation; Tommy Miller of Pomeroy Living History Farm helped with installation; and Bradley Richardson, Executive Director of CCHM helped on many aspects of the project. 

"Over the past six years, Two Rivers and the Clark County Historical Museum have fostered a deep and mutually beneficial relationship,” Richardson, a Camas-Washougal area native, said. “Through this project and other collaborative work, our organizations are demonstrating how communities are better served and more history is shared and saved when we come together."

Funding for the timeline came from generous donations from the Tidland Family, Beales Foundation, and the Smead Family, who made their gift in memory of longtime teacher and historian Bernice Pluchos.

The new exhibit will be dedicated at a ceremony on Friday, May 31 at 5 p.m. at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum.  City leaders, museum volunteers, staff, historical society members, and community history lovers are invited to attend.  It can also be viewed any Saturday during regular museum hours from 11am-3pm.

“We are extremely proud of what we have created at Two Rivers,” said Dick Lindstrom, CWHS president. “Its purpose is to collect, research, and preserve the history that tells the story of the development of the Camas/Washougal area.  We invite our community to take the time to experience what a treasure this place is.  And if people like what they see, we hope they become a member of CWHS or a volunteer to help us continue to tell the stories of our communities.”

###

Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited

What: Paws for a Cause: Cleanup with Oregon Humane Society at Portland Central Eastside

When: Wednesday, May 8, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: 1945 SE Water Ave. Portland, OR 97214 | Map Link

Event Description: Join SOLVE for a community-wide effort to clean up Portland’s Eastbank Esplanade before the much-anticipated Doggie Dash with the Oregon Humane Society.

Why: Leading up to Doggy Dash, a walk in support of animals, and Oregon Humane Society’s (OHS) largest fundraiser, SOLVE is hosting a cleanup to support OHS getting ready for their much-anticipated event on Saturday, May 11^th.  Volunteers will come together and comb along the Eastbank Esplanade, ensuring a clean and safe environment for our four-legged friends and their humans alike. Whoever is passionate about environmental stewardship or simply loves dogs, this event is a fantastic opportunity for volunteers of all ages to give back to their community and enjoy some outdoor fun.

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 AM in the north parking lot of OMSI to see approximately 50 volunteers of all ages checking in, collecting their cleanup supplies, receiving a safety speech and event debrief, and then heading out in groups to pick up litter in the surrounding area. The event will run from 10 AM to 12 PM, with volunteers expected to spread throughout Portland’s Central Eastside along the waterfront.

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

Available interviewees: 

• Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
• Laura Klink, Public Information Officer, Oregon Humane Society

Visit SOLVE | Paws for a Cause: Central Eastside Cleanup! (solveoregon.org) for more information.

About SOLVE: 

SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. You can follow SOLVE on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon, Facebook at @SOLVEOregon, or at www.solveoregon.org. 

UPDATE - The suspects in this case have been identified. No additional assistance in identifying the suspects is needed. 

__________________________________________________________________________

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. 6 May 2024 – The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the persons responsible for the unlawful take of elk in Umatilla County. 

Oregon State troopers responded to the area of Pine Creek Road on Feb. 6, 2024, on a report of several elk killed unlawfully on a private ranch. Multiple individuals were photographed on trail cameras trespassing on the private property on Dec. 29, 2023, and Dec. 30, 2023. It is believed those same individuals were also photographed packing out elk meat through the private property, during the same time period. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number is SP24-040213.

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

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

Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish) 

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx 

# # #

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

A Pallet Manufacturing Shop is a total loss after an early morning fire.  Marion County Fire District No. 1 received reports of a large fire ball around 1 am at Silverton Road and Lardon Road and a Marion County Sheriff confirmed a fully involved structure.  Defensive fire tactics were used by the first-arriving engine to focus on protecting 2 adjacent residential structures.  Due to the incident being outside the urban growth boundary in an un-hydranted area, 2 mutual aid water tenders were requested.  The wood-frame structure was filled with Pallet making supplies as well as adjacent to multiple stacks of the highly flammable material.  Fire damage was confined to the original structure and adjacent pallet stacks and under control in approximately 40 minutes.  No injuries were reported, and the fire is currently under investigation.  Marion County Fire District was assisted by Salem Fire Department, Keizer Fire Department, Marion County Sheriff's office and Marion County Public Works.

Coos County, Ore. 5 May 24- On Sunday, May 5, 1:02 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 250, in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Nissan Pathfinder, operated by Ryan Scott Sapp (38) of Grants Pass, left the roadway for unknown reasons, struck the embankment on the northbound side of the roadway, rolled, and came to rest upside down in the ditch.

The operator (Sapp) was declared deceased at the scene.

A passenger in the Nissan, Tasheena Fawn Reyes (33) of Grants Pass, was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by Bandon Fire, Green Acres Fire, and ODOT.

# # #

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

SALEM, Ore. – May 7, 2024 – The State Interoperability Executive Council (SIEC) will meet from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14. The meeting will take place virtually on Microsoft Teams with an available call-in option. The meeting is open to the public and comments will be taken from those in attendance online or who call in. 

The agenda and handouts are posted on the council website. Dial-in information for those who wish to attend over the phone is outlined in the meeting agenda.  What: State Interoperability Executive Council    
When: 1:30-3:30 p.m. on May 14 
Where: Via Teleconference, click here to join the meeting or call in at 503-446-4951, Pin: 743760442#  
Who: Members of the State Interoperability Executive Council   

The SIEC was created under the State Chief Information Officer to be the statewide interoperability governing body and to serve as the primary steering group for the Oregon Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP). The SIEC’s mission is to develop and maintain the SCIP, develop recommendations and guidelines for policy, identify technology and standards, and coordinate intergovernmental resources to facilitate statewide public safety communications interoperability.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION OF DISABILITIES: Reasonable accommodations, such as assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters, and materials in large print or audiotape will be provided as needed. To ensure availability, contact William Chapman at the Oregon Department of Emergency Management at 971-283-4607 or email SWIC.OR@das.oregon.gov at least 72 hours before the meeting with your request.

# # #

Date: Wed, May 22th, 2024

Time: 7 pm

Location: Alberta Rose Theatre

Tickets: $15-$45

Event Website: https://www.scienceontaporwa.org/events/alberta_may_22_volcanoes/

The Cascades Range is home to many volcanoes, but how active and dangerous are they? What are the greatest hazards from volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest, who monitors them, and how?  

At this Science on Tap, Jon Major explores volcanic processes associated with volcanic eruptions and their aftermath, provides insights on the greatest threats posed by the Cascades volcanoes, and reveals how our regional volcanoes are monitored and why. The great 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens fundamentally changed how scientists viewed volcanic eruptions. The four decades since have seen significant advancements in our understanding of volcanic histories, processes, hazards, monitoring capabilities, and the role that scientists have in communicating with governmental agencies and the public.

Jon Major is the Scientist-in-Charge at the US Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Washington. He has worked at volcanoes in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, El Salvador, Chile, and the Philippines. He has been working at Mount St. Helens since 1981, and has been with the Cascades Volcano Observatory since 1983.

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

The Newberg-Dundee Police Department participated in April's “Distracted Driving Awareness Month” by conducting enhanced patrols to locate motorists using cell phones while driving.  Officers focused primarily on pedestrian heavy zones as people in these areas are more vulnerable to injuries from crashes.  Officers made 50 contacts with motorists in April for the specific offense of operating a vehicle while using a mobile communication device. Funding for these extra patrols was made possible through grants and in partnership with Oregon Impact.

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet via online meeting on May 20 at 1:00 p.m. The primary agenda item is approval of the 2024 Oregon Historic Cemeteries grants. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Register for the meeting to receive online access information. 

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov. 

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

For call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

Salem, Ore., May 6, 2024 — Chemeketa Community College is proud to present the Crown City String Quartet surrounded by thousands of lights and candles. May 19, 5pm at the Chemeketa Auditorium.

The Crown City String Quartet has been the premier group featured in the HDCM Concert Series and an audience favorite since their debut in the High Desert Chamber Music inaugural concert. Founded in 2007, their performances have been praised as “sublime” and “simply moving and spectacular”.

​Based in the Crown City, Pasadena, California, the members have worked together in the Motion Picture and TV recording studios and are current and former members and principal players of some of Southern California’s most renowned music organizations, including the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, Pasadena Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and the San Diego Symphony and San Diego Chamber Orchestra.

Tickets are available here

Chemeketa Community College Building 6

4000 Lancaster Dr. NE Salem, OR 97305

For event preview

At the May 1 Board Business Meeting, the Gresham-Barlow Board of Directors received notice of a vote of no confidence for the Gresham High School Principal and District Administration due to ongoing safety concerns for students and staff.

We affirm our confidence in the Superintendent to urgently and effectively address student behavior and discipline concerns at Gresham High School and across the district and commit to supporting him with effective policy and resources required to establish and maintain the safe teaching and learning environments that our students, staff, and community deserve.

The Board will convene a meeting this week to receive an update of the plan of action from the Superintendent.

We want to acknowledge the engagement and advocacy of staff on this issue. We confirm the District’s commitment to create safe school environments that reflect the values and expectations of our community. 

A grandmother is facing several charges after officers believe she passed out in a parked car from fentanyl use, and exposed her 10-month-old granddaughter to the drug. 

On Friday, May 3^rd at 10:35PM a Tigard Police officer was patrolling the Tigard Plaza Shopping Center when he came upon an unlicensed Jeep that was parked and running. The officer saw the driver appeared to be passed out behind the wheel, and drug paraphernalia was out in plain view. The officer also saw there was a 10-month-old baby in the back seat, sitting in a car seat. 

The officer woke up the driver, who was later identified as Julia Apostello, age 53, from Portland. Officers learned Ms. Apostello is the baby’s grandmother. She was arrested and placed in a patrol car. Officers also contacted the baby’s mother, who was inside a nearby business with her 4-year-old child, at the time. She returned to the Jeep and told officers she’d been gone for roughly half an hour.

Out of a concern for the baby’s safety and potential exposure to drugs, the 10-month-old was taken to the hospital. Medical personnel confirmed the baby tested positive for fentanyl, and the baby remained there for treatment. Ms. Apostello was taken to the Washington County Jail, where she’s facing charges of criminal mistreatment I, child neglect II, endangering the welfare of a minor, criminal mistreatment II and recklessly endangering. 

Officers recovered a powdered substance from the Jeep, which was tested at the Tigard Police Department. The rapid test identified the substance as fentanyl.

###

SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet via zoom on May 20. The meeting will include approval of the 2024 Oregon Museum Grant recommendations. To view the full agenda and/or to register for the virtual meeting visit here. 

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0690 or y.Newcomb@oprd.oregon.gov">Mary.Newcomb@oprd.oregon.gov at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

There is one appointed position currently vacant on the Oregon Heritage Commission and two positions that will become vacant July 2024. The Heritage Commission is especially seeking members with knowledge and experience related to community institutions, heritage tourism, or education/higher education and who have experience working with diverse cultural groups. The Commission seeks applications from those that live in the Southern, Willamette Valley, and Central Oregon area. 

The Heritage Commission’s nine members represent a diversity of cultural, geographic, and institutional interests. The Commission is the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in the state. This includes carrying out the Oregon Heritage Plan, increasing efficiency and avoiding duplication among interest groups, developing plans for coordination among agencies and organizations, encouraging tourism related to heritage resources, and coordinating statewide anniversary commemorations.

The group meets four-six times per year in changing locations around the state and will offer virtual options to attend meetings. Commissioners are also asked to occasionally participate in meetings or events in their regions and work on other projects outside of meeting time. Appointed Commissioners are reimbursed for their travel and related expenses while conducting official commission business.

More information about the Oregon Heritage Commission is available online at www.oregonheritage.org and from Commission Coordinator Katie Henry at 503-877-8834 or katie.henry@oprd.oregon.gov. 

To request appointment, go to Governor Tina Kotek’s Boards and Commissions webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/board-list.aspx. 

###

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard held a pre-deployment Yellow Ribbon event on May 5 at the Salem Convention Center for the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team and their families prior to upcoming mobilizations to Kosovo and other overseas locations.

Approximately 2,000 Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade, headquartered in Clackamas, are scheduled to deploy to Kosovo, the Horn of Africa, and the Middle East starting summer through next spring.

"Deployments are difficult for everyone, especially in the Guard since we don't have a base with all the resources and all our families in one place," said Col. Peter Helzer, commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "I encourage everyone to get to know each other and the community partners here so you know who to call when you need assistance."

Helzer also noted the challenge of completing an intensive Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana, right before mobilizing. "That exercise will be key in ensuring we are ready for any challenge we may face while deployed."

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program connects National Guard members with resources throughout the deployment cycle through events for service members and their loved ones.

"Oregon National Guard members proudly serve the communities they live in during state emergencies and also serve the nation in defense of our interests overseas," said Oregon Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold. "That's what makes us the Service of Choice."

At the event, soldiers and families received information on health care, education, financial and legal benefits through military support programs and community partners.

The Yellow Ribbon Program promotes the well-being of National Guard and Reserve members, their families and communities by connecting them to resources before, during and after deployments.

Released Photos:

240505-Z-ZJ128-1001

Soldiers and families from the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team attend a Yellow Ribbon event May 5, 2024 at the Salem Convention Center. They received information and resources to help cope with the brigade's upcoming deployment of nearly 2,000 soldiers to Kosovo, Egypt, the Horn of Africa and Syria beginning this summer through next spring. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

240505-Z-ZJ128-1002

Greg Malkasian, a Volunteer Management Coordinator with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), briefs members of the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade on their employment rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) during a Yellow Ribbon event May 5, 2024, in Salem. The briefing ensures soldiers understand their civilian job protections before mobilizing for nearly a year deployment to Kosovo and other overseas locations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

SALEM, Ore. - The 2024 Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. The ceremony is held annually to honor the state’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

The names of two fallen Oregon law enforcement officers were added to the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial during an engraving ceremony on Tuesday, April 16: Jared J. Miller of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, end of watch Dec. 9, 2021, and Joseph W. Johnson of the Nyssa Police Department, end of watch April 15, 2023. 

On Nov. 10, 2021, Sergeant Jared J. Miller fell ill while working as a shift sergeant at the Marion County Jail during an outbreak of COVID-19 at the facility. Sergeant Miller died from complications of COVID-19 on Dec. 9, 2021. Sergeant Miller had served with the Marion County Sheriff's Office for 16 years. He is survived by his wife, father, sister, brother, and grandfather.

Reserve Corporal Joseph W. Johnson shot and killed on April 15, 2023, while making a traffic stop in Nyssa. After being dispatched to a domestic incident, Reserve Corporal Johnson engaged in a short vehicle pursuit with the suspect, who stopped and opened fire on the officer while he was still in his patrol vehicle. Reserve Corporal Johnson succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He had served with the Nyssa Police Department for almost five years, and also served as a corrections officer with the Oregon Department of Corrections for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Sergeant Miller, Reserve Corporal Johnson and 194 previously fallen officers will be honored during the ceremony at the academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Highway SE in Salem. The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial honors officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.

The ceremony is a significant event that the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is proud to host each year in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and Oregon's various statewide law enforcement associations.

###

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

During the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon held May 2 in Portland, the Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) proudly announced a new award in honor of retiring OBA President and CEO Linda W. Navarro.

The Linda W. Navarro Trailblazer Award has been established to recognize and celebrate women in banking who have not only achieved remarkable success in their careers but have also made lasting contributions to the industry. Navarro, the inaugural recipient of the award, will be retiring from the OBA in July. She has been a trailblazer throughout her career, becoming the first woman to lead the Oregon Bankers Association in its 119-year history. Other recognitions of her success include being honored as a Woman of Influence by the Portland Business Journal in 2012 and receiving the prestigious V.A. McNeil Executive Leadership Award from the Oregon Society of Association Management in 2015.

In addition to serving as CEO of the OBA, Navarro is the chief executive officer of Synergy by Association, a wholly-owned for-profit subsidiary of OBA, and Community Banks of Oregon. She has also held various national positions in her service to the banking industry. She is a past chair and current member of the national Alliance of Bankers Association and currently serves on the American Bankers Association (ABA) Credit Union Administrative Committee. Navarro has held prior positions on the ABA Board of Directors, ABA Foundation Board of Directors, ABA Community Bankers Council, ABA BankPAC Committee, ABA Committee on Housing and Community Affairs, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) Committee on Consumer Financial Services, ICBA Technology Committee and ICBA Legislative Committee. She has also served on various nonprofit and community boards here in Oregon.

In 2013, Navarro led the establishment of the OBA Education Foundation (“Foundation”) in response to shifts in the banking industry that left a hole in state-based banking development programs. The Foundation’s mission includes increasing financial literacy and the education, development and recruitment of future bankers. Through collaborative efforts with Oregon universities, BankWork$, and various other initiatives, the Foundation actively contributes to the attraction and training of diverse new bankers.

Beyond spearheading the establishment of the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon in 2021 as a way to uplift and celebrate women in the industry, Navarro has long championed women in banking and supported their ascent into leadership positions within the OBA. Under her leadership, many women have climbed the ranks to serve as chair of the OBA and Community Banks of Oregon. Countless others have served on OBA boards and chaired OBA committees.

While presenting the award to Navarro, Stacey Dodson, U.S. Bank‘s market president for Oregon and S.W. Washington, stated, “Linda has been a devoted advocate for Oregon’s banking community for nearly 28 years and has expertly led the OBA with passion, pride and purpose while uplifting all females in her orbit, myself included. Linda embodies what we seek to celebrate with this award: the remarkable achievements and lasting contributions of women in Oregon banking.”

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to human remains recovered from an encampment on April 22, 2024.

This individual was found on 04/22/2024 in Ridgefield, WA.

The name of the decedent: Whittier, Jerry Wayne  Age: 61 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): unknown

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Pending

Manner of death:  Pending

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

Media release issue date: 05/06/2024

View demonstrations; tour the welding lab; meet instructors and students  

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Clark College is hosting a Welding Technology open house on Friday, May 17 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on the main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way in its Welding Technology and Fabrication facility in Building AA2. 

Learn about the welding industry and get a hands-on tour of the Clark College welding facility. Demonstrations will include a welding robot, virtual reality (VR) welder, computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutter, press brake and more.

Clark’s welding students can earn an Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) degree in Welding Technologies in two years. Concurrently, students will complete five welding certificates. The welding program offers a part-time schedule and evening classes to accommodate working students. Learn more at Welding (clark.edu)

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

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

If you need an accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 or email hr@clark.edu

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90^th year, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

####

City of Portland public works bureaus today reopened the N Columbia Boulevard overpass in industrial North Portland for vehicle travel with one lane open in both directions.  

The center of the roadway will remain closed to protect temporary repairs to the bridge and to an underground pressurized sewer pipe. The bridge itself had only one lane each direction before repairs were made, so there is expected to be minimal impact on traffic from closing the center area.  

This traffic pattern is expected to continue for the next several months while Environmental Services plans a longterm term replacement for the aging sewer pipe underneath the road and nearby Lombard Pump Station. The station and pressurized sewer pipe provide sewer service for a 3,800-acre area of industrial North Portland. 

The overpass had been closed since March 21 for emergency sewer repairs after the pressurized pipe ruptured. That rupture led to a sewage release to the nearby Columbia Slough. Crews contained the sewage release within hours and repaired the break within days. Environmental Services also issued a two-week health advisory for the slough to protect the public from elevated levels of bacteria in the water, ending the advisory on April 5 after test results showed bacteria levels were no longer high.

Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), and a contractor for Environmental Services have been working together to repair the site, restore the pavement, and reopen the bridge as soon as possible.  

Throughout the incident, Environmental Services maintained sewer service to customers in the area.  Pedestrian and bicycle travel also had been maintained.

The bureaus had previously projected the closure would remain in place through late May. But they are reopening the road earlier than anticipated after pipe repairs and specialized roadway embankment work proceeded more quickly than expected, due to favorable subsurface conditions encountered. 

People who wish to receive periodic email or text message updates for the Lombard Pump Station and Force Main Upgrade, may sign up through our free GovDelivery subscription service. 

This news release updates previous notices for this incident, which may be found at portland.gov/bes/news. 

About Environmental Services
Environmental Services - the City of Portland’s sewer and stormwater utility - protects public health and the environment by collecting and recovering resources from the city’s wastewater, managing stormwater, and restoring and protecting Portland’s rivers, streams, and watersheds. Learn more at portland.gov/bes

About Portland Bureau of Transportation
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the city’s transportation system and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. Learn more at portland.gov/transportation

Wasco County, Ore. 4 May 24- On Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 6:51 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy-26, near milepost 93, in Wasco County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Scion, operated by Kyle D. Kircher (30) of Happy Valley, left the roadway at the Mill Creek Bridge and landed approximately 250 feet below the bridge on the canyon floor.

The operator of the vehicle (Kircher) was declared deceased at the scene. 

Kircher was reported as suicidal at 12:19 a.m. and the vehicle was located in the canyon by the Warm Springs Police Department at 1:05 a.m.. Due to the location of the vehicle, dark lighting conditions, and safety concerns the recovery was delayed until daylight. At this time, the evidence indicates the crash was intentional.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours.

OSP was assisted by Warm Spring PD, Warm Springs Fire, Deschutes County Search and Rescue, and ODOT.

Vancouver, Wash. - The Clark County Assessor’s office property tax exemption specialists will be available to answer questions and enroll property owners in the county’s property tax relief program at an upcoming outreach signup event.

The Tax Exemption Program for senior citizens and people with disabilities can reduce property tax liability for qualifying homeowners. Eligibility is based on age or disability, home ownership, residency, and income. Participants are not required to repay the taxes, and their homes are not subject to property liens. 

Exemption specialists will be on hand at the Firstenburg Community Center in the Resource Classroom to enroll applicants from 9 am to 2:30 pm Friday, May 17. The center is located at 700 NE 136th Ave. 

To schedule an appointment for the event, call 564.397.2391 or email eduction@clark.wa.gov">taxreduction@clark.wa.gov. Walk-ins also are welcome. Homeowners interested in attending should bring photo ID, federal tax return, W-2 and/or 1099, and any deduction documentation. 

Learn more about the program and apply online at https://assessor-property-tax-exemption-program-clarkcountywa.hub.arcgis.com/.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College has earned recognition from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) as one of 32 designated Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE). This prestigious designation underscores PCC’s commitment to preparing students for fulfilling careers within the United States maritime industry.

As part of the PAC Maritime alliance, which includes seven community and technical colleges along with one maritime training entity spanning Washington and Oregon, PCC stands among six designees in the region. According to MARAD, this acknowledgment highlights the vital role these institutions play in fostering highly skilled mariners essential for bolstering both the nation's economy and security.

“The designation solidifies the excellence of PCC’s Maritime Welding Program,” said Patty Hawkins. “The program’s goal is to bring more skilled welders directly into the workforce, and to help students find careers in this incredible industry.”

Why welding? In the manufacturing industry, there is a lack of qualified workers from which companies like Union Pacific or Vigor Industrial can recruit from. With an aging workforce, there is an overwhelming shortage of welders, and the employment prospects in the Portland area are strong as a result. The Oregon Employment Department forecasts more than 250 welding job openings per year through 2027.

PCC is at the region’s heart of manufacturing training. At Swan Island shipyards, the college partnered with Vigor Industrial in 2008 on the Maritime Welding Training Center – a 4,000-square-foot facility. Vigor is the region’s leading provider of shipbuilding and repair and with its assistance, PCC offers students hands-on education under the expert guidance of diverse and student-centered faculty.

“It was the first college industrial partnership within the United States to create a maritime welding/ship fitting collaboration within a shipyard,” said Todd Barnett, welding faculty. “Frank Foti, the owner and CEO of Vigor industrial, saw the need for a pathway for new employees to be created.”

In addition, the college recently introduced its new Mobile Welding Outreach & Skills Training Center last fall, which was made possible due to an initial investment of $375,000 by Union Pacific. PCC is just one of 20 institutions across the country to have similar mobile welding centers.

And, the PCC Welding Program offers flexible scheduling with an open-entry/open-exit, self-paced format that fits the needs of the students. This allows them to register for full or part-time instruction by using the college’s recently renovated weld shop. PCC offers welding classes at the Rock Creek Campus in Washington County, OMIC Training Center in Scappoose and at Swan Island.

In addition to the flexible instructional design, PCC offers several Career Pathway Certificates through an associate degree in Welding Technology.

“The newest, and most exciting of these are the Career Pathway Certificates with Maritime options,” said instructor Matt Scott. “Within these certificate packages PCC offers classes in welding and shipfitting techniques that allow the students to hit the ship decks well prepared for a career in the marine industry.”

The MARAD designation stems from Section 51706 of title 46 United States Code, authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to recognize entities demonstrating excellence in maritime workforce training and education.

“Our country depends on a highly-skilled mariner workforce to strengthen both our economy and our national security,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The 32 Centers of Excellence we’re designating today will promote training opportunities outside of traditional four-year degree programs and will bring more Americans into these great maritime careers.”

For the full list of designees, and searchable map, can be found on the Centers of Excellence webpage.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning. 

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

Vancouver, Wash. – The Parks and Lands division of Clark County Public Works is beginning planning for improvements to the Klineline Pond area of Salmon Creek Regional Park. An important step in the planning process is to perform geotechnical surveying, which gathers data about the site’s physical characteristics. A tow-behind drilling rig will be used for the geotechnical surveys the week of May 6. Park visitors can expect some noise and minor ground vibrations near the survey sites. Visitors are reminded to not approach survey equipment or any closed areas. The surveyors will be collecting data at approximately seven locations in the park. Areas around the drilling rig will be temporarily closed during operations. 

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

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

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

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

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

###

PORTLAND, Ore.–The VA Portland Health Care System is scheduled to celebrate the 8^th Anniversary of their Fisher House on May 8, 2024. The facility is located at their Vancouver campus in SW Washington, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.

Members of the media are invited to attend the event, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Opened for guests on March 23, 2016, the VA Portland Fisher House is part of an ever-expanding network of 97 VA Fisher House locations throughout various military installations and VA medical centers across the nation, with two more under construction.

The Fisher House lodging program is unique because it allows the family and a support network to be within close proximity to Veterans that are in need of critical medical care, which has a positive impact on the overall healing process, according to VA Portland Fisher House Program Manager, James Dorce.

“The VA Portland Fisher House provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care,” Dorce says. “We allow families to be close to their loved one during a medical crisis and to focus on what’s important—the healing process.”.

Overall, the program has saved military and Veterans’ families an estimated $610 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging and transportation, according to Veterans Administration statistics.

The Fisher House Foundation builds and furnishes residential properties and generously donates the house to the VA as a gift. The VA operates and maintains the house. Fisher House Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses, and children of fallen and disabled Veterans.

To find out more about the history of the Fisher House, visit https://www.fisherhouse.org/about/our-history/. To learn more about the Fisher House Foundation, go to https://www.fisherhouse.org/

To RSVP for the event, or for any media inquiries, please email or call the point of contact listed

Evergreen Public Schools Receives Clean Financial Audit

The Washington State Auditor's Office concludes that the district effectively safeguarded public resources

Vancouver, Wash. (May 6, 2024) – Evergreen Public Schools received a clean audit report from the Washington State Auditor's Office.

In handling the district’s finances, EPS officials adhered to district policies and relevant state laws and regulations, effectively safeguarding public resources, auditors concluded.

"We take our responsibility of being good stewards of public funds seriously," said John Boyd, Superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools. "The results of this audit show our commitment to being accountable and are a testament to our outstanding finance team.”

Conducting an audit that lasted about eight weeks, independent state auditors assessed the district's finances from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. They examined such areas as payroll, accounts payable, Associated Student Body (ASB) activities, Skills Center cash receipting, use of local levy funds, compliance with supplemental contracts for enrichment activities, adherence to open public meetings and review of financial condition.

Additionally, state auditors issued clean audits for the district’s financial statements across its general, capital projects, ASB, debt service and transportation funds, along with the district’s compliance with federal grants for the period covered by the audit.

The state auditor’s office conducts annual evaluations of school districts’ finances as part of its commitment to monitoring public funds. You can access the accountability report and financial statements/federal grant compliance report on the state auditor’s website.

About Evergreen Public Schools: With more than 22,000 students in 38 schools in the city of Vancouver, Evergreen Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the state of Washington. The district was founded in 1945, when nine schools from eight different districts came together.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – In May, Re-Imagined Radio draws on two stories from the high-adventure series “Escape,” often cited as the finest radio series ever. Both star actor Vincent Price, a legend of stage, television, motion picture and radio who is known for his deep, thrilling voice.

“Escape: A Double-Featured Adventure” premieres at 1 p.m. May 20 on KXRW-FM (99.9), Vancouver, and KXRY-FM (91.1 and 107.1), Portland. Subsequent broadcasts and streams will be provided by local, regional and international broadcast partners.

The featured stories are “Present Tense” (January 1950) and “Three Skeleton Key” (March 1950). In “Present Tense,” Price portrays a man sentenced to death for his wife’s murder, who imagines various escapes on his journey to the gas chamber. “Three Skeleton Key” is a horror classic, in which three men in a lighthouse on a small island are overrun by rats and fight for survival.

Re-Imagined Radio premieres episodes on the third Monday of the month on community radio stations KXRW-FM and KXRY-FM. Each episode is streamed globally and is then available as a podcast. Information and listening opportunities are available at reimaginedradio.fm. 

Community Partners

Re-Imagined Radio draws on community voice actors, Foley artists, musicians, sound artists and engineers. Partners include KXRW-FM, KXRY-FM, Fuse Audio Design, Marc Rose and Holly Slocum Design, with Sidney Nguyen.

About Re-Imagined Radio

Re-Imagined Radio was begun by John Barber in 2013 to celebrate radio storytelling. Barber is the host and producer of the program and a faculty member of the Creative Media and Digital Culture program at WSU Vancouver. “We select, produce and perform classic and contemporary stories across a spectrum of radio genres, from dramas to comedies, from oral to aural histories, from documentaries to fictions, from soundscapes to sonic journeys, from radio to sound art,” Barber said. 

About WSU Vancouver

As one of six campuses of the WSU system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations. 

WSU Vancouver is located on the homelands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Peoples of the Lower Columbia Valley. We acknowledge their presence here. WSU Vancouver expresses its respect towards these original and current caretakers of the region. We pledge that these relationships will be built on mutual trust and respect. 

# # #

The annual training required for journalists to gain unescorted access natural disaster scenes is now available. The free, one-hour online training course is provided by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Training credentials need to be renewed every year by completing the training. 

New for this year: Training credentials will be generated automatically after passing the quiz at the end of the course and available immediately. Journalists are encouraged to print two copies of their credentials—one to display in their vehicle and another to keep in their wallet—and to save an electronic copy to their phone or computer, just in case.

House Bill 4087 (2022) granted journalists access to certain natural disaster scenes even if a public safety organization escort is unavailable. The bill’s access provisions apply specifically to natural disaster scenes on non-federal public lands that are also closed to the public due to the disaster. The HB 4087 guidelines created by a joint committee of public safety and media representatives provide additional important information including personal protective equipment requirements and circumstances when access may be denied.

For more information about HB 4087 and media access to natural disasters in Oregon, check out these resources from the Safe Media Access to Disaster Sites Committee and the Oregon Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. 

If you have problems accessing the training or questions about media access, contact Joy Krawczyk, ODF’s Public Affairs Director, at awczyk@odf.oregon.gov">joy.p.krawczyk@odf.oregon.gov or April Ehrlich with OPB at lich@opb.org">aehrlich@opb.org.

POLICE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Police Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. May 16, 2024, 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 Samantha Kossa at (971) 209-8235.

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training will be live streaming all public meetings via YouTube. Meetings will no longer be streamed on Facebook. To view the Police Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

1. Introductions

2. Approve the February 22, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

    a) Steven Bellshaw; DPSST No. 22870
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, Management, and Executive Police Certifications

    b) Emigdia Camas; DPSST No. 51141
        Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police and Basic and Intermediate Corrections Certifications

    c) Anthony Christensen; DPSST No. 55811
        Basic Police Certification

    d) Summer Danneker; DPSST No. 58025
        Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certifications

    e) Travis Grindle; DPSST No. 43070
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisory Police Certifications

    f) Matthew McCandless; DPSST No. 55017
        Basic and Intermediate Police Certifications

4. Andy Ashpole; DPSST No. 47945; Newport Police Department
   Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

5. Katelyn Bailey; DPSST No. 56238; Wasco County Sheriff’s Office
   Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

6. Matthew Barbee; DPSST No. 47086; Tigard Police Department
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

7. Carl Bell; DPSST No. 55552; Gladstone Police Department
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

8. Shawn Carnahan; DPSST No. 39921; Columbia County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

9. Sean Considine; DPSST No. 64682; Central Point Police Department
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

10. Robert Gorman; DPSST No. 36970; Oregon State Police
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

11. Sterling Hall; DPSST No. 58719; Pendleton Police Department
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

12. Paul Johnson; DPSST No. 39931; Klamath Falls Police Department
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

13. Kevin Lanier; DPSST No. 57215; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

14. Quinn Lindley; DPSST No. 56901; Monmouth Police Department
     Presented by Melissa Lang-Baco

15. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0500
     Agency Name Change Correction
     Presented by Jennifer Howald

16. Applicant Review Committee Member Nominations
      Presented by Kathy McAlpine

17. Agency Update

18. Next Police Policy Committee Meeting – August 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

SALEM, Ore. – May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal is encouraging all Oregonians to get prepared for the upcoming wildfire season. Creating defensible space is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home and increase the chances it will survive a wildfire.

The OSFM offers free defensible space assessments to Oregonians who want to start creating defensible space or those who want to optimize their current plan. For a limited time, people living in select areas of the state may be eligible for a $250 payment after receiving an assessment. Request an assessment and read more details at www.oregondefensiblespace.org. 

“Creating defensible space might feel overwhelming but taking it one project at a time can go a long way in protecting your home,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “May is a great time to tackle these projects before the heat of summer arrives.”

A few projects you can consider this month include: 

• Space and prune trees.
• Remove leaves, needles, wood, bark mulch, and other debris from within 100 feet of buildings or to the property line. 
• Remove leaves, needles, and other debris from roofs and gutters.
• Move flammable material away from the outside of your home, including mulch, flammable plants, leaves, and needles.  
• Prevent plants from growing directly under the eaves; a minimum of five feet away is recommended. 
• Keep firewood piles and lumber at least 30 feet from any structure. 
• Maintain the plants in your yard. Clean out old leaves or pine needles from your plants and prune away dead parts.  

For a detailed guide on how to create defensible space at your home, click here.

When creating defensible space, you may have debris to get rid of. The OSFM suggests chipping, composting, or recycling it. If you must burn the debris, follow all local burning restrictions and be safe when using fire. Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of human-sparked fires in Oregon. 

During Wildfire Awareness Month, the OSFM, along with our partners, is encouraging, empowering, and informing Oregonians to help prevent and prepare for wildfire. For more resources and information, visit the OSFM’s Wildfire Awareness Month webpage.

May 5, 2024

On Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 2:41 a.m., a Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to pull over a 2011 BMW X5 near Highway 217 and SW Walker Road. The driver of the vehicle initially pulled over but immediately sped away and the deputy did not pursue. The suspect was seen by deputies getting onto Sunset Highway before getting back onto Highway 217 southbound. 

Deputies followed the vehicle and performed a pursuit intervention technique (PIT) on the BMW near SW 2^nd Avenue and SW Franklin Avenue in Beaverton. After the PIT, the driver jumped out of the BMW and ran. Deputies ran after the driver, 25-year-old Nicolas Pena-Galvan and took him into custody about a block away. During the investigation, deputies found that Pena-Galvan dropped a pistol while running away and later learned the gun was listed as stolen.

Pena-Galvan was transported to the Washington County Jail, where he faces the following charges: 

• Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer (felony, 2 counts)
• Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer (misdemeanor)
• Felon in possession of a weapon
• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Theft in the first degree
• Criminal mischief in the second degree
• Driving under the influence of intoxicants
• Reckless driving

The investigation is ongoing, and it is possible that Pena-Galvan will faces additional charges. 

Just after midnight on May 5, 2024, PF&R Engine 31 responded to reports of a stabbing in the Rockwood neighborhood. On arrival, they found a critically injured patient suffering from multiple stab wounds. However, as AMR was at “level zero,” there were no available ambulances and, when an ambulance was assigned to this incident, it was dispatched from Clackamas County. 

The patient’s best chance at survival: rapid transport to an emergency department and, ultimately, to a trauma surgeon, where the patient’s injuries could be definitively addressed. As a result, the PF&R crew made the decision to transport the patient in an on-scene Gresham Police car to the closest emergency department. With the assistance of Gresham police officers, the PF&R crew loaded the patient into the back seat of a GPD car using a lifting tarp. The patient was then transported in the police car “Code 3” (lights and sirens) to the closest emergency department. A PF&R firefighter/paramedic rode in the back seat of the police car with the patient to help staunch the bleeding and provide other EMS treatment to the patient enroute to the hospital. The current condition of the patient is unknown to PF&R at this time.

“Seconds matter on critical trauma incidents,” said PF&R PIO Rick Graves. “Whether we transport you in an ambulance or find another way to get you to the hospital if an ambulance is unavailable, we’re going to do it. I’m very proud of our members for adapting to the unique circumstances of this call and providing the patient with the best chance for survival given these circumstances.”