The Multnomah Education Service District Board Finance Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/82869498779?pwd=ojgOsYYyNcub0SBJycNNsrgs4vEVGX.1
Passcode:016661

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined a Medford contractor $128,345 for safety violations after an inspection found the company exposed employees to multiple hazards, including a potentially deadly fall from heights.
 

The division completed its inspection of Shrader Homes Inc. in November, citing the company for five violations of requirements to protect workers from serious injury or death. The inspection focused on a jobsite in White City, where employees were doing framing work on a two-story residence.

One of the violations was a fourth repeat infraction for failing to provide fall protection. Another was a second repeat violation of a ladder safety rule. Falls are one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry. Oregon OSHA significantly increases penalties for repeat violations. The division ordered the company to correct the violations.
 

“Any employer that directs workers to do jobs at elevations must take action beforehand to make sure protective systems are in place,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “Workers have a right to safety and health under the law. Employers are responsible for making that right a reality.”
 

Oregon OSHA conducted the inspection of Shrader Homes under its prevention-based emphasis program addressing fall hazards in all industries.

The division cited the company for the following violations:  

• Protection systems were not implemented where employees were exposed to a hazard of falling 6 feet or more to a lower level. The serious violation was rated as “death,” because the typical result of the hazard would be the death of an employee. It was a fourth repeat violation. Penalty: $110,309.
• The side rails of a ladder were not extended at least 3 feet above an upper landing. The serious violation was a second repeat offense. Penalty: $13,800.
• Protection systems were not implemented where employees were exposed to a hazard of falling from a wall opening on the second-floor decking to a lower level. It was a serious violation. Penalty: $1,412.
• A ladder with a broken anti-slip safety device was used when it should have been tagged as defective or removed until it was repaired. It was a serious violation. Penalty: $1,412.
• Eye protection was not used while running a pneumatic nail gun. It was a serious violation. Penalty: $1,412. 

The total penalty issued to Shrader Homes included a standard reduction based on the size of the company. Employers have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal. Shrader Homes filed an appeal of its citation.
 

Oregon OSHA offers employers free resources – involving no fault, no citations, and no penalties – to help protect their employees from job hazards:

Consultation services – provides free help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training:

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Field offices
• Online
• Email: consult.web@dcbs.oregon.gov

Technical staff – helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Online
• Email: tech.web@dcbs.oregon.gov

The division also offers free fall protection video training in English and Spanish, and key information for employers and workers.

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

Update- Hyundai operator name updated related to arrest.

Jackson County, Ore. (Dec. 9, 2025)- On Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 6:13 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Highway 99 (Rogue River Highway), near milepost 7, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Hyundai Elantra, operated by Bobbie Rae Stinson-Payne (28) of Grants Pass, struck a pedestrian, Jarrod Edward Garwood (43) of Rogue River, as the pedestrian was pushing a go-kart on the highway. The Hyundai fled the scene and the operator later contacted law enforcement to report their involvement.

The pedestrian (Garwood) was declared deceased at the scene. An occupant of the go-kart, James Eric Johannes (41) of Grants Pass, suffered reported minor injuries.

The operator of the Hyundai (Stinson-Payne) and passenger, Dillon Edward Gasser (33) of Grants Pass, were reportedly uninjured. 

The operator of the Hyundai (Stinson-Payne) was arrested for Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, and Manslaughter 1.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. The crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Rogue River Police Department, Rogue River Fire Distrist 1, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, and ODOT.

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

Salem – Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) consumer advocates continue to work to help Oregonians. In the third quarter of this year – July through September – the advocates helped recover $1,836,127, bringing the year-to-date total to $5,658,813 that is back in the pockets of Oregonians.

DFR’s consumer advocates have extensive knowledge across many areas of regulation, including helping those experiencing difficulties with insurance, mortgages, banking products, securities, student loans, and a variety of other financial services DFR regulates.

“Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation makes sure every day Oregonians get a fair shake,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “Their work is a powerful reminder of what effective consumer protection looks like in action.”

In the most recent quarter, the consumer advocates received 1,422 total complaints and, much like previous quarters, insurance continues to be the leading topic with 890 complaints – the most of any quarter in 2025. Credit union complaints were the next highest with 53, followed by mortgage servicers (44) and student loans (32). In the first and second quarters of 2025, more than $3.8 million was recovered through nearly 2,800 complaints.

Examples of consumer complaints successfully resolved by DFR advocates in the third quarter include:

• A consumer’s home caught fire from an errant firework over the July 4 holiday. The claim was not progressing to the consumer’s satisfaction, so they filed a complaint. The insurer completed a subsequent review, which led to an increase in the scope of work for the repairs. This resulted in an additional $40,872.18 being paid to the consumer. This additional review also consisted of a reinspection of the overall claim, which opened more negotiations on the costs for plumbing and windows.

• A consumer had an upcoming surgery scheduled. She called the insurance company to find out how much she would owe out of pocket due to the facility being out of network, but the insurer could not provide her the information. She received a bill for $42,009.82, which was a shock, so she filed a complaint. After reviewing the complaint, the insurer negotiated a single-case agreement with the facility. The claim was then reprocessed and the consumer’s responsibility changed to $3,316.55.

• A consumer’s husband has a long-term care policy. As the husband is disabled and qualifies for benefits under his policy, his wife called the company to make a claim and asked about providers for his care. She was told by a company representative that as long as the independent provider is licensed, she can choose the provider they want. An independent caregiver was hired based on the advice given. Claims were filed, but were denied, as the information provided was incorrect. After the consumer filed the complaint, and the company listened to the phone recording that provided misinformation, the insurer overturned its decision and approved the provider and agreed to pay the claims.

“I am very proud of the level professionalism and expertise our consumer advocates display every day to help Oregonians,” said Sean O’Day, director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes the Division of Financial Regulation. “They are helping people with issues that have real impacts on the daily lives of Oregonians and they often bring positive resolutions to those families.”

Anyone who may need a consumer advocate can call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for insurance-related issues and .finanicialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.finanicialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for financial-related issues.

“Our team of industry experts continues to put its knowledge to work for the benefit of Oregonians,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator and Oregon insurance commissioner. “They deal with many cases that are highly complex and take a lot of time to navigate, but their work does not go unnoticed and I am happy to see so much money going back to hard-working people.”

Here is the list of complaints through the first three quarters of 2025:

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

The City’s emergency notification system vendor, OnSolve (Crisis24), experienced a cybersecurity incident that disrupted service nationwide and may have exposed some subscriber information tied to the public safety alert system, known as CodeRED. This incident is affecting multiple jurisdictions across the country and is not isolated to our community.

It is possible some of the following types of subscriber information may have been impacted that were used in CodeRED user profiles:

• Name
• Email address
• Password
• Phone number
• Address

No action is required for those who do not use a password for their CodeRED account. For individuals who created a password for CodeRED and uses that same password for other accounts, the City encourages users to change those passwords immediately. For users unsure about their CodeRED account password, please contact the vendors customer service at support@crisis24.com">crsupport@crisis24.com.

Recommended Safety Tips for Community

As a precaution and reminder, community members are encouraged to:

         • Avoid clicking links or opening attachments from unknown or unexpected senders.

• Use strong, unique passphrases for your accounts and never share passwords or verification codes.

         • Monitor accounts for unusual activity.

Emergency notification services are functional. The City will continue to use multiple communication channels to share urgent public information and any updates regarding this incident will be shared as they become available on the City’s newsroom webpage.

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Vancouver, Wash. – As heavy rains and gusty winds continue, county roads and parks are beginning to see impacts. Updates are listed under “Closures and Impacts”. Latest update: 1:30 p.m.

Public Works response
Members of the public who encounter flooding, standing water, downed trees, or other issues on county roads are encouraged to report it by calling 564.397.2446 or using the online form at clark.wa.gov/public-works. As Public Works receives these reports, staff respond to the location of the issue and assess the situation. Where our crews are able to solve the issue, for example, by removing leaves from a clogged storm drain or moving a fallen tree off the roadway, they are doing so as quickly as possible. In many cases, such as where rising rivers and creeks are flooding roads and bridges, the only recourse is to close the road and wait for creek, stream or river levels to decrease.

Closures and Impacts

This information will be updated throughout this weather event.

Closures

• Northeast 156th Street at Northeast 102nd Avenue in Brush Prairie
• Northeast 112th Avenue north of Northeast 156th Street in Brush Prairie
• Daybreak Regional Park
• UPDATE, 1:30 p.m.
  • Northeast J R Anderson Road between Northeast 72nd Avenue and Northeast Mason Creek Road, east of La Center
  • Haapa Boat Launch
  • Lewisville Regional Park
  • Lucia Falls Regional Park
  • Moulton Falls Regional Park

Estimated reopening times are not known.

Other Impacts

Many parks, including Haapa Boat Launch, Daybreak Regional Park and Lewisville Regional Park, are experiencing areas of localized flooding. In some locations, roads and parking lots are inundated. Fast-flowing and rising water, storm debris and slope instability are creating hazardous conditions.

Safety Reminders

Drivers are reminded to:

• Not drive through water if they can’t tell how deep it is
• Never drive into areas closed with signs or barricades
• Slow down and increase following distance
• Slow down and give space to workers on or near the roadway

Park and trail visitors are reminded to:

• Avoid flooded areas
• Never drive off-road to avoid standing water
• Do not approach or enter rivers and streams

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

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

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

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

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

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The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) is pleased to announce it has awarded grants totaling $800,000 to expand campus veteran resource centers and enhance services for student veterans at Oregon’s public universities and community colleges.

These centers play a key role in helping veterans make the transition from military service to college life and pursue their educational and career goals.

The purpose of the Campus Veteran Resource Center Grant Program is to strengthen existing campus resources by funding innovative and impactful projects that improve the lives of student veterans and support their success.

A record 19 of Oregon’s 24 eligible public universities and community colleges applied for grants during this cycle, reflecting a broad commitment to serving student veterans across the state. All 19 institutions that applied received a portion of the available funds.

This level of participation demonstrates the strong, continued partnership between ODVA and Oregon’s higher education community in ensuring that veterans have access to the tools and support they need to thrive.

Awardees include Blue Mountain Community College, Central Oregon Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Clackamas Community College, Columbia Gorge Community College, Eastern Oregon University, Klamath Community College, Lane Community College, Linn-Benton Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Portland Community College, Portland State University, Rogue Community College, Southern Oregon University, Southwestern Oregon Community College, University of Oregon, and Western Oregon University.

The proposed projects were evaluated by a committee composed of veterans service officers, current and former student veterans, education partners, and others who provide direct services to veterans.

“Student veterans enrich our campuses and our communities with their leadership, discipline, and life experience,” said Dr. Nakeia Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Yet we know that navigating higher education after military service can bring unique challenges. Veteran resource centers provide a place where student veterans can connect with one another, access benefits and support, and build the foundation for success—both in school and beyond the uniform.”

Highlights of funded projects include:

• Support for campus veteran coordinator and outreach positions to help ensure student veterans can access the benefits and services they have earned.
• Creation of peer mentor programs and other peer support services to strengthen connection and retention among student veterans.
• Purchase of technology and electronic equipment for student use.
• •Programs to address student veteran food insecurity, mental health, transportation, and other urgent needs.
• Veteran-focused events, ceremonies, career fairs, and skill-building workshops.
• Marketing and outreach to engage historically underrepresented and underserved student veteran populations.

More information about this grant program can be found on ODVA’s website at www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/grants/Pages/Campus-Grant.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 services office online at oregon.gov/odva. 

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CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is releasing photographs of two tattoos found on an unidentified adult male who was discovered deceased in the Willamette River on November 29, 2025. Investigators are sharing these images due to the absence of leads and the urgent need to identify the individual.

Deputies recovered the man around 4:15 p.m. near river mile 122 on the west side of the river by Hyak Park after a river-goer reported seeing a body floating in the water. The individual does not match any known missing persons in the region.

Investigators have confirmed these are the only two tattoos located on the individual:

• A color tattoo on the upper left arm depicting a sea-goat figure, possibly representing the Capricorn zodiac symbol (December 22–January 19).
• A black-and-white tattoo on the right ribcage featuring a jester, with the phrase “Life’s all fun & games until the joke is on You” written in cursive.

In addition to the tattoos, the man has a distinct scar located above the navel. Race remains undetermined at this time.

Investigators estimate the man had been in the water for at least a week before he was recovered.

Images of the tattoos have been released to assist with identification. BCSO typically withholds such personal details to allow families to receive information privately; however, due to the lack of leads, investigators believe releasing these images may help bring closure to this case.

Anyone who recognizes these tattoos or has information that may help identify the individual is urged to contact the BCSO at entonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov">BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call 541-753-8477 (TIPS).

The man’s name will be released once identification is confirmed and next of kin have been notified.                                                            

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ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County is alerting the public to a recent scam targeting individuals who have applied for permits. Scam callers or emails are posing as legitimate representatives and request payment via wire transfer.

Clatsop County does not request payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or unconventional methods. Official payments are only accepted through approved methods and official county channels.

Anyone who receives a suspicious payment request:

• Do not send payment
• Do not share personal or financial information
• Contact the appropriate county department directly using a verified phone number
• Report the scam to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov

If you believe you may have been targeted or have already made a payment, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident as soon as possible.

Clatsop County takes these incidents seriously and encourages residents and businesses to remain vigilant.

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PORTLAND, Ore. – It's that time of year again for baubles, bangles and bling! 

Portland Community College employees are once again turning holiday spirit into support for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students through an annual jewelry sale that benefits the ESOL Fund.

The sale took place in early December in the CC Building Upper Mall at the Sylvania Campus. All jewelry has been donated by PCC staff, along with their friends and family members, with 100% of proceeds going to help ESOL students cover fees, tuition and textbooks. Other PCC campuses also host jewelry sales throughout the year to benefit ESOL students, too.

“We've had this fund for about 15 years, and we help students with tuition, fees and textbooks,” said Luciana Diniz, ESOL instructor who organized Sylvania’s sale. “Last year, we raised about $1,000 and we are hoping for more this year. We do many other events at different campuses and the jewelry sale is just one of them.”

ESOL instructors and retired instructors lead the fundraising efforts. The jewelry sale typically raises around $1,000 each year and is one of many events held annually to support ESOL students across the district.

While the fund has traditionally focused on academic non-credit students, this winter it will award $10,000 to ESOL Level 7 (credit) students districtwide. Some ESOL students volunteered at the sale, giving donors and shoppers a chance to meet the students they are supporting.

Jewelry donations are accepted year-round, with about 10-15 employees contributing pieces in the past three months alone. Organizers hope this year’s sale will surpass previous fundraising totals.

To donate to the fund, contact the PCC Foundation, or to give jewelry, get in touch with Diniz at luciana.diniz@pcc.edu.

Holiday donation energizes PCC’s food bank

At PCC’s recent Free Food Market at its Sylvania Campus, staff not only distributed groceries and winter gifts to students, they also received a meaningful gift themselves. During the event at the Sylvania Campus, the PCC Student Basic Needs Center (SBNC) was honored with a $5,000 donation from The MamaBerries Nonprofit Foundation, in partnership with Shades by Shan Cosmetics.

The funds will provide seasonal assistance gift cards to single parent students at PCC, helping to ease the financial strain of the holiday season for families balancing college, caregiving and basic expenses. A recent survey showed 64% of PCC’s students experience at least one form of basic needs insecurity such as food or housing challenges.

This Student Is A Smile-Maker

Caribbean grade schoolers, adults in custody, and community members are smiling more brightly thanks to Kristina Hsu. The PCC Dental Hygiene student volunteered recently on a smile-giving trip to Saint Lucia, an island nation in the Eastern Caribbean. Hsu continues to serve patients this holiday season as she completes her studies and helps to staff the PCC Dental Clinic at the Vanport Building in Downtown Portland that provides free preventive and limited restorative dental services to the community, PCC faculty, staff, and students. 

Learn more about Kristina Hsu Caribbean work and current assistance with the college’s reduced-cost dental clinic.

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

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

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

Two new groups of healthcare providers declare strikes against Legacy and pledge to join APPs on the picket line 

PORTLAND, Ore. — In a major escalation, advanced practice providers (APPs) from Legacy Go Health clinics and Legacy Pediatric have voted to launch solidarity strikes to join the 140 APPs from Legacy’s hospitals and clinics already on strike. The 80 members launching the solidarity strikes are also represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). 

Late last week, the two APP groups at Legacy Go Health and Legacy Pediatric APPs—representing nurse practitioners and physician associates across the Portland Metro area and SW Washington—voted overwhelmingly to stand with their striking colleagues. 

Both groups cited concerns about patient care, staffing, equity across the healthcare system and Legacy management’s refusal to bargain fairly as key reasons for joining the strike line. 

“We didn’t take this vote lightly,” said Sara Lopez, a physician associate (PA) at Legacy Go Health clinics. “Our patients rely on us every day, but we also rely on a system that treats providers fairly and ensures care is safe and sustainable. Standing with our colleagues is the only way to move Legacy toward a solution that supports both providers and patients.” 

“APPs across Legacy provide excellent medical care to Legacy patients but many of us feel that our contributions go unrecognized. We unified to address compensation that is below market value, inadequate staffing, and workload demands that impact patient safety and provider well-being,” said Jordyn Luttrell, DNP, a Legacy Pediatrics APP. “We’re joining the strike because the problems affecting our colleagues today will affect all Legacy APPs tomorrow unless something changes.” 

Striking APPs at Legacy’s hospitals and clinics welcomed the show of unity from APPs at Go Health and Pediatrics. 

“This is what solidarity looks like,” said April Callister, a physician associate who is currently on strike. “Legacy has been counting on divisions between clinics and specialties to maintain the status quo. By standing together, we are sending a clear message: we want a fair contract, safe staffing, and a system that respects the work we do.” 

What is a solidarity strike? 
A solidarity strike is a legally-protected work stoppage in which a group of employees refuse to work in order to support another bargaining unit engaged in a labor dispute. 

Background
Legacy Go Health APPs won their NLRB election in January 2025. The ONA-represented bargaining unit includes about 50 nurse practitioners and physician associates working in immediate care clinics across the state. The Legacy Pediatric APP bargaining unit, which unionized in August 2025, represents about 30 nurse practitioners and physician associates delivering specialized pediatric care in the Portland area and SW Washington.

ONA leaders say the expanding strike reflects widespread frustration with Legacy’s bargaining approach and with APPs' working conditions systemwide. When Legacy management finally returned to the bargaining table on Monday, December 8, they showed little interest in meaningful mediation and announced they would not meet again with striking APPs until December 18. 

No notice has been given, and the length of the strikes has not been determined. The work stoppages will coincide with the strike already underway by 140 APPs represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).

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Interviews available upon request. 

Contact Peter Starzynski - 503-960-7989, zynski@oregonrn.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;">starzynski@oregonrn.org to schedule interviews

Congratulations, Woodland Beavers! 

WOODLAND, December 9, 2025 — The Woodland High School Boys Football team has truly defined what it means to be a student-athlete by securing the prestigious Academic State Champion award for Classification 2A. This honor celebrates the team's ability to balance the demanding schedule of high school football with academic excellence, making the Beavers true champions both on the field and in the classroom.

The award is presented to the high school sports team with the highest collective grade point average (GPA) in their classification across the entire state. The Woodland Beavers’ phenomenal collective GPA of 3.461, achieved by 24 dedicated student-athletes, set them apart as the state's best in academic achievement.

The Mark of a Champion

Woodland Athletics fosters a growth mindset with an emphasis on the two things that athletes can control: Attitude and Effort. The program is all about developing GRIT (Gratitude, Respect, Integrity, Team) in the athletes and giving them the tools they need to be successful long after their playing days are over. Senior offensive lineman and defensive lineman, Isaiah Mattison, who currently carries a 3.981 GPA, said, "As a team, we preach that the ability to play is a privilege. A privilege that is only earned if and when we excel in our education. If we can take care of ourselves in the classroom, the outcome is a strong philosophy that pushes the team to excel on the field."

The hard work of these young men, who managed rigorous training and game schedules while maintaining exceptional grades, embodies the ideal of the high school athlete. Athletic Director Taylor Adrian sees it as a collaborative effort: “The teachers, the coaches, and the athletes all worked together for this success.” The importance of academics in Woodland athletics is visible on the game rosters, which include honoring those athletes who maintain GPAs of 3.2 and higher.

Head Coach Glen Flanagan also leads this culture of excellence, guiding the team both on the field and in their studies as a teacher at Woodland High School. Coach Flanagan added, “We are proud of all of our students at Woodland High School. This town and this school district believe in developing young people of character who are excellent in everything they do. This was shown in our high achievement, which these young men displayed in the classroom.  This is something to be very proud of as a community, as there is not a single 2A school in the state that performed as well in the classroom as our boys. This is an amazing community to raise families in, as you see the people of this town consistently rally around our schools and our young people.  It truly is a great day to be a Beaver!”

Honored on the Grand Stage

The team's achievement was publicly celebrated at the Classification 2A State Football Championship game during halftime on Saturday, December 6, 2025, as well as at halftime of the basketball game on Friday, December 5, 2025. 

Join us in celebrating the Woodland High School Boys Football team, the Beavers, for their remarkable accomplishment. They demonstrate that commitment, hard work, and discipline lead to success in every arena.

Steps PDX proudly presents an all-new original production, The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Winter Dance Celebration. “Now you've probably wondered where holidays come from. If you haven't, I'd say it's time you begun…”

This vibrant reimagining invites audiences on a magical journey from ghoulish goblins to sprightly snowflakes—into the delightful chaos that unfolds when two holidays meet by mistake. A beloved seasonal tradition, the Steps PDX winter production showcases dancers of all ages and styles, featuring Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Modern Contemporary, Ballet Folklórico, and live music.

Perfect for families, dance enthusiasts, and holiday lovers alike, this heartwarming performance blends creativity, humor, and whimsy with the artistic excellence of the Steps PDX community. The show is appropriate and enjoyable for all ages.

Choreography is created by Artistic Director Kathryn Harden and artistic staff Lauren Smith, Olivia Ornelas, Decimus Yarbrough, Wes Lambeaux, TJ Yale, Kevin Fisk, Gabriela Guerra, and Denise Busch.

Proceeds from the production support Steps PDX and the nonprofit Steps for Youth, helping sustain community partnerships, expand scholarship opportunities, and increase access to high-quality dance education for young people throughout Portland.

About Steps PDX

Steps PDX is a Portland-based dance school and community arts organization dedicated to providing high-quality, inclusive dance education for students of all ages, levels, and backgrounds. Founded in 2017 by Artistic Director Kathryn Harden, Steps PDX was created with a vision of offering accessible, exceptional training in an environment rooted in joy, curiosity, and belonging.

The studio is home to a diverse faculty of professional dancers, choreographers, and educators who are committed to nurturing each student’s artistic voice. Programs span creative movement for young dancers, youth training, adult classes, and pre-professional pathways.

Steps PDX is equally committed to community impact. Through outreach initiatives, financial assistance, and inclusive programs such as the BIPOC Youth Dance Program and adaptive DanceAbility classes, the organization works to expand access to dance across Portland. More than a studio, Steps PDX is a welcoming, supportive home where dancers and families come together to learn, create, and celebrate the joy of movement.

Event Details

What: The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Winter Dance Celebration
Presented by: Steps PDX
When: December 11 - 13
Where: Lincoln Hall, 1620 Southwest Park Avenue, Portland, OR 97201

Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/steps-pdx-presents-the-nightmare-before-christmas-tickets-1860624932259?aff=oddtdtcreator

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Wilsonville, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today after a federal jury in Portland found him guilty of transporting and possessing photos and videos depicting child sexual abuse.

Joshan Rohani, 41, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and testimony at trial, between July and December 2021, Rohani participated in at least 34 chatrooms, some of which were focused on sharing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and the sexual exploitation of children, on the New Zealand-based cloud storage and file hosting service Mega. Additionally, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents discovered that Rohani had multiple accounts that had been suspended by Mega due to suspected CSAM.

On May 24, 2022, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Rohani’s residence. Investigators found CSAM on several of the devices seized from Rohani’s residence.

On October 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Rohani with distributing, transporting, accessing with intent to view, and possessing child pornography.

Following a five-day jury trial from December 2 to December 6, 2024, Rohani was convicted of transporting, accessing with intent to view, and possessing child pornography.

“Protecting our children remains our highest priority in the District of Oregon,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s sentence marks an important step to hold this defendant accountable and seek a measure of justice for the victims. Our efforts to combat child exploitation within our community will continue.”

“Securing this lengthy sentence for transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material is a direct result of the incredible partnership between HSI and the District of Oregon to seek justice for the innocent,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “The outstanding outcome of HSI’s investigation reaffirms our commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.”

This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Newberg-Dundee Police Department and the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs. It was prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman and Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

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

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

# # #

PORTLAND, ORE. December 8, 2025 – Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel is pleased to invite families and children of all ages to the annual Swim with Santa event from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the North Clackamas Aquatic Park located at 7300 S.E. Harmony Road in Milwaukie.

Members of the Randall Children's Hospital Child Injury Prevention team will be there to help families learn more about water safety at our lifejacket fitting station, car seats and boosters at a child passenger safety station, and home safety tips just in time for the holidays. Health educators and certified child passenger safety technicians will be available to answer questions and provide parents with hands-on demonstrations.

Children under the age of 10 must have a supervising adult actively participating in the water with them. Children can visit the safety stations with their parents or caregivers and then enjoy the attractions of the aquatic park. Home safety supplies will be available to take home, and each child will leave with a gift-wrapped present. Santa will make a special appearance to ring in the holidays!

Details:

Activity: Randall Children's Hospital Free Swim with Santa

Date & time: Saturday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Location: North Clackamas Aquatic Park

Address: 7300 SE Harmony Road Milwaukie, OR 97222

Ages: Children of all ages

Fee: Free

Register: Catalog - North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District

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

Lane County, Ore. (Dec. 8, 2025)- On Friday, December 5, 2025, at 2:14 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 58, near milepost 51, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Audi Q5, operated by Jessica Nicole Ingoglia (37) of Klamath Falls, left the lane of travel for unknown reasons, crossed the eastbound lane, and struck a dirt embankment.

The operator of the Audi (Jessica Ingoglia), who was not wearing a seatbelt, was declared deceased at the scene.

A passenger in the vehicle, Clifford Gary Ingoglia (37) of Klamath Falls, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

A female juvenile (8) passenger suffered critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for two hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by Oakridge Fire and EMS.

# # #

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

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that on December 5, 2025, at approximately 9:06 p.m., Linn County Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a two-vehicle collision with occupants trapped at the intersection of Berlin Road and McDowell Creek Drive.

Deputies arrived and located a 2017 Ram 3500 that had been struck in the intersection by a 2002 Mazda B-Series pickup. Deputies learned that the operator of the Mazda, Zayne Hannah-Gray, age 19 of Lebanon, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. A passenger in the Mazda was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

The operator of the Ram 3500 was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. An 11-year-old female passenger from the Ram was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland with life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that the Ram 3500 was struck at a high rate of speed on the passenger side by the Mazda, which failed to stop at the posted stop sign. Alcohol has also been determined to be a factor in the crash. Due to the seriousness of the crash, the Multi-Agency Investigation Team was called to assist with the investigation.

Deputies were also assisted at the scene by the Sweet Home Fire Department and the Lebanon Fire Department.

Anyone with information about this crash is encouraged to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at 541-967-3950.

Douglas County, Ore. (Dec. 8, 2025)- On Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11:13 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 138E, near milepost 12, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Chrysler 200, operated by Domonik Randsome Wright (30) of Roseburg, left the roadway for unknown reasons, went airborne, landed in a field, and rolled before becoming fully engulfed in flames. 

The operator of the Chrysler (Wright) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Glide Volunteer Fire Department and Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

# # #

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

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Tyler Shoop, age 15, a child in foster care who went missing from Molalla on Dec. 8. Tyler Shoop (he/him) is believed to be in danger.

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

Tyler Shoop is suspected to be in Molalla or Bend area.

Name: Tyler Shoop
Pronouns: he/him
Date of birth: 3/3/2010
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 148 pounds
Hair: Blonde
Eye color: Blue Eyes
Other identifying information: Tyler’s hair is cut short and is a reddish tint. He typically wears jeans that are really stained and a hat.
Molalla Police Department # 25-024563
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2070863

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

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

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The Battle Ground City Council adopted the city’s 2026 annual budget in a unanimous vote on December 1 after months of budget planning, meetings, and public hearings.

The budget was developed with an emphasis on service level improvements, efficient use of public resources, and focus on priorities expressed by residents through the Battle Ground Community Survey completed earlier this year.  This includes thoughtful investments toward transportation improvements, park facilities and amenities, and strengthening local economic development efforts. 

2026 Budget Highlights

Transportation System Improvements

The budget includes the investment of approximately $8 million in one-time street preservation and capital projects planned in 2026. 

Street preservation efforts will prioritize the reconstruction of:

• NW 20^th Avenue, from Main Street to Onsdorff Boulevard
• SW 20^th Avenue, from NW 6^th Street to Scotton Way
• SW Scotton Way, from SR 503 to Parkway Avenue
• Grace Avenue, from Main Street to NE 10^th Street

“Our council recognized that maintaining a strong community starts with the basics, including better roads,” said Mayor Troy McCoy.  “Knowing that this historic investment in our infrastructure will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives makes me proud to be a part of this Council.”

Parks and Community Spaces

Parks remain at top priority for the City Council.  The approved budget includes approximately $2.8 million for parks capital improvement projects, supported by $1.7 million in grant funding and $1.1 million in park impact fees.

In 2025, the city welcomed new playground structures in Kiwanis, McConnell, Cresap, and Dublin Meadows Parks.  The 2026 budget will fund the new outdoor recreational equipment at Florence Robison Park as well as the construction of the first phase of the Remy Park Improvement Project, adopted as part of the Parks Master Plan in December 2024.

Supporting Local Economic Development

Battle Ground is proud to have a strong small-business environment, supported by a diverse and thriving community of local entrepreneurs.  To further bolster our local economy, the City will be introducing a new funding program that will invest $50,000 directly into small businesses.  This program will be designed to support the Battle Ground Business community, and advance the City’s recently approved Old Town Revitalization Plan.

As we move into the year ahead, the City eagerly looks forward to these and other targeted public investments that will ensure Battle Ground continues to flourish.  To learn more about the 2026 Budget, please visit us online at www.cityofbg.org/Budget.

Woodburn, Ore. – On December 6, 2025, at approximately 3:54 p.m., the Woodburn Police Department responded to a report of an attempted robbery in the back parking lot of the Woodburn Premium Outlets, located at 1001 Arney Road in Woodburn. The victim reported being approached by a male suspect who made a motion that the victim believed indicated a concealed firearm. A brief physical altercation ensued before the suspect fled the scene on foot.

Responding officers conducted an area search but were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as approximately 5’8” tall with a medium build, a light-brown complexion, and appearing to be in his late 20s to early 30s. He was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket, a black beanie, white shoes, and a pink or purple face mask. Security footage indicated the suspect had been in the rear parking lot for an extended period prior to the incident. He was last observed leaving the area along a tree line located in the northwest section of the rear parking lot.

The Woodburn Police Department reminds the community to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid leaving valuables in plain view inside vehicles, and report any suspicious activity.

Anyone who may have seen the suspect before or after the incident, or who has information relevant to this case, is asked to contact the Woodburn Police Department at 503-982-2345 and reference case number 25-16064.

# # # 

Vancouver, Wash. – With heavy rains and gusty winds forecasted, Public Works is sharing information for county residents to prepare and respond to storm-related hazards.

Responding to weather-related impacts in unincorporated county

Clark County Public Works begins preparing equipment and crews for inclement-weather impacts early in the fall and is ready to respond during this week’s weather event. The department responds to reports of hazards and issues on roads and county properties in unincorporated parts of the county, i.e., areas that are not within a city’s limits.

• A tool is available on the Public Works website to find out whether a road or property is within the county’s response area.
• The tool on the Public Works website also includes links to other agencies for issues with roads or properties within their service areas.
• Residents can report hazards and issues on county roads and properties (including parks), such as downed trees, standing water/flooding, by calling 564.397.2446 or using the online reporting form. Urgent issues, including those requiring an immediate response outside business hours, should be reported by phone.
• Downed power lines should be reported directly to Clark Public Utilities.
• Hazards on state roads (Interstate 5, Interstate 204, State Routes 14, 500, 501, 502, 503) should be reported by calling 911.

Resources for residents

• Sandbags are available to residents, for free, at two Public Works locations. Bags and sand are provided; residents need to fill their own bags. The materials are available all hours of the day, all days of the week at:
  • 78th Street Operations Center, 4700 NE 78th St.
  • 149th Street Operations Center, 11609 NE 149th St.
• Public Works shares information about storm-related closures and impacts to county roads and parks in several ways. Residents are encouraged to:
  • Check Public Works’ social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram and X) for updates, and beware of information, speculation and rumors shared on social media from unofficial accounts.
  • Sign up to receive closure information via email.
  • Sign up to receive news releases via email; news releases are shared with local news media to provide lists of closures and storm-related impacts, and residents can now sign up to receive that same information directly to their email.
  • Check the Public Works News page on the county website.

Important storm safety tips

• Never drive or walk through floodwaters.
• Always respect closure signs and barricades – they are there to protect people from hazards and dangerous conditions.  
• Slow down in areas with water on the roadway, give other vehicles plenty of space and avoid sudden maneuvers.
• Give crews working in the roadway or right-of-way plenty of space and slow down. Follow all signage and directions given.
• During gusty winds, avoid wooded/forested areas. Listen and watch for falling branches.
• Never enter or approach rivers during high water or flooding. Recreational river users (such as anglers) should always wear life jackets when recreating in or near local water bodies, especially in winter, when the water is swift, cold, and carries hazards such as logs and storm debris.

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

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

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

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

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

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What

The City of Vancouver will host a “Muddy Boots Tour” of the Bridge Shelter site, offering a first look at construction plans and how the campus will serve people experiencing homelessness. Policymakers, donors and partners will tour the site with the project team.

In 2023, the City of Vancouver declared a homelessness emergency. A key component of the City’s emergency response action plan includes the opening of a bridge shelter with 120 beds. The shelter will provide medication-assisted treatment and other support services to help people transition to stable housing.

Construction is underway and is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting. 

Who

Invitation-only guests include:

• Liz Cattin, PeaceHealth – contributed funding to help build a commercial-grade kitchen at the shelter campus.
• Michael Lynch, Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, Community Foundation of Southwest Washington – contributed funding to support new, limited-term positions on the Homeless Assistance and Resources Team (HART) to provide outreach and help guide people into the shelter once it opens.
• Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and City Councilors Bart Hansen, Diana Perez and Ty Stober.
• Clark County Councilors Glen Yung and Wil Fuentes.

When

10 to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 

Where

5313 N.E. 94^th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98662

Limited on-street parking is available in the neighborhood surrounding the construction site. Please wear closed toe shoes and dress for rain.

Visit Bridge Shelter to learn more about the future shelter, and visit Homelessness Emergency to learn more about the City’s emergency response efforts related to homelessness.

B-roll and photos will be available for media following the event.

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RELEASE DATE:               Dec. 8, 2025
CASE NUMBER:                 25-50506
 

Gresham, Ore.— Detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred in the Rockwood Neighborhood last night.

Officers with the Gresham Police Department responded to reports of gunfire and a person down in the area of SE 187 Ave. and SE Stark St., shortly after 9:00 p.m., last night.  They determined the incident occurred in the area of SE 188 Ave. and SE Burnside Rd. and ultimately located three people who had been injured by gunfire. One adult male was transported to an area hospital and is in critical condition. Two juvenile males, with non-life-threatening injuries, were transported to a hospital as well. No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Detective Conroy at oy@greshamoregon.gov">tyson.conroy@greshamoregon.gov or Detective Taaca at timothy.taaca@greshamoregon.gov and reference case number 25-50506.

#30                        

Salem, Ore. – Heavy rainfall is expected in the Willamette Valley over the next few days, so the City of Salem is closing Parking Lot 3 at Woodmansee Park. This is the lot closest to the playground.

Updated weather models show that Parking Lot 3 could be under water tonight through Wednesday.

A flood watch remains in effect from the National Weather Service.

Rainfall probabilities calculated early this morning predict a significant amount of rain for the next 60 hours or so. The most likely rainfall amounts range for 1.75 inches to 2.75 inches.

Find more information about flooding online.

# # #

Portland, OR – DOGAMI and other state permitting agencies have issued draft permits for the Grassy Mountain project; DOGAMI is accepting public comments through February 6, 2026, as outlined in the public notice.

The public notice and related documents are available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/mlrr/Pages/Calico-GrassyMtn_projectDocuments.aspx 

For further information, contact the DOGAMI Albany office at (541) 967-2083 or email: information.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov.

On December 6, 2025, the Battle Ground Police Department (BGPD) proudly hosted its annual Shop with a Cop program, partnering with Walmart, Battle Ground Seniors Inc., and Pepsi Co. to bring holiday joy and vital support to local children and their families.

More than 20 Battle Ground children were paired with uniformed police officers for a special shopping experience at Walmart. Professional staff from BGPD and volunteers from Battle Ground Seniors Inc. also took part, making the event a true community effort.  Mayor Troy McCoy and Deputy Mayor Shane Bowman joined in the festivities, and Rafferty, BGPD’s comfort dog, was also on hand, adding to the warmth and excitement of the day.  A visit from Santa made the experience even more memorable for everyone involved.

The children, selected through a nomination and lottery process, were each provided with a set budget and invited to choose items of their own.  While many might expect the focus to be on toys, officers and volunteers were moved to see how often the children first chose gifts for siblings and parents before selecting anything for themselves. Equally touching were how many selected basic necessities that are often taken for granted; items such as toothbrushes, socks, and shoes.

The program offered more than just financial assistance; it also created meaningful moments of learning and connection. Officers and volunteers watched as the children practiced decision-making and budgeting, weighing wants versus needs while staying within their allotted funds. When a child’s purchases exceeded their budget, more than once did an officer quietly stepped in, reaching into their own pocket to cover the difference. These unspoken acts of kindness, repeated throughout the event, reflected the compassion and dedication of BGPD personnel.

In addition to sponsoring the event, Walmart went above and beyond, recognizing that this year has been particularly challenging for many families.  After the shopping concluded, the children were gathered at the front of the store near a BGPD patrol vehicle with an attached trailer.  With Santa standing nearby, the trailer was opened to reveal a brand-new bicycle for each child.  As the children realized the surprise, their faces lit up with joy, prompting more than a few happy tears among the adults present.

Events like Shop with A Cop exemplify BGPD’s motto, “Partners with the Community.” The program allows children to see police officers in a role beyond enforcement and gives officers the opportunity to build positive, mentoring relationships with youth in a relaxed, supportive environment.

The Battle Ground Police Department is humbled to serve such an exceptional city, surrounded by residents, businesses, and community partners who care deeply for one another. BGPD remains grateful for the continued opportunity and honor to serve what it proudly considers the very best community around.

ASTORIA, OR – Due to forecasted inclement weather, the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners’ work session and regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, 2025, will be held virtually only. There will be no in-person attendance at the Judge Guy Boyington Building.

“This change, while still allowing our work to continue, will contribute to the safety and well-being of the public, Board of Commissioners, and staff,” said Don Bohn, Clatsop County Manager.

The Board’s work session will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m.

How to Join the Meeting

Community members can join the virtual meeting by Zoom, by phone, or by watching the live stream on YouTube. Instructions and links to join by computer or smart device are available on the meeting page and in the online agenda packet at ClatsopCounty.gov.

Public Comment
Community members who wish to provide oral public testimony during the virtual meeting must register in advance by 3 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Registration can be completed by calling 503-325-1000 or emailing s@clatsopcounty.gov">commissioners@clatsopcounty.gov.

Residents with questions about accessing the meeting or needing special accommodations are encouraged to call 503-325-1000.

https://www.clatsopcounty.gov/boc/meeting/board-commissioners-work-session-regular-meeting-2

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HILLSBORO, Ore- The Washington County District Attorney’s Office has filed motions to dismiss charges in 20 cases involving drug-endangered children because of a September Oregon Court of Appeals decision, State v. Stevens, 343 Or App 321 (2025).
 

In Stevens, the Court of Appeals ruled that a caregiver who knowingly exposed an 18-month-old child to methamphetamine, causing detectible levels of methamphetamine in the child’s system, could not be convicted of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree for failing to provide necessary and adequate care for that child.  The impact of this ruling extends beyond methamphetamine.  It makes it very difficult to arrest or prosecute parents and other caregivers who knowingly expose children to detectible levels of dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine and fentanyl.
 

As a result of the Stevens ruling and change to Oregon law, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office has been forced to dismiss 20 pending cases in which children were exposed to detectible levels of controlled substances in their bodies.  These include cases with controlled substances such as methamphetamine, marijuana, and fentanyl. The dismissed cases involve situations where children were exposed to active drug use by adult caregivers in the children’s living environment. These situations pose significant safety risks to children, including the risk of child overdose and death. Click here for more information on the dismissed cases.
 

“This ruling makes it more difficult to protect children and hold accountable those who threaten their well-being,” said Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton.  “Caregivers and parents who knowingly expose children to dangerous drugs to the point where they test positive should be held accountable.  We are committed to pursuing legislation in the upcoming short legislative session to address this problem.”
 

“Every child deserves to grow and thrive in a home free from dangerous drugs and life-threatening hazards,” said Oregon Child Abuse Solutions Executive Director Shelly Smith.  “We are committed to advocating and supporting policies and practices that safeguard their well-being.”
 

The Oregon District Attorney’s Association (ODAA) and the Washington County DA’s Office are actively seeking new legislation to address this gap in Oregon’s law. ODAA has put forward proposed legislation for the Oregon legislature to consider during the 2026 legislative session.  Click here for the ODAA 2026 Proactive Legislative Agenda.

Silverton, Oregon— Enjoy guided nature hikes, seasonal crafts and educational activities at the Silver Falls State Park Winter Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the park in winter, including the changing landscapes and habitats of resident and migratory birds and animals.

Activities at the South Falls District include guided walks and classes; building bird nest boxes; making bird feeders, paper bird crafts and creating wreaths. Activities at Smith Creek Village (1.5 miles from South Falls District) include native plant propagation and gingerbread and sugar cookie decorating. Hot food will be available for purchase at Bigleaf Market and Grill.

Schedule of Activities:

• Make a wreath at the Evergreen Picnic Shelter
• Build a bird nest box at the Creekside Shelter
• Make a bird feeder or paper bird craft in the Stone Kitchen Shelter
• Attend a guided walk at the South Falls Lodge Courtyard:
  • 11 a.m.: Winter Tree ID hike (1-hour hike)
  • 12 p.m.: Mushroom ID hike (1-hour hike)
  • 1 p.m.: Winter Tree ID hike (1-hour hike, Saturday only)
  • 2 p.m.: Mushroom ID hike (1-hour hike)
• Visit discovery tables to learn about the waterfalls in winter, the winter solstice and other seasonal topics
• Learn how maple syrup is made from native bigleaf maple trees (Saturday only)
• Earn a commemorative Silver Falls ornament by taking part in at least eight of the above activities

All activities are free, but a day-use parking permit is required. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon residents and $12 for non-residents; annual permits are available for sale at the park for $30 through December 31, 2025. For more information, visit the event page on our calendar at stateparks.oregon.gov or call 503-874-0201.

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Chayton Owings, age 13, a child in foster care who went missing from Portland on Oct. 02. Chayton is believed to be in danger.

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

Chayton is suspected to be in the outlying areas of the Portland Metro area and is known to frequent forest areas.

Name: Chayton Owings
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Feb. 1, 2012
Height: 4-foot-9
Weight: 94 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Blue gray
Portland Police Bureau #25-272053
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2063587

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

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

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Attention fisherman!

The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting the first annual Winter Boater Safety Inspection Station on Saturday, December 27^th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. across from Englund Marine in Astoria.

Be among the first to receive your 2026 Oregon Boater Safety Inspection Sticker.

To get your sticker, please bring the following six items:

1. Current proof of registration for your boat
2. Current registration year sticker posted next to you OR numbers
3. Boater safety education course card (or equivalent)
4. Non-expired, good condition fire extinguisher
5. Proper life jackets
6. A throwable cushion or ring

Depending on your vessel you may also need a carburetor spark arrestor and bilge fume blower.

If you have any questions, you can contact Deputy Shimer at 971-704-4465.

We hope to see you there!

Vancouver, Wash. – On December 5, 2025, the Vancouver Police Department was made aware of an incident that occurred in Vancouver on December 4^th involving agents from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Vancouver Police Department learned of this incident via a video that appeared to be taken with a cell phone of the ICE arrest that was subsequently circulated by community members. The video appears to show that the arrested person’s foot may have been struck by an ICE agent’s vehicle during the arrest.

Based on the information regarding a vehicle that is alleged to have struck a person within the city limits of Vancouver, per our policy, the Vancouver Police Department will be conducting a traffic investigation to determine the facts.

Inquiries related to ICE enforcement should be directed to ICEmedia@ice.dhs.gov.

Nothing further is releasable at this time

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RELEASE DATE:               Dec. 7, 2025

CASE NUMBER:                 25-50383
 

Gresham, Ore.— Detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early this morning in the parking lot of a fueling station.

Officers with Gresham Police Department responded to reports of gunfire and a person down in the area of W Powell Blvd. and Miller Ave., shortly after 1:00 a.m. They found one person who was deceased of an apparent gunshot wound.

The East County Major Crimes Team, a multi-agency team comprised of detectives from Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Port of Portland Police Department, responded and are investigating the shooting. No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Detective Isaac Hibbs at bs@greshamoregon.gov">isaac.hibbs@greshamoregon.gov or Detective Mark Hawley at k.hawley@greshamoregon.gov">mark.hawley@greshamoregon.gov and reference case number 25-50383.

#30

For Immediate Release

Gresham Police to Host “Fill the Cruiser” Toy Drive
Distributed: 12-8-2025

GRESHAM, Ore.— Help spread holiday cheer with the Gresham Police Officer’s Association at the 6th 
Annual "Fill the Cruiser" holiday toy drive to benefit children in the Gresham community.

In partnership with the Department of Human Services, local officers will collect the donated toys 
and ensure they are distributed to children who may otherwise go without this holiday season. The 
toy drive provides an opportunity for community members to make a direct impact on the lives of 
children in Gresham.

Where: Fred Meyer, 2497 SE Burnside Rd., Gresham, OR 97030
When: Friday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
How: Donate new, unwrapped toys, gift cards, and wrapping supplies

Toys are needed for all ages, infants to teens. Gift cards help officers fill gaps in donations and 
make nice gifts for teens.

Your generosity will help ensure the holidays are bright for some of our most vulnerable community 
members.

About Gresham:
Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition meets opportunity in 
Oregon's fourth largest city. Gresham’s residents care deeply about our roots and are committed to 
building a vibrant future.To learn more, visit www.GreshamOregon.gov or visit us on X at @GreshamPolice
 

###

Portland, OR—The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of Oregon from 10:00 AM PST Monday (12/8/2025) through late Thursday (12/11/2025) night. Heavy rainfall may result in landslides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires. The watch area includes the following Oregon counties: Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill.

Find the latest information here: https://www.weather.gov/pqr/

Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.

If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area:

• Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio, or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
• Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
• Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.

For more landslide and debris flow information: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx

###

RELEASE DATE:               Dec. 8, 2025

CASE NUMBER:                 25-50383
 

Gresham, Ore.— Detectives with the East County Major Crimes Team made two arrests in connection with yesterday’s fatal shooting near W Powell Blvd. and Miller Ave.

Yesterday, shortly after 1:00 a.m., Gresham police officers responded to reports of gunfire and a person down in the parking lot of a fueling station. Officers located one person who was deceased of an apparent gunshot wound. The victim has been identified as Laquincy Fletcher, 48, of Gresham.

Later in the day on Dec. 7, members of the East County Major Crimes Team arrested Alejandro Perez-Magdaleno and Ricardo Perez-Magdaleno in connection with the homicide. Both were booked into the Multnomah County Jail on suspicion of Murder in the Second Degree.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Isaac Hibbs at isaac.hibbs@greshamoregon.gov or Detective Mark Hawley at mark.hawley@greshamoregon.gov and reference case number 25-50383.

#30                        

SALEM, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene online at 8 a.m. on December 15 for a special business meeting.

The draft agenda includes requests to: appoint an interim agency director effective January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026.

The full agenda and supporting documents will be posted on the commission web page before the meeting.

People who wish to attend may watch the meeting live on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams, or come to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department office at 725 Summer St NE, Salem OR 97301 to observe the video livestream.

Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. December 14 to C.PublicComment@OPRD.oregon.gov">OPRC.PublicComment@OPRD.oregon.gov. Verbal public comments will not be accepted live during this special meeting, but comments will be accepted as usual at the regularly scheduled meeting in February.

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

Evergreen Virtual Academy - 12/11/2025

EVERGREEN VIRTUAL ACADEMY NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS December 11, 2025, 6:30PM Evergreen Virtual Academy Board Members are Hereby notified that a Session of the Board will be held via Zoom Webinar at https://evergreenvirtual-org.zoom.us/j/87931930355
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 253 215 8782, +8 793 193 0355, +1 346 248 7799

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Policy Committee will meet at 12:00 p.m. on December 11, 2025. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/84013745237?pwd=tBPFSjkPCCZoGbuOYmtUONbm67vEXm.1 
Passcode:070513

2025 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 before the end of the year! The current vacancies are as follows:

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

• One member who is a representative of the collective bargaining unit that represents the largest number of individual workers in the DOC
• One member of the Oregon State Fire Fighters Council recommended to the Governor by the executive body of the council
• One member who is a representative of nonmanagement law enforcement
• One member recommended by and representing the private security industry
• Public Member

Policy Committees: All Policy Committee applications must be submitted by December 18, 2025.

Corrections Policy Committee:

• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a corrections officer

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

• One person representing the retail industry
• One person who is a private investigator licensed under ORS 703.430, and is recommended by the Oregon State Bar (will also serve on the PI Sub-Committee upon appointment)
• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a private security provider or investigator
• One person representing the manufacturing industry
• One person representing the hospitality industry

Private Investigator Subcommittee:

• Currently licensed private investigator

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• One person representing Emergency Medical Services & Trauma 

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 Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Thank you,

DPSST Board & Committees Staff

December 8, 2025 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Paige Parker, Public Relations Manager

Oregon Community Foundation, ker@oregoncf.org">pparker@oregoncf.org  

OREGON NONPROFITS STRENGTHEN THEIR COMMUNITIES WITH FALL FUNDING FROM OCF

Oregon Community Foundation Awards $5.1 Million in Grants to Support Education, Housing, Economic Opportunity, Arts and More

PORTLAND, Ore. — From classrooms and concert halls to food banks and housing services, 260 Oregon nonprofits will get a boost this fall. Oregon Community Foundation is awarding $5.1 million through its Community Grants program to organizations working to expand access to education, health services, economic opportunity, arts and culture and more. Grants awarded in rural towns and urban neighborhoods reflect OCF’s commitment to strengthening communities and tackling urgent needs.

“We are so inspired by the hard work our nonprofits are doing to improve the lives of all Oregonians,” said Marcy Bradley, OCF’s Chief Community Engagement and Equity Officer. “Community Grants is our open door for new ideas and the ‘what if’ dreams of our communities. We are proud to stand with the problem solvers in our state.”

For 28 years, OCF’s Community Grants program has supported nonprofits, Tribal organizations and government agencies in all 36 Oregon counties.  The 2025 Fall Cycle prioritized small capital projects (under $500,000), capacity building and new or expanding programs and projects.

Donors to Oregon Community Foundation make OCF’s Community Grants program possible. Grant applications were reviewed by regional OCF staff and volunteers in every region of Oregon.

The next cycle of Community Grants from OCF will prioritize general operating support for small rural organizations, culturally specific organizations and culturally responsive organizations. Program applications opened on December 2, 2025, and will close on January 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. PST.  Grants will be awarded in May 2026. Learn more here.

Find the full list of 2025 Fall grantees here.

Fall 2025 Community Grants Will Support

• 99 first-time OCF nonprofit grantees
• 22 housing-related nonprofits
• 23 food and nutrition service organizations
• 5 library projects
• 14 nonprofits that work with immigrants and refugees
• 14 nonprofits that work in economic development
• 11 environment nonprofits
• 8 mobile programs such as mobile clinics, laundry trucks, libraries and food hubs

Community Grants Breakdown by Region with Representative Nonprofits

Central Oregon | 21 Nonprofits | $366,768

• Columbia River Institute for Indigenous Development Foundation will expand the Kuskuspum program and launch a full-day, year-round early learning center designed by and for the Warm Springs community.
  
  “Language classes helped me mentally in many different ways, such as helping me learn more about my culture, and really made me feel closer to my grandma and helped come out of my bubble and talk to more people and get closer to new people.” — Cassidy Dixon, CRÍID youth participant
   
• Council on Aging of Central Oregon will grow its Caring Connections program that matches a volunteer with a client who has been identified as lonely or isolated.

“If it weren’t for this program, I would feel totally alone.” — Prineville client Kay B.

Bend client Pam T. says she and a volunteer “have been talking for two and a half years. He keeps me going, he listens to me, we laugh together and get along great ... I don't know what to do without him, I've never had a friend for this long.”

Eastern Oregon | 17 Nonprofits | $265,889

• Four Rivers Community Radio will purchase equipment to launch a community radio station in the Western Treasure Valley.
  
  "Four Rivers Community Radio is much more than a radio station providing passive listening opportunities. We are a medium for community members to connect to one another, build a shared identity across the region, and begin to understand and meet the varying needs of one another. Our service area is a region that has been under-resourced and ignored for many years, contributing to the deepening divisions we see spreading across the country. Through the dedication and support of our volunteers and local community members, we believe FRCR can change these trends and are deeply grateful to the Oregon Community Foundation for supporting that critical vision." — Andi M. Walsh, Board Secretary 

• Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness will create a Wellness Park and Community Garden.

Metro Portland | 100 Nonprofits | $2,225,112

• Centro Cultural will increase access to culturally specific wellness services and free meals for low-income seniors through its Edad de Oro program.
   
• New Narrative will modernize its commercial kitchen, which serves 2,000 meals weekly to residents in transitional and permanent housing.
  
  “It’s been a major challenge, but New Narrative has been a huge part of the positive experience through [my son's mental health] journey. Having a clinician involved on-site, talking about his goals and medications with him, it made an incredible difference. For New Narrative’s staff, this is their passion.” — Father of a New Narrative participant
  
  “New Narrative's decades of experience position us as an expert in what works and what doesn't. We are seeing more people in the region with a serious and complex set of mental health needs, and we are determined to meet those needs. No one deserves to be ostracized or stigmatized because of their mental health situation. Everyone deserves dignity, community and a roof over their heads.” — Julie Ibrahim, CEO

• Workforce Investment Council of Clackamas County will expand legal services for criminal and eviction expungement and immigration needs in rural areas.
  
  “Through Clean Slate Clackamas, it is our role to educate the population and help to create a more equitable workforce and true system change. Now a fully expunged ‘graduate’ of Clean Slate Clackamas, Mike has access to doors he thought were closed forever – better employment opportunities, access to housing, even a better credit score. Mike credits Clean Slate Clackamas with helping turn his life around and giving him the tools he needed to overcome this barrier.” – Amanda Wall, Communications Director, Clackamas Workforce Partnership

North Coast | 12 Nonprofits | $211,535

• Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association will replace lighting for a community soccer field serving more than 600 youth.
  
  “The amount of growth that we have seen our daughter make is remarkable. (Coach) Danielle‘s positive attitude, correct level of competitiveness and love for the game is contagious, and it shows in the joy that her players exhibit on the field. We’ve seen the game of soccer finally click for many of these girls this year, and it’s due to the support and effort Danielle puts in every week.” — Player's parent
   
• Amani Child Abuse Assessment Center will expand outreach across Columbia County.

Northern Willamette Valley | 32 Nonprofits | $583,682

• St. Francis Shelter will become fully powered by solar energy and plan to reinvest savings into programs for houseless individuals.
  
  “Our work makes a difference because it works. Last year, 27 of the 29 families who lived at St. Francis transitioned into permanent housing — and remain housed today. When families have a safe place to live, consistent support, and the chance to rebuild the skills and confidence stolen by trauma and homelessness, they are able to create the stability their children deserve.” — Kim Lemman, Executive Director
   
• Salem for Refugees will expand employment and student support services for refugee families.
  
  “My name is Anina, and I am from Syria. When I arrived, everything was new and overwhelming, but Salem for Refugees welcomed me like family. They didn’t just help me with housing and basic needs, they supported me emotionally, encouraged me, and made me feel safe again. Their help gave me hope for my future.” — Amina, Salem for Refugees client
  
  “Since launching in 2016, Salem for Refugees has walked alongside thousands of newcomers from nearly every region of the world. Today, we serve more than 2,000 refugee and immigrant clients across the Salem and Corvallis areas. We provide initial resettlement, case management, housing, employment and education services. Our mission is far more than providing services — we strive to create a community of belonging, safety and opportunity for families who have endured immense hardship.” — Luke Glaze, Executive Director, Salem for Refugees

South Coast | 8 Nonprofits | $152,500

• Bay Area Enterprises will launch a landscaping program to help rural Oregonians with disabilities access paid employment.
   
• Camp Myrtlewood will complete the Dogwood Cabin, a year-round bunkhouse serving low-income and under-resourced people through outdoor school and retreats.

Southern Oregon | 24 Nonprofits | $419,500

• Klamath Falls City Schools will pair high school students with downtown businesses to provide marketing services and career experience.
  
  “KU Digital Media turns classrooms into creative studios and our city into a campus. Students design real campaigns for local nonprofits and small businesses, learning professional skills while strengthening the community they call home.” ─ Dan Stearns, CTE Digital Media Teacher and Program Lead, Klamath Union High School
  
  “Working with real clients taught me how to listen, design to a brief, and deliver on deadline. I now see a creative career path that feels possible — and local partners cheer us on every step of the way.” ─ Isabella Armijo, KU Digital Media student
   
• A Greater Applegate will support a mobile food hub delivering local produce to rural pantries and neighborhoods in an isolated area.
  
  “A Greater Applegate's mission is to build community by sustaining and enhancing the local connections that promote the environmental, economic and social vitality of the Applegate Valley. We are building networks that expand access to local food and business resources and facilitating all-ages fairs and markets that bring families of the Applegate Valley together and help small businesses thrive.” — Megan Fehrman, Executive Director

Southern Willamette Valley | 46 Nonprofits | $848,700
 

• Calapooia Watershed Council will hire an eco-wellness instructor for its freshwater snorkeling program serving youth involved with the Juvenile Department.
  
  “As an environmental science teacher, I can think of few programs that have been as valuable and impactful on so many levels as the snorkeling program. The evolution of their understanding of the connections between the life below the surface, the surrounding forest and themselves in the city of Albany is exactly what environmental science is about.” ─ Gareth Engler, West Albany HS teacher
  
  “After we got back to school, everyone could not stop talking about how great it was!” ─ Gracie, fifth grade student
   
• PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation will expand its Telestroke Program to connect rural hospitals with neurology experts.
  
  “You never know when or where a medical emergency may occur or who will be there to assist. Time is of the essence.” — Sally Hampton, PeaceHealth Sacred Heart patient and aneurysm survivor

About Oregon Community Foundation

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 million in grants and scholarships in every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.
 

    ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
View the Future Announces the 16th Annual New Year's Day Peace Hike: A Community Commemoration of Resilience and Remembrance

Held each January, the Peace Hike commemorates the cultural history and enduring resilience of the Tribal peoples who once lived in the lands we now call home. This year’s event continues that legacy, honoring stories of remembrance while celebrating the strength of community stewardship.

Event Details

• Event: 16th Annual New Year's Day Peace Hike

• Date:  January 1, 2026 - 8:30am-1pm

• Location:  Yachats, Oregon

About View the Future

View the Future is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting natural lands, restoring ecosystems, and ensuring long-term community resilience. Through conservation work, public education, and meaningful partnerships, View the Future strives to safeguard the places we love for generations to come.

Just hours after completing its Volunteer Fall Fire Academy, the Lebanon Fire District (LFD) put its newest recruits to the test during a real emergency.

The academy concluded yesterday with six new volunteers successfully finishing their final live-fire training exercise — a crucial benchmark that certifies them to respond to structure fires and other emergencies within the district.

Shortly after crews finished restoring equipment from the training, LFD was dispatched to a structure fire in the 31000 block of Waterloo Road. Thanks to the large number of volunteers still at the station, the district was able to assemble and deploy personnel quickly.

Accessing the fire, however, proved challenging. The residence sat at the top of a long, narrow, and steep driveway, limiting apparatus access. LFD managed to get one engine and one tender to the top, while additional firefighters, tools, and equipment had to be shuttled up the driveway using staff vehicles.

Despite the difficult terrain, firefighters contained and extinguished the fire quickly. Crews remained on scene for approximately three hours to fully extinguish hot spots and ensure the structure was safe.

The fire was determined to have been caused by an improperly discarded cigarette butt.

For a video of the rally, visit: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pohr59isilyqx0in2cr0y/Video-Dec-06-2025-Rally.mov?rlkey=mveankuf6f8n3cddup3n52y6t&st=qpqnpi2s&dl=0 

(Portland, Ore.) – The rain held off the morning of Saturday, December 6, 2025, long enough for striking advanced practice providers (APPs) to rally for a fair contract outside Legacy Good Samaritan in downtown Portland. The APPs were joined by members of other unions and ONA bargaining units, Portland City Councilor Sameer Kanal, State Representatives Rob Nosse and Lamar Wise, and other Portland activist groups.

After four days of striking, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) was informed by federal mediators on Friday that Legacy management had agreed to mediation and to returning to the bargaining table with advanced practice providers (APPs) at Legacy—a step they had previously declined. This is a huge step forward and a sign that the APP’s strike is working.

APPs from Legacy were encouraged by the news and hope Legacy will bring their best to the table. “Our message to Legacy Health is the same today as it has been for the last 2 weeks. We are right where we belong: at Legacy, on strike, advocating for our patients and our colleagues,” said Rob Brookshire, PA at Legacy Emanuel. “We are making progress—Legacy leadership has agreed to bargaining dates and we have opened communication to leadership to ensure our message is being heard, without any filters, by those making decisions.”

Portland City Councilor Sameer Kanal shared a word of caution to Legacy executives, saying, “You cannot maintain high quality healthcare if no one wants to work for you. If you’re not retaining the highly skilled healthcare workers that many of you are, burnout is going to drive experienced providers out of the profession.” Addressing the APPs on the line, he added, “And I don’t know about you, but I don’t think workers should have to wait a year and a half for their first contract, do you? I know you’d rather not be here on the picket line, you’d rather be inside because you want to be in there, you want to be in there taking care of your patients. You’re here outside because advocating for your profession is advocating for your patients.”  

APPs have consistently communicated their willingness to negotiate at any time to avoid a strike. Legacy management, however, had not previously accepted federal mediation and did not participate in bargaining during the 10-day notice period before the strike. The first day of mediation will be Monday, December 8. The strike will continue during mediation.

Community members can visit OregonRN.org/RespectAPPs to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition in support of the APPs, and stay informed about the impact of the strike. 

A reminder to patients from APPs:  

If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Legacy executives’ refusal to continue meeting with APPs has forced us to strike to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need.  

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

# # #

FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY: 

Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.  

MEDIA AVAILABILITY FOR SUNDAY, DEC. 7: 11 AM – 1 PM 

• Legacy Emanuel (501 N Graham St, Portland, OR 97227) 

Peter Starzynski, 503-960-7989, starzynski@oregonrn.org 

Female on Mobility Scooter Killed in Crash

December 6^th, 2025

On Saturday, December 6^th, 2025, at approximately 6:46 a.m., Forest Grove Police Department Officers responded to an injury crash near the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Oak Street.  It was reported a vehicle struck a female on a mobility scooter.

On arrival, officers were advised by medical personnel the female was deceased.  The female was identified as a 71-year-old Forest Grove resident.  The female’s family has been notified. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) responded and processed the scene.  The driver remained on the scene and cooperated with investigators.  The crash remains under investigation. 

While investigators were processing the scene, an uninvolved vehicle drove past a police car with its emergency lights activated, a road closure sign and a public works truck with its overhead warning lights activated and into the crash scene.  The driver was arrested for DUII and determined to have a blood alcohol content of twice the legal limit. 

The Forest Grove Police Department was assisted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Beaverton Police Department, Sherwood Police Department, Forest Grove Fire and Rescue, American Medical Response, Washington County Medical Examiner’s Office and Forest Grove Public Works.

(Portland, Ore.) - After four days of striking, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) was informed by federal mediators that Legacy management had agreed to mediation and to returning to the bargaining table — a step they had previously declined. The first day of mediation will be Monday, December 8. The strike will continue during mediation. 

Legacy Good Samaritan, 1015 NW 22^nd, Portland
At the intersection of NW 22^nd and NW Marshall 

Why: APPs make up about a third of the providers with Legacy Medical Group but they have very little say in decision-making. They have worked for years to partner with Legacy leadership only to see their requests denied.

Like their RN colleagues, APPs in many departments are short-staffed and overworked making it difficult to retain existing caregivers or recruit new ones. Many APPs feel that they have not been provided with the right resources or support to do their jobs effectively. This has led to an increase in turnover and high levels of frustration.

Legacy Health is a private nonprofit health system that operates eight hospitals and more than 70 clinics in Oregon and Washington.

Strike lines at Good Samaritan and Emanuel will continue to run from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

# # #

What: After four days of striking, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) was informed by federal mediators that Legacy management has agreed to mediation and to returning to the bargaining table with advanced practice providers (APPs) at Legacy—a step they had previously declined. This is a significant step forward and a sign that APP’s strike is working.

On the heels of this news, APPs from Legacy Health will hold a solidarity rally tomorrow, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. Lawmakers and union siblings will join to express their solidarity with the APPs, who began their strike on Dec. 2.

The APPs include nurse practitioners (NPs), physician associates (PAs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and certified nurse midwives (CNMs) who have been working to reach a fair contract agreement with Legacy for nearly two years.

When/Where: Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11 a.m.

Legacy Good Samaritan, 1015 NW 22^nd, Portland
At the intersection of NW 22^nd and NW Marshall

Who:

• State Rep. Rob Nosse
• State Rep. Lamar Wise
• Portland City Councilor Sameer Kanal
• Leigh Warsing, PA at Legacy
• Rob Brookshire, PA at Legacy
• Richard Botterill, RN at Providence Portland
• Steph Funk, RN at Legacy Emanuel
• April Callister, PA at Legacy

Why: APPs have consistently communicated their willingness to negotiate at any time to avoid a strike. Legacy management, however, had not previously accepted federal mediation and did not participate in bargaining during the 10-day notice period before the strike. The first day of mediation will be Monday, December 8. The strike will continue during mediation.

APPs make up about a third of the providers with Legacy Medical Group, but they have very little say in decision-making. They have worked for years to partner with Legacy leadership, only to see their requests denied.

Like their RN colleagues, APPs in many departments are short-staffed and overworked, making it difficult to retain existing caregivers or recruit new ones. Many APPs feel that they have not been provided with the right resources or support to do their jobs effectively. This has led to an increase in turnover and high levels of frustration.

Legacy Health is a private nonprofit health system that operates eight hospitals and more than 70 clinics in Oregon and Washington.

Strike lines at Good Samaritan and Emanuel will continue to run from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

###

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Portland, Oregon, man appeared in federal court today after being charged and arrested for sex trafficking of a child.

Tyler Matthew Mandera, 25, made his initial appearance in court today after being charged by a federal grand jury for sex trafficking of a child. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on February 3, 2026.

According to court documents, from October 11, 2025, until October 14, 2025, Mandera recruited and enticed a minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts.    

If convicted, Mandera faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, a life-term of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from Tigard Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

# # #

The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet for their Regular Business Meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. 

The Board and key staff will attend in-person at CSD's District Office - 18135 SE Brooklyn St., Portland, OR  97236. The public and guests may join in person or virtually via the Zoom app.

To join the meeting, please click on the link below

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

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

Webinar ID: 879 4165 3784
Passcode: 017162

Note: The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet in executive session, during their regular business meeting, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(d) - to conduct deliberations with persons designated to carry on labor negotiations.  Members of the news media are prohibited from attending, and access is limited to designated staff only.

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

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

West Coast Health Alliance, OHA, leading national medical organizations continue to recommend hepatitis B vaccination for newborns

Date: 12/8/25

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Hockinson Community Center 

Address: 15916 NE 182nd Ave, Brush Prairie, WA 98606

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on its normal monthly schedule in December, following disruptions in November due to the federal government shutdown. SNAP plays a major role in Oregon’s food security and economy. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, contributing an estimated $1.6 billion to Oregon’s economy each year.

“Every month hundreds of thousands of children, older adults and hard-working families and individuals depend on getting their SNAP food benefits on time to get enough food,” said ODHS Director Liesl Wendt. “After last month’s uncertainty and disruptions, we are grateful to be able to return to issuing SNAP food benefits when and how people expect us to. We also recommend that people take simple steps today to protect their EBT cards. By changing your PIN, locking your cards and blocking online and out-of-state purchases you can keep your benefits safe.”

SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, about 18 percent of households, buy groceries, including children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities.

At the same time, with a significant amount of theft by skimming of EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards in Oregon and nationwide, ODHS is doing everything it can to protect people. This week, ODHS turned off and replaced more than 1,300 EBT cards after detecting card-skimming activity in the Coos Bay and North Bend area.

EBT cards compromised by skimmers were turned off and replaced to protect benefits.

On Dec. 2, ODHS turned off 1,350 EBT cards from the Coos Bay and North Bend area that were known to be compromised by EBT card skimming due to devices being attached on payment machines. ODHS automatically sent new EBT cards to households whose cards were turned off to prevent fraud and they should be received by mail in five days. People who need a new EBT card urgently can visit their local ODHS office to get a replacement card right away.

If your EBT card suddenly stops working:

• Check your EBT balance at https://ebtEDGE.com or using the ebtEDGE mobile app. If you see a balance amount that is different than what you expected, your benefits may have been stolen. ODHS does not support any other EBT management apps or websites.
• If you see a balance, but your EBT card is still not working, it may have been turned off to prevent fraud. You can call the ONE Customer Service Center (800-699-9075) or your local ODHS office (https://bit.ly/ODHSoffices) to determine if that was the case.

Most theft occurs in the beginning of the month immediately after SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are issued to EBT cards. Criminals use methods like skimming devices, internet scams and fake websites to steal card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). Once they have this information, they use online or out-of-state purchases to drain SNAP food and TANF cash benefits from a person’s card.

ODHS recommends that everyone with an EBT card take these steps to keep their benefits safe:

• Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
• Freeze your card between uses: When you’re not using your EBT card, consider freezing it as an extra layer of protection. Simply unfreeze it when you’re ready to make a purchase. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for "Freeze Card" under "Account Services."
• Block out-of-state and online purchases: You have the option to block transactions made outside of Oregon and online purchases to safeguard your card from unauthorized use. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for “Protect My Account" under “Account Services." You can remove the blocks later.
• Change your PIN regularly: Get into the habit of updating your PIN often. This can help protect your account if someone does gain access to your card number. Here are the ways you can ​change your PIN:​
  • Call 888-997-4447;
  • Log into the ebtEDGE website;
  • Take your EBT card to the closest ODHS benefits office​.
• Keep your PIN secret: Never share your PIN or write it on your card. Cover the keypad whenever entering your PIN in a public setting. Thieves may use small cameras to capture your PIN entry.
• Inspect card readers carefully: Before swiping your card at an ATM or other card reader, check for anything unusual. Skimming devices are often placed on top of existing card readers. If you see anything that looks out of place or tampered with, avoid using it and let the business know.
• Monitor your EBT account activity: Make it a habit to check your account regularly for any unusual charges. If you see a charge you didn’t make, report it immediately, cancel your card and request a replacement. Here are the ways you can ​get a new card:​
  • Call the EBT Replacement Line at 1-855-328-6715;
  • Go to an ODHS benefits office​.​
• Don’t respond to suspicious texts: If you receive a text message asking for your EBT card number or PIN, ignore it. ODHS will never ask for your information this way.
• Avoid social media scams: Only trust posts and messages about your benefits from official ODHS accounts. ODHS will never ask for your benefits case number, PIN or other card information on social media.

More information is available on the Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits webpage. There is a brochure, flyer and wallet card available in many languages. There are also short videos about using an EBT card, how to replace an EBT card and all the ways to protect your EBT benefits. These are posted in the How-to Videos section of benefits.oregon.gov.

How to request replacement for TANF benefits

ODHS can replace TANF benefits that are lost due to fraud. TANF families who believe benefits have been stolen from their EBT card should contact ODHS to request replacement benefits within 30 days of the benefits being stolen. Information on card safety and how to request replacement TANF benefits can be found online here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx

ODHS cannot replace SNAP benefits

The federal funding to replace benefits ran out on Dec. 21, 2024, and ODHS is no longer authorized to replace stolen SNAP benefits.

###

Las Posadas Portland – Latin American Traditional Holidays Celebration

Where the Journey Finds its Home: Portland's First Las Posadas Navideñas 

Note from Downtown Portland Clean & Safe: Downtown Portland Clean and Safe, alongside Lara Media and MOYPA, is proud to present Portland's first Las Posadas Navideñas celebration. Below is a press release from Lara Media. 

Portland, OR—December 13, 2025—The days grow short, but our community light shines brightest. Join us for Las Posadas Navideñas, Portland’s first celebration of its kind—a luminous, family-friendly event designed to honor the warmth, culture, and shared journey that defines us. 

This is more than a festival; it’s a living story. Rooted in centuries-old Mexican and Latin American  customs, we transform Downtown Portland into a vibrant gathering, a procession of hope and belonging that welcomes a toda la gente (everyone), no matter where their path began. 

Date: December 13, 2025 
Location: Director Park, Downtown Portland 
Presented by: Downtown Portland Clean and Safe, Lara Media Services, and MOYPA 

The word posada means inn or lodging, and traditionally posadas are a celebration of the Christmas story. Traditional posadas take place on nine nights from December 16 to 24 and commemorate the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph’s search for a place to stay where Jesus could be born. Today almost any party or event held around Christmas is called a posada. Posadas in Mexico feature hot food and drinks, sweets, music, and piñatas.

Why We Gather: Celebrating Identity and Resilience 

Las Posadas traditionally mark a journey, and in Portland, we reclaim that tradition to celebrate the resilience and heart of our immigrant communities. It’s a moment to honor the ancestral traditions that connect us, celebrating the diversity and shared humanity that allow our community to thrive. 

We fill the city with the vibrant colors, rhythmic music, and delicious flavors of Latin America, proving that inclusion and cultural pride are the true spirit of the holidays. 

Join us to illuminate downtown Portland with unity and joy. 

What to Expect: Music, Culture, and Puro Corazón 

Our event is crafted to connect families, lift local voices, and create economic empowerment for our artists and entrepreneurs. 

      1. Las Poderosas Pavilion 

• ​This is the heart of creativity and strength. Poderosas (powerful women) entrepreneurs lead artful businesses, celebrating the beauty of Latinx culture and indigenous art through every handmade artesanía. This dedicated space provides a platform for local businesses and artists to truly thrive. (Supported by the Poderosas Pavilion Sponsorship opportunities). 

      2. The Grand Procession & Entertainment

• Experience the powerful rhythm and color of our heritage. Rooted in customs that tell a story, our celebration fills the park with music, shared joy, and cultural connection. (Opportunities supported by Entertainment Sponsorship).

       3. The Kids’ Area 

• Designed for the next generation, this area is where our youngest members connect with their roots through fun, interactive engagement and shared joy. 

       4. Food, Community & Buen Provecho 

• Gathering around incredible food is how we share our culture. Experience the authentic flavors and aromas of Latin American food, connecting families through culinary traditions. 

Building a Stronger Future, Together 

By attending Las Posadas Navideñas, you are doing more than celebrating; you are supporting a vital community movement. Your presence helps us keep ancestral traditions alive for new generations and reinforces community engagement across Portland. We believe that celebrating culture is essential to achieving holistic well-being and community prosperity.

This is where identity is affirmed, and our community finds its light.

For More information visit:
https://lasposadasportland.com/
https://moypa.org/las-posadas/
https://www.instagram.com/lasposadasportland
https://www.facebook.com/LasPosadasPortland/

Or write to us: contact@laramedia.com

Businesses and organizations looking to connect with students as well as workers of all ages are invited to attend the 11th annual Battle Ground Public Schools Industry Fair. Representatives of all industries are encouraged to participate at this event, which drew more than 1,000 attendees last year.

There is no cost for businesses and organizations to participate. The deadline to sign up is Friday, Feb. 13. Those interested in reserving a table should secure their spot using this online form. Contact Career Guidance Specialist Kevin Doyle at 360-885-6598 or doyle.kevin@battlegroundps.org with questions about participation.

About the fair

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026

Battle Ground High School (300 W. Main St., Battle Ground)

Resume workshop from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Fair from 5 to 7 p.m. 

The Industry Fair is sponsored by Battle Ground Public Schools in partnership with Goodwill Industries of the Columbia-Willamette and WorkSource of SW Washington.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Geoffrey Don House, died the morning of December 5, 2025. House was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

House entered DOC custody on May 22, 2020, from Clackamas County with an earliest release date of July 9, 2039. House was 64 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

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

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Corrections can be found at www.oregon.gov/doc.

###

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 November 30 to December 3, 2025, two Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in the 50 liters collected on November 30 and one Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected in each of the samples collected on December 1 and December 2. Cryptosporidium was not detected in the sample collected on December 3. Prior to these detections, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run Watershed intake on November 19, 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

About the Portland Water Bureau

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

About the Public Works Service Area

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

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

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

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

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

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

RE-SENT FOR AN UPDATED VERSION

New fee reductions and expanded cutting areas offer meaningful savings for families this winter

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management has announced a series of holiday affordability measures that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention efforts across Oregon and Washington during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits. Local BLM offices are also opening new cutting areas in overstocked woodlands to provide families with more opportunities to gather their own firewood and Christmas trees, while also supporting forest thinning and hazardous fuel reduction.

 “Here in Oregon and Washington, families rely on public lands for tradition, recreation, and essential resources,” said Barry Bushue, BLM OR/WA State Director. “These fee reductions and expanded access make it easier for people to gather firewood and Christmas trees close to home, all while helping us reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.”

These actions align with the Trump administration’s mission to lower costs for American families and will contribute to national savings estimated at more than $9.4 million this holiday season.

Effective immediately, the BLM will:

• Reduce fees for personal-use Christmas tree and firewood permits.
• Increase household limits to up to 10 cords of firewood and up to three Christmas trees, with flexibility to adjust limits in areas with abundant resources.

These steps will help reduce household costs, expand access to local woodlands, and improve forest conditions by removing overstocked or hazardous fuels. The BLM will continue coordinating with community partners, tribal governments and local organizations to share information about permit availability and new cutting areas.

Residents can find up-to-date information on permit locations, cutting area maps, and safety guidance at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/forests-and-woodlands/forest-product-permits/oregon-christmas-trees

-BLM-

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

Wage and retirement disparities grow as Legacy refuses to bargain with its own APP workforce.  

Portland, OR – More than 700 OHSU advanced practice providers (APPs) have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a historic first contract—while nearly 140 Legacy APPs remain on the picket line.  

OHSU APPs joined ONA in February 2024 to secure a real voice in their workplace, forming the largest bargaining unit of APPs in the country. The newly ratified agreement follows nearly two years of negotiations and delivers major wins, including workload protections and market-setting wages and benefits that will strengthen recruitment, retention, and the high-quality care OHSU patients and communities rely on.  

“We are excited by the overwhelming support our OHSU APP team showed for this contract, and we’re proud of the work we have done,” said Kelly Batte, a nurse practitioner at OHSU. “This contract is a big win for our members, for our patients, and for the entire state of Oregon which relies on our care. Our hope is that it sets a new standard for APPs right here in Oregon and across the country, including at Legacy, where our colleagues remain on the picket line.”  

Nearly 140 Legacy APPs have been on strike since December 2, citing in part, uncompetitive wages and benefits that undermine recruitment and retention. The new OHSU agreement further widens the gap in compensation and benefits between the two systems, intensifying the pressure on Legacy management to offer a competitive contract. With the new deal in place, Legacy APPs now fall 10-12% behind in wages compared to APPs who do the same work at OHSU, and another 8–9% behind in retirement benefits.  

“Congratulations to our counterparts at OHSU! They deserve every part of that contract and I know it will serve them and their patients well,” said Leigh Warsing, a physician associate (PA) at Legacy. “But the concerns about losing providers to OHSU are now even greater. Legacy needs to step up to the table and offer us a competitive contract, so we don’t lose more of our colleagues to OHSU.”  

For more than 18 months, Legacy APPs have bargained in good faith. When they issued a strike notice on November 21, Legacy cut off negotiations. Now, on day three of an open-ended strike that began December 2, APPs continue to show up, ready to return to the bargaining table and meet with a federal mediator at any time. Legacy management still refuses to come to the table.  

APPs include nurse practitioners, physician associates, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives.

A fire was reported in the SW area of Bend, near residential homes off of Chuckanut Drive, in the late morning of December 4^th.  An adjacent occupant of a nearby home alerted the occupant of the property of a shed fire that started near a residential house.  A neighbor called 911 and the fully involved shed fire was quickly contained and extinguished by responding Bend Fire & Rescue crews.  The fire completely destroyed a garden shed, damaging a property line fence and partially burned several large pine trees.  The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental in nature, caused by hot ashes placed on dry compost materials in close proximity to a wooden shed.  Hot ashes that were removed from a wood burning appliance in the early morning, had significant heat from the fire in the wood burning appliance the night before and ignited combustibles and quickly spread to the nearby wooden shed.  Nearby residential homes were not damaged due to the quick response from fire crews after 911 was called and dispatched the appropriate resources.  Damages are estimated to be roughly $20,000.   

It is important to dispose of hot ashes from wood burning appliances correctly.  Best practice is to first let ashes cool in the burning appliance for 2-3 days before taking them out.  Then when they have cooled significantly place them in a non-combustible container, such as a sturdy metal container with metal lid and leaving in the container, 10 feet away from any combustibles, until completely cool and extinguished.  This can take multiple days or even weeks.  Ashes taken out of a wood burning appliance can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles for 4 – 7 days, in some cases even longer, after they have been removed from the source.  Even though they may not be smoking or feel hot to the touch, hot embers may be deep inside of ash and remain hot enough to support combustion.  Never place hot ashes in a plastic or combustible container or near combustible materials prior to ensuring complete extinguishment.  

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in a Executive & Business Meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025 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: Prescott goals report, consent agenda, audit update, asb report, board reports, budget committee interview prep, budget update,  facilities update & legislative advocacy 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 at the meeting, please fill out an Intent-to-Speak card and hand it to the Board Assistant prior to "In-person Public Comment" on the agenda. You will have a 3 minute time limit.

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

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

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

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 October 22, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Taylor Babb, DPSST No. 66836; Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

    Presented by Cindy Park

4. Anthony Mazzola, DPSST No. 66886; Douglas County Sheriff's Office

    Presented by Cindy Park

5. Davon Taylor, DPSST No. 66344; ODOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution

    Presented by Cindy Park

6. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only

    Presented by Cindy Park

7. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – January 21, 2026, at 11:00 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 Applicant Review Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) strongly condemns the recent decisions to close Vibra Specialty Hospital in Portland and to eliminate inpatient surgical services and the birthing center at Asante Ashland Community Hospital. These closures represent a devastating loss of critical healthcare access for Oregonians, forcing patients to travel farther for care, increasing risks in emergencies, and placing additional strain on an already overburdened health system.

Vibra Specialty Hospital, Oregon’s only long-term acute care facility, is slated to shut down on February 1, 2026. This closure will eliminate 310 jobs, including positions for nurses, therapists, and support staff, while forcing medically complex patients who require extended, specialized care to remain longer in traditional hospitals or seek treatment out of state. Similarly, Asante’s Ashland Community Hospital closure threatens essential services in Southern Oregon, compounding the impact of rural hospital closures statewide and forcing patients to travel farther for necessary care.

These closures are part of a broader crisis fueled by healthcare funding cuts under the Trump administration and the increasing corporatization of healthcare, which prioritizes profit over patients and community needs. The result is fewer local options for patients and a strained healthcare system.

Oregon’s patients and healthcare workers deserve a system that prioritizes public health over profit. We need robust, long-term investments in healthcare—not hospital closures and funding cuts. 

###

DALLAS (OR) – Tristan Lewis Sillman, has been sentenced to four years (48 months) in prison for breaking into the West Salem Ace Hardware store and attempting to steal merchandise.

Sillman, 27, was sentenced in Polk County Circuit Court by Judge pro tempore Timothy R. Park after pleading guilty to Burglary in the First Degree, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, and Attempted Theft in the First Degree. Sillman will also be required to serve a 36-month term of post-prison supervision after his release from prison and pay $1,267.22 restitution to the victims. During the sentencing hearing, the victims made a statement to the court and the defendant about the harmful impact of the crime on them as small business owners.

The plea and sentencing stemmed from an October 29, 2025 incident, in which multiple Salem police officers responded a burglary in progress call at the West Salem Ace Hardware. Sillman was located inside the building after breaking a window with a screw driver. He had made a pile of items including tools and portable heaters that he was going to take out of the store.

The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and prosecuted by Polk County Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew Wilson.

RICKREALL, Ore. - The Oregon Tree Farm System (OTFS) recently honored Roje Gootee from northern Grant County as Oregon’s 2026 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. The honor was bestowed at the organization’s annual meeting held Nov. 15^th at the Polk County Fair Grounds in Rickreall.

Gootee, owner of Rush Creek Ranch, was recognized for her 28 years spent restoring and managing her property for a wide range of conservation objectives, as well as for her leadership in promoting the health of forest and rangelands in the Blue Mountains of Northeast Oregon.

Gootee first purchased 1,962 acres of forest and range in 1997.

“As a 17-year-old freshman studying Forestry at Utah State University, I began saving so I could one day own my own forest,” she said.

Over an 18-year period she expanded her ranch to 3,345 acres, of which approximately 2,000 acres are forested, the rest in range.

She has restored ponderosa pine forests that were over-harvested by the previous owner, restored abandoned farm fields to forests, improved water quality through restoring riparian habitat and protecting upland springs, controlled invasive weeds, reduced the risk of wildfire, and removed invasive Western juniper encroaching on rangeland and forests.

Gootee has done much to improve the long term health of her property and its watershed. She said, ”For me it’s just such joy to see the land respond.”

Beyond her own property, she has helped neighbors develop stewardship plans for their properties and has played key roles in promoting the management of all private and public lands in Oregon’s Blue Mountain region.

In 1976, Gootee earned a B.S. degree in Forest Resource Management with a minor in Range Management from Utah State University, and in 2009, a PhD in Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences from Washington State University.

Through her natural resource academic studies, USDA Forest Service career in forest and range management, and managing her own property, Gootee has developed invaluable insights on how best to manage Oregon’s dryland forests.

She continues to share her insights through serving on numerous local, state and national private and public natural resource-related boards and commissions. She also works with local landowners and resource professionals.

“Roje is so humble for a person that has done so much for our forests,” reported Bob Parker, the local forester who recommended that she be honored for her land management and community accomplishments.

In addition to honoring Gootee, OTFS awarded Dell and Linda Jensen a Silver Award for management of their 185-acre John Downing Tree Farm near Marcola in Lane County. While the property has been in the family since 1908, the Jensens took charge of its management when inheriting it in 2022. They have spent a tremendous amount of time and energy in developing a sustainable timber harvest, improving its road system for active management, and converting brushy areas back to Douglas-fir forest.

Others who were recognized include:

Additional County Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year

•     Laird-Shepherd Family of Columbia County, and

•     Allan and Kathleen Crandall of Yamhill County

Oregon Inspector of the Year – Tim Gurton

            Oregon Tree Farm inspectors are volunteer foresters who visit family forest landowners providing insights on how they can meet their forestland goals, and to certify that their forest meets the American Tree Farm System’s standards. Gurton visited and certified 25 landowners.

Pollinator Award – Mary Chamness

            This award is given to an individual whose volunteer efforts played a key role in the management of the organization.

Hagenstein Family Forestlands Achievement Award - Steve and Wylda Cafferata

This award is presented to an individual(s) for outstanding contributions in promoting, supporting, and sustaining Oregon’s family owned forestlands.

About the Oregon Tree Farm System

OTFS is a chapter of the American Tree Farm System which operates an internationally recognized forest certification program overseen by and for family forest landowners to promote sustainable forest management through education, recognition, and assistance.

For 59 years, OTFS has recognized family forest landowners who provide forest benefits and products using sound forestry management. Along with the Oregon Dept. of Forestry they work to promote sustainable forestry in Oregon.

For more information on the Oregon Tree Farm System, visit www.otfs.org

                                                          # # #

RICKREALL, Ore. - The Oregon Tree Farm System (OTFS) recently honored the Laird-Shepherd Family as Columbia County’s Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. The family owns and manages 115 acres of forestland near Vernonia in Columbia County. The honor was bestowed at the organization’s annual meeting held Nov. 15^th at the Polk County Fair Grounds in Rickreall.

Honored at the same meeting with statewide Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year for Oregon was Roje Gootee from northern Grant County. Gootee owns the 3,345-acre Rush Creek Ranch, about 2,000 acres of which are forested. She was recognized for her 28 years spent restoring and managing her property for a wide range of conservation objectives, as well as for her leadership in promoting the health of forest and rangelands in the Blue Mountains of Northeast Oregon.

Gootee has restored ponderosa pine forests that were over-harvested by the previous owner, restored abandoned farm fields to forests, improved water quality through restoring riparian habitat and protecting upland springs, controlled invasive weeds, reduced the risk of wildfire, and removed invasive Western juniper encroaching on rangeland and forests.

Beyond her own property, Gootee has helped neighbors develop stewardship plans for their properties and has played key roles in promoting the management of all private and public lands in Oregon’s Blue Mountain region.

Through her natural resource academic studies, USDA Forest Service career in forest and range management, and managing her own property, Gootee has developed invaluable insights on how best to manage Oregon’s dryland forests.

She continues to share her insights through serving on numerous local, state and national private and public natural resource-related boards and commissions. She also works with local landowners and resource professionals.

In addition to honoring the Laird-Shepherd Family and Gootee, OTFS awarded Dell and Linda Jensen a Silver Award for management of their 185-acre John Downing Tree Farm near Marcola in Lane County. While the property has been in the family since 1908, the Jensens took charge of its management when inheriting it in 2022. They have spent a tremendous amount of time and energy in developing a sustainable timber harvest, improving its road system for active management, and converting brushy areas back to Douglas-fir forest.

Others who were recognized include:

Additional County Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year

•     Allan and Kathleen Crandall of Yamhill County

Oregon Inspector of the Year – Tim Gurton

            Oregon Tree Farm inspectors are volunteer foresters who visit family forest landowners providing insights on how they can meet their forestland goals, and to certify that their forest meets the American Tree Farm System’s standards. Gurton visited and certified 25 landowners.

Pollinator Award – Mary Chamness

            This award is given to an individual whose volunteer efforts played a key role in the management of the organization.

Hagenstein Family Forestlands Achievement Award - Steve and Wylda Cafferata

This award is presented to an individual(s) for outstanding contributions in promoting, supporting, and sustaining Oregon’s family-owned forestlands.

About the Oregon Tree Farm System

OTFS is a chapter of the American Tree Farm System which operates an internationally recognized forest certification program overseen by and for family forest landowners to promote sustainable forest management through education, recognition, and assistance.

For 59 years, OTFS has recognized family forest landowners who provide forest benefits and products using sound forestry management. Along with the Oregon Dept. of Forestry they work to promote sustainable forestry in Oregon.

For more information on the Oregon Tree Farm System, visit www.otfs.org

                                                          # # #

RICKREALL, Ore. - The Oregon Tree Farm System (OTFS) recently honored Allan and Kathleen Crandall as Yamhill County’s Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. The Crandalls own and manage 40 acres of forestland in Yamhill County near McMinnville. The honor was bestowed at the organization’s annual meeting held Nov. 15^th at the Polk County Fair Grounds in Rickreall.

Honored at the same meeting with statewide Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year for Oregon was Roje Goote from northern Grant County. Gootee owns the 3,345-acre Rush Creek Ranch, about 2,000 acres of which are forested. She was recognized for her 28 years spent restoring and managing her property for a wide range of conservation objectives, as well as for her leadership in promoting the health of forest and rangelands in the Blue Mountains of Northeast Oregon.

Gootee has restored ponderosa pine forests that were over-harvested by the previous owner, restored abandoned farm fields to forests, improved water quality through restoring riparian habitat and protecting upland springs, controlled invasive weeds, reduced the risk of wildfire, and removed invasive Western juniper encroaching on rangeland and forests.

Beyond her own property, Gootee has helped neighbors develop stewardship plans for their properties and has played key roles in promoting the management of all private and public lands in Oregon’s Blue Mountain region.

Through her natural resource academic studies, USDA Forest Service career in forest and range management, and managing her own property, Gootee has developed invaluable insights on how best to manage Oregon’s dryland forests.

She continues to share her insights through serving on numerous local, state and national private and public natural resource-related boards and commissions. She also works with local landowners and resource professionals.

In addition to honoring the Crandalls and Gootee, OTFS awarded Dell and Linda Jensen a Silver Award for management of their 185-acre John Downing Tree Farm near Marcola in Lane County. While the property has been in the family since 1908, the Jensens took charge of its management when inheriting it in 2022. They have spent a tremendous amount of time and energy in developing a sustainable timber harvest, improving its road system for active management, and converting brushy areas back to Douglas-fir forest.

Others who were recognized include:

Additional County Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year

•     Laird-Shepherd Family of Columbia County

Oregon Inspector of the Year – Tim Gurton

            Oregon Tree Farm inspectors are volunteer foresters who visit family forest landowners providing insights on how they can meet their forestland goals, and to certify that their forest meets the American Tree Farm System’s standards. Gurton visited and certified 25 landowners.

Pollinator Award – Mary Chamness

            This award is given to an individual whose volunteer efforts played a key role in the management of the organization.

Hagenstein Family Forestlands Achievement Award - Steve and Wylda Cafferata

This award is presented to an individual(s) for outstanding contributions in promoting, supporting, and sustaining Oregon’s family owned forestlands.

About the Oregon Tree Farm System

OTFS is a chapter of the American Tree Farm System which operates an internationally recognized forest certification program overseen by and for family forest landowners to promote sustainable forest management through education, recognition, and assistance.

For 59 years, OTFS has recognized family forest landowners who provide forest benefits and products using sound forestry management. Along with the Oregon Dept. of Forestry they work to promote sustainable forestry in Oregon.

For more information on the Oregon Tree Farm System, visit www.otfs.org

                                                          # # #

Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill an expiring position on the Clark County Development and Engineering Advisory Board, DEAB.

The positions are for the following:

• Land developer who works or lives in Clark County

Members shall be appointed or reappointed to three-year terms. Members are eligible for reappointment after their terms expire.

The advisory board reviews policy and county code changes and works on process improvement and fees with the Community Development and Public Works departments. The board’s recommendations are routinely forwarded to the Clark County Council for use by final decision makers.

The board consists of three private-sector planners or engineers; one public-sector planner or engineer; one construction contractor; one land developer; one Building Industry Association representative; one professional associated with commercial or industrial development; and two professionals associated with development.

The Development and Engineering Advisory Board, commonly referred to as DEAB, typically meets at 2 pm the first Thursday of the month in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

Anyone interested should submit a letter of interest and résumé to Victoria Abram, Program Coordinator, P.O. Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810. Applications also can be emailed to victoria.abram@clark.wa.gov.

The application deadline is 5 pm Monday Dec. 31, 2025.

More information, including meeting agendas and minutes, is available at www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/development-and-engineering-advisory-board

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Hannah Linn Bazzi, died the evening of December 3, 2025. Bazzi was incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Bazzi entered DOC custody on May 29, 2020, from Washington County with an earliest release date of December 20, 2032. Bazzi was 32 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

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

CCCF is a multi-custody prison located in Wilsonville. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Corrections can be found at www.oregon.gov/doc.

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Dec. 4, 2025

Media Contact: Communications@employ.oregon.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY
OED announces release of statewide employment report for September on Dec. 10
 

SALEM, Ore. — After being delayed by the federal shutdown, the Oregon Employment Department (OED) will release the monthly employment report for September at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Video and audio versions of the release will also be published at 10 a.m., and reporters can reach out to state employment economist Gail Krumenauer or economist David Cooke with follow-up questions, but OED will not host a media availability.

County reports for September will be released on Tuesday, December 16th at 10:00 AM.

Revised news release dates are also posted here on the QualityInfo.org website.

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

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

(Vancouver, WA) The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) awarded Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) with Public Safety Communications Accreditation on November 15, 2025. The award was made at the national CALEA conference in Jacksonville, Florida. This award represents the eighth re-accreditation since CRESA received its original CALEA accreditation in 2002. ​

This achievement signifies CRESA’s commitment to provide the highest quality 911 service to the community throughout Clark County, Washington. Dave Fuller, Director of CRESA stated, “By choosing to be accredited through CALEA, our 911 center voluntarily works to meet the most rigorous set of standards designed for public safety communications in the United States. I’m grateful for the professionalism our staff continues to provide in meeting these standards.”

CALEA standards apply to all facets of 911 operations, from recruitment, selection and training to establishing and monitoring performance of call takers and dispatchers.  Not only do these standards focus on 911 operations, but also the agency’s fiscal management processes, how complaints are investigated and the involvement CRESA has in community education.

CALEA was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority whose purpose is to improve public safety services by maintaining a body of standards that are based on best practices and developed by industry experts.

The honor of CALEA accreditation is for four years and CRESA will be required to maintain continuous compliance during this time period to receive its reaccreditation re-accreditation in 2029.

PROTECTING PETS IN WINTER WEATHER

Winter weather can mean fun in the snow, but it is also a time we should pay close attention to the safety of our pets. Here are some safety tips to follow as the weather gets colder:
 

1. Monitor your pet’s food intake. Pets who live outdoors should be fed a bit more in the winter because they need the extra calories to stay warm. Indoor pets typically receive less exercise during cold weather and may require fewer calories.
2. Oregon law requires all companion animals be provided shelter from the elements. They should have fresh water put out a couple of times a day. Consider a special bowl that prevents the water from freezing.
3. In severe weather, allow outdoor pets in your house or garage.
4. If your pet goes outdoors, be aware of the temperature. Pets can get frostbite very easily on the ears, tail, and paws.
5. When walking your dog in freezing conditions, check their paws to make sure ice is not building up between toes and that salt or gravel is not irritating the skin.
6. If your dog is a swimmer, keep them on a leash around open water or unstable ice. Hypothermia can set in quickly and your dog may be unable to get out of the water.
7. Before you start your car, ensure no cats are napping in the warm place your car provides by honking the horn or banging on the hood.
8. If you are decorating for the holidays, keep ornaments out of the reach of your pets. Remember that poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and other plants can be toxic if ingested.
9. Ingesting anti-freeze can be fatal for dogs and cats. It has a sweet taste and even a small amount can cause severe kidney damage or death. You can use a

pet-safe antifreeze, look for brands containing propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. If you spill anti-freeze, soak it up immediately. Clay cat litter

works well to absorb spills, discard the litter once the anti-freeze has been absorbed.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Longest continuously operating illuminated boat parade in the U.S. returns to Columbia and Willamette Rivers this December

Portland, OR – November 25, 2025 – The Christmas Ships Parade, a beloved Pacific Northwest tradition since 1954, announces its 71st season of bringing holiday cheer to communities along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Over 70 beautifully decorated and illuminated boats will parade 15 nights during December, offering spectacular free viewing opportunities for families and visitors.

"The Christmas Ships Parade provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season," said Kelly Marks, Christmas Ships Parade representative. "This one-of-a-kind event offers a unique experience and creates cherished memories while bringing joy and building community."

“Our Christmas Ship Skippers enjoy seeing and hearing the spectators on shore as much as the spectators enjoy seeing the brightly lit boats,” said Kat Pettersen, Christmas Ships President. “It fills our hearts to see the spirit of the Parade reflected in the faces of the spectators.” See the full parade schedule with viewing location suggestions at www.christmasships.org/parade-schedule.

PARADE SCHEDULE

Columbia River Routes: Beginning Thursday, December 4

Willamette River Routes: Beginning Monday, December 9

The parade will visit multiple locations including North Portland Harbor, Camas, St. Helens, Columbia City, Woodland, the Multnomah Channel, Lake Oswego, and areas in between. Weeknight parades launch from Riverplace Marina on the Willamette and the M James Gleason Boat Ramp on the Columbia.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Meet & Greet Open Houses at Riverplace Public Docks:

• Friday, December 20, 8:00-10:00 PM
• Saturday, December 21, 2:00-4:30 PM

Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for the annual toy drive benefiting children in need.

ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS SHIPS PARADE

The Christmas Ships Parade is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the longest continuously operating illuminated boat parade in the United States. Designated as an Oregon Heritage Tradition (one of only 28 in the state), the parade has been brightening Pacific Northwest waters since 1954.

Notable Facts:

• Travels approximately 345 nautical miles during a typical season
• Passes by more than 80 miles of shoreline each year
• Features boats ranging from 14 to 65 feet, including motor and sail boats
• All participants are volunteers who design and fabricate their own unique displays
• Partners annually with Columbia River Fire & Rescue and Portland Fire Toy and Joy Makers for toy collection

The Christmas Ships Parade is an independent nonprofit organization, not subsidized by or affiliated with any city, county, or municipal entity. All Christmas Shippers are volunteers who receive no reimbursement and pay for their own expenses.

VIEWING INFORMATION

Admission is FREE. The parade is visible from numerous shoreline locations along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Many restaurants, hotels, and businesses offer excellent indoor viewing opportunities. Complete route details and viewing location suggestions are available at www.christmasships.org.

Note: The Christmas Ships Parade does not offer rides on participating boats.

SUPPORT THE TRADITION

As a volunteer-run nonprofit, the Christmas Ships Parade relies on community support to offset operational expenses. Donations can be made at www.christmasships.org.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Boreas Group, Portland Spirit, RiverPlace Marina

PREMIER SPONSORS

Pacific Lifestyle Homes, Fidelity Investments

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront, The Cove, Fred's Marina, Boat Insurance Agency, Dr. Jared Bowyer, Hotel Indigo, Residence Inn Downtown/RiverPlace, Salty's on the Columbia, Island Style Charters, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Portland River Tours, Scovare Expeditions, Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, Who Song & Larry's, The Electric Boat Company

SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: @ChristmasShips Facebook: christmasship.parade Instagram: christmasships
ABOUT CHRISTMAS SHIPS, INC. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit comprised of dedicated individuals who value the uniqueness inherent to humanity. The organization is committed to bringing festive joy to the Pacific Northwest community during the holiday season.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to ORS 163A.215, which authorizes Community Corrections to inform the public when the release of such information will enhance public safety and protection.

The individual listed below has been convicted of a sex offense requiring registration with the Oregon State Police. Based on their criminal history, this person has been classified at a level indicating a potential to re-offend. This notification is not intended to increase fear, but rather to support public awareness and safety.

NAME: Patrick Finegan
SID#: 22406607
DOB: 12/18/1997
Current Age: 27
Race: Hispanic
Sex: Male
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 160 lbs
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown

Residence:
245 Holder Lane SE
Salem, OR 97306

Supervision Status:
Patrick Finegan is currently on Post-Prison Supervision for the following crimes:
• Attempted Use of a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct
• Attempt to Encourage Child Sexual Abuse I
• Attempted Sexual Abuse I
• Luring a Minor (two counts)

Supervision began: 10/10/2025
Supervision expires: 10/09/2027

Victim Information:
Finegan’s known victims were minor females known to him.

Special Conditions:
☒ No contact with minors
☒ Do not frequent places where minors congregate
☒ No intoxicating substances

December 4, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov  

OHA urges vaccinations as flu activity rises, holidays approach  

PORTLAND, Ore – As influenza activity increases over the next two months before its expected peak in early spring, health officials urge everyone to get their flu vaccine, particularly as people gather indoors to celebrate the holidays. 

So far, hospitalizations remain low. But the percentage of positive flu tests is on the rise.

“The flu season generally continues into the spring, which means flu activity will continue to increase for many months,” said Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division. “That’s why it’s never too late to get the flu vaccine.”

Chiou added that getting vaccinated now is especially important. “People will leave Thanksgiving, not only with leftovers, but also with the flu. It’s not too late to get your flu shot, especially before the upcoming holidays. The flu shot is the best way to help make sure you don’t miss out on holiday festivities or get other people sick.”

Last year’s flu season in Oregon was the worst in the state’s recent history. OHA releases the latest information on the flu season in its weekly FluBites report. Information on flu activity can also be found on Oregon’s Respiratory Virus Data dashboard.

Flu is a contagious, respiratory tract infection caused by the influenza virus.

Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy and runny nose, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. It can result in mild to severe illness, including hospitalization and death.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend seasonal flu vaccination for everyone ages 6 months or older.

Nearly 1 million people in Oregon have been vaccinated so far this year, which is about 5% lower than at the same time last year. The flu vaccination rate has been in decline for several years.

Certain groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant people and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for serious complications from influenza.

The hospitalization rate is highest for people ages 65 and older, but flu seasons are unpredictable and even young and healthy people can develop severe disease.

The best way people can protect themselves and others is by getting a flu vaccine every year.

People can get the COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, county public health clinic or federally qualified health center. Parents and caregivers of children can also search for a clinic by calling 211 or visiting 211info.org. 

This video reminds people not to let influenza take us out of the picture this year. 

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This holiday season the Lincoln City Police Department is urging drivers to drive safe and drive sober as they commute to and from holiday gatherings. Not only can the average DUII arrest cost a driver thousands of dollars in legal costs, a DUII crash can shatter a community.

In the most recent data available from the Oregon Department of Transportation (2023), Lincoln County saw a 300% increase in serious injury crashes involving drug impairment and a 50% increase in fatal crashes involving drug impairment compared to the previous year. Let’s fight the trend. If you or a loved one chooses to partake, be the voice of reason. You could save a life.

During the month of December, the Lincoln City Police Department plans on using DUII Enforcement Grant funds made available through the Oregon Department of Transportation. These enforcement operations are part of national High Visibility Enforcement Events which run from mid-December through New Years Day. These events are designed to increase the number of patrol officers on the streets nationwide with an emphasis on seeking out drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and removing them from the roadways.

(Portland, Ore.) - Advanced practice providers (APPs) packed the picket lines again outside Emanuel and Good Samaritan hospitals, waiting for word that Legacy executives agreed to come back to the bargaining table. The energy was high and the coffee flowing to ward off the chilly temps. Strikers’ spirits were bolstered by support from members of other bargaining units, including nurses from OHSU and APPs and Legacy nurses from across the system.

State Representative Lamar Wise stopped by the strike line at Emanuel, showing his support and reaffirming that the community stands with APPs in the fight for fair working conditions and quality patient care. Rep. Wise said, “I’m here because I believe in you all, I believe in the power of labor unions, and I believe in the power that you all have.”

For nearly two years, the bargaining team for the 135 APPs have been trying to reach a first contract that protects patients through recruitment and retention of high-quality providers and puts an end to inequitable practices like unpaid work. The APPs work in Legacy hospitals and clinics located in the Portland metro and Southwest Washington. They include nurse practitioners (NPs), physician associates (PAs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs).

The APPs are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).

Strike lines are located at Legacy Good Samaritan and Legacy Emanuel hospitals from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. This is an open-ended strike.

Community members can visit OregonRN.org/RespectAPPs to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition in support of the APPs, and stay informed about the impact of the strike.

A reminder to patients from APPs: 

If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Legacy executives’ refusal to continue meeting with APPs has forced us to strike to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need. 

# # # 

FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:

Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, DEC. 4-5: 11 AM – 1 PM

• Legacy Emanuel (501 N Graham St, Portland, OR 97227)

Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org

• Legacy Good Samaritan (1015 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210)

Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

SATURDAY, DEC. 6: 11 AM-1 PM

• Legacy Good Samaritan (1015 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210)

Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org

Additional dates and events will be shared with media as they become available.

December 3, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

Pets should continue to be kept away as detected levels remain above educational guideline values for animals

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge in Klamath County.

OHA issued the advisory July 9.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is below recreational guideline values for people. However, detected levels are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Community Invited to Clark County’s Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Vigil

Sunday, Dec. 21 • 5:30 p.m. • St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver, Wash.

VANCOUVER, Wash. (Dec., 4, 2025) — Council for the Homeless invites the community to gather in remembrance at Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m. on the front steps of St. Paul Lutheran Church at 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver, WA 98660.

This annual vigil is a solemn and compassionate space where community members come together to honor neighbors who died this past year while experiencing homelessness in Clark County. It is a time to say their names, share memories and collectively mourn the loss of loved ones, while also igniting hope and solidarity.

“Every life lost is a reminder of the work we must continue,” said Sesany Fennie-Jones, CEO of Council for the Homeless. “This gathering ensures that no one’s life goes unrecognized, and it strengthens our commitment to creating a community where everyone has a safe and stable place to call home.”

Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day is observed nationally on the longest night of the year, as communities across the country unite to remember those who lived — and died — without housing. Clark County’s candlelight vigil joins this nationwide call to reflect, acknowledge and advocate for change.

“As we gather on the longest night of the year, we are reminded that every life holds immeasurable value,” said Pastor Linda Marousek of St. Paul Lutheran Church. “This ceremony is a moment for us to bear witness, to grieve together and to recommit ourselves to building a community where no one is forgotten or left without care.”

Along with Council for the Homeless and St. Paul Lutheran Church, this year’s remembrance is hosted in partnership with Church in the Streets, Friends of the Carpenter, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Live Love Outreach, Outsiders Inn, St. Andrew Lutheran Church and the City of Vancouver’s HART Team.

During the event, 13th street will be blocked off between Franklin and Esther. Please visit the Facebook Event Page for more information leading up to the event. To make sure your loved one’s name is included in the ceremony, please fill out this form: 2025 Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Names.

For media inquiries, please email Nneka Coxeff at ncoxeff@councilforthehomeless.org. For general event questions, please email Maggie Bernetich at ernetich@councilforthehomeless.org">mbernetich@councilforthehomeless.org.

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

On November 25, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the November 2025 Employees and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees!

Students of the Month

Lauren Kelly, 12th Grade at Ridgefield High School

Lauren has a remarkable ability to connect with people, always eager to learn about their stories and experiences. Whether she’s engaged in a lively class discussion or volunteering with Unite Ridgefield, Lauren’s empathy and enthusiasm shine through, helping foster the strong sense of community that makes Ridgefield special. Lauren is deeply involved in Robotics, loves building with LEGO, reading Superman comics, and advocating for social causes. Lauren’s teachers admire her not only for her brilliance and work ethic, but also for her warmth, humility, and the way she lifts up those around her. They describe Lauren as a grounded classroom presence, where she asks deep-thinking questions and brings enthusiasm and humor to everything she does. She’s not a student who does work for others or tells them what to do–she listens to her peers and uses her communicative talents to help them implement whatever vision they collectively share. And as one noted: she will probably be our first female President! With plans to study electrical engineering (hopefully at Oregon State), Lauren embodies the best of Ridgefield High School: intellect, compassion, and leadership. 

Archer (Jhi) Phillips, 8th Grade at View Ridge Middle School

Teachers and students alike have so many great things to say about Jhi. He communicates well, works hard to make others feel included, and is both creative and imaginative. His positivity, dedication, and school spirit truly stand out! Ms. Stephens said, “Jhi is an awesome human, through and through. He is kind, dedicated, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He seeks out opportunities to help others and be involved in the school, making him an exemplary Heron. He is going to do great things!” Mr. Nguyen shared, “Jhi’s creativity and logic shine through in his interactive story project, where his programming skills create a thoughtful and engaging journey. His persistence in debugging and strong attention to detail make him an outstanding programmer and student.” Way to go, Jhi — you are such a positive presence here at VRMS, and we’re lucky to have you! You have a wonderful future ahead, and we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

Oliver Nickol, 5th Grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy

Oliver is hitting it out of the park with his academics, routinely submitting exceptional work and thoughtfully reading all of his feedback from his teachers, demonstrating remarkable growth as both a learner and an individual over time. He is inquisitive, and his classwork shows that he puts a lot of careful thought into his responses. Oliver has a genuine curiosity about how things work, especially systems like antique fans and lamps, and he enjoys sharing these interests with others. What makes Oliver truly special is not only his kindness and respectfulness but also how easy he is to get along with–he consistently treats his peers with warmth and consideration, making the classroom a welcoming place for everyone.

Jason Beu, 5th Grade at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School

Jason is the kind of student who quietly makes a big impact. Whether in the classroom, the cafeteria, or at Outdoor School, he leads by example–showing what it truly means to be a Sunset Ridge Coyote. Jason approaches every learning opportunity with curiosity and care. He listens thoughtfully, adds meaningful ideas to discussions, and gives his best effort in everything he does. His work is always detailed and well done, but what stands out even more is the heart behind it. Jason treats everyone with kindness and respect, welcomes others into conversations, and is quick to offer encouragement or a helping hand. From academics to Social-Emotional Learning lessons to outdoor adventures, Jason shows responsibility, resilience, and respect every single day. He makes our school a better place just by being in it. We’re lucky to have Jason as part of our Sunset Ridge community–his positive attitude and genuine character inspire those around him. 
 

Everett Lin, 4th Grade at South Ridge Elementary School

Everett Lin stands out for consistently demonstrating one of our core values: Responsibility. Everett shows kindness to everyone each day. He is always helpful to adults and classmates alike, and he demonstrates an outstanding level of respect and responsibility within our school community. Everett has dedicated countless hours to caring for our school grounds through his work on the nature trail with Jr. Stewards and in the garden area during recess programs. Thanks to his efforts, our plants continue to thrive and our outdoor spaces remain beautiful. This is just one example of how deeply Everett cares about his school. If you ever need a helping hand, Everett is always there, ready to assist. For these reasons and more, we are proud to recognize him as this month’s Student of the Month! 

Eloise Wright, 2nd Grade at Union Ridge Elementary School

Eloise is kind-hearted, helpful, and consistently brings a sweet, positive energy to her classroom and school community. Eloise goes out of her way to support her peers, showing patience, compassion, and a genuine willingness to lend a hand whenever needed. She is a respectful student who can always be counted on to follow directions and lead by example. Eloise actively participates in class, engages thoughtfully in discussions, and shows enthusiasm for learning each day. She truly embodies what it means to be a Tater Tot in all she does—she is kind, strong, and well. Beyond her classroom, Eloise’s bright spirit radiates throughout our school community. Her joyful smile, positive attitude, and caring nature make others feel welcomed and valued. Eloise reminds us all that small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Way to go, Eloise! You make Union Ridge a better place for everyone.

Jude Johnstone, Pre-K at the Early Learning Center

Each month, staff vote on our Student of the Month based on how students demonstrate the monthly Character Strong trait. Last month, our character trait was Respect. Jude Johnstone was chosen as our November Student of the Month because of the way he shows respect every day in our classroom and school community! Jude's teachers report that he demonstrates respect through his words, actions, and positive attitude. He listens carefully to teachers and friends, follows classroom routines, and takes care of materials and classroom space. He treats everyone with kindness and fairness, helping make his classroom a place where all students feel welcome and valued. When challenges arise or friends have big feelings, Jude stays calm and caring. He shows respect by giving others space, offering help, and using the strategies we practice to manage emotions. He helps our class feel safe and supported. Jude also shows respect during group activities and play. He takes turns, shares materials, and includes others in games and projects. 

Employees of the Month 

Roz Andersen, Registrar at Ridgefield High School

Ridgefield High School couldn’t function without Roz. Despite facing a million interruptions to her daily work–from students coming in needing support while they wait for a counselor, to fielding phone calls (or surprise visits!) from families, to being near-constantly harangued by teachers' "quick questions" or abashed requests for help fixing the gremlin-infested copier. In spite of all that, Roz never makes anyone feel like a nuisance or that they’re inconveniencing her when they ask for help or support (like running Skyward data, looking up student credits, and even tracking down a postage stamp once). She has the patience of the mostly saintly kindergarten teacher, all while juggling the work that keeps the wheels turning at school. We are so lucky to have her!

Christa Mellin, Kindergarten teacher at Union Ridge Elementary School

Christa is a prized member of the kindergarten team. She always has a calm presence with students and staff. Christa knows how to find the positive in situations and works collaboratively with staff and families to meet the needs of her students. Christa’s classroom is a safe, joyful, and productive space. We are so fortunate to have her in our Union Ridge family! 

[Portland, Ore.] — The Oregon International Auto Show is kicking off the holiday gift-giving season with a special Stocking Stuffer Sale for its upcoming February 2026 show dates! Save up to 20% when purchasing single adult tickets at $15, or 25% off Family 4-Packs at $40. Family 4-Packs include two youth and two adult tickets and are a great way to spend the day with the family. This promotion runs through midnight on December 25.

Portland-area auto dealers will be on-site during the Auto Show to answer potential buyer questions about 2026 models and to take attendees on dream car spins in multiple Ride & Drives. Additional activities and attractions include a fun kids zone, an overlanding adventure area, electric vehicle showcases and exciting cars from around the world.

2026 Show Hours

• Thursday, Feb. 19       10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
• Friday, Feb. 20             12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 21        10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 22          10 a.m. - 7 p.m. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit oregonautoshow.com — use code STOCKING at checkout. Stocking Stuffer Sale ends at midnight 12/25/25.

About the Oregon International Auto Show

The largest auto show in the state, the Oregon International Auto Show launched in 1910 as the Portland Auto Show and continues to entertain and inform local and regional car lovers and shoppers. Featuring the newest and most innovative advancements in design, engineering, technology and craftsmanship, the four-day show draws avid auto enthusiasts and families to attend and enjoy its interactive and engaging experiences, including Ride & Drives, race performance areas and kid-friendly exhibits. For more information, visit oregonautoshow.com.

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Umatilla County, Ore. (Dec. 3, 2025)- On Monday, December 1, 2025, at 5:53 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Highway 395, near milepost 2, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Breann Hailey Mayberry (31) of Umatilla, was located deceased on the northbound shoulder of the highway. Evidence at the scene led investigators to believe a white commercial motor vehicle was involved in the collision and had fled the scene.

While still at the scene, investigators observed a white Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and trailer being towed down the highway. The damage to the Freightliner was consistent with the scene evidence and the vehicle was seized. The operator, Timothy Alvin Brown (66) of Yakima (WA), was later located and arrested for Fail to Perform Duties of a Driver.

The pedestrian (Mayberry) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Freightliner (Brown) was reportedly uninjured.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. The investigation is active and no additional information is available for release.

OSP was assisted by the Hermiston Police Department, Umatilla County Fire District 1, and ODOT.

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

December 3, 2025-Redmond, OR – When community members interact with public safety professionals, they’re probably not thinking about the mental and physical wellness of the people who answer the call.

But the well-being of our public safety personnel is critical to ensuring excellent community service. First responders work in extremely stressful and dangerous conditions. Multiple studies have shown they are at elevated risk for post-traumatic stress, suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, cardiac issues, certain cancers, and more. These challenges can impact the ability to recruit and retain employees – a key concern during a nationwide shortage of public safety personnel.

To proactively address employee health challenges, Redmond Fire & Rescue (RFR) is excited to provide the Cordico confidential wellness app, offered by Lexipol, the leader in solutions that drive performance excellence in public safety.

The app is available to RFR personnel and their families. It includes a wellness toolkit covering 60+ mental and physical health topics, such as fatigue, suicide prevention, and alcohol abuse, as well as mental health self-assessments, videos, and guides on yoga, mindfulness, nutrition, and more. In addition, the app provides contact information for local therapists who specialize in and have experience working with first responders and connects users with chaplains from the Central Oregon Public Safety Chaplaincy group. Personnel and their family members have confidential, 24/7 access to the app to ensure they have the resources they need in their most difficult moments, on or off duty.

“Redmond Fire & Rescue is proud to offer the Cordico wellness app and prioritize the health and well-being of our personnel, their families, and the community,” says Fire Chief Ryan Herrera. “Behind every firefighter and first responder is a family that shares the weight of this work, and we want to give our team and their families tools to cope, heal, and stay strong.”

The City of Battle Ground is excited to announce the implementation of electronic plan review. eReview offers a streamlined, fully paperless process for submitting requests for permits, planning applications, and engineering applications, starting December 1, 2025.

This updated platform modernizes the way customers submit materials, track progress, and communicate with City staff, providing a faster, more accessible, and more transparent experience for all users.

“This launch represents an important step forward in how we serve our community,” said Community Development Director Kristin Lehto. “By moving to a paperless system, we’re improving efficiency, reducing wait times, and giving residents and businesses a convenient tool to stay informed throughout every stage of their project.”

Key Benefits of the Updated Online System

• Paperless Submittal & Review: Upload documents directly online, reducing trips to City Hall and reducing the need for printed plan sets.
• Increased Convenience: Applications can be submitted anytime, from anywhere, allowing customers to move at their own pace.
• Real-Time Transparency: Track your application status, review comments, and required actions, with clear communication between applicants and City staff.
• Greater Efficiency: Digital workflows help accelerate review timelines, minimize back-and-forth, and ensure complete and accurate submissions.
• Centralized Access: All documents, corrections, and approvals remain in one secure location for easy reference.

The City encourages homeowners, builders, contractors, and design professionals to explore the updated Customer Self Service (CSS) platform and experience the benefits firsthand.

More information, including instructions and system access, is available at www.cityofbg.org/Building-Permit-Resources.

Salem –  The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has joined the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) in a multimillion dollar settlement with five investment institutions. The settlement resulted from an investigation by state securities regulators into the practice of charging unreasonable commissions to retail customers on small-dollar transactions by Edward Jones, LPL Financial, RBC, Stifel, and TD Ameritrade. In the five-year period covered by the investigation, data shows that, nationwide, the firms charged approximately $19 million to process $1.12 million small-dollar equity transactions and trades.

The signed consent orders totaled over $361,000 going back to Oregonians. Oregon DFR Administrator TK Keen said it is important that states continue to work together.

“Oregonians work hard for their money, and deserve a fair deal every time they invest or make a trade,” Keen said. “When Oregonians were charged excessive commissions on everyday transactions, this office and our fellow regulators nationwide quickly stepped in and got restitution back to harmed Oregon investors.”

The following consent orders were entered:

• Edward Jones will repay Oregon investors $203,494.79 (plus 6 percent interest) and pay a civil penalty of $100,000 to DFR.
• LPL Financial will repay Oregon investors $31,526.08 (plus 6 percent interest) and pay a civil penalty of $20,000 to DFR.  
• Stifel will repay Oregon investors $9,752.39 (plus 6 percent interest) and pay a civil penalty of $20,000 to DFR.
• TD Ameritrade will repay Oregon investors $11,220.85 (plus 6 percent interest) and pay a civil penalty of $15,000 to DFR.
• RBC will repay Oregon investors $105,309.85 (plus 6 percent interest) and pay a civil penalty of $20,000 to DFR.

The consent orders censure the firms for their actions and require the firms to review and improve their policies, procedures, and supervision efforts relating to commissions on equity transactions to prevent similar overcharges in the future. The firms are responsible for directly notifying and providing restitution to affected Oregon customers. In most cases, affected Oregon investors will not need to take any action to receive their funds.  Further, DFR will receive a report detailing the restitution paid, which will include dates, amounts, and methods of transfer of funds for all restitution payments.

Keen encourages all investors to review their account statements and trade confirmations and contact the division if they believe they have been overcharged or misled.

“Whether it’s a few hundred dollars or a few thousand, the division will stand up for Oregon’s investors and hold firms accountable when they break the rules,” he said. “We will continue to aggressively police unreasonable fees and commissions and protect Oregon families from financial harm.”

DFR’s consumer advocates are available to help people by phone at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email at .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov or .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council this week voted to approve the county’s annual budget for 2026. Overall, the adopted budget reflects a strong and financially sound position for the organization. For 2026, the total adopted expense budget is $883 million. This strategic financial plan is supported by $735 million in revenues and $149 million of fund balance.

The council voted to approve a 1% property tax levy increase, as well as any available banked capacity, for the General Fund, Road Fund, Conservation Futures Fund and Metropolitan Parks District Fund.

The county manages hundreds of individual funding sources, and when viewed collectively, its financial outlook remains stable so long as there is continued prioritizing of long-term sustainability, adherence to county financial policies, and alignment with strategic planning goals. Strategic planning is a major priority for both the county manager and the council, and a firm commitment has been made to advance a comprehensive strategic financial plan in early 2026.

While the county’s overall financial condition is solid, some funding sources—most notably the General Fund—are experiencing structural deficits. These areas require significant attention, and county staff continue to devote considerable time and resources to understanding the underlying issues and developing responsible long-term solutions. Even with these challenges, the adopted budget positions the county to maintain stability while proactively preparing for future needs.

“I want to acknowledge the tremendous dedication and hard work of every department and office across the county,” said County Manager Kathleen Otto. “Despite the continued growth in community needs and the increasing complexity of service delivery, our staff have demonstrated remarkable commitment and creativity in managing resources effectively. Their efforts have been instrumental in maintaining essential services, supporting residents, and advancing our shared goals for a thriving Clark County.”

“I want to recognize all the hard work from the Budget Office, county manager, department heads, and county elected officials,” said Council Chair Sue Marshall. “This has been a long hard process. I’d like to thank all of the councilors too, for their diligence in working on this budget.”

The hearing presentation and video are on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings under the date Dec. 2, 2025.

• The latest pneumococcal-vaccine recommendations for adults and children 

• Why pneumonia remains a serious threat despite being preventable 

• How the vaccine fits into broader respiratory-illness prevention (including flu and COVID) 

• Who is at greatest risk and what individuals can do to protect themselves  

12/03/2025 11:05 AM

Media Contact:

Lieutenant Ben Harvey, Corvallis Police Department

(541) 766-6556 / cpdpio@corvallisoregon.gov

Corvallis Police Arrest Suspect After High-Speed Elude; No Injuries Reported

Corvallis, Ore. – On December 2, 2025, at approximately 7:34 p.m., Corvallis Police Department (CPD) officers assisted regional law enforcement partners in apprehending a suspect following a prolonged high speed elude incident that began outside city limits and continued into Corvallis.

The incident began when Monmouth Police Department reported a black Cadillac SUV had fled from their officers toward Corvallis. Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies located the vehicle north of Corvallis, where the driver again attempted to elude law enforcement. The vehicle entered Corvallis traveling at speeds estimated between 90 and 95 miles per hour.

At the intersection of NW 4th Street and NW Buchanan Avenue, CPD officers successfully deployed spike strips. Despite significant tire deflation, the suspect vehicle continued into the downtown area, where it collided with another vehicle near NW 4th Street and NW Monroe Avenue. The driver fled the scene of that crash and continued westbound onto SW Philomath Boulevard. While attempting to pass a semi-truck, the suspect collided the trailer, rendering the vehicle inoperable.

Officers detained the driver, identified as 30-year-old Michael Anthony Skinner of Independence, Oregon. Skinner was taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported because of the crashes.

A judge authorized a search warrant for a blood draw to determine Skinner’s blood alcohol content. While at the hospital, Skinner attempted to spit on medical staff and was additionally charged in connection with that incident.

Skinner was transported to and lodged at the Benton County Jail where he was charged with the following crimes by the Corvallis Police Department:

• ORS 813.010 – Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
• ORS 811.700 – Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver
• ORS 163.195 – Recklessly Endangering Another Person
• ORS 166.070 – Aggravated Harassment

Skinner is also expected to face additional charges from other law enforcement agencies involved in this incident. The Corvallis Police Department thanks the Monmouth Police Department and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.

New webpage spotlights 2020 Labor Day Disaster survivors that OHCS has helped

SALEM, Ore. – December is the last month for survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds to submit new applications for the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP).

HARP is part of a suite of wildfire recovery programs called ReOregon, which is funded by a $422 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HARP, which opened in March 2024, helps survivor homeowners of the 2020 disasters rebuild, repair, replace, or buy a new home, as well as be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred during their recovery. OHCS has expanded eligibility criteria for these recovery pathways to help more survivors apply before the deadline.

“We really want to encourage survivors of the 2020 wildfires to apply for HARP as soon as possible before the Eligibility Questionnaire closes on Dec. 31,” said Shannon Marheine, director of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at OHCS. “The last thing we want is for a survivor not to get the help they need because they didn’t know about the program. We know some applicants heard about HARP from others, so if you know someone who is a survivor and has not yet applied, please let them know about this program.” 

If there are people hesitant about applying, OHCS urges them to visit a new webpage highlighting survivors who have been through the process and received a HARP award for a new home.

Dierdri Muñoz is a survivor from Jackson County who heard about HARP through word of mouth while out at a restaurant.

“I had just gotten my order of alfredo when I overheard a waitress talking about how her mother-in-law got help to rebuild her home,” Muñoz recalled. “I asked her about it, and she told me about ReOregon. It sounded too good to be true, but I went for it. I can only imagine where I’d be if I hadn’t gone to dinner that night.” 

With help from ACCESS, a ReOregon partner, Muñoz applied for HARP and was approved for a new home to replace the one she had lost to the Almeda Fire just two months after getting it. She moved into her home in June 2025 and is already looking forward to celebrating her first Christmas there with her granddaughter.  

“It’s such a blessing to have her through all of this,” Muñoz said. “She’s a miracle. This new house is a miracle.” 

Applying for HARP is a two-part process. First, the survivor fills out an Eligibility Questionnaire, which will help ReOregon determine whether a homeowner is qualified to apply. If found to be eligible, they will receive an email invitation to begin the full application process. OHCS encourages survivors to start the HARP application process as soon as possible, as it may take some time to gather their documentation for the application. Regional HARP Intake Centers are available to assist survivors.

During the past several months, HARP has helped 70 survivors buy a new home, and 31 other homeowners have received reimbursement funds. Some survivors have started or are close to completing reconstruction, while many more are making their way through the application process. To learn more about the application process and expanded eligibility, visit the HARP website.

To learn more about all of ReOregon’s programs, visit re.oregon.gov.

SALEM, Ore. – Two loggers and a forest road builder have been chosen as Operator of is the Year for their respective region of Oregon. Three regional advisory committees to the Oregon Board of Forestry selected the trio earlier this fall. The recipients will be recognized in Salem at the January meeting of the Board. The honorees are: 

• Southwest Oregon—Roseburg-based Weber Logging and Construction, Inc. 
• Eastern Oregon—Boulder Ridge Logging, LLC, headquartered in Bend, Ore.
• Northwest Oregon—Quality Excavation, Inc., out of Seaside, Ore.  

The award recognizes forest operators who, while harvesting timber or doing other forestry work, have an excellent track record of protecting natural resources and improving forest health at a level that consistently meets or exceeds requirements of the Oregon Forest Practices Act . That law requires people to manage forests responsibly and protect streams and water quality, protect and enhance habitat, and reduce landslide risks. The law also requires landowners to replant forests after harvesting.  

Videos about each of the three Operators of the Year and five Merit Award winners, including Dave Wilkerson Logging, LLC, based in Eagle Point, can be viewed on the ODF website at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Working/Pages/default.aspx 

Southwest Oregon 

Austin Weber and his company Weber Logging and Construction were chosen as Operator of the Year for the Southwest Oregon Region for successfully working under new Forest Practices Act rules requiring him to protect a half dozen stands of trees in especially steep areas at risk of landslides. Leaving trees in those stands served various purposes, including protecting soils from erosion and downstream water from sediments. Trees left standing would also be available when they eventually fell over to deliver woody debris for future fish habitat. To do so, Weber had to set up multiple yarding sites and haul logs up to landings on the side of the road above the harvest unit.

Michael Williams of Roseburg Forest Products, who nominated Weber, said he also protected a fish-bearing stream in the unit, avoiding damage to trees in the stream buffer. Williams noted that Weber has for almost 20 years consistently excelled at protecting natural resources while harvesting in some of the most challenging situations in the region.

View video about Weber’s work at Southwest Oregon Operator of the Year for 2025, Winner - Weber Logging and Construction

Eastern Oregon 

Landowner Shanda Asset Management nominated for Operator of the Year Boulder Ridge’s work thinning nearly 2,000 acres of overcrowded ponderosa pine and white fir on the eastern slopes of the Cascades. The selection committee agreed the work was exemplary and chose the firm as this year’s winner for Eastern Oregon.

“This harvest was a challenge because there wasn’t capacity at the one local mill to take all the harvested logs, so Boulder had to schedule 14 different trucks heading to Gilchrist, Sisters, Culver, Christmas Valley, and as far away as Roseburg,” said Aidan Myers, Director of Timber Operations for Shanda.

Besides reducing risk of catastrophic wildfire by reducing overcrowding, Myers also cited Boulder’s improving the health of the forest by carefully removing trees infested with dwarf mistletoe, which can kill or weaken trees, and which spreads more easily in crowded stands.

View a video of the company’s work at Eastern Oregon Operator of the Year for 2025, Winner - Boulder Ridge LLC - YouTube

Northwest Oregon 

ODF Stewardship Foresters Craig Sorter and Bryce Rodgers co-nominated Quality Excavation for Operator of the Year for the Northwest Oregon Region. Sorter said, “Small culverts installed in the first half of the 20^th century before current rules were in place often blocked fish passage, preventing fish from spawning in upstream habitat. When landowner Lewis and Clark Timberlands wanted to log a parcel in the Coast Range, they knew they would need to upgrade the road to allow hauling and replace the old culvert beneath it. So their timber management company Nuveen called on the highly experienced firm of Quality Excavation.” 

With an eye toward the future of the company, Quality Excavation’s founder Jay Bergeson entrusted the work of replacing the failing culvert on the North Fork of the Necanicum River in the Coast Range to his 28-year-old son Cole. Cole, who had been learning the business alongside his father from a young age, and a Quality Excavation crew, replaced the culvert with a massive new one. They then rebuilt the logging road over it to allow the landowner to harvest trees beyond that point.

Sorter said Quality Excavation had to divert the stream during the project through hundreds of yards of pipe, then dig out the old culvert, including old-growth logs that it had been placed atop. Cole then had to dig a new bed and place the larger, extra-long new culvert at an angle and level that would allow stream flow and fish passage through it. Then he anchored it in place with stone quarried on site, building the haul road back up to grade.

Watch a video about the company’s work at Northwest Oregon Operator of the Year for 2025, Winner - Quality Excavation, Inc. 

ODF Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said, “The selection committees worked very hard this year when choosing these honors, given the high quality of the nominees.” 

Barnard said nominees showed they could meet the challenge of working under new rules that came into effect this year. The updated Oregon Forest Practices Act rules provide more protection for forest resources, such as protecting trees and soil in especially steep areas at risk of sliding.  

“Many of the harvest sites this year had quite challenging terrain,” said Barnard. “The Operators of the Year showed extraordinary care and diligence to protect slopes and streams, reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire, and improve forest health to meet landowner objectives. We’re proud to recognize those efforts.” 

Merit Awards

Merit Awards were also given to five other companies. 

 Southwest Oregon 

• Dave Wilkerson Logging, LLC, based in Eagle Point, Ore. won the Merit Award for stopping work a number of times during an especially wet spring to avoid rutting and soil damage. He was also commended for doing an excellent job of protecting young trees in the mixed-aged stand on the western slopes of the Cascades. He also fully protected a fish-bearing stream bordering the harvest unit.

Eastern Oregon 

• Forestry consultant Jeff Maben earned the Merit Award for his work with private landowners in and around Grant County, helping them improve forest health through removal of encroaching juniper and thinning of overcrowded ponderosa pine stands. His work increased water flow in local creeks, rejuvenated aspen groves, and reduced shade on mountain mahogany, an important source of winter browse for elk. It also reduced the risk of catastrophic wildfire.
• Staton Forestry received the Merit Award for a thinning operation on the Gilchrist State Forest that included removing overcrowded lodgepole and ponderosa pine trees and brush to improve forest health by reducing drought stress among remaining trees, and improve habitat for deer and elk. It also protected neighboring communities by lowering the risk of catastrophic wildfire.

Northwest Oregon 

• Emerald Valley Thinning based in Philomath, Ore., earned the Merit Award for harvesting extremely steep slopes in the Coast Range using tethered logging and hand cutting to protect buffer trees along the Siuslaw River. They also succeeded in following new Forest Practice Act rules protecting trees in the harvest unit located in steep slope areas at risk of sliding.
• Rick Dennis of RDL Northwest, headquartered in Lebanon, Ore., received the Merit Award for his careful planning of units to be harvested. Nominators cited how he employs multiple logging methods and different types of machinery on steep units and consistently protects stream buffers and soils from disturbance.

Oregon enacted the Forest Practices Act in 1971 as a national model for forest management laws. The law focuses on ensuring responsible forest operations and protecting natural resources in forestland. The Act has been updated many times based on new scientific information and values to create a balanced approach to natural resource management. 

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SALEM, Ore. – Two loggers and a forest road builder have been chosen as Operator of is the Year for their respective region of Oregon. Three regional advisory committees to the Oregon Board of Forestry selected the trio earlier this fall. The recipients will be recognized in Salem at the January meeting of the Board. The honorees are: 

• Eastern Oregon—Boulder Ridge, LLC, headquartered in Bend, Ore.
• Southwest Oregon—Roseburg-based Weber Logging and Construction, Inc. 
• Northwest Oregon—Quality Excavation, Inc., out of Seaside, Ore.  

The award recognizes forest operators who, while harvesting timber or doing other forestry work, protect natural resources at a level that consistently meets or exceeds requirements of the Oregon Forest Practices Act . That law requires people to manage forests responsibly and protect streams and water quality, protect and enhance habitat, and reduce landslide risks. The law also requires landowners to replant forests after harvesting.  

Videos about each of the three Operators of the Year and five Merit Award winners, including Jeff Maben in Grant County and Staton Forestry for work done on the Gilchrist State Forest, can be viewed on the ODF website at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Working/Pages/default.aspx 

Eastern Oregon 

Landowner Shanda Asset Management nominated for Operator of the Year Boulder Ridge’s work thinning nearly 2,000 acres of overcrowded ponderosa pine and white fir on the eastern slopes of the Cascades. The selection committee agreed the work was exemplary and chose the firm as this year’s top operator for Eastern Oregon.

“This harvest was a challenge because there wasn’t capacity at the one local mill to take all the harvested logs, so Boulder had to schedule 14 different trucks heading to Gilchrist, Sisters, Culver, Christmas Valley, and as far away as Roseburg,” said Aidan Myers, Director of Timber Operations for Shanda.

Besides reducing risk of catastrophic wildfire by reducing overcrowding, Myers also cited Boulder’s improving the health of the forest by carefully removing trees infested with dwarf mistletoe, which can kill or weaken trees, and which spreads more easily in crowded stands.

View a video of the company’s work at Eastern Oregon Operator of the Year for 2025, Winner - Boulder Ridge LLC - YouTube

Southwest Oregon 

Austin Weber and his company Weber Logging and Construction were chosen as Operator of the Year for the Southwest Oregon Region for successfully working under new Forest Practices Act rules requiring him to protect a half dozen stands of trees in especially steep areas at risk of landslides. Leaving trees in those stands served various purposes, including protecting soils from erosion and downstream water from sediments. Trees left standing would also be available when they eventually fell over to deliver woody debris for future fish habitat. To do so, Weber had to set up multiple yarding sites and haul logs up to landings on the side of the road above the harvest unit.

Michael Williams of Roseburg Forest Products, who nominated Weber, said he also protected a fish-bearing stream in the unit, avoiding damage to trees in the stream buffer. Williams noted that Weber has for almost 20 years consistently excelled at protecting natural resources while harvesting in some of the most challenging situations in the region.

View video about Weber’s work at Southwest Oregon Operator of the Year for 2025, Winner - Weber Logging and Construction

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Northwest Oregon 

ODF Stewardship Foresters Craig Sorter and Bryce Rodgers co-nominated Quality Excavation for Operator of the Year for the Northwest Oregon Region. Sorter said, “Small culverts installed in the first half of the 20^th century before current rules were in place often blocked fish passage, preventing fish from spawning in upstream habitat. When landowner Lewis and Clark Timberlands wanted to log a parcel in the Coast Range, they knew they would need to upgrade the road to allow hauling and replace the old culvert beneath it. So their timber management company Nuveen called on the highly experienced firm of Quality Excavation.” 

With an eye toward the future of the company, Quality Excavation’s founder Jay Bergeson entrusted the work of replacing the failing culvert on the North Fork of the Necanicum River in the Coast Range to his 28-year-old son Cole. Cole, who had been learning the business alongside his father from a young age, and a Quality Excavation crew, replaced the culvert with a massive new one. They then rebuilt the logging road over it to allow the landowner to harvest trees beyond that point.

Sorter said Quality Excavation had to divert the stream during the project through hundreds of yards of pipe, then dig out the old culvert, including old-growth logs that it had been placed atop. Cole then had to dig a new bed and place the larger, extra-long new culvert at an angle and level that would allow stream flow and fish passage through it. Then he anchored it in place with stone quarried on site, building the haul road back up to grade.

“Quality Excavation did an excellent job, even hiring a bobcat to lay a natural bed of rock in the pipe to make fish passage easier,” Sorter said. “No sediment got in the stream during the work and now fish are able to get to habitat upstream that was previously blocked.”

Watch a video about the company’s work at Northwest Oregon Operator of the Year for 2025, Winner - Quality Excavation, Inc. 

ODF Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said, “the selection committees worked very hard this year when choosing these honors, given the high quality of the nominees.” 

Barnard said nominees showed they could meet the challenge of working under new rules that came into effect this year. The updated Oregon Forest Practices Act rules provide more protection for forest resources, such as protecting trees and soil in especially steep areas at risk of sliding.  

“Many of the harvest sites this year had quite challenging terrain,” said Barnard. “The Operators of the Year showed extraordinary care and diligence to protect slopes and streams, reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire, and improve forest health to meet landowner objectives. We’re proud to recognize those efforts.” 

Merit Awards

Merit Awards were also given to five other companies. 

Eastern Oregon 

• Forestry consultant Jeff Maben earned the Merit Award for his work with private landowners in and around Grant County, helping them improve forest health through removal of encroaching juniper and thinning of overcrowded ponderosa pine stands. His work increased water flow in local creeks, rejuvenated aspen groves, and reduced shade on mountain mahogany, an important source of winter browse for elk. It also reduced the risk of catastrophic wildfire.
• Staton Forestry received the Merit Award for a thinning operation on the Gilchrist State Forest that included removing overcrowded lodgepole and ponderosa pine trees and brush to improve forest health by reducing drought stress among remaining trees while improving habitat for deer and elk. It also protected neighboring communities by lowering the risk of catastrophic wildfire.

Southwest Oregon 

• Dave Wilkerson Logging, LLC, based in Eagle Point, Ore. won the Merit Award for stopping work a number of times during an especially wet spring to avoid rutting and soil damage. He was also commended for doing an excellent job of protecting young trees in the mixed-aged stand on the western slopes of the Cascades. He also fully protected a fish-bearing stream bordering the harvest unit.

Northwest Oregon 

• Emerald Valley Thinning based in Philomath, Ore., earned the Merit Award for harvesting extremely steep slopes in the Coast Range using tethered logging and hand cutting to protect buffer trees along the Siuslaw River. They also succeeded in following new Forest Practice Act rules protecting trees in the harvest unit located in steep slope areas at risk of sliding.
• Rick Dennis of RDL Northwest, headquartered in Lebanon, Ore., received the Merit Award for his careful planning of units to be harvested. Nominators cited how he employs multiple logging methods and different types of machinery on steep units and consistently protects stream buffers and soils from disturbance.

Oregon enacted the Forest Practices Act in 1971 as a national model for forest management laws. The law focuses on ensuring responsible forest operations and protecting natural resources in forestland. The Act has been updated many times based on new scientific information and values to create a balanced approach to natural resource management. 

                                                         # # # 

SALEM, Ore. – Two loggers and a forest road builder have been chosen as Operator of the Year for their respective region of Oregon. Three regional advisory committees to the Oregon Board of Forestry selected the trio earlier this fall. The recipients will be recognized in Salem at the January meeting of the Board. The honorees are: 

• Eastern Oregon—Boulder Ridge, LLC, headquartered in Bend, Ore.

• Northwest Oregon—Quality Excavation, Inc., out of Seaside, Ore.  

• Southwest Oregon—Weber Logging and Construction, Inc. of Roseburg, Ore.

The award recognizes forest operators who, while harvesting timber or doing other forestry work, have an excellent track record of protecting natural resources and improving forest health at a level that consistently meets or exceeds requirements of the Oregon Forest Practices Act . That law requires people to manage forests responsibly and protect streams and water quality, protect and enhance habitat, and reduce landslide risks. The law also requires landowners to replant forests after harvesting.  

Videos about each of the three Operators of the Year and five Merit Award winners can be viewed on the ODF website at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Working/Pages/default.aspx 

Eastern Oregon 

Landowner Shanda Asset Management nominated for Operator of the Year Boulder Ridge’s work thinning nearly 2,000 acres of overcrowded ponderosa pine and white fir on the eastern slopes of the Cascades. The selection committee agreed the work was exemplary and chose the firm as this year’s winner for Eastern Oregon.

“This harvest was a challenge because there wasn’t capacity at the one local mill to take all the harvested logs, so Boulder had to schedule 14 different trucks heading to Gilchrist, Sisters, Culver, Christmas Valley, and as far away as Roseburg,” said Aidan Myers, Director of Timber Operations for Shanda.

Besides reducing risk of catastrophic wildfire by reducing overcrowding, Myers also cited Boulder’s improving the health of the forest by carefully removing trees infested with dwarf mistletoe, which can kill or weaken trees, and which spreads more easily in crowded stands.

View a video of the company’s work at Eastern Oregon Operator of the Year for 2025, Winner - Boulder Ridge LLC - YouTube

Northwest Oregon 

ODF Stewardship Foresters Craig Sorter and Bryce Rodgers co-nominated Quality Excavation for Operator of the Year for the Northwest Oregon Region. Sorter said, “Small culverts installed in the first half of the 20^th century before current rules were in place often blocked fish passage, preventing fish from spawning in upstream habitat. When landowner Lewis and Clark Timberlands wanted to log a parcel in the Coast Range, they knew they would need to upgrade the road to allow hauling and replace the old culvert beneath it. So their timber management company Nuveen called on the highly experienced firm of Quality Excavation.” 

With an eye toward the future of the company, Quality Excavation’s founder Jay Bergeson entrusted the work of replacing the failing culvert on the North Fork of the Necanicum River in the Coast Range to his 28-year-old son Cole. Cole, who had been learning the business alongside his father from a young age, and a Quality Excavation crew, replaced the culvert with a massive new one. They then rebuilt the logging road over it to allow the landowner to harvest trees beyond that point.

Sorter said Quality Excavation had to divert the stream during the project through hundreds of yards of pipe, then dig out the old culvert, including old-growth logs that it had been placed atop. Cole then had to dig a new bed and place the larger, extra-long new culvert at an angle and level that would allow stream flow and fish passage through it. Then he anchored it in place with stone quarried on site, building the haul road back up to grade.

“Quality Excavation did an excellent job, even hiring a bobcat to lay a natural bed of rock in the pipe to make fish passage easier,” Sorter said. “No sediment got in the stream during the work and now fish are able to get to habitat upstream that was previously blocked.”

Watch a video about the company’s work at Northwest Oregon Operator of the Year for 2025, Winner - Quality Excavation, Inc. 

Southwest Oregon 

Austin Weber and his company Weber Logging and Construction were chosen as Operator of the Year for the Southwest Oregon Region for successfully working under new Forest Practices Act rules requiring him to protect a half dozen stands of trees in especially steep areas at risk of landslides. Leaving trees in those stands served various purposes, including protecting soils from erosion and downstream water from sediments. Trees left standing would also be available when they eventually fell over to deliver woody debris for future fish habitat. To do so, Weber had to set up multiple yarding sites and haul logs up to landings on the side of the road above the harvest unit.

Michael Williams of Roseburg Forest Products, who nominated Weber, said he also protected a fish-bearing stream in the unit, avoiding damage to trees in the stream buffer. Williams noted that Weber has for almost 20 years consistently excelled at protecting natural resources while harvesting in some of the most challenging situations in the region.

View video about Weber’s work at Southwest Oregon Operator of the Year for 2025, Winner - Weber Logging and Construction

Merit Awards

Merit Awards were also given to five other companies. 

Eastern Oregon 

• Forestry consultant Jeff Maben earned the Merit Award for his work with private landowners in and around Grant County, helping them improve forest health through removal of encroaching juniper and thinning of overcrowded ponderosa pine stands. His work increased water flow in local creeks, rejuvenated aspen groves, and reduced shade on mountain mahogany, an important source of winter browse for elk. It also reduced the risk of catastrophic wildfire.
• Staton Forestry received the Merit Award for a thinning operation on the Gilchrist State Forest that included removing overcrowded lodgepole and ponderosa pine trees and brush to improve forest health by reducing drought stress among remaining trees while improving habitat for deer and elk. The thinning also protected neighboring communities from the risk of catastrophic wildfire.

Northwest Oregon 

• Emerald Valley Thinning based in Philomath, Ore., earned the Merit Award for harvesting extremely steep slopes in the Coast Range using tethered logging and hand cutting to protect buffer trees along the Siuslaw River. They also succeeded in following new Forest Practice Act rules protecting trees in the harvest unit located in steep slope areas at risk of sliding.
• Rick Dennis of RDL Northwest, headquartered in Lebanon, Ore., received the Merit Award for his careful planning of units to be harvested. Nominators cited how he employs multiple logging methods and different types of machinery on steep units and consistently protects stream buffers and soils from disturbance.

 Southwest Oregon 

• Dave Wilkerson Logging, LLC, based in Eagle Point, Ore. won the Merit Award for stopping work a number of times during an especially wet spring to avoid rutting and soil damage. He was also commended for doing an excellent job of protecting young trees in the mixed-aged stand on the western slopes of the Cascades. He also fully protected a fish-bearing stream bordering the harvest unit.

ODF Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said, “the selection committees worked very hard this year when choosing these honors, given the high quality of the nominees.” 

Barnard said nominees showed they could meet the challenge of working under new rules that came into effect this year. The updated Oregon Forest Practices Act rules provide more protection for forest resources, such as protecting trees and soil in especially steep areas at risk of sliding.  

“Many of the harvest sites this year had quite challenging terrain,” said Barnard. “The Operators of the Year showed extraordinary care and diligence to protect slopes and streams, reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire, and improve forest health to meet landowner objectives. We’re proud to recognize those efforts.” 

Oregon enacted the Forest Practices Act in 1971 as a national model for forest management laws. The law focuses on ensuring responsible forest operations and protecting natural resources in forestland. The Act has been updated many times based on new scientific information and values to create a balanced approach to natural resource management. 

                                                         # # # 

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an adult male found deceased in the Willamette River on November 29, 2025.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., deputies responded to the west side of the river near Hyak Park after receiving a report from a river-goer of a body floating at river mile 122. Patrol deputies located the individual by boat and recovered the body.

Investigators have released the following identifying details:

• Two tattoos: one on the upper left arm and one on the right ribcage
• A scar on the abdomen near the navel
• Race is undetermined at this time

Based on available information and limited descriptors, the Sheriff’s Office has been unsuccessful in identifying this male. A Benton County Deputy Medical Examiner estimates the man has likely been in the water over a week. The cause of death is currently undetermined.

Anyone with information that may help identify this individual is urged to contact BCSO at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call 541-753-8477 (TIPS). The man’s name will be released once identification is confirmed and next of kin are notified.

XXX

VANCOUVER, WA— December 3, 2025 — Vancouver Clinic, the largest independent, physician-owned medical practice in the Pacific Northwest, has named Katherine “Katie” Henry, JD, its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 1, 2026. Henry joins Vancouver Clinic from Austin Regional Clinic, where she serves as Chief Administrative Officer. She brings a proven track record of strategic growth and patient-centered leadership to her new role as CEO of Vancouver Clinic. She succeeds Mark Mantei, who is retiring after a decade of distinguished service.

Henry will guide Vancouver Clinic as the organization continues its strategic expansion to meet the health care needs of Southwest Washington’s rapidly growing population. Her leadership will further strengthen the clinic’s commitment to keep exceptional patient care at the heart of every decision and service.

“Caring for patients is our first priority,” said Dr. Keren Rosenblum, Vancouver Clinic President and Board Chair. “Katie brings exceptional experience, insight, and inspiration to this role. She shares our conviction that physician-led care delivers extraordinary results and is committed to helping our organization and the people we serve thrive.”

Under her leadership, Austin Regional Clinic expanded from 24 to 37 clinics, grew its physician workforce by 32% and consistently earned recognition as a Top Workplace USA in both health care and culture. Henry championed initiatives that improved patient health through enhanced convenience and access. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style and her advocacy on behalf of clinicians and their patients.

“I’m energized by the opportunity to lead an organization that is steadfastly committed to excellence, independence and the unwavering care of its people and patients,” Henry said. “Vancouver Clinic has the scale, talent and vision to excel as health care evolves.”

Henry holds a Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law and previously practiced law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the American Medical Group Association.

About Vancouver Clinic

Vancouver Clinic is the largest independent, physician-owned, multispecialty medical practice in the Northwest. With 580 clinicians, 2,000 employees and 21 locations, Vancouver Clinic is also one of the largest employers in the region. Founded 89 years ago, Vancouver Clinic offers comprehensive primary, specialty, and surgical care. For more information, visit tvc.org.